My Vampire Beloved Husband
Chapter 74: They Came

Chapter 74: They Came

The luxurious black car came to a smooth halt in front of a towering black gate, its imposing size and intricate design captivating Naomi’s attention. Through the tinted window, her gaze fell on the massive structure. Larger than anything she had ever seen, it exuded an aura of exclusivity and power that made her stomach churn with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Her fingers instinctively clenched the hem of her dress as she fought to steady her breathing.

This wasn’t her world.

The faint hum of the car engine filled the silence between her and Zylan. Beside her, he seemed entirely unfazed by the grandeur that loomed ahead. His relaxed demeanor only amplified her own sense of unease.

Then, with practiced ease, Zylan reached into the car’s drawer, his movements deliberate and smooth. From within, he retrieved a sleek black box that gleamed faintly under the dim car light. Naomi watched as he opened it, revealing an elegant black mask inside.

Simple yet striking, the mask’s dark sheen caught the light as he lifted it. Its design was minimalist but undeniably captivating, the kind of accessory that drew attention rather than deflected it. He placed it over his face, adjusting it carefully until it fit perfectly, accentuating his sharp features instead of concealing them.

Naomi found herself staring, unable to look away. The mask did nothing to diminish his looks—if anything, it heightened them. There was something about the way it framed his face, adding a layer of mystery and allure to his already commanding presence.

"Perfect," Zylan murmured to himself, catching her gaze in the process. His lips curled into a smirk, one that seemed to say he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Naomi quickly turned her eyes away, her cheeks warming as she focused on the massive gates once more.

The soft hum of the car window descending pulled her attention back. Outside, a burly man stepped forward, his posture rigid and alert as his sharp eyes scanned the interior. For a moment, his professional composure faltered, his gaze widening slightly in recognition. He seemed caught off guard, almost as though he hadn’t expected this particular guest to arrive.

Naomi’s glance flickered toward Zylan, who remained perfectly composed. His emerald suit was impeccable, and his posture radiated effortless confidence. This man—so familiar to her now—possessed an air that demanded respect without uttering a single word.

The chauffeur leaned out of the driver’s seat, handing over two tickets. One of them glimmered in gold under the faint light, its ornate design an immediate indication of its significance. The guard accepted them with a respectful nod, stepping aside to press a button on the panel beside him.

With a low, metallic groan, the heavy gates began to swing open, granting them access to a world that Naomi could only describe as surreal.

As the car crept forward, her breath caught in her throat. The driveway stretched ahead, flanked by meticulously manicured hedges and gleaming luxury cars. Each vehicle seemed more extravagant than the last, their polished surfaces reflecting the golden glow of the pathway lights. It was a spectacle of wealth and power, an unspoken declaration that this wasn’t just any gathering—it was a realm reserved for the elite.

Naomi’s mind raced, struggling to process the overwhelming opulence surrounding her. Everything about the scene screamed exclusivity, a world far removed from anything she had ever known. Her hands tightened around the fabric of her dress, grounding herself in the sensation as her pulse quickened.

"You’re overthinking," Zylan’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts.

She turned her head to find him watching her with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Relax," he said, his tone low and soothing. "I’m here."

Naomi blinked at him, her nerves only slightly eased by his words. She attempted a soft smile in response, though her hands remained tightly clasped in her lap.

"This isn’t the time for jokes," she muttered quietly, her voice betraying her unease.

Zylan chuckled, the sound deep and rich, filling the car. "I’m not joking."

Naomi let out a small huff, rolling her eyes as she turned back to the window. The mansion ahead came into full view, and her chest tightened. It was massive, its grandiose architecture a testament to the unimaginable wealth of its owner. Marble columns framed the entrance, and intricate carvings adorned every visible surface. The sheer scale of it made her feel impossibly small.

The car came to a gentle stop in front of the grand staircase leading up to the mansion’s entrance. Without missing a beat, the chauffeur stepped out and swiftly opened the door. Zylan exited first, his movements as graceful as ever. His commanding presence seemed to draw the attention of everyone nearby, though he paid them no mind.

Turning back toward her, he extended a hand, his dark eyes meeting hers.

Naomi hesitated, her hand trembling slightly before she placed it in his. His fingers curled around hers, firm yet reassuring, as he helped her out of the car. The crisp night air greeted her, carrying with it the faint hum of distant conversations and the clinking of champagne glasses.

"Shall we?" Zylan asked, positioning himself beside her and offering his arm.

Naomi looped her hand through his, drawing strength from the steady warmth of his presence. Together, they began to ascend the red carpet that stretched ahead, leading to the imposing set of double doors.

Her steps faltered slightly as they neared the entrance. The polished marble steps and the elegantly dressed attendees beyond only heightened her sense of not belonging. Naomi couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider in this glittering world of wealth and prestige.

Zylan noticed her hesitation. Leaning closer, he murmured in her ear, "Eyes forward, Eaglet." His teasing tone carried an undercurrent of quiet reassurance.

Naomi glanced up at him, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she focused on matching his measured stride as they reached the top of the stairs.

The grand doors swung open with an effortless grace, revealing a ballroom bathed in soft golden light. Chandeliers hung like constellations from the high ceilings, their crystals sparkling brilliantly as they cast intricate patterns across the polished marble floor. The air was perfumed with the scent of roses, mingling with the faint strains of a live orchestra playing in the background.

Naomi’s breath hitched as they stepped inside, her eyes struggling to take in the sheer magnificence of the scene. The space was alive with understated luxury, from the gilded edges of the furniture to the ornate draperies that lined the walls.

Beside her, Zylan leaned down once more. His voice was a soft rumble as he said, "Stay close to me."

She nodded wordlessly, her grip tightening on his arm as they ventured deeper into the room. Each step echoed softly against the marble floor, a subtle reminder of how out of place she felt in this world.

And then, the massive doors swung shut behind them with an echoing creak.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd. Conversations ceased, and every head turned toward the entrance.

At the far end of the grand hall, a colossal screen flickered to life. Bold, gilded letters materialized across its surface, announcing their arrival to the stunned assembly:

"Zylan Reed and Mrs. Naomi Reed."

The words hit the room like a thunderclap.

Gasps rippled through the sea of elegantly dressed guests, their reactions ranging from astonishment to thinly veiled disbelief. Whispers began to spread, though they were subdued, as though no one dared to speak too loudly in the presence of the man at Naomi’s side.

Naomi’s breath caught. The weight of their stares pressed heavily on her, their expressions unreadable yet piercing.

Zylan’s grip on her tightened slightly, his hand settling possessively on her lower back. His expression remained stoic, his sharp, dark eyes scanning the crowd with quiet authority. It was clear he was not a man to be trifled with.

Naomi clung to his side, her steps graceful but hesitant as they moved forward. She felt like a lamb walking into a den of wolves, their gazes stripping her of every ounce of confidence she had.

Still, something about the atmosphere felt wrong.

Her golden eyes darted nervously across the opulent hall, taking in the extravagant scene. Chandeliers sparkled like frozen starlight, and the air seemed almost intoxicating. Yet beneath the surface, there was an unshakable tension—an undercurrent of something unnatural.

And then she saw them.

Three figures stood at the far end of the room, partially shrouded in the dim glow of the chandeliers.

Time seemed to slow. The murmurs of the crowd faded into a dull hum.

Naomi’s body froze, her legs refusing to move as her mind struggled to reject what her eyes were seeing.

"Anna..."

The name slipped from her lips, barely a whisper, yet to Naomi, it sounded foreign—like a language she hadn’t spoken in years.

Her voice trembled, carrying a mix of disbelief and dread.

Both Anna and her parents were here.