Calantha's point of view:

The dawn sky was a deep shade of indigo as I boarded the carriage, my heart heavy with resignation. I was grateful when father allowed me to bring Lyra, my closest handmaiden, with me on this journey. Her almond green eyes, a constant reminder of my own, offered me a sense of comfort in this uncertain time.

As we moved towards the carriage to set off, the carriage wheels groaned and creaked like the back of an old man rising from slumber as they drew it to where I'm standing. The wind hitting my face, a constant reminder that everything that had happened is not a dream, that I am indeed leaving behind everything, everything that I have grown to love and cherish, the little pond in my courtyard, my bed, the Royal library, everything…

I was surprised to find out that Arin wouldn't be joining us in the carriage. A small mercy on my path, I thought as I gazed back at the huge castle I've lived for the little years of my life according to the vampiric setting, the castle's walls which had become weathered due to the passage of time but continues to stand strong.

With a sigh, I lifted my heavy cream colored skirt which billowed around me like a waterfall and held the hand of the coachman and boarded the opulent carriage. I settled on its plush velvet cushion, a relieved sigh escaping my lips as we set off.

Apart from the occasional creaking of wheels and the neighing of horses, the silence in the carriage was almost peaceful and I just allowed my thoughts to wander.

My mind was a whirlwind of emotions - defeat, sadness and a sense of being trapped. And to be very honest, I still feel like a prisoner bound to fate. Lyra tried to break the silence by engaging me in a conversation but I couldn't muster the energy to respond.

The only sound in the carriage is the rustling of Lyra's dress, the creaking of the carriage’s wheels and the occasional snort from horses. I parted the curtains a little and watched as trees and forests flew by us.

However, Our journey was interrupted by the loud neighing from horses and men shouting. The carriage came to an abrupt stop, throwing us both forward. Soon enough, Arin appeared at my window with a stern expression, his eyes blazing.

“Don't come outside.” He warned with a low but urgent voice. “We are under attack.” After that, he pulled the curtain, cutting my view from the outside world.

‘This is just the start.’ I thought. That's how I will be cut off from the world as soon as I step foot into Valotoria.

My life has never been in serious danger and today, I feel fear. But I sat, holding my breath as the furious clashing of swords, sounds of spells and the eerie cackle of witches sounded outside the carriage.

And without being told, I know we are under attack, an attack orchestrated by witches. Lyra grasped my hand, her face calm but showing a little fear.

Witches are banned from the whole of Westeria and are forced into hiding after almost causing the extinction of a country filled with a generous number of full blooded and first generation vampires some centuries ago.

Some powerful witches that prove themselves useful are being used by vampires but others are forced into hiding and some keep disturbing the peace of humans and vampires; the widely accepted race with vampires topping the food chain and preying on the blood of both humans and witches.

I'm an exception and I'm aware that it's because of me being weak. I only need to consume blood at least once in two weeks and I don't go crazy whenever I fail to consume it. Sometimes, I can go longer without consuming it.

I've always been weak. Father found out after telling me to use mental command on a slave and the slave didn't bend to my wishes, the red glow of my eyes when using my vampiric powers isn't pronounced and I wasn't able to enjoy the privileges of being a vampire. I feel embarrassed and ashamed even though I'm stronger than the average human.

The commotion and sound of swords clashing seemed to last for an eternity before finally subsiding and after a while, we continued on our way. Lyra and I exchanged a nervous glance but neither of us spoke. The silence is oppressive. After a while, I hesitantly part the curtain to continue gazing outside at the passing scene.

We passed through the main gates of the kingdom of Valotoria with relative ease, and without stopping, continued to what I think will be the capital where the royal castle will be located and I am right.

As we approached the capital gates, I put my face outside the window, letting the evening breeze hit my face, and I smiled but it was soon wiped off by my thoughts.

A wave of despair washed over me as I remembered that I'm now one step closer to my new life as a stranger's bride. And it looks like a game, a game where the rules are constantly changing.

Lyra, as if sensing my distress, took my hand in hers and squeezed it gently. I forced out a smile. My poor and futile attempt to reassure her when I'm not assured, to tell her that I'm okay, that everything will be fine. But deep down, I know it's a big lie conjured by my mind and that nothing will ever be alright again.