A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 43: What Are You Doing Here?

Chapter 43: What Are You Doing Here?

"Piece?" Draven chuckled. "Oh, no, no, no, I won’t be making any moves, neither will I move any of my pieces, but I will use their pawn against them! Now, as the queen, you are the bait and their target."

"Once I have that particular prey in my hands, I will eradicate her and free this game of an annoying piece."

"Huh?" Avelina furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"

Draven took a deep breath. "Avelina, I called Natasha impulsive and reckless for a reason. The fish that will bite into my hook will not be who you think it is. So sit back and watch. You might need some snacks to entertain yourself even better."

Avelina was perplexed, but she did not ask any further questions. She bent closer to drop the small bowl of fruit, but a sudden sneeze from her had her halt.

She ran her fingers through her hair and looked at Draven in surprise when he abruptly touched her forehead.

"You have a cold," Draven said.

Avelina glowered. "A cold?"

Draven nodded. "Yes."

Then he added, "Humans are quite weak."

Avelina raised her brows at him and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Well..." Draven thought for a second. "You stood in the rain for approximately three minutes, and you caught a cold."

Avelina folded her arms before inquiring, "You have never caught a cold before?"

Draven shook his head at her in response.

"No. I have never even been ill before."

Avelina was shocked and skeptical. "No way! That is impossible!"

A look of bewilderment emerged on Draven’s face, and he tilted his head to one side. "Weren’t you humans taught that vampires don’t get sick in your books?"

He was genuinely curious.

Avelina heaved a deep sigh.

"Honestly, it is not all humans that are taught this so...books on Vampires are not owned by every human."

"Humans use it to make money, which is why it’s very expensive. It has been ages since your kind came to the human world, so the new generations are quite curious."

She shrugged and continued, "You know very well how humans love things that fascinate them. Your kind is like a big discovery for us because we believe that we are the only creations suitable for and worthy of this earth. Any other creation is like an outcast."

"They like to have knowledge about it, because who doesn’t want to learn about different discoveries? It is just like how you find humans interesting," she clarified.

Draven flickered his eyes and slightly nodded his head in agreement. "That is very understandable. If you don’t mind, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, go ah—" Avelina sneezed hard and rubbed her temples in dizziness.

Draven immediately stood up from his chair. He walked to his closet and grabbed one of his long, warm coats.

He returned to his seat and proceeded to give it to her. "Wear it, it will keep you warm."

Avelina furiously blinked her eyes, flabbergasted. "Ah...are you sure about this?"

Draven frowned at her, a bit puzzled. "Yes, why wouldn’t I be?"

Avelina cleared her throat as she reached to receive the coat.

"Well, since you are extremely organized, I didn’t think you would like to share your belongings with anyone."

"You’re right about that! I don’t," Draven affirmed.

Avelina drew her head back with a frown on her face. "Then why are you—"

"Avelina, you are different. You are my wife, and I am meant to take care of you. I don’t mind sharing my things with you," Draven explained to clear her of all confusion.

Avelina was dumbstruck. She gazed at him and rapidly blinked her eyes before chuckling. "You are something else."

Dangerous and pure, together in one person.

Her face held a look of amusement.

Avelina slid into the coat and inquired, "You wanted to ask me something, right?"

"Yes." Draven nodded thoughtfully. "But don’t worry about it. I will ask you another time, so get some sleep, okay? It’s 1 a.m."

Although Avelina was curious, she decided not to be inquisitive.

"Goodnight," she said as she stood up from the chair.

"Sleep well, Avelina," Draven responded with a half-smile. "Oh, do be careful not to fall off the bed, I am heading outside."

Avelina awkwardly smiled. "I will do just that." She got into the bed and laid down, covering herself with the duvet afterward.

This coat surprisingly has a thick, fresh scent. Avelina muttered inwardly.

It somehow made her feel that he was right beside her.

Sort of calming, if I must say... She smiled and shut her eyes to sleep.

...

Draven strolled to the fish pond outside in the garden.

He gazed at the koi fish swimming about and slowly squatted down. He wrapped his arm around his knees and looked at his right hand.

There was this sudden urge to touch the water, but he wasn’t sure if he should.

He reluctantly reached for the water but still could not bring himself to touch it.

Is it clean? Draven wondered.

"You know, brother, you should have just worn your gloves like you always do. Besides, whether the pond is clean or not, it won’t kill you." Valentine’s voice suddenly reverberated out of nowhere.

Draven turned his head and looked at him.

He stood up to his feet and said, "I am just being cautious!"

Valentine approached him and cackled. "This is exactly why I find you very interesting."

"You are difficult, very cautious about simple things, yet not even one bit attentive towards things that you should be heedful about."

"You’re wrong! I am vigilant about everything," Draven corrected.

Valentine laughed softly.

"What are you doing here?" Draven asked, scowling.

Valentine shrugged with his lips curled up into a mischievous smile. "Nothing. I’m just here to play chess with you. We haven’t done that in a while."

Draven concurred. "True, but I am not in the mood."

"Why?" Valentine was surprised and puzzled. Draven had never said no to him when it came to chess.

"No reason," Draven replied, turning around to walk back to his mansion.

"I am leaving, so go back to your quarter, please," he added before strolling off.

"Draven!" Valentine called in a harsh tone.

Draven halted his steps but did not turn his head to look at him. "Is there a problem?" he asked.

Valentine beamed and walked to him. He stood in front of him and lifted his gaze to stare deep into his eyes.

"I am sure you already have an idea of what Ryan and Natasha have in mind, so tell me, what is your plan?"