Thread: Forever Mine (Ava and Fates)

There was the slightest prickle of fear within Isabellas calm exterior, and this was not lost on Alastair. A vampires senses were miles above that of a human, but the many years had evolved Alastair to a hyper-observant state. He could practically feel each and every one of the hairs on her arm reacting. But she swallowed that anxiety and stood tall. It was inspiring, but he couldnt help but wonder if she would be displaying the same resolve had her predecessors bloodied corpse still been lying in sight. He was still a ways away from a yes, but so far, he liked what he saw. They did not lie, he confessed of her escorts. No matter what decision he made, one thing was for certain this girl would never be returning to her old life after tonight. He let her speak of that life, standing before her as an imposing figure of dark promise. He couldnt pretend to know why she wanted away from her family or its legacy so bad, but it was of little consequence in the end. The mortal ties that bound her to such things would be broken soon enough, but the revelation of her parentage struck an interest in him all the same. So you are of Royal Blood, he deduced, and there was a murmur and hiss of added excitement from his cohorts as well. Such noble bloodlines were among the sweetest delicacies. Though she was young in appearance, her rich blood was sure to be old. And like fine wine, it got much better with age. It explained that delightful scent emanating from her. It almost made his mouth water, as he tried to remember the last time he drank from true nobility. Isabella was growing all the closer to having her wish fulfilled, impressing Alastair as Eustace spoke of her triumph and she further brandished her courage at William. Indeed, Alastair looked all too forward to undoing that pretty wrapping and seeing what she was truly capable of. But for all her spirit, she was still young and nave. You should be careful what you forsake, Alastair cautioned her, feeling the tension of the room as his guests practically begged him to give the order of granting her desire and spilling every last drop of it. There is power in bloodlines, and in the blood of kings most of all. It is dangerous to offer up something so precious with such abandon. She may have cared little for it, while his companions simply hungered for it, but an old enough vampire knew powerful enough blood could be used for much darker purposes than sustaining himself. Alastair being a man of few words he might normally have been inclined to agree with the latest complaint. But despite his nature, he found himself all the more intrigued. Not only was she bold, but she appeared inquisitive as well. And she had to be resourceful to have fled her home and find herself here. Her intelligence was obvious as well. Not only was it written in her eyes, but her mannerisms and the way she spoke his name was almost as if she could see how carefully he was weighing her in his mind. Yet still he said nothing, leaving her to yet wonder at his intentions as they puzzled each other out. He stood perfectly still when she reached for him, her soft hand flushing him with warmth while his cold flesh kissed her palm with frigid affection in return. His blue eyes held her beautiful green ones with intensity, silent in his wonder of how it would be to stare into those emerald pools for the rest of eternity. It wasnt until her second question that his face finally softened with a rare smile. It was Erilys who answered for him of course, and the yellow-haired vampiress took great pleasure in baring her fangs at the girl. And it seemed to work as she jerked away, showing the first signs of true terror. But for Isabella, it seemed the only thing to fear was fear itself. Even with her bold attitude, he never expected her to rebound on the woman after what shed just witnessed. It was then that he made a decision. Erilys seethed in anger, her sympathies agreed upon with the others as they bared their fangs as well, each of them expecting the insult to be the girls fatal mistake at last. The golden-haired vampiress was eager most of all, inching ever closer to Alastairs side and practically salivating to hear his command. But none of them expected what that command would be. Leave us. Disbelief rushed through the room. Surely this girl was not his choice? But no voice rose to argue, not even Erilys who looked fit to burst. But that did not stop her furious amber eyes from boring into Isabella, refusing to accept that the promise of her evening had been stolen away by mortal infant. But she followed the steps of the others, hissing along with those who brought her. Theyd not yet received a meal for their catch, but they well knew their place. For now they would have to trust that compensation would come. It wasnt until the doors were firmly shut in their wake, leaving Isabella with him alone and undistracted, that Alastair finally addressed her plainly. You wish to know what we are? Like my many names, we have been called several things over time. Moroi, Strigoi, Vampire We are the Immortal Ones and the children of the night. You wish to denounce your old life and start a new one? I can give you much more than that, my dear. Alastair stepped nearer to her, a devilish smile lighting his face while his pale eyes watched her with obvious attraction. I can purge you of the royal blood you so detest, and fill you with the power to defy the fate to which it binds you. He took one of her hands, holding it gently in his own. His fingers were strong, soft and gelid as he raised her hand to his lips. I can give you eternity, he promised further, You would be preserved in your beauty, never again knowing the ravages of pestilence or time. He pressed a soft kiss onto the back of her hand, his lips as cold as anything else yet a fire in his eyes as he watched her. I can give you all of these things and more, he continued, lips still lingering as she felt the absence of his breath on her skin, However, you must know that life is not what I offer. If you wish to be free, then you must abandon life to become my bride and be forever mine in death.