The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 327: Your husband is with me

Chapter 327: Your husband is with me

Damien’s cheek stung as he touched it with the back of his opposite hand, his knee hitting the ground in the process. He tilted his head just in time, narrowly avoiding another powerful blow from Magnus. Swiftly, he moved away, eyes fixed on his opponent, analyzing every movement.

"Why can’t I see any sad memory in you? That’s impossible. Every being has a moment which makes them feel low," Damien muttered, maintaining a safe distance. His curiosity gnawed at him; he couldn’t leave without an answer. He had killed Magnus’s aunt, the person whom Magnus loved more than his own mother, a woman who had been his mother figure for as long as he could remember.

Magnus’s face twisted with rage, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might shatter. "Damien, I knew you killed my aunt!" he roared, his fists tightening until his knuckles turned white. With a furious cry, he charged at Damien, every step fueled by grief and vengeance.

But Damien was ready. He had anticipated this reaction. As Magnus closed the distance between them, Damien’s hand moved with practiced precision. In one fluid motion, he drew a dagger from his belt and thrust it deep into Magnus’s chest, the blade piercing his heart.

Magnus’s eyes widened in shock, a mixture of pain and disbelief flashing across his face. Blood trickled from his lips as he gasped for breath. "You are smart, Magnus, but not smarter than me," Damien stated, an evil smirk playing on his lips. He watched as the life drained from Magnus’s eyes, feeling a dark satisfaction.

The next moment, Damien’s grip tightened around Magnus, ensuring he wouldn’t fall. He had plans for him, and now that Magnus was no longer a threat, he felt victorious.

Alora, the one he truly sought, would come to him on her own. He had removed the obstacle that stood between them, and now, nothing could stop him from ruling Velaris.

~~~~

Alora exited the chamber, her heart pounding with fear as time dragged on without any sign of Magnus. She quickened her pace, her mind racing with worry. As she turned a corner, she collided headfirst into Alaric’s chest.

"Alora! Are you alright?" Alaric asked, steadying her with his hands. His voice was filled with concern as he took in her anxious expression.

"Yes, I am fine," Alora replied, though her voice trembled slightly. She couldn’t hide the unease that had taken hold of her.

"Where’s Magnus?" Alaric inquired, his eyes searching her face for answers.

"He went out. Earlier, I encountered a mysterious vampire, but I couldn’t see his face. Magnus said he would investigate and return soon, but he hasn’t come back yet. Brother, something is not right," Alora explained, her eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to hold back her fear.

Alaric’s expression hardened with worry. "He must be around. I’ll find him," he said resolutely.

"I will come with you, Brother," Alora insisted, her voice firm despite her fear.

"No. Go to your chamber," Alaric ordered, spotting a palace servant approaching from the front. He quickly instructed the servant to escort Alora back to her room. Reluctantly, she nodded and followed the servant, glancing back at her brother with worry etched on her face.

Once Alora was safely out of sight, Alaric headed outside, his mind racing with thoughts of his missing brother. He made his way to the foyer where the carriages were waiting, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. As he approached, he saw King Esmond speaking with Izaak.

"Where is Magnus?" King Esmond’s voice was tinged with impatience and concern.

"Father, he is not in the palace. Alora said he went out after an unfamiliar vampire," Alaric relayed, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

King Esmond’s brows furrowed deeply, his eyes narrowing. "An unfamiliar vampire?" he echoed, his voice heavy with suspicion. He turned to Izaak, who was scanning the surroundings with a wary expression.

"How could an unknown vampire enter the palace undetected?" Izaak muttered, frustration evident in his voice. He clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath the surface. "Are our defenses so weak?"

The gravity of the situation settled over them like a dark cloud. King Esmond’s face grew stern, and he turned to Alaric. "We must find Magnus and uncover who this vampire is. This breach cannot go unanswered."

Alaric nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "I’ll gather the guards and search the grounds. I will find him, Father. You two should go to the witches’ place."

"I will go there. You two should look for Magnus," King Esmond stated firmly, climbing into the carriage. The door shut with a decisive thud, and the carriage rolled away, leaving the two princes to their task.

Alaric and Izaak exchanged determined glances. They had to find Magnus, no matter the cost.

Moments later, Lewis arrived with a contingent of palace guards. "Spread out and search the grounds thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned," he commanded, his voice resolute. The guards nodded and dispersed in various directions around the palace, their torches flickering in the twilight.

"We should split up too," Alaric suggested. "We’ll cover more ground that way."

Izaak agreed with a curt nod. "Stay alert. We don’t know what we’re dealing with."

The brothers parted ways, each heading in a different direction.

Izaak headed towards the forest, his footsteps echoing in the quiet night. He called out Magnus’s name, but was met with only an eerie silence. Frustration gnawed at him as he continued his search.

Meanwhile, Alaric took a path leading to the same forest edge from a different direction. The trees loomed ominously, their branches swaying in the night breeze. He pushed forward, determined to leave no area unchecked. The forest was dense, and the darkness seemed to swallow him whole, but he pressed on, hoping to find some sign of Magnus.

Thirty minutes later, they gathered in the Palace grounds.

"Magnus is nowhere to be found," Alaric said.

"Yes. He wasn’t in the forest either. Did he go out of the palace?" Izaak opined.

"Perhaps. I’ve already sent the guards out of the palace," Lewis answered them.

"Your Highness!" A guard rushed to them with a horrific expression on his face. He had a parchment in his hand, which he quickly handed to Izaak. "Prince Magnus is in danger!" He loudly said while panting.

Izaak, Alaric and Lewis read the message on the parchment.

"Your husband is with me, Alora. Come to your house if you want to save him."