SCENE During the wedding, Ari was broken inside but understanding the situation. Her bite mark on her neck, she hid it all. She linked Rowan's arm with hers. As they were walking forward, Lucien appeared at the entrance. But they did not look back. The golden halls fell silent. Candles flickered. The music died. Every guest froze. Lucien's voice echoed through the royal chamber, his boots tapping against the marble floor as he stepped forward—eyes only on Ariana. "Ari... what's wrong with you?" Ariana stiffened, her hand trembling as it clutched Rowan's arm. Her veil shifted slightly, revealing the faintest trace of the bite mark she had tried so hard to hide. "I know you don't want this wedding," Lucien said, voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Stay bold. Refuse it." Rowan's jaw clenched. "Don't look back," he murmured to her, his grip tightening slightly. "Just walk. Don't give him the attention he craves." But Lucien's steps grew louder, nearer. He wasn't smiling. He wasn't smirking. He was wounded. "Ari," he said again, softer now, hurting. "Why do you keep ignoring me? Do you truly think you can marry him… after what happened between us?" Ariana's breath caught. Her heart raced. The weight of the entire court's gaze fell on her. Lucien froze. The pain in his chest flared deeper than any blade could reach. The entire hall watched, stunned, as Ariana turned to face him—her veil slightly lifted, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "Because you're a vampire, Lucien!" her voice cracked, trembling yet loud enough for all to hear. "And I'm a human! Do you really think we can be close?" Her words rang in the air like shattered glass. Lucien's breath hitched. He stood there, unmoving. His fingers twitched at his side, as if aching to reach for her, to pull her back, to tell her yes, that he believed in them—even if the world did not. But she continued, voice softer now. "I tried to ignore it… I tried to believe… but I can't anymore. You hurt me. And I'm scared. I don't know what to feel. I… I did like you. But I'm tired, Lucien." Lucien's lips parted, but no words escaped. Rowan stepped forward, gently pulling Ariana's hand again. "Enough," he said coldly. "Leave now, Prince of the Night. This wedding will not be ruined." Lucien didn't move. He looked at Ariana, his gaze aching, voice barely a whisper now—"You said you liked me…" Rowan turned in alarm, about to step between them, but Lucien was faster—his hand wrapped gently but firmly around Ariana's wrist, pulling her a breath closer. The room gasped, guards inching forward, but Lucien's voice was soft… seductive… sorrowful. "Yes, Ariana… it's true. I'm a vampire. But do you know what happens when a vampire drinks the blood of someone he's bound to… someone he desires, someone he cherishes?" Ari's eyes widened, breath catching in her throat. She could feel her heart beating wildly beneath her gown. Lucien leaned in closer, his voice a warm, silken whisper against her ear. "They become… like us. Half-immortal. Half-vampire. Still human in heart, but bound by blood. You, my flame… you're becoming one of us." Ari gasped, stumbling slightly. Rowan reached out instinctively, but she didn't move toward him. Her body trembled. Her mind whirled. Fear. Panic. But also— a strange thrill pulsed inside her. Because deep down, beneath the fear… beneath the weight of betrayal and confusion… was relief. Was longing. Was the truth: she wanted to be with Lucien. Part of her always had. Ari's lips parted. "W-what… what does that mean for me?"
SCENE The hall erupted in gasps and chaos as Lucien vanished with Ari in a flash of crimson mist. Her bridal veil fluttered to the floor like the last thread of the ceremony unraveling. Rowan's voice roared through the silence. "LUCIEN!!" But it was too late. In a quiet, moonlit tower within Lucien's castle, Ari reappeared in his arms. Her heart raced, both from fear and from… something else. Excitement. Curiosity. Longing. Lucien gently placed her down, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His smirk softened into something more tender. "Now no one can stop me from holding you, Ari… not even your princely Rowan." Ari blinked, heart pounding. Her hand reached up to her neck instinctively—the bite mark. The truth. "So… it's true," she whispered. "I'm really…" "Half vampire," Lucien finished for her, his crimson eyes glowing. "That means your senses will sharpen… you'll feel things stronger than before. And…" he smirked again, teasingly, "you'll start craving me, too." Ari's cheeks flushed as she looked away. But… she didn't pull from his grasp.
SCENE As days passed, Ari's confusion cleared. Now that she was a half vampire too, she liked Lucien. But she asked Lucien to let her go, since she missed her brother and Rowan. Lucien let her, but he took her promise that she'd return, with their blessings. Ari agreed and rode back to her kingdom on horseback. As she rode through the twilight hills, the wind tangled through her hair, and her heartbeat matched the gallop of her horse. The once fearful, trembling girl was no more—now she carried secrets, a sharper gaze, and a heart divided not by fear, but by longing. She arrived at her kingdom gates, guards wide-eyed at her sudden return. But she said nothing—only dismounted and walked toward the palace silently, like a shadow of herself. Edward was the first to see her—he ran toward her, arms open, eyes filled with relief. "Ari… you're back!" She nodded, smiling faintly. "I missed you, brother." But the reunion was not without weight. Because standing behind Edward, arms crossed and face unreadable, was Rowan. He looked at her… eyes not angry, not sad—just questioning. A soft warmth settled over the palace as Ari spoke those brave, trembling words: "I… I like Lucien." Edward's eyes widened, but his gentle smile returned almost instantly. He stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Then I trust you, Ari. If he makes you happy… it's enough for me." Rowan, silent for a moment, finally spoke, his voice low. "Do you really like him?" Ari swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. "Yes… I'm sorry." But Rowan only took her hands, his grip steady, strong. He gave her a small smile—one that held both heartbreak and love. "It's okay. I'll always protect you, no matter who you love. That's my promise as your prince… and your best friend." Tears shimmered in Ari's eyes. And then—the kingdom rejoiced. Word of the young princess's chosen love spread quickly, and though some were surprised, everyone gave their blessings. The wind changed in their favor, whispering of a future not built from fear… but from choice. Edward and Rowan stood beside Ari as proud protectors, while Ari wrote a letter that evening: "Lucien… they've accepted us. And I've accepted myself, too. I'm coming back—this time, with their blessings. Wait for me."
SCENEAri froze as Rowan's hand gently gripped her wrist. "You can like Lucien… on one condition," he said firmly. She turned, her expression puzzled. "What condition?" Rowan's voice dropped low, protective and serious. "Stay here. With us." Ari blinked, confused and quiet. "You're just a half vampire, Ari. Not a full one. That makes you vulnerable. There are vampires out there… dangerous ones. Especially the same group that tried to use Lucien against you. I won't risk you walking into their arms again." His grip loosened, but his eyes searched hers with quiet desperation. "So for your safety, I can't let you live there… not yet. Not until we're sure it's safe." Ari's shoulders fell slightly. A sigh escaped her lips. Her heart ached for Lucien… but she also knew Rowan was right. He always was. She slowly nodded. "Okay… I'll stay. But promise me, Rowan. If there ever comes a time when it's safe—please… let me go to him." Rowan gave a soft nod, though pain flickered in his eyes. "If that time comes… I will."
SCENE Edward stood beside Ari in the moonlit corridor of the palace, his arms crossed and his voice calm but firm. "Ari… you've changed. You're stronger now. But with that strength comes something dangerous—thirst." She looked up at him, a bit nervous, a bit unsure. "I know," she whispered. "Sometimes it… it burns inside." Edward gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then you need to control it. No matter how strong the craving becomes, promise me you won't bite anyone. Not unless you absolutely have to, and only if Rowan or I are there." Ari nodded slowly, her brows furrowed in worry. "I'll be careful. I promise. I don't want to hurt anyone." Edward gave a soft smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear like the big brother he was. "That's my sister. Stay safe… and be cautious around Lucien, too. I know you like him, but don't let love cloud your judgment." Ari smiled faintly, her heart steadying. "I won't. Thank you, brother."
SCENE The moonlight danced across the water's surface as Ari stood silently by the fountain, the night breeze brushing through her long hair. Her hand rose slowly to her neck—the place where Lucien's fangs had once pierced her skin. A sharp throb pulsed under her fingertips. She winced. "Again… this pain," she whispered to herself. It wasn't unbearable anymore. She had grown used to it—like an ache that never truly left, a haunting reminder of that night. But something about the moon, the quiet, the scent of roses… made it ache more deeply tonight. She sat at the edge of the fountain, her reflection trembling in the water. Her fingertips brushed the mark gently. No blood. No wound. But the memory was etched deeper than any scar. "Lucien… what have you done to me?" she thought, her voice caught between fear and longing.
SCENE The ball's distant music floated softly into the garden, muffled by the night air. Ari stood by the fountain, the moon casting a silver glow on her skin. Just then, she felt a presence behind her—familiar, magnetic. She turned, slowly. There he was. Lucien. Dressed in disguise—dark, elegant, with a black half-mask over his eyes. But no mask could hide that voice, or the pull in her chest when he stepped closer. "I received your letter…" he said, his tone low, his gaze locked on hers, "But why hasn't my flame returned to me?" Ari's heart raced. She looked down, fingers tightening around the edge of her dress. "I'm sorry, Lucien," she murmured, "Rowan said I'm not allowed to live in your kingdom. But… that doesn't change that I like you." Lucien paused for a breath, studying her face. Then he tilted his head, lips curling into a charming, knowing smirk. "Fine," he said smoothly, leaning in just enough to let her feel his breath on her cheek, "But then you must try to handle me here often, my flame." Before Ari could respond, the wind stirred gently— and he vanished like smoke in moonlight. Ari took a soft breath, steadying her racing heart, and turned away from the fountain. The memory of Lucien's smirk still lingered like a whisper on her skin. She stepped back into the grand ballroom, its golden chandeliers glittering above, the polished floors reflecting twirls of gowns and boots. Music danced through the air as nobles chatted and laughed around elegantly arranged tables.
SCENE Ari gracefully joined a circle of nobles. Her posture poised, her voice gentle, she spoke with princes and princesses from distant lands—her beauty and kindness drawing admiration. One young noble from the East complimented her attire. A princess from the North offered a jeweled pin as a token of friendship. But even as she smiled and replied graciously, her thoughts drifted back to the garden… and to Lucien's words. She sipped a glass of sparkling wine, her heart calmer now, cloaked in mystery. Little did the nobles know—they weren't just talking to a princess anymore, but to a half-vampire, carrying the weight of love, longing… and secrets. That night, Ari's elegance stunned the entire ballroom. Her royal purple dress shimmered under the golden lights, the band around her waist accentuating her grace. Her hair flowed like velvet night, and her skirt swayed like a whisper with every step. As the orchestra played a soft waltz, Rowan offered his hand, and she took it with a smile. They danced together, gliding across the floor. For a moment, it felt like old times—safe, warm, familiar. Later, she sipped wine and spoke to visiting princes. Many admired her charm, but none dared get too close—not with Prince Rowan watching. Edward, ever curious and lighthearted, pulled Ari aside and asked with a playful grin, "Tell me, what does Flora like? Any hints for your poor brother?" Ari chuckled, leaning in. "She likes flowers... and gentlemen who don't know how handsome they are." Edward raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? Sounds familiar." As the ball ended and the nobles took their leave, Ari returned to her chambers. The moon cast silver lines on her floor as she changed into a softer dress. Her heart was calm, but her dreams waited like flickers in the shadows. She slipped under her covers, and sleep took her gently.