+ Military General +

A sharp cramp doubled Luna over, eliciting a cry of pain.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

With each breath, the pain gradually receded. Straightening herself, Luna felt her heartbeat echo loudly in her ears.

"Holy goddess, thank you for sparing me." She attempted a grateful smile at the young vampire, but her expression quickly morphed into a frown. "Hold on. You mentioned poison and being the property of the kingdom's castle?"

"You're not striking enough to be a High Consort, yet you're too resilient to be merely human. It'd be regrettable if Vali relegated you to the status of a blood slave."

The ache in Luna's head seemed to amplify with every word he uttered.

Too plain for a High Consort?

Had he just audaciously insulted her looks?

"What are you insinuating?" Luna's confusion was evident as she eyed him, who theatrically held his head, feigning boredom.

She quickly scanned the room for escape routes, but the chamber was bereft of both windows and doors, only stark white walls with tiny apertures in the ceiling.

"You now belong to the Vampire King," he declared, his voice echoing slightly.

Summoning her resolve, Luna cautiously sat up. "Am I now part of the Vampire King's harem, or...?" She trailed off, her puzzlement evident.

She awaited an explanation, but he offered none. A tantalizing idea flashed through Luna's mind: to end this tedious conversation by driving a stake into his heart. Acting on impulse, she lunged for his sword, grasping its golden hilt. Holding the gleaming blade aloft, she taunted, "Didn't anyone ever tell you children shouldn't play with sharp objects?"

"Careful, my lady," his voice carried a hint of warning. "The last person who referred to me as a child met a rather gruesome end in the battle arena."

Defiantly, Luna retorted, "And who might you be?"

With exaggerated thoughtfulness, he responded, "I am Cederic, the Vampire King's chief general. I defend our lands, eliminate intruders, and occasionally procure delightful women for the Consortium."

Kidnapping women?

She had scant time to dwell on the revelation. Making use of the stolen sword, Luna attempted a strike. However, Cederic's reflexes were astonishingly swift. In their ensuing skirmish, his claws grazed her arm, staining her pristine dress with blood.

In an unexpected move, Cederic produced a tourniquet, which swiftly coiled around her neck, not to strangle, but to restrict.

"While I find our little duel exhilarating, we must cease. Vali wouldn't take kindly to me indulging in his consorts," he whispered, his voice dripping with insinuation.

Suddenly, Luna felt her body betray her, forcing her to the ground. Panic surged, but she endeavored to guard her mind against his invasive influence. The struggle was futile.

She barely registered dropping the sword as a gut-wrenching scream threatened to burst forth.

Devoid of her weapon and with an adversary possessing the ability to immobilize her at will, Luna felt hope wane.

"Keep your composure, consort," Cederic drawled, flashing a mocking grin. "You'll regain mobility soon."

Indignation surged within Luna. "Release me."

"Swear fealty to the Vampire Kingdom," he demanded, his icy demeanor hardening further.

"And if I decline?"

"Swear it," Cederic's tone was frigid. "Refuse, and you'll perish before the Blood Moon Banquet."

Luna's resistance faltered as the tourniquet tightened menacingly around her throat. When Cederic momentarily released his mental hold, Luna retaliated, knocking him back. But in an instant, she found herself immobilized once more.

The dark depth of her fury threatened to consume her. "Are you truly testing my tolerance?"

She was rendered helpless, kneeling as Cederic's blade danced perilously close to her jugular.

"Swear your allegiance, or meet your end."

Through gritted teeth, Luna conceded, "I swear it, my lord."

He sighed, pulling her into a brief embrace. She thought she felt a fleeting kiss upon her temple. "You'd have made a captivating Escort. However, Vali would surely concur that your worth extends beyond the Consortium's fleeting pleasures. You ought to be grateful."

Before Luna could respond, they were enveloped in a whirlwind of teleportation. Disoriented, she barely registered their new surroundings before Cederic's cold fingers captured her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.

She struggled against the ensnaring depth of his eyes, but resistance was futile.

Drawing back, Cederic gestured towards a grand ceramic bathtub. Luna's limbs, heavy and uncooperative, plunged into the water.

"I'll ensure the eunuchs prepare you suitably before your entrance to the Harem," he whispered, his cold hand brushing against Luna's forehead. "Expect to see us at the Blood Moon Banquet tonight, alongside the other captives."

A peculiar yet comforting fatigue washed over Luna, drawing her towards an encroaching darkness.

Her eyelids fluttered shut, and shadows intricately intertwined within her consciousness.