A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 29: Focus On Me!

Chapter 29: Focus On Me!

The chief royal guard, Mr. Canute, raised his brow.

"What makes you think that?"

"We both know why, sir. You cannot spill blood on a day like today," Santino replied simply.

Mr. Canute watched him quietly for a few seconds before glancing at his men with the edge of his eyes.

"Put your guns down," he ordered.

Although reluctant, the men did as he said.

"We shall be taking our leave now if you don’t mind." Santino turned around and led Avelina toward a white Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

He helped her in and took his seat in the passenger seat. The chauffeur started the engine and took a turn. He drove off onto the road and the remaining five cars that were occupied by the ten royal guards flanked behind.

The car moved slowly and deliberately, with the royal guards maintaining a close watch on the surrounding areas.

As their car passed by, other drivers and pedestrians couldn’t help but take notice. Some looked with fear and suspicion in their eyes.

The sound of the car and the sight of the royal guards created tension and drama, underscoring intrigue and curiosity.

...

Thirty more minutes passed, and they made it to the venue without facing any mishaps.

The sounds of roaring engines echoed through the streets, and a fleet of sleek black cars, adorned with dark-tinted windows, made their way toward the grand entrance of the venue.

The first car, a black one, led the procession, its engine revving as it pulled up to the grand entrance. The second car, in which Avelina was inside, pulled up as well, stopping behind the first car.

Two burly royal guards stepped out of the car and made their way to the passenger door. They opened it and revealed Avelina, who wore a delicate black veil over her face.

As Avelina stepped out of the Mercedes Benz, the other cars in the venue pulled up behind. Several large, menacing-looking royal guards surrounded her protectively as she made her way toward the resplendent entrance of the hall.

The hall itself was a massive structure with soaring arches and intricate stonework. The entrance was flanked by huge, ornate doors that had been carved from white wood. It was adorned with complex carvings and golden accents.

Avelina approached the door, and they swung it open with a creak, revealing a grand foyer. The air was heavy with tension, and the sound of hauntingly beautiful music filled the air.

She made her way down the grand hallway, her footsteps echoing on the marble floors as she approached the great hall where the ceremony was to take place.

The doors to the hallways were already open. Inside, she could see rows of elegant chairs and tables occupied by distinguished guests.

At the far end of the hall, Old Master Lenort and Lady Lilith sat on a high platform. Beside him sat his five sons, Ryan, Lumian, Draven, Lestat, and Valentine, all ranked accordingly.

Next to Lilith sat the daughters-in-law, all seated according to the rank of their husbands. Natasha, Ryan’s wife, sat first, followed by Aurora, Lumian’s wife.

Next to Aurora was meant to be Avelina, and beside Avelina would be seated Liliana, Lestat’s wife. Valentine had no wife, as he stated he was not interested in the inheritance, so there were only four daughters-in-law.

Avelina’s heart skipped a beat, unable to avoid the hundreds of eyes that were on her. Some went as far as to show hunger, curiosity, loathing, and desire in their gazes.

She nervously gripped her dress, and the second she looked at Draven, Draven made a sign to her that said: Focus on me.

She let out a deep breath to remain calm, and just like he signaled, she fixed her gaze on him until she arrived at the high platform. She respectfully dipped in courtesy to Old Master Lenort and Lady Lilith.

Old Master Lenort acknowledged her, but Lilith, however, scoffed and looked away from her. It was obvious that she did not want to be there.

"Have your seat," Old Master Lenort said to her.

——-

Outside the hall, at the top of a nine-story building across the street, a figure whose appearance contrasted with the darkness stood with his gloved hands tucked into the pocket of his pants.

His light skin, which seemed to emit a subtle glow even in the absence of sunlight, set him apart from his nocturnal brethren. His short raven hair, very neatly tied in a messy fashion, framed his face with effortless charm.

Dark, silky strands fell casually across his forehead and occasionally brushed against the circle-shaped lenses of his glasses. The black glasses with a transparent shade that perched atop his nose complimented his gray cold eyes, adding an air of coolness to his overall chilly countenance.

On his back were two sets of wings, spread wide. They were glossy black, with a span that seemed to reach endlessly into the night sky. Each feather was perfectly formed, reflecting the light with a slight sheen.

"Olive!!" A cheerful voice that belonged to none other than Loui sounded.

The figure, whose name was Olive, swiveled his head to look at the overdressed Loui who held a huge smile. He was approaching him with a widened smirk that stretched to his right ear.

Unlike a normal suit that one would wear, Loui chose to wear a coat over the layers of clothing he wore above his suit. His blonde hair was left in a pleasantly messy style, a few strands falling right over his forehead and ears.

"What is it?" ignoring his ridiculous dressing, Olive asked. His tone sounded unfriendly.

Loui couldn’t help but sigh, shaking his head.

"For once, Olive, cheer up. It is good to smile."

"Don’t waste my time, Loui," Olive said, scowling at him in slight annoyance.

Loui rolled his eyes and looked at his watch. "It is almost time. We should be going in."

"Where is Lucien?"

Olive frowned deeply. "She is always late to—"

"Late to what?!" a female voice, tinged with displeasure, questioned