The Frozen Throne

THE SUN HAD just set, and darkness almost instantly engulfed Eibrellion City. Had it not been for her sleeping under the tree for hours, she would have likely gone home before it was dark. Iafleur was awakened by a distant dog howling. Immediately, she recomposed herself to head home. The vibration of her telephone nearly startled her. She bared it out from her pocket and hundreds of messages from Dracyan bombarded her inbox.

She heaves a deep sigh and smiles afterwards. Her cheeks flushed red she could feel them burning. ‘Indeed it is a wonderful feeling to have someone care for you like this.’ she thought privately.

Graydel Woods was not that quite a wide area and Iafleur is certain to have followed the trail when she entered. But the path she is taking now does not seem quite familiar as it looks different from the path she had taken earlier.

She stopped on her track. “Oh, no. Am I lost?”

She pans her eyes in the surrounding area but everything seems to be looking the same.

“A wonderful place for me to be lost.” She scoffed.

Iafleur still proceeded on her way despite being unsure of the path she had taken.

Other people could have perceived her situation as fearsome. Strolling in the woods in the dark was called unwise in the past before their kingdom was converted into a city. Creatures from the past that was believed to be monsters always loved to lurk in the dark to wait for prey. The unfortunate victim would likely be found the next day--- lifeless.

Indeed, the belief of vampires, werewolves and witches existing in Eibrellion City was quite popular with many people even until today. Iafleur works as a secretary to the Human Council and she has heard several stories and gruesome truths about vampires. Vampire existence was most popular in Eibrellion City. Though many still doubt Iafleur knew the truth.

Working as a secretary to the Human Council had given her the privilege to know things that many people only read in books.

Iafleur’s reflection was halted when she felt again the vibration of her telephone from her pocket. She took it out, the caller’s name was Dracyan. She answered it as she walked.

“Hello, my good friend.” She greeted. “Why have you called at this hour? You must forgive but I am currently not at home.”

“I know,” he confirmed and revealed, “I’m actually standing outside your flat. Have you lost a finger or something?”

Iafleur frowned at his question. “What kind of a question is that supposed to be?”

“I called you many times and you weren’t answering. You know a phone is made to communicate with other people when they’re far away, right? Why didn’t you answer? Where are you? You’re making me worry.”

It was Dracyan’s last statement that made Iafleur stop on her track again. It was not the first that Dracyan would express his worry for her but hearing it coming directly from him is still quite very astonishing in Iafleur’s ears.

She felt her cheeks warming up again, she could barely keep her lips from smiling. She suddenly felt embarrassed as though she was standing in a spotlight with everyone’s eyes on her though she is alone at the moment. The sound of Dracyan’s voice snapped her back into her present thoughts.

“Are you still there? Where have you gone? Hello!”

“I-I’m h-here!” she stammered. She cleared her throat. “Sorry about that. I’m actually in Graydel Woods. What were doing outside my flat by the way?”

“I just wanted to invite you for dinner. You know I hate eating alone in restaurants.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. But why don’t order takeout or something? I’d love to join you at dinner but it seems like I’ll get home late.”

“Why? What happened?” The tone of his voice expressed more worry.

Iafleur could not help but smile. But deep within her heart, she knew he worries for her because they were great friends.

She assures him, “No, I’m alright. I overslept after taking a nap. But I’m heading home so you don’t need to worry. I’m a bit lost though but I’ll find my way.”

“Are you sure? Do you want me to pick you up where you are? I’m very good at navigation,” he added confidently.

Iafleur chuckled. “I know. Thanks but no. I can manage. Besides, I’m taking my time to be alone and be surrounded by calmness before going back to that noisy city.”

Iafleur heard his sigh from the other line. One thing she doesn’t always adore about Dracyan is his respect for the decision of others.

He responded, “Very well. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Be careful on your way home.”

“I will. Thank you.” After ending the call, Iafleur heaves a deep and loud sigh of disappointment. Things did not exactly go as she had expected.

“He didn’t even persuade me.”

Iafleur lifts her eyes. The sky is almost fully tainted with darkness. That might be the sign for her to find her way back and hurry home.

Eventually, Iafleur found the trail she took earlier and followed its path towards the entrance. Upon approaching the river, Iafleur could even hear from a distance the soft sound of the flowing water.

She cautiously takes her step on the slippery rocks protruding from the water. Upon reaching the other side, Iafleur’s eyes suddenly caught a figure lying by the side of the river.

Iafleur instinctively went to aid her thinking that she might be endured and in need of help. The body was facing the ground and she had to flip her which didn’t do her any difficulties.

But seeing the full features of her face made her stagger back in fear. Her eyes are wide open, blood-red. A wooden stake was plunged into her. Dark veins crawl all over her face.

Iafleur knew that they were legends from the past but she had not expected she would ever encounter an actual vampire in their modern day.

But that was not the only thing that shook her ground.

“W-what have I done!” she cried and scurries away.

Unbeknownst to her, upon her departure, the vampiress’ blood-red eyes glowed and her body began to dissipate and turns to dust.