THE ENCOUNTER

The city lights blazed, and the laughter of the people roared. This night was unlike any other; it was the best yet for humans and vampires alike. Mostly for the humans, though. Finally, they would not be threatened by the bloody vampires anymore as their one and only queen, Esteria, was about to marry the vampire crown prince in just a few minutes.

People rolled in and out of the hall, chattering loudly. Both humans and vampires mingled, something rarer than a rainbow. The grand hall awakened from its slumber as the soft glow of dawn's light danced across its majestic facade. The air was alive with anticipation, heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and the promise of new beginnings.

Within the hall's opulent embrace, a tapestry of elegance unfolded. Crystal chandeliers, like diamonds suspended from the heavens, refracted rainbow hues across the polished marble floor. Candles, slender and white as frosty mornings, stood sentinel on consoles and pedestals, their gentle flames casting a warm, golden light upon the assembly.

Floral arrangements, masterpieces of artistry, and color, adorned the tables and consoles. White roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, like freshly fallen snow, cascaded from gilded vases, their delicate petals kissed by the softest whispers of greenery. Gold ribbons, delicate as sunrise, entwined the stems, infusing the scene with an aura of regality.

Gilded chairs, thrones for the noble guests, stood at attention, their ivory cushions soft as summer breezes. Tables, long and rectangular, stretched like rivers of moonlight, their white linens adorned with lace, gold runners, and ornate centerpieces that shone like constellations in the evening sky.

The aisle, a pathway of promise, beckoned with its luxurious crimson carpet, leading the eye to the altar, a masterpiece of gilded splendor. Draped with white silk and adorned with flowers, greenery, and gold accents, it shone like a beacon, illuminating the union to come.

As the assembly awaited the royal couple's arrival, the hall vibrated with expectation, its beauty and majesty a testament to the love that would soon be consecrated within its walls. The men were dressed in tailored suits and tuxedos, their fabric rich and finely woven in shades of black, navy, and deep burgundy. Each suit was adorned with subtle embroidery or family crests, a nod to their noble heritage.

Polished leather dress shoes gleamed as they moved across the marble floor, each step echoing the weight of tradition and honor. Accessories like pocket watches, signet rings, and delicate boutonnieres provided finishing touches, each piece meticulously chosen to reflect their status and the solemnity of the occasion.

Meanwhile, the women graced the ceremony with an aura of ethereal beauty. They wore gowns crafted from the finest silks and satins, flowing elegantly to the floor. The colors ranged from soft pastels to deeper, regal hues, each dress designed to complement the splendor of the royal event.

Intricate lace and delicate embroidery adorned their dresses, shimmering subtly under the chandeliers. Jewels sparkled at their necks and wrists, while tiaras and hairpieces crafted from precious metals and stones added a touch of royalty to their ensembles. Their hair, styled in elegant updos or cascading waves, framed faces that glowed with happiness and anticipation.

Together, the men and women created a tableau of timeless elegance and tradition, their attire a testament to the grandeur and significance of the royal wedding. As the grand doors to the hall slowly opened, a hush fell over the assembled guests. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where Queen Esteria von Ashbury stood poised to make her entrance. Her raven-black hair, cascading in lustrous waves down her back, gleamed under the golden light of the chandeliers. Each step she took was measured and graceful, a testament to her regal bearing.

Her hazel eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the room with a mixture of warmth and authority. They shimmered with a depth of emotion, reflecting the pride she felt on this monumental day. The gown she wore was a masterpiece of royal fashion, tailored to perfection with layers of rich velvet and delicate lace. The deep emerald color of her dress contrasted beautifully with her dark hair, accentuating her striking presence.

A delicate crown rested upon her head, its jewels glinting with every movement. Around her neck, a necklace of precious gems sparkled, adding to her aura of majesty. As she moved forward, the fabric of her gown swayed gracefully, the soft rustle adding to the enchantment of her entrance. Queen Esteria's presence commanded respect and admiration, her elegance and poise leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed her approach.

Her entrance was a symphony of grace and power, embodying the very essence of royalty. The guests, captivated by her regal charm, could not help but be in awe of the queen who so effortlessly commanded the room with her mere presence.

Queen Esteria von Ashbury strode down the aisle with an air of undeniable majesty. Her raven-black hair cascaded in lustrous waves, perfectly complementing her deep emerald gown. As she moved gracefully forward, her hazel eyes, warm yet commanding, took in the sea of faces turned toward her with admiration.

The soft rustle of her gown was the only sound in the grand hall as she made her way to the altar, her every step a testament to her regal bearing. When she reached the end of the aisle, she paused, her gaze settling ahead. There, she stood waiting for her groom, Crown Prince Vincent of Dysheria.

As she stood there, the anticipation in the room was palpable. Queen Esteria remained the picture of calm and grace, her eyes reflecting a mixture of love and solemnity. The grand hall seemed to hold its breath, every guest captivated by the sight of the queen, poised and elegant, awaiting her beloved prince. The moment was imbued with a timeless sense of tradition and honor, a prelude to the union of two great realms.

Then the priestess began the wedding ritual. As the sacred words filled the air, Queen Esteria's mind wandered back to the turbulent years that had led her to this moment. She couldn't help but think about how devastated she had been when she first learned that she was the chosen human orb, destined to guide humanity out of astrayness. The only way to fulfill this destiny was to marry the vampire crown prince.

She remembered the deep-seated hatred she once felt for Vincent. The countless arguments, the defiance, and the stubbornness. Her father's constant reminders of her duty and the immense responsibility on her shoulders haunted her thoughts. Back then, as a princess, she had felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. And now, here she was, standing in front of Vincent, filled with a love she never anticipated.

"Well, Vincent has his charms," she thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

She could hear her mother's silent sobbing behind her. "That woman loves tears of joy," she mused. Her eyes then caught the silent screeching of her younger sisters, except for Elora, who stood there, looking at them gravely. "Gods know why," she wondered but had no time to dwell on it.

Soon, the ritual was complete. Vincent stepped forward, his eyes locked onto hers. He gently grabbed the back of her head and placed his other hand on her waist, pulling her close. The kiss that followed made her stomach do a crazy jump, and she kissed him back with equal passion. The hall erupted in cheers for the newly married couple.

No more war between the northern human kingdom and the vampires. They had sacrificed and given their only orb to the vampires, ensuring peace. The northern humans had kept the existence of the orb a secret from other human kingdoms to avoid conflict and selfishly enjoy the benefits it brought. Being the orb didn't come with extraordinary powers, just a special heart and blood. An orb could still die and age like a normal human.

As the night and the royal wedding came to an end, Vincent pulled his newly wedded wife closer to him.

Vincent's eyes gleamed with a sinister intensity as he pulled his wife closer into a tight embrace. "Close your eyes, my love," he whispered, his voice dripping with deceit.

Esteria's eyes fluttered shut, trusting her new husband completely. But instead of a kiss, she felt a searing pain in her side. Her eyes snapped open to find Vincent's sword lodged deep within her, her blood dripping from the blade.

She stood there, frozen in shock, as Vincent's eyes seemed to burn with an otherworldly hunger. His gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, Esteria saw the monster lurking beneath the surface.

Suddenly, Elora, Esteria's sister, appeared beside them, her eyes gleaming with a similar intensity. She wrapped her arms around Vincent, pulling him into a passionate kiss as Esteria watched in horror.

The room erupted into chaos as the other vampires drew their swords, descending upon the human guests like predators. The sound of clashing steel and screams filled the air, and Esteria felt her strength fading, her vision blurring.

As she fell to the ground, she saw Vincent and Elora standing over her, their faces twisted in a macabre grin. As she lay there, her life force ebbing away, Esteria's mind reeled in shock and agony. The eyes she once adored, Vincent's eyes, now seemed to bore into her soul with a malevolent intensity, filled with hatred and contempt. Her sister Elora's gaze, too, was etched with disgust and revulsion, as if Esteria was nothing more than a disposable pawn.

The duo's hands, once meant to hold hers in love and comfort, were now clasped together in a symbol of their twisted bond, as they abandoned her to her fate. The other vampires followed, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.

Esteria's gaze fell upon her parents, their lifeless bodies sprawled on the floor, drenched in blood. A wave of anger, betrayal, and pain washed over her, fueling a burning desire for revenge. But her weakened state rendered her powerless, unable to act on her fury.

As her vision began to fade, Esteria's mind screamed with unanswered questions: "What just happened? Was I just betrayed and stabbed by my lover, my husband? How could they do this to me?"

In her final moments, Esteria's heart harbored a fierce determination: if she were to somehow return from the depths of death, she would unleash a reckoning upon those who had destroyed her life. But for now, her body succumbed to the darkness, her spirit slipping away into the abyss.

Suddenly, the hall turned cold as an electrifying aura blasted across the large room. Esteria managed to turn her head to see this enigmatic figure. He was a tall, imposing figure with the whitest hair that cascaded down his back like a silver waterfall. His electrifying blue eyes glowed with an intensity that seemed to crackle with unseen lightning. His face was the most breathtaking of all, an alluring blend of angelic beauty and devilish allure. His presence exuded an overwhelming power, sending a shiver down the spine of everyone present.

Draped in robes that shimmered like storm clouds, he strode into the hall with an air of divine authority. The very air around him seemed charged with the energy of thunder. Esteria held her breath at this alluring figure approaching her. As soon as he reached her, his electrifying gaze touched her.

"Who are you?" she stammered, fighting death.

"I am a god... the god of demons," he said. Right there, Esteria heard the most alluring, seductive, powerful, and sweetest voice ever. A voice capable of making any woman, normal or abnormal, go crazy. "I'm here to make a deal with you, Esteria," he added, saying her name beautifully.

"Deal?" she stammered.

"I see you need help. You summoned me," the alluring figure said.

"What do you mean?" she asked weakly.

"I make deals with humans, and in return, they give me their heart and soul, but you don't have one anymore," he said, turning to leave.

Esteria watched as the alluring figure turned to leave. She turned to look at her people, dead on the floor, with their murderers out there living their best lives.

"Wait..." she called out, and a smirk appeared on his face.

"I will do anything for you. Just... just help me take revenge," she said amidst tears and anger.

"Then what do you have to offer me? You are barely living off my dark power," he said, halting and peeking over his broad shoulders.

"I will serve you to death," she said.

"That is good but not enough," he said as he continued walking away.

"Then how about I serve you with my life and my body," she bit her lips immediately after saying that.

He turned to face her and approached her as she was still on the floor covered in blood. "Then that makes it a deal."

He stretched his hands, and thunder sparked in his hands, and then a scroll appeared. After biting his hand with his long fangs, he signed with his blood and did the same for her.

"The deal has been made, milady," he said, his alluring voice echoing through the room filled with dead people.

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