DAWN.
I finished up my makeup and stared at myself in the mirror, proud of what I'd done with my face. The dark, smoky eyeshadow brought out the deep green of my eyes.
I leaned back slightly, nodding in satisfaction before carefully running a hand through my curls, letting them fall naturally over my shoulders.
When I was done, I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing the material of the black dress down my sides.
It was satin, and clung to my body, hugging every delectable curve. The dress also had a low back, which plunged dangerously close to the curve of my spine, exposing my beautiful waist.
Slowly, I gave a playful twirl, letting the hem flare out before settling against my legs again.
"You beautiful woman," I muttered to myself, smiling happily as I admired the fit.
I couldn't wait till Dragos saw me in it.
Just as I tucked a loose curl behind my ear, the door opened, and I caught a glimpse of Dragos walking inside.
He wore a well-ironed white shirt, the top two buttons left undone, revealing a hint of his collarbone and chest.
His golden eyes moved over my figure, a smirk ghosting over his lips.
I remained where I was, in front of the mirror. "Perfect timing," I said, giving a slow spin to check out my backside once more. "I'm ready."
Dragos' gaze was heated as he crossed the room to stand behind me.
For a moment, we stayed like that, saying nothing, just staring at each other through the mirror. Words seemed unnecessary in that situation. Our eyes communicated all there was to say.
I'd never been more confident, more comfortable in my appearance, especially when looking like this... a classy, reputable woman.
"You look beautiful," Dragos said finally, softly kissing my neck. "As always, of course."
"Thank you," I replied, turning to face him, my hands adjusting his collar. "And you, Mr. Vlad, look dashing."
"Darling, I always do" he replied cockily, briefly pressing a kiss to my lips before moving towards his wardrobe to take his suit.
When he had shrugged it on and brushed it, he extended his hand towards me. "Shall we, my lady?"
I placed my hand in his. "Yes, my lord."
†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††
We were having dinner on a luxurious yacht, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Dragos and I were seated in the VIP section, surrounded by sweet-scenting candles and rose petals, which gave off a romantic feel, along with soft music playing in the background.
Our seats were by the window, and the night view from there just perfectly completed the moment.
Everything felt perfect.
We had already eaten the appetizer and main course, and now we were having dessert, a mouth-watering assortment of coconut cream pie, chocolate soufflé, crème brûlée, and cheesecake topped with fresh berries.
"We should do this more often," Dragos said, smiling. "It feels so nice. So normal."
"Yeah," I agreed, smiling as I reached across the table to take his hand.
"You know," Dragos began, "Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I hadn't been born the Chosen One."
"You wouldn't even have been born at all," I said playfully.
Dragos grimaced but then grew more serious. "True. But if things had been different." His face shifted, a slight expression of sadness crossing his face. "Azrael wouldn't have been hurt. He wouldn't have become the hard, emotionless person he became."
Azrael. My heart slammed against my chest at the mention of his name.
Azrael, who had died for me. Who had thanked me for making him 'feel' while he gave his life for me.
Dragos paused, staring past me in thought. "He was so lovely as a child, Dawn, I wish you could've seen him then. Always so happy and eager to help out."
I squeezed his hand gently, in a way I knew brought him comfort. Then, trying to lighten the mood and distract us from the sorrow that nagged our hearts, I spoke again. "I still don't quite understand how Azrael was born human. What's the dynamics behind it?" I leaned back in my chair. "Your father was a vampire, blessed with the 'seed', and your mother was a vampire too, right? Not human"
Dragos nodded. "Yes."
"So... how does that work? How do two vampires have a human child?" I asked.
Dragos shrugged. "It's complicated, but I guess we'll never fully understand the workings of genes, nature, or even the ancient force. Vampires whispered about it for years. They called him a freak." He scooped some of his créme brûlée. "Father believed it was some sort of aberration. A mistake, and a very rare one to happen."
I nodded. "Okay"
Just then, I felt a presence enter the yacht. A presence that I, as the Divine Purge, had been wired to detect—A vampire.
Dragos glanced over his shoulder at the same time I did, watching the figure that had just stepped into the restaurant, and was heading towards the VIP section too, directed by a waitress.
The nightwalker was tall, ostentatiously dressed in a tuxedo, and graceful.
Dragos and I exchanged a look that expressed we both knew what he was, but we returned to our conversation and food. He had done nothing wrong, and even I knew not all vampires were bad.
Perhaps this one just wanted to enjoy a hearty meal. But my instincts said otherwise.
"I don't trust him," I said.
"Why?" Dragos asked. "He can't try anything stupid here with everyone watching."
"We're on a yacht. We're surrounded by water." I pointed out. "Should he choose to attack, there's no means of escape."
"Vampires in this region have rules too… rules that keep them in check, preventing them from acting out and risking exposure. The risk is too great for him," Dragos explained. "No vampire is that gullible to slaughter over a hundred people on a ship. If his clan won't punish him, his superiors will"
"Alright," I replied. "But I'm still keeping an eye on him."
"No problem," Dragos chuckled. "Now, eat your cake, woman."
We resumed our dinner, but now and then, my eyes still drifted to the nightwalker.
His behavior seemed harmless at first, well, until he started paying particular attention to the young waitress serving his table. The way his hand deliberately brushed hers as she poured his wine, the gleam in his eyes as she moved away... the gleam of a predator closing in on its prey.
It was just like Variel had done to me. I'd thought the bastard liked me, meanwhile, he just wanted my blood.
"He wants to eat her," I said through my teeth, anger rising inside me. The girl reminded me of myself. She reminded me of how much I had strived, taking on multiple jobs to make ends meet for both me and my dying mother. And now, one heartless, soulless being was about to take her life. I wouldn't let that happen.
Dragos glanced over again, watching as the waitress finished her duties and quickly left the dining area. Moments later, the vampire stood up, casually walking toward the same exit, following where the waitress had gone.
Immediately, I rose from my seat. "I'll go. You stay here for now, so we don't raise suspicion. Count to ten, then follow."
Dragos wanted to argue. I knew he didn't want me going off alone, but I moved before he could say no, slipping out of the restaurant.
I followed the same path till I reached a private area of the yacht. It was quiet, the kind of place that was good for thinking, self-reflection, or even making out with your partner. No one would think to look there.
The waitress was near the edge, phone pressed tightly to her ear, unaware of what was coming.
The vampire had crept up behind her, his presence still unnoticed until suddenly, he grabbed her, pinning her against the railing.
Quickly, he compelled her not to scream, then bared his fangs, ready to bite.
I stretched my hand and yanked them apart with my telekinesis, sending both the girl and the vampire flying in opposite directions. The waitress landed safely a few feet away and remained on the floor, groaning in pain, while the vampire rolled to his feet, glaring at me in disbelief.
Dragos had arrived, quickly seeing to the waitress.
"Forget everything that happened," he said, compelling her. She nodded blankly, getting to her feet and walking back toward the restaurant, while I faced the vampire.
He hissed angrily. "This doesn't concern you. Who are you supposed to be?"
I took a step forward, my eyes wandering the length and breadth of him. No one could've suspected he was a bloodsucking creature of the night.
"Oh, but it does concern me," I replied, tilting my head. I tutted softly. "You see, I was born to protect humanity, and sometimes, that means killing creatures like you."
The vampire sneered, almost like he didn't believe my words. "Lies"
"You should have heard tales about the Divine Purge" I continued, pausing as a passage came to my lips, though I didn't know where the memory came from. "It will rise, born of light and fire to cleanse the night. No creature of darkness shall escape its judgment, and none shall sow their curse where it walks."