Chapter 3

Isadora's POV

The council chamber of the castle reeked of death.

I stood in the center of the hall, flanked by two vampire guards, the shackles on my wrists biting into my skin like ice. Beneath the high vaulted ceiling, twelve vampire elders sat on stone thrones, looking down at me—the human about to be executed.

"Isadora Helena," the Grand Elder's voice echoed through the empty hall. "You are accused of knowing vampire secrets and threatening the safety of our clan."

I kept my head bowed, letting my hair veil my face. On the surface, I trembled, but inside, I was fighting to suppress my excitement.

Everything was unfolding exactly as I'd anticipated.

"According to the vampire codex, humans who know our secrets must die," another elder declared coldly. "But considering your ten years of service to the prince, we offer you a choice."

A choice? I sneered inwardly. Vampires never give humans real choices.

Just then, Selene entered through a side door. Today, she wore a tight black leather dress that accentuated her perfect curves. A cruel smile played on her lips.

"Elders," her voice was as sweet as honey. "I have a better suggestion."

All eyes turned to her.

"Since she's about to die anyway, why not let her serve one last purpose?" Selene approached me, her finger lifting my chin. "In three days, it's my wedding to Thaddeus. We could turn her into a living sacrifice, giving the guests a spectacular show."

Her touch was cold, but the malice in her eyes burned with humiliating heat.

"An intriguing proposal," one elder said with a sadistic grin. "How exactly?"

"Simple," Selene's finger trailed down my cheek to my neck. "We can torment her slowly, letting her blood drip out drop by drop. The guests will enjoy the... visual feast."

I felt her nail lightly scrape my skin, leaving a faint sting. But I forced myself to remain silent.

"And," she continued, her voice turning more sinister, "we could experiment with new methods of torture on her. Like slowly inserting silver needles into her nail beds, or dripping holy water to corrode her skin bit by bit."

Murmurs of approval rippled through the room. These monsters were actually thrilled at the idea of tormenting an innocent human.

"Very well," the Grand Elder nodded. "It's decided. Isadora, you will serve as a living sacrifice at Selene's wedding, providing entertainment for us all."

I bit my lower lip hard, making myself appear terrified and desperate. But deep inside, I was laughing maniacally.

Perfect... just as I'd predicted. Your greed and cruelty never change.

"Take her away," Selene waved dismissively. "And watch her closely—don't let our 'gift' spoil early."

The guards dragged me roughly from the chamber. I deliberately made myself seem weak and helpless, while my mind raced ahead.

Back in my room, the guards shoved me inside and locked the door heavily. I heard them posting sentries outside.

But none of that mattered.

In the dead of night, the door creaked open a sliver. Reginald, the butler, slipped in stealthily.

"Miss!" he whispered urgently. "I've heard everything. You must escape now!"

I sat on the edge of the bed, looking calmly at the kind old man. In this castle full of malice, he was the only one who truly cared about me.

"Reginald, thank you for your kindness. But I can't leave."

"Why?" He was sweating profusely. "Aren't you afraid of death?"

"Because it's not time yet," I stood and walked to the window. "He still needs me one last time."

"What do you mean?" Reginald stared at me in confusion.

"The bloodline consolidation ritual," I turned back to him. "Thaddeus is about to complete his final blood purification. According to vampire tradition, he needs one last consolidation feeding before the wedding. And I'm the perfect blood source."

Reginald's face paled. "You... how do you know about this?"

I didn't answer, just walked over and patted his shoulder gently.

"Reginald, you're a good man. But some things, you don't need to know."

He opened his mouth to speak but fell silent.

"Be careful... please," he said finally, then slipped away.

Once I was sure he was gone, I sprang into action.

I tiptoed to the corner of the room and pried loose a stone brick. Inside was a small key—the one to the basement.

The castle night was deathly silent. I moved like a shadow through the corridors, evading every guard. In ten years, I'd memorized every inch of this place.

In the basement, candlelight flickered.

I lit all the candles, their dim yellow glow illuminating my secret laboratory. Tonight would be the final experiment.

From a hidden cooler, I retrieved the latest blood sample. Under the microscope, I could clearly see the special toxin molecules—like tiny soldiers awaiting the final battle.

But it wasn't enough.

I approached the lab table and took out a vial of concentrated toxin. This was the culmination of my ten years of work, potent enough to kill any vampire.

I rolled up my sleeve, exposing my pale arm, riddled with needle marks from years of injections.

"One last time... Marcus."

I plunged the needle into my vein, the toxin flowing in slowly.

Agonizing pain hit instantly, like countless knives slicing through my veins. I clenched my jaw to stifle any sound. Sweat mixed with tears streamed down my face, but my hand remained steady.

The toxin spread through my blood, bringing a wave of dizziness. But this pain was nothing compared to what I was about to inflict on Thaddeus.

After the injection, I staggered to the mirror on the wall.

The woman in the reflection was pale, eyes bloodshot. But beneath the pained expression lurked ten years of accumulated hatred and madness.

I began practicing the performance I'd need tomorrow.

Desperate eyes, fearful trembling, helpless pleas—every expression had to be flawless, leaving Thaddeus with no suspicions.

"Please... Master..." I whispered to the mirror. "Don't kill me... I'll do anything..."

But facing my reflection, I couldn't help but curl my lips into a smile.

Tomorrow, Thaddeus would come to me willingly. He'd never suspect that the pitiful woman trembling before him was actually a vengeful force who'd waited ten years.