Artemis could never get used to the ever-changing landscapes. The fact that she had teleported from her world into this one still baffled her. Each day reminded her of how far from home she truly was.
Alexander had been watching her closely since that day—the day of her manifestation. He hadn't let her out of his sight, not even for a moment—except when she insisted on bathing. She still locked him out of his own bathroom when she bathed. Oddly enough, he didn't even mind. Somehow, it was... adorable.
"We're there, young master," the coachman announced as the carriage came to a stop.
They both stepped out.
Artemis' eyes widened at the busy, vibrant street before them. Elegant shops lined both sides of the road like a scene out of a storybook. She had never been somewhere like this before, and Alexander noticed instantly. The way her eyes flicked around, the slight parting of her lips in awe—it made something inside him ache.
He smiled.
People walked the street in lavish clothing—humans and vampires mingling together. Artemis trailed behind him, eyes downcast, but she could feel the stares. It was impossible not to. She swallowed hard, her hand unconsciously brushing against his sleeve as if seeking comfort.
Alexander didn't miss the gesture. She was overwhelmed. He slowed his pace just a little—enough to let her keep up beside him.
He had told her earlier, "Get dressed, we're visiting somewhere."
She had looked confused, but obeyed.
As they walked, Artemis froze. Her gaze landed on people in chains. Her face went pale.
Slaves.
Collared and bound, led by masters like pets. Some looked barely older than children. Artemis instinctively clutched Alexander's sleeve, her hand trembling.
Alexander stopped, looking down at her. Her shoulders shook.
His eyes lifted to the scene and darkened, then softened again as he realized what she had seen.
"Are you alright, bunny?" His voice was low.
"Yes, I am, master," she replied quickly, but he knew better. She wasn't.
He gently placed a hand on the small of her back and led her forward into one of the high-end stores. The crowd around them broke into whispers at the sight.
Inside, Artemis gasped. The boutique was breathtaking.
It was everything she imagined a designer store would look like in this strange world. Elegant dresses encased in crystal displays lined the walls like treasured art. She felt out of place, overwhelmed by the sheer luxury.
Alexander saw it all—the wonder on her face, the shy smile she tried to hide. She looked at the dresses like they were made of magic.
He found himself staring again.
If only she'd smile at me like that…
Lately, he caught himself thinking that more and more. Her joy over simple things touched him in places he didn't realize could be reached. A bowl of strawberries. The bubbles in her bath. Clothes Priscilla bought her—those annoyed him, actually. He wanted to be the one to spoil her.
As they walked further in, staff bowed deeply and greeted, "Good morning, young master."
Alexander acknowledged them with a curt nod. Artemis noticed the female attendants gazing longingly at him, but none dared approach. Everyone knew better. Alexander Quinn was a man all women wanted—but touching him was a dangerous game. One they wouldn't survive.
He signaled to an attendant. The poor girl jumped, blushed, and scampered off.
Soon, a stunning brunette with striking red lips entered the room. She looked human and was dressed far less formally than the others. She bowed deeply.
"Good morning, young master. What can I do for you?" she asked with a bright smile, then looked at Artemis. Her smile softened kindly. Artemis smiled back shyly and bowed.
Alexander stepped in front of her, blocking the woman's view.
"I need a selection of dresses. For Christine's birthday."
Christine. Artemis blinked. Who?
He was buying dresses for another woman?
Jealousy wasn't something she was used to feeling, but it crept in nonetheless. She looked down, lips pressed tight.
The woman nodded, then turned. "Right this way, young master."
They were led into a lavish fitting room with a plush sofa and a small stage. Alexander sat without hesitation. Artemis stood beside him, awkward and unsure.
A moment later, the woman—Leah—groaned dramatically. "Can't believe you're actually going to that whore's party."
Her sudden change in tone shocked Artemis.
"You know how mother is," Alexander swirled the wine poured for him and sighed. "I wasn't going to. But then… plans changed."
He smirked.
Leah's eyes narrowed with mischief. "Oh? The dresses are…"
"For her," Alexander said flatly, tilting his head toward Artemis.
Artemis flinched. "Me?" Her face burned.
Leah beamed, grabbing her by the wrist. Artemis squeaked.
Alexander watched her being led away, a flicker of warmth in his chest. If there was anyone he trusted—aside from Theodore—it was Leah.
Still, he swirled the wine and waited with growing impatience.
When the door finally opened, and Leah led Artemis out in a tight, sleeveless dark blue gown that showed off her chest, Alexander's face darkened.
Artemis turned bright red and tried to cover herself.
"What is this?" he snapped.
"It's a gown," Leah said, clearly enjoying herself.
"Take it off."
Artemis blinked. "Wh-What?"
Leah burst into laughter and pulled her away again.
"There's no need to scowl, young master," she teased.
He huffed and leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose.
This woman...
Another dress. This one black, dangerously low at the back, hugging her body in ways that sent an uncomfortable heat crawling under his skin. It screamed temptation.
"Leah," he growled. His voice was low, but lethal.
"Tch! You're scaring the poor girl," Leah chuckled. "I was just messing with you."
Alexander exhaled sharply. If only she knew what kind of danger she was flirting with.
"You have one more chance," he muttered. "No more games."
Leah paused, noting the shift in his tone. She glanced at Artemis, then back at him.
He's serious. And for the first time, she saw something else in his eyes.
"Oh my," she whispered under her breath. "He actually…"
She said nothing more and led Artemis back.
Inside the dressing room, Leah looked at Artemis with a gentle smile. Her eyes trailed over the girl's body.
I see now… she thought, reaching for a gown hidden beneath a black tarp.
Back in the waiting room, Alexander was growing restless.
Just as he stood, the door opened.
Time stopped.
Artemis stepped out, Leah guiding her gently. She looked like she had stepped out of a dream.
A deep red and black ball gown—modest, elegant, enchanting. The bodice clung to her figure like silk, the black lace sleeves hugging her arms. The layered skirt shimmered with every step.
His breath caught. Beautiful.
He imagined her in white.
He blinked hard, pushing the thought away.
Artemis looked up, meeting his gaze. Her face flushed, and she looked away.
Why is he looking at me like that?
She couldn't understand the storm in his eyes.
She didn't know that, in his mind, she already belonged beside him. That the thought of another vampire laying eyes on her in any of those previous dresses made his blood boil.
Leah stood beside him. "Aren't you worried about what could happen at the party?" she asked softly.
"I'm not," he answered without hesitation, eyes still on Artemis.
She'd be glued to his side. The creatures at that party wouldn't dare lay a hand on her. And if they did…
His eyes dropped to the flame mark around her wrist. She hadn't transformed since that day. The power in her was still dormant. That worried him.
Leah noticed how he was staring.
"You're staring a lot," she teased. "Is this a good sign, young master?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, finally dragging his eyes from Artemis to Leah.
"Nothing," she said with a knowing smile. "Just saying."
Alexander watched her guide Artemis back to change.
Leah was more than a designer. She was a half-human, half-white witch—and one of the few people he trusted. Aside from Theodore and Dimitri, no one else knew.
When Artemis returned, she held three bags.
"I added a few things of my own in there," Leah smirked.
Alexander tossed a bag of gold onto the couch and stood. "Let's go."
"You know… it wouldn't kill you to say thank you," Leah pouted, gently stroking Artemis' hair.
Alexander's jaw clenched. He stepped forward, grabbing Artemis by the wrist and pulling her behind him.
She looked up in confusion, but Leah just smiled warmly and waved.
Alexander didn't look back.
Artemis did.