William and Eudora locked eyes. Hers were empty, no spark, no life, just a hollow stare. He could see the pain she had endured behind that blank gaze. Whatever she had endured had already broken her. He reached his hand out, hoping to touch the hurt deep within her, but his hand froze mid-air.
What am I doing... he thought, letting out a ragged breath. I swore I wouldn't get attached to anyone ever again.
He looked at her, jaw clenched.
I shouldn't feel this. She's just a means to survive. Her blood... that's all I need. Nothing more.
His hand dropped to his side, and he forced his gaze into something sharp and unreadable, eyes turning cold. I don't want to experience that again... His hand grips his chest
I shouldn't get too attached. Attachment is a weakness. I have to distance myself from her. If I want to protect what's left of me, I have to shut it all off. If I don't, I'll only feel pain in the end.
He stares at her eyes once more.
But I shouldn't be mean to her... Or she might actually break completely.
Even as he thought that, he kept his cold expression as he grabbed the chain connected to her cuffs. He felt the cold metal in his palm.
The cloaked man tossed a key to William "The key to her cuffs, Your Highness." He grabbed it swiftly, giving a soft nod, the cloaked man bowing to him. Without a word, he yanked the chain forcefully, stepping out of the cage in long strides. He pulls the chain, not realizing he was using too much force.
The sudden pull made Eudora stumble, her knees scraping against the ground. The sharp pain caused her to gasp.
"Agh!"
She quickly forced herself to stand, pushing through the pain, trying to match his pace. Her eyes lowered, fixed on his back in fear.
His body tensed at the sound of her fall — that pained, human sound. He didn't look back, but his steps slowed. His grip on the chain tightened.
"Keep up," he says sharply, but he kept his tone soft.
She said nothing, obediently following behind. Her heart beated faster, her fear growing with every step they took. Who knows what he'll do to her? The atmosphere between them remained cold and tense.
Eudora's mind consumed with thoughs Will he harm me... Lock me away, strip me of freedom? Wouldn't it be better if death took me instead... Then I wouldn't have to suffer?
William and Eudora reached the heavy iron doors, the exit out of this prison. Without a word, William pushed them open, the door screeching across the floor. A rush of cold wind swept in between the gap, wrapping around them. The moon glowed from up above, it's beauty made Eudora felt at ease for a brief moment.
But reality struck when William tugs the chain. "Let's proceed." He continued, Eudora following behind. A carriage waited for them infront. They approached it.
William stopped infront of the carriage, moving aside. "Go on." He stared at Eudora, eye's boring into hers. She straighten up, nodding and stepping into the carriage. Once she sat down, William follows from behind, stepping into the carriage as well.
He took his seat, the two of them facing each other. The carriage began moving. It was silent for a moment, until he asked, "I haven't got your name."
Eudora looked up at him, cautious. "It's... Eudora."
He tilted his head, nodding. William's gaze dropped to her cuffs. "Eudora, come closer. Give me your hands." He speaks coldly, but not without softness.
Eudora hesitated. Then slowly, she leaned forward, extending her wrist.
His touch surprised her, it was gentle, almost careful. For someone so terrifying, it was... unexpected. Her heart raced, unsure of what he intended.
With a soft click, he unlocked the cuffs.
She stared at her hands, her wrists were free. Red marks circled her skin.
"Why…?" She asked as she rubbed her wrist, "If you do this, I could run."
William leaned back, setting the cuffs aside. "I have no intention in keeping you chained. I plan on gaining your trust."
Eudora's expression changed to distrust. "Removing my cuffs won't be enough to gain my trust..."
William crossed his arms. "I'm not asking you to trust me immediately, but here's the thing. I'll trust you not run away from me. After all, I need your blood. In exchange, I'll give you the outmost care. You're free to do whatever you want, and I'll provide what you need, a place to live, food, water, and your own room. With that being said, I want you to trust my word."
"And what if I escape?"
Williams red eyes gleamed. "You won't. Not once you see what life with me can offer. You wouldn't want to go back to a world of cruelty and hardship."
Eudora lowered her gaze. He's right... I just have to give him my blood, with that, I'll be able to live comfortably... Eudora's face turned serious. "Alright... I'll give you my blood, just keep your word."
William gives her a soft smile. "Oh I will..."
Eudora stared at him, frozen. That smile... It wasn't cruel, but calm, almost warm. Doubt crept into her chest. There was no way a vampire who could easily kill someone, show genuine kindness. He's only being nice to me because he needs my blood.
She looked away. Her wrists still ached, but the weight of the cuffs was gone. Had she misunderstood him entirely?