13 Max

Seeing her reaction, a tight-lipped smile appeared on his lips.

It was as if he could read her mind.

"Seeing that I know your secret, I thought it would be good to share mine with you," he said, his voice sounding like velvet. It was enticing— deliciously enticing.

She hated that.

Vampires always have the tendency to ensnare people. This was just a part of their charm.

Her senses heightened.

It was not going to work on her!

"Lower the mop Eve…" he uttered.

Seeing that she was still holding the mop, Eve quickly lowered it. Then she summoned a small ball of fire that rested on her pointer and pointed it toward him.

"If you move an inch…"

"You would not be able to see me."

"If you—"

The power dynamic was not fair.

The realization soured her mood.

"What is it that you want?" she asked.

"A decent conversation."

"Something that does not involve drinking someone's blood?" she asked, still wary of him.

"If I wanted to do that, I would have done it a long time ago."

"I am not going to lower the ball of fire."

"Of course," he smiled. "Do as you wish," he smiled and walked towards her bed. He sat there, still smiling.

He was silently telling her that he knew where she was sleeping. Her lips thinned. The other night, she felt someone watching her when she woke up in the middle of the storm. She was actually right.

"Tell me," he placed his hand on her bed that was already made. "Why would a sorceress come here?"

"Perhaps I am a spy," she answered. Seeing that she was not dead yet then it meant that the man did not want her dead.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to sound harsh, but it's clear that intelligence wasn't your strongest suit at birth, was it?"

"So you decide to come here and insult me. Do you want a round of applause?"

"The investigation said so," he shrugged. "Judging by your obvious discomfort, I suspect that the investigation may have been off the mark."

"You just called me dumb. Did you expect me to thank you?"

"The Eve Lucrecia that was investigated was meek and could barely form a word. While you—"

Eve swallowed. She had forgotten about this.

Up until this point, Evelynn could only recall fragments of memories from this body. It hadn't occurred to her that Eve Lucrecia might have been born with limited cognitive abilities.

"You on the other hand are eloquent, smart, and effortlessly quick-witted, with a fearless and elegant demeanor. Yet, this was not the Eve Lucrecia portrayed in the reports."

"Did I forget to mention someone that could use sorcery? Albeit weak."

The way he remained so composed was beginning to make her feel uneasy.

In just a few seconds, he called her both smart and dumb. Then he called her weak.

He may not have come here to harm her, but it was evident that he was intent on getting under her skin.

It was working.

Eve cursed inwardly.

"You look like a cornered cat," he uttered. "And that look does not suit you at all."

"So, you plan to sit there and insult me instead of telling me what you want," she muttered.

"You are right."

"What?"

"I wanted to see how you would respond."

Was this man serious?

What was wrong with him?

Her face darkened as she glared at him.

"Now, that is better."

Eve did not know what to say. How could a vampire like this exist?

"Are you making fun of me?" she asked.

"In fact, I am."

Eve was at her wit's end. What was this man doing? She had never met a vampire this… languid.

"Your Highness—"

"Max—"

"Pardon?"

"You can call me Max when we are alone."

So, he was planning to keep doing this?

"The rules said that —"

"The rules are a trap for the coward. Those who obey them often meet their demise." This time, the Prince looked at Trinity's empty bed. Then he smiled at her. "Don't you agree with me, Evelynn?"

"What did you just call me?" Eve's heart sank. Did she miss something?

Had she been too obvious?

How did he know her name?

Was it Lucius?

Her heart drummed against her chest, fear flashed in her amber eyes.

"I thought calling you Evelynn is better than merely Eve."

"My name is Eve."

"People call you Eve." He got up and stood a few feet away from her. "I asked you to call me Max. Isn't it polite that you reciprocate?"

No words escaped Eve's lips as she stood in stunned silence.

What was this situation?

"I dislike that name," she managed to say. How could he call her that name? Evelynn Rosetta was dead!

He only responded with a smile.

"I'll see you again, Evelynn," he uttered in a low silky voice. Before she could react, he disappeared into thin air, leaving the door wide open in his wake.

Vampires.

Eve dropped her hand and picked up the mop that she threw earlier.

She did not know why he came here, but she was certain that this would not be the last time that they would see each other.

"You—" started one of the maids who walked through the opened door. "What have you been doing? I expected you to be done by now."

Eve said nothing. Instead, she started mopping the floor.

After that tedious conversation with the Prince, she no longer had any energy to deal with another person. All she wanted was to get this over with so she could enjoy her meal in peace while planning her next move.

The Prince seemed to show interest in her.

Did that mean she was doing something right? Or it was simply because she could use sorcery?

Was he trying to keep his enemies close before he torture them to death?

Clearly, she was overthinking things, but she wanted to be prepared for everything. Right now, everything was uncertain.

However, she could only see two paths in front of her. It was either she succumbed to her fear and revealed more of herself or… took advantage of the Prince's interest.

Her lips curled up in a slow, dawning smile, revealing her delight.

The game had already started.

This time, she was going to bet everything. For revenge… she would risk it all.