The lake lay still under the night sky, a quiet, eerie calm filling the air. She sat by its edge, absently tossing stones, each one sending ripples across the water's surface. Beside her, the lifeless body was a silent evidence to her recent meal, drained of both blood and life.
From somewhere in the shadows, she could feel Stefan's gaze on her. The vampire hunter had been tracking her for what felt like ages, failing time and time again. Every missed shoot, every mock from her, every anything only heightened his fury and want to have her head. He knew catching a royal vampire was no easy feat, especially one with heightened senses—sight, smell, hearing, all sharpened and ready.
Hidden behind the trees, Stefan's eyes narrowed, his mind likely racing through countless strategies. He'd been cautious this time, moving in silence, and now, he slowly lifted his crossbow. The silver-tipped arrow glinted faintly in the moonlight, aimed carefully at the back of her neck.
He paused, as if savoring the moment. "This time," he whispered to himself, his voice barely a breath.
"This time, I'll end it." he added with a smirk.
He shot the arrow with full confidence. He looked at the edge expecting your body to lay there, lifeless. But, only only find... no one.
His heart skipped a beat as he witnessed her disappear. His shot fell short, the arrow embedding itself into the ground instead of her skull.
Stefan clenched his jaw, his confusion and anger rising as he scanned the area. He was sure he had aimed right at her neck. He didn't leave any room for an escape — or did he?
His fingers flexed on the crossbow, his gaze shifting, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of movement in the shadows. Where the hell was she hiding now?
A soft breath hit the back of his neck, seeing shivers down his spine.
"Looking for me." She said.
He recognised the voice. Of course he did. He can never forget the voice which mocks him every single time he misses his shot. And little did he knew this time it would mock him again.
Stefan tensed as the voice hit his ear, goosebumps prickling his skin. He recognized that sound, a sharp exhale that sent chills down his spine.
His mind raced, thoughts colliding like wild animals in a cage. How did she get behind him so silently? Did she teleport? Or was she there the whole time, toying with him?
Stefan's grip on the crossbow tightened, his body rigid with the need to turn around and face his adversary. But he stood still, knowing one wrong move could mean death.
She softly slided ber hands on his waist. Her chest pressed against his back.
Stefan jerked at the touch, his body instantly tensing as her hands made contact. He took a sharp breath, his mind flooding with conflicting thoughts.
His gut reaction was to fight back, to fling her off, but he resisted, realizing the futility of it. She was a royal vampire, strong, and the element of surprise was firmly in her favor.
His voice was steady, betraying none of his internal turmoil. "What do you want?"
"What do I want?," she repeated, her voice teasing. She pretended to think for a moment before responding. "You. I want you darling."