Bound to the vampire I must kill-Chapter 34: Inn

Chapter 34

The plan was simple—first, they’d enter the dragon kingdom in disguise and save his mother, then attack with full force when they least expected it.

It took them a whole day to reach the dragon kingdom, stopping along the way to buy some necessary items, eat and freshen up. Seraphina stayed quiet the entire time, refusing to pay any attention to Rhydian.

Rhydian seemed absent-minded too, not saying a word. His brows were furrowed the whole time, and she almost wanted to ask what was bothering him or why he looked so pissed off, but she held back and decided to stay quiet.

By the time they finally arrived, it was already sundown. Seraphina was sleepy as hell, but there was no way she’d show that weakness. Rhydian looked perfectly fine—no sign of fatigue or tiredness at all. She wasn’t about to act fragile when he looked so unaffected.

Now dressed as dragon kingdom citizens, they walked side by side through the crowded streets...

The streets were surprisingly lively for sundown, with vendors calling out prices and children dashing between stalls. Seraphina kept her focus straight ahead, pretending not to notice how effortlessly Rhydian matched her pace despite her aching legs and burning feet.

"There," Rhydian said, nodding toward a modest-looking inn tucked between two bustling shops. "We’ll rest here for the night."

Seraphina didn’t argue, too tired to care. They pushed through the wooden door into a cozy but dimly lit lobby. The faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, and an elderly woman stood behind the counter, adjusting her spectacles as they approached.

"Good evening," Rhydian greeted politely. "We need a room for the night."

The old woman squinted at them before giving a knowing smile. "You’re in luck. Only got one room left—just had a group leave this morning."

Seraphina tensed, shooting Rhydian a sideways glare, but he didn’t so much as flinch. "One room?" she repeated, her voice tight. No way was she sharing one room with him.

"That’s right, dear," the woman chirped. "It’s got a nice, big bed—plenty of space for a couple."

Seraphina opened her mouth to say something butRhydian quickly cut her off as he dropped a few coins on the counter. "We’ll take it."

"Rhydian what..." She almost snapped, but suddenly chose not no say anything.

The old woman handed over the key, and they trudged down a narrow hallway, the wooden floor creaking beneath their boots.

As they reached the door at the end, Rhydian unlocked it and pushed it open. One look inside, and Seraphina’s jaw tightened. The room was cozy—too cozy. A single large bed dominated the space, thick blankets folded neatly on top. The crackling fireplace gave off a soft, warm glow, but it did nothing to ease the sudden tension in her chest.

"Seriously?" she muttered.

Rhydian glanced at her, clearly fighting a smirk. "What’s the problem? Afraid to share a bed?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You’re sleeping on the floor."

He gave an exaggerated sigh, tossing his bag onto the bed. "We’re sharing the bed."

She shot him a look, crossing her arms. "I’m not sharing a bed with you. End of discussion."

Rhydian didn’t move from his spot, his gaze fixed on her with that annoyingly calm expression. "You’re being dramatic."

"Oh, I’m dramatic? You’re the one who didn’t even give me a chance to argue back there."

"You looked like you’d drop dead on the spot if I did," he replied with a shrug, as if that justified everything. "And I’m not about to sleep on some filthy floor just because you’re too stubborn to share a bed with me."

She took a step closer, eyes blazing. "Just so you know, I’d rather sleep outside than on that bed with you."

A muscle in his jaw twitched. He leaned in, and she almost stepped back but held her ground. His face was way too close, and the firelight highlighted that infuriatingly confident glint in his eyes.

"Fine," he muttered, his voice dropping low. "Sleep on the floor, then. I’ll take the bed."

She opened her mouth to argue, but he was already tugging off his cloak, clearly unbothered by her glare. Annoyance burned through her, but there was something else too—something she wasn’t ready to admit.

Instead of arguing, she yanked a spare blanket from the bed and moved to the corner farthest from him, wrapping herself in it and lying down on the wooden floor.

Rhydian glanced over, and something flickered across his face—an almost disappointed look before he scoffed and sat down on the bed, stretching out. "Suit yourself," he muttered, but his tone wasn’t as casual as usual. So she’d rather sleep on the floor than with his huh?

Silence settled, thick and uncomfortable. Seraphina squeezed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the ache in her back and the steady sound of Rhydian’s breathing. A sudden shift made her peek through her lashes, just in time to see him crouching down next to her.

"What now?" she snapped, annoyed at how close he was again. And when did he get so close without her noticing....she had her tiredness to blame for sure.

Rhydian didn’t answer right away, just looked at her like he was debating something. Then, without warning, he scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her startled yelp.

"Put me down!" she hissed, trying to push away.

He didn’t budge, carrying her to the bed with effortless strength. "Relax," he said softly, laying her down on the mattress. His tone wasn’t mocking or playful—it was almost... gentle. "You’re exhausted. Just sleep. I’ll take the floor."

She blinked, thrown off by his sudden change in demeanor. "You... don’t have to—"

"I’m not about to let you sleep on that hard floor," he interrupted, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face before standing back up. "Since you’re so desperate to stay away from me, I’ll give you your space."

His tone wasn’t teasing this time—more resigned, like something about the whole situation actually bothered him, or like...he was hurt. Before she could figure it out, he dropped down on the floor with his back to the bed, folding his arms behind his head.

A pang of guilt tugged at her chest, but she didn’t say anything. Curling up under the blankets, she forced herself to close her eyes, even as her mind raced.

Why did she suddenly feel... uneasy? Like she’d somehow pushed him away for real this time.

---

The next morning, soft light seeped through the curtains, and Seraphina slowly stirred, only to find herself... on the floor. Her eyes snapped open, and she froze, realizing her head was resting on something solid and warm.

Rhydian’s arm.

Her heart leapt to her throat as she took in the situation—somehow, they’d both ended up on the floor, with her practically tucked into his side. His face was relaxed in sleep, annoyingly handsome even when unconscious.

She swallowed, trying to move without waking him, but his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. Her breath hitched, and a flutter of panic mixed with something else spread through her chest.

Rhydian’s eyes cracked open, groggy but alert. He looked down at her, clearly piecing together their position. A slow, lazy smirk curved his lips. "Guess even your stubbornness has limits."

She pushed against his chest, cheeks flaming. "Shut up."