Vampire Queen : Fated Love

As they wandered further from the mansion, the sound of rushing water grew louder, and Josh pointed toward a small pathway.

"Hey, Sarah," he said, his voice softer than usual.

"There's a river nearby. Let's go sit there for a while. It's quiet, peaceful... perfect for two people like us."

Sarah smiled, though her thoughts were anything but calm.

Perfect? Yes, perfect to keep him distracted. One step closer to what I need. Outwardly, she nodded, her voice light.

"Sounds nice. Lead the way, Josh."

The path opened up to a serene riverside scene. The water sparkled under the mid-morning sun, its gentle flow creating a soothing ambiance.

Josh found a smooth rock and gestured for Sarah to sit beside him.

"This place," Josh began, looking at her with a grin, "feels almost Refreshing, doesn't it?"

Sarah chuckled softly, tilting her head toward him.

"Refreshing , huh? How so?"

Josh laughed, scratching the back of his neck.

—

Josh thought to himself,

[ Ah, the truth, a fleeting mirage,

Intertwined with the river's eternal flow,

A moment of perfection, a love's embrace,

Where the self and the world seamlessly go.

The river, a metaphor for life's endless dance,

Carries us forth on its undulating sway,

And in that perfect instant, we find a chance

To glimpse the beauty that guides us astray.

You, Sarah the essence of this wondrous scene,

A canvas upon which love's hues are displayed,

A reflection of the divine, serene,

Where the heart's desires are forever laid.

In this tapestry of existence, so sublime,

The truth and the moment become one, sublime. My bottom of heart and soul has fallen love for you ] — while looking into Sarah eye's

—

"Maybe. Or maybe it's just the truth. You, the river, the moment—it's all... perfect."

His voice lowered, becoming almost husky.

Sarah leaned in slightly, her gaze fixed on the water, though her tone carried a playful edge.

"Josh, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to be a poet again."

Josh smirked.

"Maybe I am. But only for you, Sarah." He reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing against hers.

She didn't pull away. Instead, she allowed him to entwine their fingers.

Josh's face lit up with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Encouraged by her lack of resistance, he lifted her hand and softly kissed her thumb, his lips lingering just long enough to test her reaction.

"Josh," Sarah teased, raising an eyebrow. "Are you always this bold, or am I just special?"

Josh grinned, his confidence growing.

"You're beyond special, Sarah. You're... intoxicating."

Sarah laughed, though her mind was racing. Intoxicating? No, Josh, you're the one being manipulated here. Outwardly, her tone turned sly.

"Careful, Josh. Don't get too drunk on me. You might not recover."

Josh's eyes sparkled with delight at her words, his fingers tightening around hers.

"I don't mind. If I get lost in you, I'll never want to find my way out."

Sarah's laughter softened, her expression unreadable for a moment. He's so easy to read... yet so oblivious. If only he knew what I really thought of him.

But she stayed composed, leaning closer and whispering, "Then I guess you'd better hold on tight, Josh."

Josh took her words as encouragement, leaning in slightly.

"You're incredible, Sarah. You know that, right?"

She smiled faintly but didn't answer, turning her gaze to the river instead. Josh, enjoy this moment while it lasts. Soon, everything will change.

---

As the moment lingered by the river, Josh grew bolder. His hand, which had been holding hers, slowly began to move up her arm, his touch lingering a little too long. Sarah let him, her face calm and unreadable, though her mind remained sharp.

Josh's confidence grew with her silence, and he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Sarah, you're like a dream... something I don't want to wake up from."

His hands wandered further, but when he tried to touch a more private area, Sarah's demeanor shifted instantly.

She grabbed his wrist, her grip firm. Her voice was sharp yet calm.

"Patience, Josh," she said, staring directly into his eyes.

"Patient people are destined for success."

Josh froze, gulping slightly. He gave a nervous laugh, trying to play it off.

"Oh, Sarah, for you, I'd gladly fail at everything in life."

Sarah's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone now cold.

"Stop it." Her words were simple but carried a weight that made Josh retreat immediately.

He pulled back, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Okay, okay! I'm stopping. See? Hands to myself."

Sarah took a moment to compose herself, then her expression softened, turning playful again. She leaned closer, her voice teasing.

"Good. I wouldn't want to hurt my obedient little Josh."

Josh's face lit up again, his earlier embarrassment vanishing. His lips curled into a mischievous grin.

"Anything for you, Sarah. You're my queen."

He suddenly dropped to his knees, looking up at her with exaggerated puppy-dog eyes.

"Bark... bark..." he said, wagging an imaginary tail.

Sarah raised an eyebrow, barely able to suppress a laugh at his ridiculous display.

"Good boy," she said, patting his head mockingly.

Josh grinned, playing along with her tone.

"I'll be the best boy for you, Sarah. Just say the word, and I'll bark louder!"

Sarah rolled her eyes but couldn't help smirking. He's such a fool, but that makes him easy to control. She stood up, brushing off her dress.

"Come on, let's head back before people start wondering where we are."

Josh scrambled to his feet, eager to follow her.

"Anything you say, Sarah!"

As they walked back toward the mansion, Sarah glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. His devotion was almost amusing, but deep inside, her thoughts were already far ahead, calculating her next moves. For Josh, this was love. For Sarah, it was just a game—one she intended to win.

---

In a cozy, bustling street-side hotel, Albert sat with his sister Ruhr and Adi. The warm aroma of fried snacks and spicy dishes filled the air.

Albert had just bought himself a plate of steaming dumplings, nibbling on them with childlike enthusiasm. As he ate, he rambled about random fun stories, his voice lively and cheerful.

"Ruhr, do you remember that time I scared the neighbor's cat with a mask? It jumped so high it almost landed on the tree!" Albert chuckled, laughing through his mouthful of food.

Ruhr, sitting beside him, barely glanced his way. She stirred her cup of tea, sighing at his antics but responding casually.

"Yes, Albert, I remember. You've told me this story ten times already."

Albert grinned, unbothered by her indifference. He turned to Adi, who sat across the table, nervously looking around as if expecting something to jump out from the shadows. His hands trembled slightly as he sipped his tea.

Ruhr noticed his odd behavior and raised an eyebrow.

"Adi, what's wrong with you? Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"

Adi flinched at the word. He put down his cup and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Do you... do you believe in ghosts? Or vampires? Or... or anything like that?"

Ruhr blinked, surprised by his question. She tilted her head, considering her response, but before she could answer, Albert raised his hand like an excited schoolboy.

"I do!" Albert declared loudly, his face lighting up with a mischievous grin.

"I believe in... cookie monsters! They come at night to eat all your snacks!"

Ruhr burst out laughing at his ridiculous answer, unable to hold back her amusement. She clutched her stomach, shaking her head at her brother's antics.

"Albert, you're such an idiot."

Albert pretended to be offended, sticking out his tongue.

"Hey! At least I'm smarter than Adi, who's scared of imaginary vampires!"

Ruhr smirked, nodding in agreement.

"You know what? You're right. Even Albert is smarter than you, Adi."

Adi frowned, his face turning red with embarrassment.

"I'm not scared of imaginary things! I'm just... being cautious."

Albert leaned closer to Adi, his grin growing wider.

"Cautious of what? A vampire sneaking up behind you and biting your neck?" He mimicked a biting motion, making exaggerated chomping sounds.

Adi yelped and jumped in his seat, glaring at Albert.

"Stop it! This isn't funny!"

Ruhr chuckled, patting Adi on the shoulder.

"Relax, Adi. There's no such thing as ghosts or vampires. You're just letting your imagination run wild."

Albert, still giggling, stuffed another dumpling into his mouth.

"Yeah, Adi. Even if there were vampires, I'd just feed them snacks and make them my friends!"

Ruhr shook her head, smiling fondly at her brother.

"You're impossible, Albert."

The three of them continued their lighthearted banter, the tension easing with each laugh. Even Adi managed a small smile, though he still glanced over his shoulder every now and then, just to be sure.