The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 320: A promise

Chapter 320: A promise

"Forgive me," Ralph apologized immediately as he realized his statement irked Magnus. "I also heard about the shapeshifters. One of ths packs Alpha died because of the shapeshifter. However, I wonder why Princess Alora’s family needs a protection and why not the vampires can guard that place?" he asked.

"You don’t need to know now. Just help me protecting my in-laws," Magnus stated.

"Your Highness, it would be good to know the truth. I am not going to betray you. You know this well. We are friends, no?" Ralph remarked as he wished to know the reason behind such a security.

"We definitely aren’t friends yet. You did wonder earlier why you had to see my face again after so many days. Friends don’t think that way about each other," Magnus commented, his tone cool and measured.

Ralph opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. After a moment, he said, "I admit I thought all those things. But I’m not evil. It’s fine if His Highness doesn’t wish to share the entire matter with me."

Magnus’s expression softened slightly. "When the time is right, I’ll tell you more," he proclaimed. "For now, it would be better if you prepare the team best wolves from your pack. I need only five. I’ll come to check on it tomorrow," he stated, rising from his seat.

Ralph also stood up and nodded. "Sure," he agreed. He escorted the prince to the carriage, maintaining a respectful silence.

Once the carriage disappeared from view, Ralph couldn’t help but wonder aloud, "What’s going on now? He looked troubled. Why is he so mysterious?" Frustration simmered beneath his curiosity, and he stomped his foot on the ground in exasperation before heading back inside the pack house.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Magnus was deep in contemplation. He pushed the curtain aside, gazing out at the night sky. Ever since Izaak had told him about the ominous vision concerning Alora’s mother—that she would die because of her eyes—he had been consumed with finding a way to prevent such a tragedy.

Lost in his thoughts, Magnus didn’t notice the passage of time until the coachman opened the door for him. With a start, he realized they had arrived. Stepping down from the carriage, he made his way into the palace, his mind still preoccupied.

Upon reaching his chambers, he was greeted by Tobias, who seemed to have been waiting for him. Magnus began to shed his overcoat and waistcoat, unbuttoning his sleeves and rolling them up as he spoke.

"Your Highness took longer to return than expected. Princess Alora has already retired to bed," Tobias informed him, taking the coats and preparing to send them for laundering.

"Hmm. You should also leave," Magnus said, removing his boots and placing them aside. He rose from the plush stool and left the dressing chamber, making his way to the washroom.

In the washroom, Magnus splashed water on his face, the cool droplets trickling down and clinging to the tips of his hair. He rested his hands on the counter, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

Pulling a towel from the shelf, he wiped his face and exited the washroom. Entering the bedchamber, he found Alora peacefully sleeping in the large poster bed. The windows were open, allowing the cool night breeze to drift in. The soft glow of the moonlight fell on her face, highlighting her features and making her look enchanting.

Magnus locked the door behind him quietly and walked over to the bed. Removing his slippers, he slid into the sheets beside her, turning to face her. He watched her for a moment, captivated by her serene expression.

Tenderly, he brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek, careful not to disturb her slumber. "I won’t let anything happen to your mother. I promise," he whispered, his voice filled with determination and love.

As he lay there, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. He would do whatever it took to protect Alora and her family, no matter the cost. With that promise echoing in his mind, Magnus closed his eyes, seeking the solace of sleep beside the woman he loved.

~~~~~

Lewis arrived in Elmswood late midnight. As per the instructions, he headed to the Wilson Family Residence about which Magnus had clarified him. Since he was faster than any human, the human guards didn’t sense his presence when he crossed the gate, except for a gust of wind.

The residence itself was quite old, its exterior worn and in need of repair. It had clearly been years since it had seen any significant renovations.

Lewis had anticipated that the elderly woman residing there would be asleep by now. However, as he approached, he noticed an unexpected sight: lights were shining from one of the rooms. This anomaly caught his attention and caused him to pause, his senses sharply attuned to the potential for anything out of the ordinary.

He moved stealthily around the perimeter of the house, carefully observing the illuminated window, trying to discern what might be happening inside.

"Wait! Why did I sense a vampire’s presence here?" Lewis murmured, his brow furrowing in confusion. The residual aura left behind was unusually strong, suggesting that a vampire had visited Madam Aubrey recently—most likely earlier in the day or evening. The lingering presence was unmistakable, and he could feel it clearly, even though the vampire was no longer in the vicinity.

Determined to find out more, Lewis decided to investigate the room from which the light was emanating. He slipped inside the house, careful to avoid making any noise. The few servants who might have been present were already retired for the night, their absence giving him the freedom to explore without interference.

Lewis entered the room, noting that it was empty. Despite the brightness visible from outside, he found no one inside. The candlelight still flickered, casting a warm glow across the room.

"Someone was here. But who?" Lewis thought and wondered what Alora’s grandmother was scheming. He thought to leave since he didn’t wish to leave any of his residual aura behind if stayed for more time.

Just as he turned, his felt something pressed beneath his shoe and he moved it away.

Leaning down, Lewis grabbed the expensive and unique brooch. He decided to take it to Magnus and left the house.