Bound to the vampire I must kill-Chapter 38: protect her

Chapter 38

They stepped out into the hallway, Rhydian leading the way with Seraphina and his mother walking closely behind him. His senses stayed sharp, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, but Rhydian pushed forward, his mind running through every possible scenario.

Suddenly, he stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing as his senses picked up the unmistakable presence of danger.

"They’re here," he muttered, his voice low and cold.

Seraphina instantly fell into a defensive stance, her hand brushing against the hilt of her dagger. Rhydian’s mother looked around warily, clutching her son’s arm with concern.

Footsteps echoed through the corridor, and soon enough, several dozen soldiers appeared, encircling them from every side. Their armor gleamed under the dim light, the emblem of the dragon clan etched onto their chests. At the front, a tall man with striking silver hair stepped forward, his lips curving into a mocking smirk.

"To what pleasure do we owe the honor that the vampire king decided to visit us himself?" the man taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Rhydian’s gaze sharpened, but his expression remained stoic. "I see. So you knew I would come."

The man shrugged, unfazed. "We wouldn’t expect anything less from you," the silver-haired man replied smoothly. "So... how is it going to be? Leave your mother and try to escape alive, or die while trying to protect her with your life."

Rhydian’s jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with barely restrained fury. Then a slow, deadly smile spread across his face. "How about a third option? Kill you all and leave with her in one piece."

The man chuckled darkly, clearly unimpressed. "Let’s see you try... your majesty!" He raised his hand, signaling his men. "Attack! But don’t harm the woman!"

The soldiers drew their weapons, getting ready to attack, but before Rhydian could move, his mother’s hand caught his arm, halting him.

"Rhydian," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling slightly. "You have to leave. Don’t worry about me. I can wait until you’re prepared to save me properly. Please... don’t put your life at risk like this."

He glanced back at her, his gaze softening, Gently, he placed his hand over hers, squeezing it reassuringly. "I’m not leaving without you. Just wait while I get rid of these pests... I promise I’ll be fine."

She hesitated, but something in his gaze made her nod reluctantly. Rhydian turned to Seraphina, his expression hardening. "Please watch over her for me."

Seraphina didn’t hesitate, giving him a small, confident nod as she smiled to reassure him. "You don’t have to ask twice. Don’t worry... fight as hard as you want. I’ll protect her for you."

Rhydian froze, his body going tense. She smiled. She just smiled at him—a genuine, unguarded smile, for the very first time. His heart raced with intensity, heat pooling low in his stomach as a sudden, reckless desire seized him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, couldn’t ignore the way that one simple curve of her lips sent fire licking through his veins.

His gaze locked onto her lips, a primal urge clawing at his restraint. Damn it, he wanted her—right here, right now, consequences be damned. The curve of her mouth was seared into his mind, and every nerve in his body screamed at him to close the distance, to crush his mouth against hers and claim that intoxicating smile for himself.

If they weren’t in the middle of this hell, he would’ve shoved her against the wall and kissed her breathless—let her feel just how badly she was unraveling him. The possessive need surged through him, fierce and undeniable, but he forced himself to rein it in, swallowing down the raw hunger that left him throbbing with want.

His jaw clenched as he tore his gaze away, trying to ignore how his hands itched to grab her and his heart pounded like a war drum. He needed to focus, to push down the fire she’d just ignited in him. But damn it... that smile had ruined him.

Rhydian shook off the distraction, his claws extending with a sickening crack as his power flared to life. He launched himself into the soldiers, his movements fluid and lethal. The only important thing right now was getting rid of these bastards and leaving here in one piece.

The first wave of soldiers barely had time to react before he tore through them, claws slicing through armor like paper. Blood sprayed, staining the stone floors as he moved with ruthless efficiency. A blade swung at his side, but he twisted, grabbing the soldier by the throat and smashing him into the ground hard enough to crack the tiles.

More came, relentless and unyielding, but Rhydian didn’t falter. His strikes were precise and deadly, dodging spears and swords with the grace of a predator. When one soldier aimed for his neck, Rhydian caught the weapon mid-swing, yanking it from the man’s grasp and driving it through his chest.

The silver-haired man watched from a distance, his confident smirk gradually fading as he took in the chaos unfolding before him. Was the vampire king always this strong? He couldn’t help but feel a surge of doubt gnawing at his mind. He had underestimated him—badly. If Rhydian managed to escape, the king would surely have his head.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as desperation seeped into his thoughts. He couldn’t afford to fail. A bold, dangerous idea formed, one that went against the orders he was given, but might be the only way to regain control.

His gaze landed on Rhydian’s mother. The king’s command was not to harm her, but... he never said anything about using her as a hostage to make Rhydian surrender.

With a sharp intake of breath, he teleported to where Seraphina stood, guarding the older woman. His hand shot forward to strike, aiming to eliminate the obstacle in his way.

But his wrist was caught mid-air, his arm locked in an iron grip. He looked up, stunned to find Seraphina glaring at him, her expression deadly serious, her eyes glinting with blood lust.

"What do you think you’re doing?" she asked coldly, her voice low and menacing.

His heart pounded at the sight of her dark, unyielding gaze. There was nothing ordinary about this woman—something far more dangerous than he anticipated. For a moment, he hesitated, the weight of her presence pressing down on him.

He forced a cocky grin, trying to hide his unease. "Give me the woman, and I’ll let you live."

Her grip on his wrist tightened, and she pulled him closer, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "Over my dead body."

His smirk faltered, but he still tried to keep up the boldness. "Then die—" He swung his free hand toward her throat, but his movement was halted by the cold edge of a blade pressing against his neck.

He froze, realizing just how fast she had just moved. There was no hesitation in her gaze, just pure, unyielding determination. The silver-haired man’s mind raced—he had underestimated her too.

"Make one more move," Seraphina warned, her voice low and deadly, "and I’ll take your head off."

For the first time, genuine fear flashed in his eyes. He swallowed hard, unable to break free from her hold. The arrogance that had fueled him moments ago was nowhere to be found.