His Majesty's Devious Sins

Adeline wondered where Elias was taking her. They had left the dining room frequented by servants, which meant this was a private matter. Did he excuse the maids and butlers when Easton pulled her away?

Soon, Adeline was pulled into a pitch-black room. She anxiously stood there, and suddenly, Elias's grip was gone. 𝗳r𝗲𝙚w𝐞𝚋𝘯𝚘ѵ𝗲l.𝑐oｍ

"E-Elias?" she squeaked out, stepping back in fear.

Adeline could not see anything in the darkness. She felt behind her until her hand touched upon the doorknob. Just as she twisted it, the lights came up.

Elias was standing towards her side, with raised brows. There was an amused smirk on his face. He had found something else to tease about her.

"What's wrong?" he mused.

Elias stalked towards her. She shrank back. "Scared I'd gobble you up?" he softly asked.

Adeline's back touched the door. She had nowhere to run. He was directly in front of her, his body less than a hair away. She was enveloped in his warm scent of pine cones and spices.

"Not really…" she said. "Just worried you'd kill me in the dark."

Elias chuckled in response. He slowly reached a hand out, gouging her expression. She didn't flinch this time. Perhaps it was the speed and abruptness of a hand that terrified her. He made a note of this.

Elias brushed her hair away from her shoulders, revealing her long neck the color of fresh cream.

"Why kill you, when I can just take a bite of you?" Elias's fingers brushed her neck. His cold touch forced her to shiver. He always enjoyed the warmth of her skin, it made her human. He enjoyed the pulse of her veins and the way her cheek would swell with life.

"Because I don't taste very good," she responded.

Elias's lips curled into a smile. "I'd beg to differ."

Adeline wondered what he meant by that. He was standing so close to her, she could feel the minty breath of his lips upon her face. His fingers were calloused and rough, but his c.a.r.e.s.s was careful and gentle. His touch was light as a feather, tickling her skin in delectable ways.

When she peered into his eyes, her stomach clenched. Warmth pooled in an unfamiliar spot that she did not think was possible.

"Elias…"

"Yes, darling?" His voice was low and husky, sending tingles down her spine. f𝓇𝘦e𝑤𝘦𝚋𝒏૦ѵℯ𝒍.c𝐨𝒎

He stepped closer, until his body pressed her upon the doors, trapping her there. But she knew better than to run from him. He'd always find her. Always catch up. He was a predator and she was his prey.

"T-the five sentences."

Elias's hands cupped the side of her neck, bringing her face closer to his. Her breath hitched. He heard her heart stop for a second.

"Y-you better not," Adeline mumbled, turning her face to the side.

"Oh? What did you think I was going to do?"

Adeline's cheeks flamed. She refused to answer that question. He just wanted to trick her again. She could practically hear the teasing before it came out.

A short laughter escaped his lips. She was surprised when he c.a.r.e.s.sed the back of her head. His fingers ran through her hair, bringing a few strands towards him. "Did you think I was going to kiss you, darling Adeline?" Elias mused, whilst twirling his thumb upon the strands of hair.

Adeline's eyes centered upon his hand. The movement seemed familiar. "O-of course not," she said.

"Hmmm, your expression says otherwise."

Adeline raised her head to peer up at him. His eyes were as beautiful as the first droplet of blood upon white snow. She wondered why it was brighter than usual. Sometimes, it was a murky dark brown, and sometimes it was red as a ruby.

She was captivated by his beauty. He was so breathtakingly handsome, she could not look away. If someone told her the God of Death was mesmerizing, she would wholeheartedly believe them.

Elias reminded her of the God of Death with pale skin but an air of mystery around him. She wanted to unravel the mystery, one by one, until there was nothing left but his n.a.k.e.d soul.

"Y-your eyes are playing tricks on you then," she finally managed to say.

Adeline had to force herself to look away. Any longer now, and he'd think she was in love.

"From your reaction, I doubt it," Elias responded. His hand traveled from her neck to her chin. His thumb brushed upon her bottom lip, soft and beckoning. He felt a strange urge to do something unpleasant, but they would both enjoy it.

"Please just tell me what Easton's brother said…" she mumbled.

Elias smiled. "If you guess his name, then I will tell you."

Adeline gawked at him. Guess the name of a random man? How would she do that? There were infinite possibilities!

"He's an influential politician, Adeline. You should know his name."

Adeline was not that interested in politics or the government of the Empire of Wraith. One-fourth of the continent was ruled by Elias Luxton. The Empire of Wraith was located near the West, where harvest was aplenty, because of the Seasons and the ocean that surrounded the left side of the Empire.

After the Species War, the continents' names were changed and every major country's name was revised to whatever the Vampires deemed fit. When they won so victoriously, it was difficult to deny the Vampires' wish. It had been a century since the victory, so people were used to it by now.

"I don't know," Adeline admitted. "How funny would it be if his name was Weston, because his brother's name is Easton. You know, like West and East..."

Elias blinked.

"O-oh, did I actually guess it right?" Adeline asked.

Elias wryly smiled upon her. She was as foolish as he had last remembered her to be. He reluctantly nodded his head, with a fond look on his face.

"Yes, darling. His name is indeed, Weston."

Adeline's eyes grew wide. "W-wait I really guessed it right?"

Elias loudly laughed, his eyes crinkling with amus.e.m.e.nt. "Yes, darling. You're absolutely right."