Vampire Queen : Fated Love

Eithan was lounging on a cushioned chair in his dimly lit room, gazing out the window at the lush garden below.

His carefree demeanor was palpable, as always, but there was a glimmer of boredom in his hazel eyes.

He sat with his feet propped up on the table, tossing a small ball in the air repeatedly.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Without turning, he muttered,

---

"Who's there now?"

Ruhr entered first, her composed and neutral expression giving little away.

She was followed by Albert, her younger brother, who seemed as spirited and childish as ever, and finally Adi, Eithan's youngest biological brother.

Ruhr, with her usual calm grace, took a seat on the couch across from Eithan.

Albert flopped onto the armrest beside her, a wide grin plastered across his face as if he were already dreaming of something mischievous.

Adi remained standing near the door, hands shoved in his pockets, watching the interaction unfold.

Eithan glanced at them lazily.

"What's this? A family gathering in my room?" he said with a smirk, tossing the ball aside.

"What's up?"

---

Ruhr, ever composed, folded her arms.

"Aunty Alia sent a message," she began, her tone measured.

"Josh's marriage is scheduled for this weekend."

Eithan raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly. "This weekend? That's quick."

Albert, who had been silent for all of three seconds, immediately chimed in,

"Yeah, but wouldn't it be better if they split it into two days? I mean, Tara and Rocky deserve their big day without sharing it with Josh and Sarah. It's not fair!"

---

Ruhr gave her younger brother a sideways glance, her lips twitching slightly as if suppressing a smile.

She rarely showed emotions openly, but Albert's passionate—and often childish—outbursts were her soft spot.

"You're thinking about the food again, aren't you?" Adi teased from his spot near the door.

Albert turned red but didn't deny it.

"What? It's a wedding! There'll be so much amazing food! And besides, why rush both ceremonies into one day? I bet they're doing this to save on expenses or something."

Ruhr sighed softly, brushing her dark hair behind her ear.

"I don't think it's about money, Albert. Alia Aunty has her reasons. She's always been strategic about these things."

Eithan leaned back in his chair, resting his hands behind his head.

"Strategic, huh? Maybe she just wants to get it over with. A quick, grand celebration, and done." He chuckled.

"Typical Mom."

Ruhr frowned slightly but didn't argue.

She had always respected Alia's decisions, even if she didn't fully understand them.

Albert, however, was far less reserved.

"That's still not fair! Tara and Rocky have been planning their wedding for ages. Now Josh, with his... uh, colorful history, just swoops in with Sarah and steals half their spotlight? Come on!"

Eithan's smile returned, but there was a subtle edge to it.

"Colorful history, huh? That's one way to put it."

Ruhr glanced at him, her voice cool but firm.

"Josh has made mistakes, yes. But if Aunty Alia believes in this union, then we should support it."

Albert huffed, crossing his arms.

"Fine. But I still think they should have separate days. It's just better that way."

Adi finally spoke up, his tone casual but thoughtful.

"You know, it's not just about us. Sarah might want this too. She's... different. Not like the others."

Eithan nodded slightly, his gaze turning thoughtful.

"True. Sarah's not the type to let herself get pushed around. If she's agreeing to this, then she's probably fine with it."

Albert tilted his head, curious. "You think so? I mean, she barely even knows us yet."

"Doesn't matter," Eithan said, his tone confident.

"Josh picked her, and she picked him back. If they're happy, who cares about the rest?"

Ruhr shifted in her seat, her expression softening as she looked at Eithan.

"You're unusually supportive today," she remarked.

Eithan shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.

"What can I say? It's my little brother's wedding. He's a pain sometimes, but he deserves this."

Albert leaned forward, his excitement returning.

"Does that mean you're actually going to help with the preparations? Like, picking out decorations or food?"

Eithan snorted. "Don't push your luck, Albert."

Adi laughed, shaking his head. "Figures. Eithan being helpful? That's a stretch."

Eithan smirked, throwing a pillow at Adi. "Hey, I'll show up and look good. That's all the help they need from me."

The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the siblings lost in their thoughts.

---

Later, as the discussion wound down, Ruhr stood, smoothing out her dress.

"I should check on Aunty Alia. She's probably finalizing the guest list."

Albert jumped up as well, his energy boundless.

"And I'll go find out what's on the menu! Someone has to make sure it's perfect."

Adi followed suit, stretching his arms.

"Guess I'll go too. Can't let you two have all the fun."

Eithan stayed seated, watching them with a faint smile.

"You guys go ahead. I'll catch up later."

As the three left the room, Ruhr paused at the door, glancing back at her cousin.

"You're happy for Josh," she said softly, almost as if confirming it for herself.

Eithan met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. I am."

---

Ruhr nodded, a small smile gracing her lips, before closing the door behind her.

Alone again, Eithan leaned back in his chair, his thoughts wandering. Despite his laid-back attitude, he couldn't deny a small flicker of pride for Josh.

His younger brother had come a long way, even if his past wasn't perfect.

But as Eithan stared out the window once more, a shadow of doubt crept into his mind. Something about this wedding—about Sarah—felt... off.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought.

"Nah," he muttered to himself.

"I'm overthinking it."

Yet, deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far bigger than any of them realized.

---