For the last few days there was the eerily creepy feeling of getting watched, not by a single pair of eyes but by many. Emma felt it again the moment she stepped out of the elevator to go to school. It was finally Monday – time for everything to resume back to normal. Only it didn’t feel the same anymore. That morning, Niquel had already gone for work, effectively confirming that whatever was happening between them last night, she had overthought. As usual, she left Vanessa sleeping with Gladdy. Emma sighed, caterpillars creeping on the insides of her stomach. Today was also the first day of her job, at H.S. & Associates. She hoped Aidan wouldn’t be there to see her screw up. She made her way to the King’s University, casually taking a stroll as she listened to an audio recording of her classes on her earbuds. Keeping herself distra

            Gladdy giggled as he rocked her gently in his arms. Deep dimples adorned both of her chubby cheeks. Saliva dripped down her chin, which the Dragon King wiped with the white bib around her neck. His lips were set on a wide smile, joy filling his heart from spending time with his daughter. She had the cutest giggles and coos and Niquel knew within him that he would always look out for her – keep her out of harm’s way to his last. If he felt his world was complete with Emma, it was perfect with Gladdy. The two most special women in his life – his family. “Solaris, you are cute,” he chuckled as he raised his arms and brought her closer so he could place a kiss on her forehead. Gladdy was so light that she felt weightless in his arms, vulnerable and innocent – different from the heaviness of any valuable rock he had ever carried.

  He could see them, their eyes red and angry, newly grown fangs bared at the sight of unwelcome visitors. But most importantly, he could sense their hunger for the powder that he held in his hand. They were hesitating, aware that if they run towards him, they’d suffer the same fate as those before them. Aidan taunted them. He clenched his fist, tons of excess powder falling into the ground. The ones on the front almost sprung forth. “Come,” he commanded, tilting his fist and letting the rest of the powder slowly pour from the slight relaxation of his fingers. And for the last push, he stepped on the gathered powder and scrubbed, hard, the sounds of the grainy powder earning heaves of breathes from the undead brides. The halflings snarled. Their nails grew into point edges. They bared their fangs as they spilled into the hallway, the narrow passage restricting their movements.

              Niquel slumped by the door, disappointed at himself for causing her more pain. The beast in him fought to be freed upon hearing her muffled cries. With their bond solidifying, he could feel her pain in his chest. Minutes ticked by and the room quieted down. Since Gladdy’s crib burned, he transferred her on the pull-down bed. An hour before midnight – they must’ve fallen asleep.   He sighed in relief – at least they were within arms’ reach. While his plans went awry, it could’ve been worse. Niquel took out his phone and dialed a number. The receiver picked up on the first ring.   “How can I be of assistance, Sir?”   “Send more security on the borders. No one goes in and out without my permission.”   “Yes, Sir,” Allen replied, then paused for a while. “Sir, I have to inform you of the situation after your departure.”

  His eyes were unyielding as she openly glared at him, angered by how he didn’t seem to be taking her seriously and confused by something about him that made her want to seek out comfort. “You said Niquel would be here.” “I said ‘he might be here’. But if he knows what’s best for him, he won’t be stepping foot anywhere near this place.” “So, we’re what,” she spat, “your captives now?” A corner of his lips lifted into a smirk. “More like my guests,” he replied, spreading his arms wide. The bundle of muscles in his arms flexed under the fabric of his skintight shirt and raised the ends of his shirt slightly, revealing a glimpse of a flat, well-toned abs, that could’ve been molded by the hands of the heavens themselves. “Make yourselves comfortable. Hunter will show you to your room