But she didn't give up. She needed to communicate with her dad. Immediately.
"Luthien, I just need to tell him where I'm going, so he won't worry."
"Little hybrid, don't you think that after finding out about your place of work, I won't find out more about you?"
Nystrix remained silent.
"You want to tell your hunter father, but your little tricks won't work on me."
Nystrix sighed.
"Let me go drop my apron."
"I hate excuses, Nystrix."
Luthien's eyes held a hint of impatience. He walked up and roughly took the apron from her. Not a gentleman, she thought.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her outside the office. "Mr. Lucas, we'll be leaving now."
Lucas frowned slightly, but when Luthien looked into his eyes, his pupils shrinking in that strange way, he nodded like a puppet. Nystrix's suspicion deepened — vampires could compel humans, but only high-ranking ones. Luthien was clearly of high rank
They reached the forest quickly, Luthien striding without regard for her pace. Nystrix deliberately slowed, creating distance between them.
1… 2… 3… go.
In a flash, she transformed into a bird and took off, wings slicing through the cool air. But before she could gain height, a massive hand snatched her from behind.
"You really love changing into a bird, don't you?" Luthien's voice was smooth, amused.
Nystrix bit down hard on his hand. He yelped slightly and released her, giving her just enough time to hit the ground. She shifted into a leopard, muscles coiling as she sprinted toward the trees.
A tug on her tail almost tripped her. Instinctively, she transformed into a tiger, claws extended, teeth bared, and lunged at him
Luthien moved like liquid, effortless and precise, sidestepping her attack with a grace that made her blood boil. Damn it! Her claws glinted in the fading light as she aimed for his face, but he caught them mid-air, holding them gently — yet firmly.
Her heart pounded. Her breath came in ragged gasps. Fatigue was setting in, but his calm, controlled gaze made her tremble with a mix of dread and awe.
"Don't be stubborn, little hybrid," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "I don't want to hurt you… not yet."
Nystrix ground her teeth, transforming back into human form, but he still held her hand, his grip cold and unyielding. Helplessness surged through her, yet beneath it, a spark of defiance remained.
She tried to pull away, but he merely tightened his hold, guiding her forward through the forest. Every step was silent, but the tension between them crackled like lightning.
Finally, they reached the glowing tree from the other day. Nystrix froze. How have I never noticed this place?
"Have you walked this far?" Luthien asked, his voice calm, knowing.
She shook her head. Fear of night creatures and Shadow Wardens had always kept her from venturing this far.
He placed a hand on the tree. The portal pulsed, and Nystrix felt it tug at her, drawing her into another world.
~~~~~~
Vampire Realm.
She stared at the strange sky — a mix of red and blue, sunless yet still bright. Tall, luxurious buildings surrounded lush trees and grass. The place was beautiful, a space you'd want to relax in, if not for the eerie sky.
They arrived at the capital. Luthien simply stopped and stood still.
"H..." she began, about to speak, when a sleek black car with violet undertones pulled up. Seven cars followed behind. A man stepped out — pale skin, red eyes, bowing before opening the door for them. Nystrix felt his gaze on her, studying her carefully.
Inside, the car was remarkable. Ambient violet light mirrored Luthien's eyes, the black leather seats stitched with vein-like patterns, the obsidian dashboard laced with silver. She studied it.
"This isn't like normal cars. Only found here and made for me," Luthien said bragging, and she rolled her eyes, though he was right.
The ride was silent. Nystrix began to feel drowsy and decided to nap. What worse could he do?
Luthien watched her sleep, amusement in his eyes. Didn't she know he could kill her right here?
He rested his head.
"Koisar, do you think Jamyd would like to know I found a hybrid with the color of his sister's hair?"
"That would be interesting," Koisar replied, eyes gleaming, "and detrimental. Jamyd would use it against you."
"Who cares? My reputation is bad enough," Luthien said, closing his eyes, bored.
"Not the people, Noctarii."
"Tch… even them," Luthien muttered.
Koisar laughed softly. "Only you, king. Only you."
The ride to the palace was smooth. Nystrix woke as they approached the gates. She didn't question where she was, only stared in awe at the sprawling structures.
"Is this… a little community in here?" she asked.
"Kind of. But only family," Luthien replied.
"From grandparents to distant relatives?"
"No, Nystrix. Only siblings."
Nystrix didn't ask again, quietly observing from the car. A maid approached immediately.
"I'll see you in the night. I have work," Luthien told her.
"As if I care," she muttered, rolling her eyes. Koisar raised a brow, the maid's eyes widened.
Nystrix followed the maid, who led her to a massive building.
"For now," she smirked, noting the grandeur of her new quarters.
The maid guided her until evening. Though Nystrix was polite, boredom gnawed at her. Dinner came and went; she missed talking with her father.
Returning to her room, she found Luthien waiting, sitting casually with her phone — apparently brought for her.
He stared at her for a long moment before speaking.
"Twenty years ago, a witch — the Witch Queen — was killed along with her daughter. The father, a shape-shifter, has been in captivity since then, and the Witch's brother took the throne."
Nystrix was confused. What has this got to do with me?
"All hybrids were killed. The few alive are imprisoned," he continued.
Her breath caught.
"The Witch Queen had blue hair and blue eyes, her lover silver hair," Luthien said, approaching her. "You have all their traits." He touched her hair. "Blue roots, silver tips, shining sapphire-blue eyes, and shape-shifting ability."
Nystrix stared, unable to speak.
"Your name is Nystrix Jacqueline Erroll. The Witch's name was Jacqueline," he whispered, his hand tracing her face.
"You are the daughter of the ruler of the Witch Realm and the Shape-shifting Realm," he said finally.
"Nystrix Jacqueline Slagus."