By nightfall, Uncle Dietrich rushed over. And on the following day, the news spread to everyone in every village and district.

A Pureblood has been conceived. It was big news.

Nobles from all over came to give their congratulations to Master. They come inquiring about his well-being and showering him with praise as if it was Master carrying the child.

And today, the Dietrich family is hosting a exclusive party to celebrate. Only close friends and family are invited.

The party is already one hour in and I haven't seen Valerie. That's my good news.

"I hope this ends quickly," I say absentmindedly to the vampire to my right.

He tilted his head to the side in question. "And why?"

"If this ends quickly, then I don't have to feel 'anxious' wondering if Valerie is going to show up."

My eyes scan the crowd. Another minute passed. Still safe.

The noble chuckled. "The Rosegardens weren't invited today."

I glare at him who had his arms crossed in front of his chest. A smug look sat mischievously on his face. He knew the whole time I was worried and yet he didn't say a word.

"Don't be bitter Lucien," I say as I watch some of the vampires waltz in the center of the ballroom.

I was by the sidelines, making sure everything was orderly.

He laid down his glass of wine and blocked my view with his big stature. There aren't many people who can block my vision and he obviously enjoyed being one of the rare ones who could.

"Who's bitter now?" he asked innocently, his eyes rounder than usual.

My eyes scoot emotionlessly at him.

"I have to keep the guests happy and I can't keep them happy if I can't see them," I say as I take a step to the side.

Lucien moved in the same direction and we were back to square one.

"The guest standing right here in front of you would be really happy if you'd ask him for a dance?"

I took a step to the opposite side, but he moved swiftly so that his stride met exactly with mine.

"Please don't tease this poor maid who is only trying to do her job," I plead monotonously.

He flashed a dashing smile. "It was only a suggestion. Even if you don't ask, I would." The Lord of Emberwind put one hand behind his black tailored suit and offered the other to me. "Would you give me the greatest honor?"

My hand somehow ended up on top of his and we both glided to the center of the crowd. He is a great dancer. Perhaps exceeding of my own Master whom I was observing for the past hour. But then again, it may be hard to waltz with Alvena. There is a noticeable height difference.

"Eve," Lucien continues to call me.

I look at him confused. "Why are you friendly with me? I rejected you."

Lucien feigned a look of heartbreak.

"I'm hurt that you'd think I'd give up only after just one rejection." He spun me around before pulling me back closer. "Here I was, worried that it was Alek's approval I needed to get. Guess I overestimated my place in your heart," he said with no sense of shame. "I'll be more mindful in the future."

There was no anger or pretense in his voice. There may have been slight impatience, which he previously addressed as a consequence of my denseness, but in my defense, I am improving.

I don't know why, but somehow I feel a bit relieved. I'm relieved that Lucien hasn't changed. I might even be a bit impressed.

"Hate to break it to you when you're smiling like that, but Evie, you're awful at dancing," he said bluntly as he goes in for a dip.

I follow his lead and bend a bit backwards. "Dancing requires trust."

"Then I guess we have a lot of improving to do together," he said with a grin as he pulled me back up.

Delusional.

But I can't help grin.

And I also can't help but get used to his toothy one.

Lucien spins me a few times more before another noble taps his shoulder. She wishes to dance with him. And she has golden rims.

He dips his head and goes with her as I walk back to the sidelines.

This is how it should be. I feel relieved. That is, however, not for long.

I stand idly by the side as my eyes wander back to my Master. He makes eye contact with me. I give him a happy frown.

Alvena sees this and waves. She seems happy. I am satisfied for tonight.

That was before I stumbled in the hallway and overhead something I shouldn't have.

It happened when the festivities were over and everyone should've been back in their own rooms. I was simply planning to do my final check around the house, and I spotted Uncle Dietrich.

He was snooping in the hallways, looking suspicious before entering Master's study. I quietly followed.

Uncle Dietrich was gone so I figured he went into the underground area.

Master never forbade me not to go. So I follow.

I remember the way down and was careful to keep quiet. It was quiet down there, but I was quieter. Not even a single echo.

And eventually, I reached the secret assembly hall which contained many nobles. Just like last time, except I wasn't invited.

Lucien was there. His scent was at least. Master was present as well. Niles, Liam, Uncle Dietrich...Valerie and even Kern!

All of them.

What were they doing here? Some weren't even present at the party and now they're gathered here.

Something is strange.

I hide myself behind the wall, glad that I just showered and confident that my scent was hard to detect.

They probably won't find me unless I deliberately draw attention to myself.

Besides, my nose was sharper than most other vampires. Just because I know them, they won't know me. Safe for now.

"Then it is settled," Uncle Dietrich was speaking. I don't like it when he does. He reaches for Valerie's hand and places it in Master's. "House of Dietrich will wed to the equally respected Rosegarden."

One hand grips onto my racing heartbeat as I stared wide-eyed.

This can't be happening.

Master! Why are you nodding?

Valerie! Didn't she love that Pureblood Killua? Why is she here?

This isn't real. I must've heard wrong.

But my ears are sharp. The chances of me hearing wrong is too slim.

I want to ask Master. Right now. Why is Kern here? Why aren't you pushing Valerie's hand away?

Weren't you just dancing with Alvena with a smile on your face? I believed Morwenna when she said your smile was genuine.

"I'm in your hands," Valerie says with her head down. "Alek," she calls and then thinks again. "No, it should be...Nikol-"

My fists ball up.

Master interrupts first. "Please, Alek is fine for now."

Turning my head just moderately, I could catch a glimpse of Master's expression. It was blank. His heartbeat was the same too. I can't tell what he's thinking.

Valerie looks at him with sudden shock before recovering from embarrassment.

"The wedding will be announced and the nobles from all lands will be invited," Uncle Dietrich proudly announced to the group who applauded. A certain couple looked especially pleased. They must be from Rosehold.

"Six months."

All heads turn to the sudden disruption. I stood frozen.

"Alek?" Valerie's uttered in a whisper.

Master was still wearing an emotionless mask. "No announcement until six months later."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, obviously confused, displeased, and oblivious to my eavesdropping.

"These are my conditions," Master said firmly to Uncle.

Everyone seriously believed that Master is crazy in love with Valerie, even Valerie did. Thus, his request was completely uncalled for.

Uncle pulled Master to the side in a hurry to a corner of the room.

They garnered many curious stares. Nonetheless, Elder Dietrich didn't hold back lashing at his nephew. I couldn't hear from my distance.

However, Master wasn't having it. He shook his head and his eyes glimmered gold. Even in the dim light, I saw him growl in his fangs. This made the elder step back in fear.

After a while, it was decided that no word of the wedding will be slipped until exactly six months later. Until then, everything shall remain as is.

All in attendance swore their silence and to not speak to anyone who have yet to know. Then they really left this time.

I remained standing as the vampires slipped out through various corners one by one. Weaving my way through the dark tunnel, I was abel to camouflage myself.

Closing my eyes, the sound of footsteps and heartbeats slowly fell into the background. And soon, the last vampire disappeared from the altar-like room.

Only then, did I stand up.

And right behind me, a hand cupped my mouth from behind and a steel grip held me in place.

There was no time to gasp or cry or to process anything.

"Evelyn," he breathed, sending a chill down my spine, making me stand even stiffer. I felt something sharp poke at my neck and my skin bending uncomfortably my the intense pressure.

"You shouldn't be here."