24 Live as a human

"I told you not to go to Wilson's house, yet you had the audacity to go against my command, Dear Sister," Magnus glared into his sister's eyes. 

"I gifted her my favorite necklace, Brother. Before the marriage, it's necessary to gift such valuable things," Lillian asserted. She wanted to escape from Magnus's scolding. 

"Drop this innocent face of yours, Lillian. I know what was in your mind and what you did there," Magnus reprimanded her in a stern tone. 

"This is wrong, Brother. I'm your sister. How could you scold me just because I wanted to know about Alora?" Lillian complained. 

"Because you were there to make her feel low. Alora is a kind woman. She forgives everyone, but I'm the opposite of her. Don't cause her trouble after she becomes my wife. I won't hesitate to put you into a long sleep of some good years," Magnus warned her. 

Lillian gulped and pursed her lips together. "Brother, you have turned strange. You want me to put me to sleep just because of a human," she muttered and twitched her lips. 

"That face won't make me show sympathy on you, Lily. Alora is someone from whom you have to keep your eyes away," Magnus stated. 

"I understand," Lillian responded. 

"You better be," Magnus said and lifted from the chair. He left her chamber while Lillian stomped her feet on the floor. 

"Why does Brother care for Alora so much? Will he turn her into a vampire?" Lillian muttered and shook her head. "Then, Alora will become much more powerful." The mere thought of this worried Lillian. 

~~~~~

Alora gently ran her hand over the wedding dress. The white gown featured a flowing curve at the bottom crafted from lace, with an A-line neckline adorned with both lace and real pearls.

She gazed at the necklace set that the Queen had sent for her to wear during the wedding. It was not even her dream to ever get married. But it would finally come true tomorrow. A smile graced her lips and her heart fluttered with a strange yet beautiful feeling. 

"I wonder what His Highness is doing at this hour," Alora murmured, her curiosity piqued.

She heard the sound of the wind flowing through the window and turned around to check. 

"Your Highness!?" Alora exclaimed in shock. "Why did you come through the window? And why are you here at this hour? We were not supposed to see each other. His Highness should leave." 

Magnus gently hushed her with a touch to her lips. "If you stay silent, no one will know," he assured. Her lush eyelashes brushed against her skin as she averted her gaze, eliciting a smile from Magnus. Removing his finger, he lowered his hand and inquired, "Lillian didn't upset you, did she?"

Alora promptly responded, "Uh, no," meeting his gaze once more. 

"She did. I can see the lies you are already telling me," Magnus stated. His tone intimidated her and she gulped, thinking if he would punish her. 

"Princess Lillian was only curious about my eyes," Alora replied. 

"What about your sister? Did she hurt you?" Magnus asked. 

Alora couldn't give a prompt response as she recalled Venus's words once more. 

"I can punish her for you. Just say it. You know I've stopped myself because you hold some deep emotions toward your evil sister," Magnus remarked; his tone laced with a tinge of mockery. 

"Your Highness, we should not have ill feelings for anyone, especially toward our family members. Venus has been affected by me for a long time, so I understand why she is rude to me," Alora stated. 

"I salute this woman before me for being the idol of dumbness," Magnus remarked. 

Alora furrowed her brows together as she was hurt by his comment. "His Highness should leave. I have to go to bed." She walked past him when Magnus drew her back by holding her hand. Her heartbeat instantly raised and she could hear its flutters. 

"What is His Highness doing?" She was flustered by Magnus's sudden pull. 

"Alora, you should not get angry with me. I have come to see you here and you decided to sleep," Magnus complained as he rested his chin on her shoulder. 

"I'm not angry," Alora replied, "Your Highness." 

"Did you tell your family I drank from you?" Magnus suddenly asked him. 

"No. Why would I?" Alora immediately responded. 

"If Tobias hadn't arrived on time, would you've lied then?" Magnus queried. "Also, Lillian is kind of clever. You should not fall into her trap once you enter the palace. And I can read minds. So, lying from me won't help you either," he affirmed. 

Alora was shocked to learn that Magnus could read minds. She promptly turned to him and asked him why he didn't tell about this before. 

"About what?" Magnus arched his eyebrow. 

"About reading minds," Alora replied. 

"Perhaps I didn't find the need," Magnus answered. 

Alora knitted her brows together, pondering whether Magnus would have heard her entire thoughts. "Is this how His Highness found out how Cecilia planned to send me away?" she queried. 

"No. Tobias told me," Magnus replied. 

"Oh."

"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow in the wedding dress," Magnus shifted the topic of their conversation. "I know you'll look beautiful," he added. 

Alora nodded her head. "I hope everything goes well tomorrow," she said. 

"As long as you are with me, everything will go well," Magnus assured her. 

"Your Highness, I have a question," Alora said. 

"Hmm, ask?" Magnus queried. 

"I'm a human while His Highness is an immortal vampire. I'll have a limited life," she asserted. "Will he turn me into a vampire after some time?" she asked with an inquisitive gaze. 

"You told me you did not wish to have a long life," Magnus stated. "You will live as a human for a long time. Don't worry," he proclaimed and placed his hand above her head. 

"I know what's your next question, but you should not say it out. Let's enjoy our present," Magnus opined as he kept patting her head.