It had been two weeks since Artemis arrived in the strange, mysterious world. As always, Priscilla brought her clothes—much to Alexander's annoyance. In response, he would buy even more clothes for her. Artemis couldn't help but find it amusing, watching him try to outdo his older sister in a silent competition. Priscilla, as usual, would just flash that calm yet unnervingly smug smile. Artemis felt like a doll being passed between collectors.
Despite Alexander's warning, Cleopatra still found ways to torment her—delaying her meals through the butler or insulting her at every opportunity. But none of that compared to Alexander's gaze. Artemis often caught him staring at her—unapologetically. Unlike others who'd quickly look away when caught, he never did. His eyes would study her like she was a code he was determined to crack, and then—he'd smile.
Shameless vampire.
At least he wasn't trying to kill her anymore. Not that she could relax. There was something else—an odd tingling beneath her collarbone, right where the tattoo lay. It started after she almost drowned at the lake, and she still couldn't explain it.
That morning, Alexander and Artemis descended the grand staircase after being informed of a special guest's arrival. They entered one of the many lavish living rooms to find the rest of the family already gathered.
Priscilla greeted her with a sweet smile, and Artemis returned it. Cleopatra, unsurprisingly, glared daggers. Artemis quickly avoided her gaze, then noticed another man speaking with Ezra and Mrs. Quinn—and froze.
He was breathtakingly handsome. Long black hair framed his face, with bangs falling gracefully along the sides. His red eyes were just as dark as Alexander's, and up close, he even resembled him.
Twin brother?
But there was a difference. Where Alexander's aura was cold and dangerous, this man's presence was commanding—almost oppressive in intensity. She could feel it in the air.
As if sensing her gaze, the man turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and she flinched, immediately hiding behind Alexander. He noticed and smiled.
"To what do we owe this royal visit, Your Majesty?" Alexander asked.
Your Majesty? Artemis peeked out cautiously. The man was still watching her. Then he stood and approached.
"Your formality never ceases to make my skin crawl, Alexander," he said with a smile, folding his arms.
Alexander laughed. "We'll leave you boys to catch up," Mrs. Quinn said, rising. "The rest of us will wait in the dining hall." The others followed her out.
Alexander and the man sat, while Artemis remained behind him.
"So…" the man's gaze flicked to Artemis before returning to Alexander, "...this is the girl you spent that fortune on?"
Alexander smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Everyone keeps saying it like it's a big deal to spend money. But yes, she's the one. Artemis?"
"Yes, Master?" she replied softly.
"This is my paternal cousin, Dimitri—the Lord of Devarus," Alexander said with a smile.
Artemis bowed. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord."
Dimitri merely hummed, eyes scanning her again. "Artemis, hm? You're not from around here, are you?"
She stiffened, glancing at Alexander, who nodded.
"No, my lord," she answered.
Dimitri leaned back, eyes shifting to Alexander. "So why are you here earlier than expected?"
"Those issues," Dimitri replied simply, then looked at Artemis again. She shifted under his intense gaze.
Where's Devarus, anyway? she wondered.
Alexander's expression darkened slightly. "I see. I have something to discuss with you as well."
"I can tell," Dimitri said, rising as Alexander stood beside him.
"We'll head to the council after breakfast," Alexander said, then turned to Artemis, smiling. "Head upstairs. Desmine will bring you something to eat. Do not leave the room until I return."
She nodded and left.
"How adorable," Dimitri chuckled as they walked toward the dining hall. "My brother got himself a pretty pet."
Alexander smirked as the sound of the door to his room closing echoed behind them. "I love pretty things."
---
Outside, after breakfast, Dimitri turned to him.
"Alexander…"
"I know."
"Since when?" Dimitri narrowed his eyes.
"The moment I saw her on the podium at the auction," Alexander replied, running a hand through his hair.
"And the lake?"
"She survived."
Dimitri crossed his arms. "She's not human. You know that."
Alexander didn't flinch. Dimitri studied his face, then smiled.
Fast, as always.
"She has this… tattoo, or maybe a mark—right under her collarbone. I've never seen anything like it."
"You've bedded her?" Dimitri asked bluntly.
Alexander rolled his eyes. "I'm not that reckless."
"I know you, Alex."
"Whatever."
"Has she shown any signs yet?"
Alexander shook his head. "Not yet. But I'm watching. The first time I saw her was on the West Forest path. She was just lying there. Said she didn't know how she got there—claimed she fell off a cliff."
"But there are no cliffs in Devaun," Dimitri noted.
Alexander sighed. "I'll… take her to the White Priestess."
He looked like he'd just bitten into something bitter. Dimitri knew how much Alexander loathed the White Priestess. Hatred didn't even cover it. He smiled.
"I'll investigate from my side as well," he said with a sigh. "Now… about those issues."
Alexander's expression turned sharp. "They're moving?"
Dimitri's gaze hardened. "Yes. But not the black witches."
"No?"
"Something else."
Alexander hummed thoughtfully before they both stepped into the carriage.
"Let's go to the council. I have something to show you."