A Bastard's Allure-Chapter 51: Strange Name For A Strange Man

"What is a prince doing all alone in a forest filled with his enemies?" The stranger asked as they strolled around the werewoods. He pushed a branch aside to appear in another clearing. Gabriel walked just two steps behind him.

"Father sent me to deal with the rogues," Gab answered.

With a scoff, the stranger said, "He could have sent someone else. A cavalry of knights. Why risk the life of a prince?"

"I chose to do it out of my own will," Gabriel said, making the stranger halt in his tracks.

"You were foolish enough to make such a decision." His eyes found Gabriel’s, assessing him like an open book. "On the contrary, I have a feeling there might be a reason for it."

He continued walking before he asked, "Was it your wife?"

Gabriel’s brow’s creased, forming thick lines on his forehead. How did this man know about his wife? What else did he know about him? As far as he could remember, he had lived a relatively private life. No one, not even Elena’s maid, had the tiniest clue of what happened behind closed doors!

"What are you?" Gabriel asked, halting in his tracks as well.

"Now that’s the right question," the stranger replied, standing at the far end. "From where I come from, they call me Vathin."

"Strange name," Gabriel pointed with a frown.

"For a strange man," Vathin added and continued in his track. He however halted seconds later, squatting low on the ground. Gabriel walked close to where he was, confused by this man’s behavior.

"Do you hear that?" He asked, his hand pressed on the ground. Gabriel strained his senses but he heard nothing apart from the flapping wings from nearby birds and distant howling of the wolves.

"I hear nothing," he said, a grim look registered on his face.

"Horses," Vathin whispered, "close to ten. And some men on foot. They’re looking for you?"

As much as Gabriel wanted to believe Vathin, he simply couldn’t. Vampires were known for their heightened senses yet he caught nothing in the vicinity. Not even a scent! But again, Vathin was not a vampire.

"The rogues?"

"Those ones are having an eternal sleep. Sounds like a foot cavalry, and some knights on horseback." He stood up and beckoned Gabriel. "Come with me."

Gabriel walked closer, his eyes falling on the outstretched hands of Vathin. He was still skeptical about this man. His gaze travelled to his eyes but there was nothing! Just dark orbs staring emotionlessly at him. And in those orbs were a spark he didn’t fail to notice.

He slipped his hands gently into Vathin’s. He was warm, a big contrast to Gabriel’s temperatures. He gently squeezed Gabriel’s palm, and in an instant, they teleported into another part of the werewoods.

Gabriel was still in a state of daze when they materialized in a different part of the werewoods. The surroundings were completely different! His eyes surveyed around, awed by the sudden transition.

Vathin on the other hand held Gabriel’s hands for a prolonged period of time. His dark eyes welled up, turning into a magical orb. The feel of his hands against his was a thing he’d been craving for ages. And when it finally came, he couldn’t help but well up. If only this could last forever.

He squeezed Gabriel’s hands, tighter this time. He was cold! He could feel it run through her spine! But he wanted to be the warmth Gabriel never had!

Gabriel’s instincts kicked in, his senses now catching some movements from below. He shifted his eyes back to Vathin, a frown settling on his face. His eyes... why was he looking at him so dreamingly? He noticed his hands still placed in his and whisked them off awkwardly.

"Is everything alright?" He asked.

Vathin nodded, his hands still dangling in the air. "Yes," he replied, now dropping them to his side.

"You were right. They’re here looking for me," Gabriel said.

"Who are they?" Vathin asked, clenching his fists into tight balls.

"My half brother Brandon. He probably wants me dead!"

"Does that bother you?" He asked, lifting his fingers into a snap.

Gabriel shook his head. "Father won’t like it if he found out I killed his favorite son," he replied.

Vathin’s face turned into an unreadable expression at the mention of Gabriel’s father, something that Gabriel didn’t notice. Instead, he raised his nostrils in the air catching the scent of the approaching knights.

"They’re here!" He said walking to hide behind a tree. Vathin followed him with a not so happy expression on his face. It’d be just a snap of his finger and they would get over with it.

From his hiding spot, Gabriel saw the cavalry approaching. And true to his word, Brandon Sinclair sat on horseback leading the hoarde. He halted just below as if he sensed Gabriel’s presence around. He lifted his nose in the air. How could he mistake that annoying scent?

Raising his hand in a halt gesture, he narrowed his eyes, surveying the surroundings. "He’s here!" He said, now alighting from his mount. He drew his sword, a shiny blade forged with the best steel from Mysthaven. Vampires always liked the human weapons since they hadn’t mastered the art of smithing fully.

"Spread out!" He ordered.

The knights surrounded the area, now in a fighting stance. Gabriel stole a quick glance to what was happening below before turning to face Vathin.

"I’ll take those from the left side and you attack the one’s on the right. Remember, no putting anyone in siestas," he reminded him and snuck low.

Vathin rolled his eyes before following Gabriel closely behind. They split ways at the foot of the tree. As silent as a shadow, Gabriel expertly moved. His target was a strolling knight who had gone far from the group. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

He moved fast across the space sending the knight into a frenzied state. Getting a better grip of his sword, the knight approached the tree where a shadow had disappeared to. His breath came out rugged, the air standing still on his back.

Gabriel snuck from behind, his claws out. The knight stiffened, his vampire instincts kicking in. He turned, but his speed was no match to Gabriel’s. The sound of his scream echoed in the forest, making Brandon’s heart skip a beat!