Alexander stepped out of the bathroom, shirtless, drying his damp hair with a clean towel. His gaze landed on Artemis, still fast asleep. Even when he'd changed her into dry clothes earlier, she hadn't stirred.
He walked to her side and sat down, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he watched her in silence.
Devaun Lake lay in the center of the sprawling town, known not only for its stunning crystal-clear waters but also for the danger it posed to creatures like him. The lake burned his skin when he plunged in—it was practically holy water, used for purification. Purebloods like Alexander could withstand its sting to a certain degree, but other vampire species would burn instantly on contact.
The lake's purification came from four white priestesses: three residing in the lands surrounding Devaun, and the fourth within the town itself. The lake sat in the heart of their combined territory.
Artemis stirred, mumbling incoherent words. Alexander smiled.
What is this strange sensation in my chest?
Her brows furrowed. A flash of red slits cut through her vision and she jolted awake with a gasp. She stared at the ceiling, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her eyes darted around the room—her master's chamber. How did she get back here?
"Enjoyed your nap, little bunny?" came his voice.
She flinched and turned slowly toward him, meeting his gaze. He was smiling.
Memories slammed into her—being pushed into the lake, the cold water swallowing her, the fear of drowning, and then... a merman. A kiss. Her first kiss.
Her cheeks flushed bright red as her eyes drifted to his lips. He smirked, and she gasped, covering her mouth.
Alexander chuckled.
"So, you remember."
He lay beside her, watching her squirm.
"You... you tried to kill me," she whispered.
His smile faded. The words hit harder than he expected, like a blade slicing through his chest. What is this feeling?
"Yes. I did," he confirmed bluntly.
Her eyes widened at his shameless response. But of course—she was just a slave. He could do whatever he wanted. She wasn't exactly clinging to life either. Her shoulders drooped in quiet resignation.
Alexander watched the acceptance settle into her bones. He didn't like it. There were things he needed to know. Questions clawing at the back of his mind.
Why didn't she try to swim?
Was she really so ready to die?
The thought infuriated him.
"Artemis," he called.
"Yes, Master?"
"I won't kill you," he said firmly.
She looked at him, eyes skeptical.
"You won't die. Not by my hand. And if it's not by mine, then you won't die at all."
His red eyes darkened with intensity.
Artemis's heart stuttered. It sounded like a threat, but coming from Alexander Quinn, it almost felt romantic. She looked away, her face burning.
"Yes, Master," she mumbled, trying to hide her crimson cheeks.
Alexander smirked. So she isn't immune after all.
"Where are you from?" he asked, suddenly serious.
"Phoenix," she replied.
His brows shot up. He'd never heard of such a place in all his centuries.
"Do you have anyone back in Phoenix?"
"No. I grew up in an orphanage after my parents died when I was seven. I was adopted at sixteen by Grandma Mabel," she said, smiling softly at the memory.
Alexander noticed the light in her face as she spoke of this woman. He wondered what it would take to earn a smile like that from her. The idea irritated him—and yet lingered.
"She died the day before I fell off the cliff," Artemis said, her voice flat.
"And then you ended up at the slave establishment," he added, and she nodded.
But something didn't add up. There were no cliffs in Devaun—only forest paths. He hummed thoughtfully.
"Master?"
"Hm?"
"Why... why did you kiss me? Back in the lake," she asked, blushing furiously. She hadn't meant to voice it.
Alexander blinked, then grinned.
"Because I wanted to."
She gawked at him. Who does that?
Her mind flashed back to the kiss, and the eerie red slits in his eyes. Had she hallucinated it? She looked at him now—his eyes were normal. She shook her head. Must've been the lack of oxygen.
"Have you... been kissed before?" he asked, almost against his will.
"No," she replied, meeting his eyes.
Relief swept through him like a tide. The idea of someone else claiming her lips sent an unwelcome chill down his spine.
"Your first kiss was taken by the great Alexander Quinn," he teased, chuckling.
She nearly rolled her eyes.
A knock came at the door. Alexander got up and opened it. The butler stood with a tray, a letter resting atop it, sealed in black wax.
He opened it, scanned its contents, then looked at the butler.
"Bring some food later. Don't be late."
The butler bowed, and Alexander shut the door.
He returned to the bed and sat down.
"Well, looks like you'll be meeting him sooner than expected," he said with a smirk.
"Who?" Artemis asked, tilting her head.
---
Elsewhere, under the full moon…
In a secluded area, six figures in dark cloaks encircled a bonfire glowing with eerie green flames.
A woman spoke first.
"So, the girl is in Devaun."
"Yes, Grand Mistress. She's in the company of the pureblood Alexander Quinn, senior councilman," a man confirmed.
The woman lowered her hood, revealing a youthful face, eyes like emerald fire. Her short red hair gleamed under the moonlight, a green streak cutting through her bangs.
She groaned.
"That makes things complicated. Alexander isn't just a pureblood or a councilman."
The green flames reflected in her eyes as she stepped closer, waving her hand. The fire rose higher, crackling with power.
"But it doesn't matter. She will be ours. The Blue Moon draws near, and we must move forward with the plan. Increase and strengthen our forces. I want no mistakes—especially when it comes to eliminating Alexander Quinn."
Her voice rang with chilling certainty, echoed by the silent nods of her cloaked allies.