Vampire's Bride: Forbidden love

In Silvermist City, 8 people who waited in a dimly lit, underground chamber exchanged uneasy glances. The air was thick with anticipation.

"Are we complete?" the leader, Kaidën, asked Juliana, his voice low and gravelly.

"No, we're still waiting for Ryker, Lila, and Thane, along with Kaida to be complete," Juliana replied, her eyes scanning the room.

"I see," Kaidën said, his gaze drifting, his eyes clouding over.

Juliana's expression remained neutral, but a hint of concern flickered in her eyes. She knew the leader's condition was worsening, his memories slipping away like sand between fingers.

As they waited, Averyelle "Avery" Wynter stepped into the shadows of a nearby alley, her eyes scanning the rooftops for any signs of movement. Her raven-black hair was tied back in a ponytail, revealing a face that seemed chiseled from the shadows themselves.

Kaito, a mysterious figure with an air of detachment, leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed intently on the chamber. Beside him stood Akira, a katana-wielding warrior with an unwavering gaze, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Kaito's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "The leader's condition is... concerning."

Akira nodded, his eyes never leaving Kaidën's form. "He's pushing himself too hard."

Juliana excused herself, slipping out of the room. Kaidën's eyes followed her, a hint of understanding in his gaze. He knew she was worried about him.

Without a word, Kaidën left the chamber, following Juliana to the back of the complex. When he found her, she was crying, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Kaidën's heart ached as he approached her. He reached out, his hand brushing against her cheek, and Juliana looked up, her eyes red-rimmed.

Without a word, Kaidën leaned in, his lips meeting Juliana's in a gentle, yet passionate kiss. Juliana's tears slowed, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

As they broke apart, Juliana's eyes searched Kaidën's, her face still etched with concern. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just can't bear the thought of losing you."

Kaidën's gaze softened, his eyes filling with a deep affection. "You won't lose me, Juliana," he whispered back. "I promise. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Juliana's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time, they were tears of joy. She smiled, her lips trembling, and Kaidën smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Kaidën's head jerked up, his eyes narrowing as he listened.

"It's Akira," he whispered to Juliana. "He's coming this way."

Juliana's eyes flickered with understanding, and she nodded. Kaidën released her, his eyes never leaving hers as he stepped back, his expression neutral once more.

Akira appeared in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on Kaidën. "Sir," he said, his voice low and respectful. "The others have arrived. We're ready to begin."

Kaidën nodded, his eyes still locked on Juliana's. "Very well," he said. "Let's get started."

As they returned to the chamber, Kaidën's eyes scanned the room before coming to rest on Kaida. "Only Emily remains, right?" he asked.

Kaida nodded. "Yes, I was only able to get rid of Aria."

The leader took a moment of silence to think, and the rest wondered what was on his mind.

"Aria isn't finished yet," Kaidën said finally.

The room fell silent, with confused looks exchanged among the members.

"What do you mean, leader?" a boy named Ryker asked. "Kaida completely finished her. I was a witness."

Kaida's eyes narrowed. "Y--, hold on, were you stalking me?" she asked, turning to Ryker.

Ryker's eyes widened in innocence. "Of course I wasn't... I was keeping an eye on you."

Thane raised an eyebrow. "What exactly is the difference?"

The leader's eyes locked onto Avery. "Avery."

"Yes," Avery replied.

"Can you infiltrate the Phoenix hospital?" Kaidën asked.

Avery's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Of course I can. But why the Phoenix hospital?"

Juliana's voice was low and even. "Because that's where Aria will be taken to get adequate treatment."

Avery's eyes narrowed, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Huhhhh..."

"So, if I do infiltrate the hospital, what do you want me to do?" Avery asked, a teasing tone lacing her voice.

Kaidën's eyes locked onto hers. "Kill her."

Avery smiled, a sly glint in her eye. "Understood."

As the members dispersed, the weight of their reputation hung in the air. The Crimson Reapers were the world's most terrifying bandits and assassins, feared by all who knew of their existence. Their ruthlessness was legendary, their sneakiness unparalleled. To be a Crimson Reaper, one's hands had to be drenched in blood, their heart hardened to stone.

And at the helm of this feared group stood Kaidën, his eyes fixed on the shadows, his heart shrouded in mystery.

Juliana's voice was soft as she called out to Kaidën. "Kaidën?"

Kaidën's eyes fluttered closed, his face contorting in pain. He stumbled, his body swaying, and Juliana rushed to his side.

"Kaidën, no!" Juliana cried, wrapping her arms around him to hold him upright.

Kaidën's eyes snapped open, his gaze unfocused. He whimpered, his body trembling.

Juliana's eyes welled up with tears, but she forced herself to remain strong. She held Kaidën close, whispering soothing words into his ear.

As suddenly as it had begun, the episode ended. Kaidën's body relaxed, his eyes focusing on Juliana's.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice clueless. "I don't remember anything. Weren't we supposed to meet together for a meeting?"

Juliana's expression was worried. "The meeting ended half an hour ago. Avery went away on the mission you sent her, while the rest went to explore the city since we'll be leaving next week."

Kaidën's left hand scooped up his white bangs, covering his crimson eyes. Juliana's heart skipped a beat as she found the gesture endearing.

"Oh, I see," Kaidën said in a cool, weak voice. "Then what about you?"

He looked up at Juliana, still holding his bangs, and she blushed.

"I'm your number one bodyguard," she stuttered. "I'm not allowed to leave your sight."

Kaidën smiled, a small, gentle smile. He motioned with one finger, and Juliana understood. She leaned in, her heart pounding, and Kaidën met her halfway.

Their lips collided in a soft, brief kiss. As they pulled apart, Juliana's face was aflame.

"Don't worry about me, just go," Kaidën said, his voice low. "You've been working extra hard; you need a reward."

Juliana stood up, her fiery light blue hair flowing with the wind. Her lavender eyes resonated with the moonlight, making her look like a goddess.

"No, leader," she said, her voice firm. "My reward is protecting you."

A few seconds of silence passed before Kaidën sighed playfully.

"You're really not going to give up, will ya?" he teased. "So let's go together."

Juliana's eyes narrowed. "Together?"

Kaidën grinned mischievously. "Yeah, just the two of us. Maybe a date?"

Kaidën's eyes sparkled with amusement as Juliana blushed. "A date? With the leader?" she stuttered.

Kaidën chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, a date. Just the two of us."

Juliana's face turned bright red, but she couldn't help smiling.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Hunter and the others were gathered around Aria's bedside, discussing her condition.

"Aria's getting worse, is she gonna be okay?" Emily asked, her voice laced with concern.

"She was stabbed, I can't say her life is not in danger," Hunter replied, his expression grim.

"But since she has her own special abilities, it might take a whole day before Aria stops breathing," Scarlet added. "That's why we have to wait for the doctor to come here as soon as possible and do something about this situation."

As they continued discussing Aria's condition, Xavier suddenly spoke up. "How did that girl find out about us?"

The others turned to him, confused. "What do you mean?" Hunter asked.

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "I mean public information like where we are, which school we attended, how old we are aren't really confidential. But things like who we really are, what are our special traits, and our mission aren't supposed to be known by anyone. So how did they know? How did they know that Emily and Aria were the targets?"

The others hummed in agreement, understanding Xavier's concern.

"Unless..." Xavier said, pointing at Emily, and they all looked at her. "Is there anyone else they know about your powers other than us?" Xavier asked.

"No, not really," Emily answered.

"Think," Freya said.

Emily took some time to think before responding, "No one."

They all hummed disappointed. It took a few seconds for Scarlet to realize this question.

"Then who told you about Xavier and your powers?" Scarlet asked.

"Easy, the principal," Emily answered.

"The principal," they all said in unison, excluding Emily.

"Yeah, she invited us to her office after she figured out that we were trailing Xavier," Emily said.

"Wait, you were trailing me?" Xavier asked, surprised.

"But how did the principal of Silvermist Academy know about you two?" Hunter asked.

"It's possible that she's a spy," Freya suggested.

"Yeah, except a spy can personally own a school," Xavier said.

"So, you're saying she's on her own motive?" Freya asked.

"Whatever it is, it can't be good," Scarlet said.

Freya teasingly walked close to Hunter, wrapping her two arms around his left arm. "Why don't you take us to the Phoenix Initiative headquarters?" Freya said.

"That's located around Nyx City; we can't go there," Hunter said.

"Why don't we just contact someone from the agency to help us instead of going all the way from Silvermist City to Nyx City?" Xavier suggested.

"Man, you guys are boring," Freya said.

"We aren't here to be fun. Our lives are all at stake if we don't deal with this problem immediately," Scarlet said.

"Let's go," Hunter said.

"Hold on. Shouldn't we keep an eye on Aria until the doctor comes?" Emily asked.

"The doctor might not get here until a couple of hours; we can't just sit and watch," Xavier said.

"With that said, let's go to Nyx City!" Freya yelled excitedly, and Scarlet knocked her head while grabbing her to exit the room.

" We are not going to Nyx City ". Scarlet yelled at her.

~ Next Day ~

The sun had long since risen over Silvermist City, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. Kaidën and Juliana walked through the city, hand in hand, enjoying the sights and sounds.

They stopped at a cozy café, where they shared a plate of sweet pastries and sipped coffee. Kaidën teased Juliana about her sugar addiction, and she playfully rolled her eyes.

Next, they wandered through the vibrant market, admiring the colorful stalls and exotic goods. Juliana haggled with a vendor over the price of a beautiful silver necklace, and Kaidën chuckled at her spirited bargaining.

As the afternoon wore on, they rented a boat and glided across the serene lake. Kaidën pointed out the different types of birds and fish, and Juliana listened intently, her eyes sparkling with delight.

After their boat ride, they spread a blanket under a shady tree and enjoyed a romantic picnic. Kaidën fed Juliana bites of sandwiches and fruit, and they shared a tender kiss under the warm sunshine.

As the sun began to set, Kaidën and Juliana walked hand in hand, telling each other how much fun they had exploring the city together.

"I had an amazing time today," Juliana said, her eyes shining with happiness.

"Me too," Kaidën replied, his voice low and husky. "I love you, Juliana."

"I love you too, Kaidën," Juliana whispered back.

Kaidën smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Forever and always," he whispered.

"Forever and always," Juliana echoed, her voice barely audible.

As they walked off into the fading light, their hands remained clasped together, a symbol of their love and devotion.