My Cursed Mate

Ingrid has been busy with her fashion magazine and everything has been hectic these past few days. Even though, she remained in contact with her coven, it was still different for her to be there. She has nothing to worry because she knew that her coven would do just fine even if she was not there to manage to it.

Looking at the scenery that was passing by reminded her of when she became the leader of Vermilion and when she first met Kazandra. It was purely by coincidence but the moment their paths crossed, she knew that it was destiny. Kazandra was a werewolf and soon to be the leader of her pack and yet she did not mind that Ingrid was a vampire.

Despite the differences between them, both of them enjoyed each other’s company. Kazandra became the strongest Luna and because of her responsibilities distance appeared between them. Ingrid knew that it was inevitable because when the right time comes, she would also become the leader of her coven.

And the war happened. Her coven stayed away from it and she could do nothing because she wasn’t the leader yet. All she could do was support Kazandra from the shadows and when she died and reincarnated, she was there to protect her. At that time, she was already known as the Queen of Vermillion.

She snapped out from her reverie when the car finally entered her coven’s territory. The moment the car crossed the border, she could already tell that the atmosphere was not right. A deep frown appeared on her delicate face as she looked at the driver who met her.

“What happened?” Her voice froze the air inside the car and made the driver shiver.

His eyes met his queen’s eyes through the rearview mirror and he immediately averted his eyes. Large bead of sweat was already falling from the side of his face and his hands started to shake as his grip on the wheel tightened. He badly wanted to stop the car and leave before his queen could say any more word.

Ingrid narrowed her eyes when the driver avoided her gaze. Something did happen and no one told her about it. She decided not to pursue the matter anymore because everything would be revealed soon.

Vermillion was a place hidden from the eyes of humans and supernatural beings. It was a place protected by an ancient spell that no one could destroy and safe haven for every vampire. Very much like the human and werewolf settlements, Vermillion has its own system and could be called a community.

It was dark even though it was day time but it was exactly how the vampires want. It was a matter of preference. The streets were paved and there were a variety of stores that ranges from small stalls to groceries and restaurants that caters to the wants and needs of her people.

The car continued until it reached the entrance to the Vermillion Palace where Ingrid resides. The gates were made of dark iron and was also heavily guarded. When they saw who it was, the guards immediately bowed and just rose up after the car passed through. They looked at each other and the anxiety couldn’t be hidden from their eyes.

Ingrid’s home was in the form of a medieval castle and even after hundreds of years, they refuse to change it or even let her live in a much simpler home. The elders argued that it was the symbol of the royal family and the leader of the coven. They were open to any other suggestions but when it came to the palace, they became stubborn. Ingrid gave in and agreed to them. Since the elders were willing to accept change, then she should also learn how to compromise.

The car came to a stop and the guards to the palace’s large black iron doors stood in attention. They were not notified that someone was coming today so their attention was on the car. Ingrid saw how rigid the guards was and her suspicions became even more justified.

She pushed open the door and alighted. At her presence, the guards immediately acquiesced. They couldn’t believe that their queen was back but at the same time they were worried. Her boots clacked on the pavement and she stopped in front of the guards who had their heads bowed.

“At ease.” She removed her glasses and handed it to the driver who followed behind.

The guards followed her command and stood straight however they did not dare to meet their queen’s eyes. Ingrid ignored this and walked past them. It was already clear as day that Vermillion was in some kind of a situation that she didn’t know.

Ingrid strode inside the palace surprising the servants who were busy with their tasks. At the appearance of their queen, they became flustered as they lined up in a hurry to greet her. One servant ran to where the butler was and informed him of the queen’s arrival.

A man with silver hair and clean-cut beard came in urgency. His clothes were wrinkled from running but he had no time to fix them because of the queen’s presence. They stood straight and welcomed her before giving her a bow.

“Leave,” she answered. The lined servants left like the wind with only the butler left. He swallowed his nervousness but the woman was already in front of him. “Summon them and tell them that I will be waiting in the crimson room.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The butler bowed as he waited for the queen to disappear before he straightened himself and left to inform the elders that the queen was back.

Ingrid walked slowly with her hands behind her back. Just like before, her steps created a reverberating echo within the palace corridors. The portraits on the walls did not change so as the other things in the palace. After walking around for a few minutes, she finally reached a door tainted with blood. It was a reminder of that massacre that happened long, long time ago.

They did not remove the stains and still used the room. It served as a reminder to them that there would be no peaceful days for their race. She stood in front of it for a few seconds before she finally stepped forward and pushed open the door.

A loud and eerie creaking sound resonated in the corridor and inside the room. She stepped in and inhaled the scent of blood that still lingered in the air even after that incident. All corners of the room were stained with blood, the chairs, the round table, the windows, and the walls. She walked to the seat at the head of the table and casually sat down with her legs crossed.

Her eyes wandered inside the room while waiting for the elders. She closed her eyes and reminisced on the past, her memories of that day were still as clear as day. The chaos, the screams and the blood everywhere, even the man who stood in the midst of all that, she could still remember them all.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Are you involved once again?” She whispered to no one in particular and only the silence of the room answered him.