Bound to the vampire I must kill-Chapter 37: Rescue

Chapter 37

Her brows furrowed at his words. "What do you mean by fiery temper? I’m perfectly good at controlling myself," she shot back, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

Rhydian opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly froze, his senses sharpening as a familiar scent hit him. It was soft and comforting, with a hint of wildflowers—unmistakably his mother’s scent. Relief surged through him, so sudden and overwhelming that his chest ached with it. His hand unconsciously clenched at his side, fighting the urge to just bolt forward.

He forced himself to take a breath. "We’re almost there," he said, keeping his voice steady. He glanced at Seraphina, his eyes more intense than before. "Stay close. We can’t afford to slip up now."

Seraphina nodded, and they moved swiftly, keeping to the shadows. Rhydian was more focused than she’d ever seen him—deadly and efficient, but there was something raw underneath it. His steps were quieter, more cautious, like he couldn’t bear to make a single mistake. They took down a few guards on the way, and even when blood stained his hands, he didn’t hesitate or slow down.

When they slipped through a side entrance into a quieter wing of the palace, Rhydian froze again. He seemed almost afraid to move, his eyes fixed on a half-open door ahead. The room beyond looked nothing like a prison—richly decorated with curtains flowing in the breeze, a grand bed neatly made, and sunlight spilling across the floor.

Then he saw her—sitting near the window, her profile bathed in soft light. She looked smaller than he remembered, like the years had worn her down, but she was still graceful, elegant even in captivity. His breath hitched, and before he could stop himself, he stepped inside.

"Mother," he breathed out, his voice trembling just enough for Seraphina to notice.

His mother turned at the sound, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of him. Disbelief and joy washed over her face, and in a heartbeat, she was on her feet, crossing the room with shaky steps.

"Rhydian?" she whispered, her hands reaching for him like she couldn’t believe he was real.

He moved without thinking, pulling her into his arms and holding her tight, his face buried in her shoulder as if he needed to make sure she was really there. His grip was almost desperate, his body tense and unyielding as he held her close.

"You’re alright," he murmured, his voice rough and unsteady. "I thought... I was too late."

She stroked his hair, her fingers gentle despite the trembling in her hands. "You reckless, foolish boy," she whispered, her tone torn between relief and frustration. "Why did you come here? Do you have any idea how dangerous—"

She cut herself off, pulling back just enough to look at his face, brushing his hair from his forehead like she used to when he was a child. Her eyes were full of both pride and fear, and Rhydian couldn’t bring himself to let go just yet.

Seraphina stood at the doorway, feeling strangely out of place. The way Rhydian’s whole demeanor changed—how his usual guarded, fierce self softened so completely—left her a little shaken. She’d never seen him look so... vulnerable. There was a tightness in her chest she didn’t quite understand, and for some reason, it bothered her.

But when his mother’s gaze shifted past him, landing on her, Seraphina tensed automatically. The woman just stared at her, her eyes wide with surprise, and then something gentle broke through her expression. Rhydian must have noticed too, because he reluctantly stepped back, wiping his face as if he could erase the hint of tears that had formed.

"She’s the one?" his mother whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Rhydian cleared his throat, looking a bit awkward for once. "Yes... she’s my wife," he replied, his tone almost gruff.

The woman’s face lit up with a smile that was nothing short of radiant. "She’s beautiful," she whispered, reaching out a hand toward Seraphina. "Child, come here."

Seraphina hesitated, suddenly unsure of herself, but when she glanced at Rhydian, he gave her a subtle nod. Reluctantly, she stepped forward, her cheeks slightly pink. The older woman took her hands, her touch warm and gentle.

"I’m so happy," she said softly, giving Seraphina’s hands a reassuring squeeze. "You’ve made my son so much stronger just by being with him."

Seraphina couldn’t help but glance at Rhydian, who quickly looked away, his ears a little red. She wanted to say something, but nothing came out. The woman’s approval shouldn’t have mattered to her—yet somehow, it did.

The quiet moment was cut short by the sound of footsteps approaching. Rhydian’s head snapped toward the door, his body instantly tensing. He pulled his mother and Seraphina behind him as a guard appeared, eyes widening at the sight of them.

Before the man could raise the alarm, Seraphina moved, slamming him against the wall and pressing a blade to his throat. The man froze, his pulse pounding against the knife’s edge.

"How many more are there?" Rhydian demanded.

"F-Five down the hall," the guard stammered, his eyes darting nervously.

Seraphina glanced at Rhydian, waiting for his decision. He gave her a curt nod, and she knocked the guard out cold.

His mother looked at him with a hint of a smile despite the situation. "Always causing trouble," she muttered fondly.

He huffed a quiet laugh. "Guess it runs in the family."

Her smile faded slightly, worry creasing her forehead. "You can’t stay here. Once they know you’re inside, they’ll lock down the whole place."

Rhydian’s jaw tightened. "I’m not leaving without you."

The determination in his voice made his mother pause, her eyes glistening. She squeezed his hand again, holding on like she never wanted to let go. Then she turned her gaze to Seraphina, giving her a look that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken thoughts.

Seraphina forced herself to meet the woman’s gaze, fighting the odd sense of guilt that crept up on her. But Rhydian’s mother just smiled softly, as if understanding something she couldn’t quite grasp.

"We’ll find a way out," Rhydian promised, his hand brushing against Seraphina’s as he moved toward the door, almost like he needed to feel her presence to stay grounded.

She swallowed down the strange warmth that left her chest tight and followed him, her mind spinning with emotions she wasn’t ready to face. Rhydian didn’t say anything as they moved, but his touch lingered on her arm just a bit longer than necessary.

Maybe it was stupid to feel this way in the middle of a rescue mission, but she couldn’t help but wonder... when had he become so important to her?