Chapter 6
Seraphina turned to find four vampires standing in front of her. Their red eyes glowed with hunger, their lips curling into predatory smirks.
"You smell delicious, little witch," one hissed, stepping closer.
It seemed like her little trap had worked.
They wanted her blood. Too bad for them, they'd have to die trying.
She held her dagger loosely at her side, her steps silent as she moved. "Let's see if you're as tough as you look," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
The first one lunged, his speed impressive but predictable. She sidestepped effortlessly, her dagger flashing as she slit his throat in one fluid motion. He choked on his own blood, his eyes widening in disbelief as he crumpled to the forest floor.
"Wondering why you aren't healing?" she asked, amusement flickering in her tone.
It was always the same. The moment they realized their wounds weren't closing, panic set in. The poison coating her blade was something she had spent four years perfecting—a toxin lethal to vampires, stopping their regeneration immediately.
The remaining three hesitated, their expressions shifting from hunger to uncertainty.
"Where is she?" one of them growled, his head snapping around.
"Spread out!" another barked.
Amateurs.
She melted into the shadows, moving with practiced precision. The fools didn't even hear her coming. A sharp gasp filled the air as she drove her dagger straight into the heart of the next vampire. He barely had time to register what had happened before he dropped.
"She's toying with us!"
The last two became frantic, their movements more erratic. She could hear their quickened breathing, smell the fear rolling off them.
One of them lunged wildly, claws slashing through the air. Seraphina dropped low, her dagger slicing through his leg. He roared in pain, stumbling. She leapt onto his back, driving her blade deep into his neck. His body went rigid before collapsing.
"Three down," she muttered, her voice eerily calm.
The last vampire froze. His eyes darted from her to his fallen comrades, realization dawning.
"You're avoiding spells," he said slowly, his voice lower now, analyzing her. "Why? Afraid someone will find you?"
She said nothing, simply watching him. Let him think whatever he wanted.
He charged, faster and more aggressive than the others. She dodged with practiced ease, her movements precise and controlled. He was strong—but not stronger than her. With a quick feint, she tricked him into exposing his ribs, then drove her dagger straight into his heart.
His mouth opened slightly, as if he had something to say, but only silence followed. He fell, his lifeless body joining the others.
Seraphina stood still, her breath even. Not a scratch on her. Four bodies scattered at her feet.
They thought they were hunting her. But she was the real hunter.
Just as she was about to sheath her dagger, she heard footsteps approaching.
Another one?
In an instant, she lunged, blade flashing—but her wrist was caught effortlessly.
Her heart skipped a beat.
It was Rhydian.
His hold on her wrist was firm, unyielding. His golden-red eyes met hers, glowing in the dim light. For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
"I see you already killed them," he said, his voice devoid of emotion as he glanced down at the bodies.
Seraphina quickly composed herself. Had he followed her? Did he suspect her?
"Yes, they tried to attack me," she replied, making her voice sound as gentle as possible.
But before she could react, his hand snapped to her throat. The movement was so fast, she barely had time to process it. His grip wasn't tight—just enough to make a point.
His gaze darkened, voice dropping to something cold and unreadable.
"Drop the act. You aren't weak, so don't pretend to be." His eyes flickered to the dead vampires. "These were some of the strongest rogues. You killed them without a scratch. And you didn't even use magic."
His voice was low, laced with suspicion. He was watching her closely, waiting for her response.
Seraphina swallowed hard, forcing herself to push past the overwhelming sense of intimidation. He had figured out she wasn't weak, so there was no use pretending. She met his gaze with steady defiance.
"I'm royalty. I'm not a normal witch. I'm sure you're aware that we're a lot stronger than others," she said, her voice firm.
Rhydian studied her, but before he could respond—
An arrow sliced through the air, aiming directly for his back.
Seraphina reacted before she even had time to think. Her magic flared, and the arrow was deflected mid-air.
Rhydian turned sharply, his senses immediately alert. His eyes scanned the dark forest, but the archer was nowhere to be found.
Slowly, he released her throat and bent down, picking up the arrow.
Seraphina crouched beside him, her gaze narrowing as she quickly reached to collect and sniff the arrowhead. A familiar scent filled her nose. Her eyes widened slightly.
No.
Nightshade venom.
Her poison.
How?
She had never given this poison to anyone. Never sold it. Only her sister knew about it. So how in the world did someone else have access to it?
"What's going on?" Rhydian asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "Is there something on the arrowhead?"
Seraphina's mind raced. She wasn't about to tell him the truth about the poison. But he needed to know that someone was after him.
She turned to him, faking panic. "Your Majesty, you need to be careful. Someone is trying to kill you," she said urgently.
Just before she could say anything else—
Another arrow came flying toward him.
This time, she didn't move to save him.