In all the stories the world tells, love is shown only through men—their sacrifices, their courage, their pain. But no one ever speaks of a woman's love. No one tells of how far she will go, how much she can endure, and how long she can wait.
This is the story of such a woman. A woman who went through all pain, yet never stopped waiting. Even if she died, she would still wait. Even after death, she would still love. She would come again and again, only for him.
Once again… for you.
---
Long ago, in a kingdom shrouded in silence and dread, there lived a queen whose name was feared across every border—Bellatrix Nightshade.
She was beautiful beyond compare, strong beyond measure, and cruel beyond forgiveness. Other kingdoms trembled at her name, yet no one truly knew who she was. No one dared to question the shadows that clung to her or the secrets locked in her black castle.
What no one knew was that Bellatrix was not human. She was a vampire—ancient, powerful, and merciless. She had lived for over ten thousand years, never aging, never fading, always ruling in darkness.
Her castle was a monument to night itself, filled only with black—black walls, black curtains, black halls. She despised sunlight and never walked beneath it. To her people, she was nothing but a cold ruler with no emotions, no mercy, and no weakness.
But Bellatrix was not completely alone. By her side was a single companion: a talking crow named Mephisto. To her, he was a mere slave, a pet she often mocked. But in truth, Mephisto knew every secret of her long existence. He had seen her battles, her grief, and her hidden tears. He was the only one who dared speak to her, and though she would never admit it, Bellatrix trusted no one else.
Her life of eternal monotony continued unchanged… until fate decided to amuse itself.
One day, a traveler entered her kingdom. He was a stranger with his face hidden, walking straight toward her castle. Bellatrix had already seen him, for nothing in her land escaped her gaze. A cruel smile curved on her lips as she whispered to Mephisto, "Let him come. I'm waiting for my lunch."
The heavy gates opened on their own, welcoming the man into her dark domain. He stepped into her throne hall, where she sat like a goddess of night, Mephisto perched by her side.
The man bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I beg for a place here. In every kingdom I have been scorned. They see me as weak and unworthy. Please… I only seek work."
Bellatrix's crimson eyes gleamed with mockery. "First, tell me your name, slave."
The man raised his head slightly. "My name is Valerian Duskbane. You may call me Valerian, Your Majesty."
At once, her gaze sharpened. "You dare command how I should address you?" she hissed.
He quickly lowered his head. "Forgive me, Majesty. Call me as you wish."
Her cruel smile returned. "Good. But before I decide your fate, show me your face. A dish must be plated before it can be tasted."
Confused, Valerian hesitated, but obeyed. He slowly removed the cloth from his face.
The moment his features were revealed, Mephisto screeched in shock, his wings beating wildly. "Bellatrix! Look! He—he is the recreation of your long-lost lover!"
For the first time in centuries, Bellatrix froze. Her eyes widened, and the cold mask she always wore shattered. She rushed forward, tears burning her eyes. "Where have you been?" she cried. "I have waited for you all these years!"
Valerian stared at her, baffled. "Majesty, I think you have mistaken me for someone else. I don't know what you are talking about."
Her trembling lips twisted into a broken smile. "Don't act. You know me. You promised me!"
But he shook his head firmly. "I swear, I don't know you."
Silence fell. Then Bellatrix's sorrow darkened into rage. Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "If you deny me… then you are useless to me."
In a flash, she drew her dagger and stabbed him.
Valerian gasped, eyes wide in shock as blood spread across his chest.
Bellatrix's tears fell silently onto his skin. Her voice shook, not with weakness but with fury. "If you won't remember me… then I'll make sure you never forget me again."
Mephisto shrieked, the sound echoing like a curse through the endless halls.
And thus began the cruel fate of Bellatrix Nightshade and Valerian Duskbane—lovers torn apart by time, reunited in tragedy once again.