Ryker led Eliana to the carriage, where they would begin their journey to Tenebrous, a land of vampires and human slaves. Before departing, Eliana bid her parents farewell, but her brother was nowhere to be found. She knew she would eventually accept this union, as it was her duty to serve her people as a princess. The ride in the carriage was peaceful, with the sun setting in the distance, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape.
As they entered Evernight, the capital of Tenebrous, the atmosphere was bustling compared to Eldoria's quiet streets. Gas lamps flickered, casting a warm glow over the crowded streets, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke, exotic spices, and the sound of laughter and distant trading. The carriage arrived at Ryker's magnificent mansion, where the guard rushed to open the door for Ryker, leaving Eliana to descend on her own. However, as she stepped down, Ryker himself reached out to assist her, his strong hand wrapping around her waist, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she met his gaze, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
"Your new home," Ryker growled in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine, before releasing her from his grasp.
As she approached the entrance, massive decorated wooden doors with iron hinges and studs greeted her, adorned with intricate carvings of vampires and humans. Maids awaited their return, mostly vampires with a few humans, and Eliana sensed a hint of disdain in the air, their eyes cold and unforgiving. She had expected it, but couldn't tell why Ryker was being nice – perhaps he was preparing her like a lamb before sacrifice. Her fate was sealed.
As they walked past the maids, Ryker pointed to a nearby human maid. "You there." The maid, Sarah, stepped forward and curtsied, her eyes cast downward. "My lord." Ryker commanded, "Show your new queen to her chambers, make sure she has everything she needs." Sarah's eyes lit up with a warm smile, a rare sight in this cold and unforgiving world. "Yes, my lord." She turned and curtsied at Eliana. "Right this way, my lady."
Ryker's gaze lingered on Eliana for a moment before he turned and left for his room, leaving his wife in the capable hands of the human maid. "Follow me, my lady," Sarah said, leading Eliana through the grand halls of the mansion, adorned with intricate tapestries and paintings of vampires and humans. "I'll show you to your chambers. You must be exhausted from the journey." Eliana nodded, still taking in her surroundings, her mind racing with thoughts of her new life in Tenebrous.
"Yes, thank you, Sarah." Sarah smiled and continued, "I'll make sure you have everything you need. If you require anything, don't hesitate to ask." As they reached the chambers, Eliana was struck by the grandeur and beauty of the room, her eyes widening in awe. The bed was adorned with velvet curtains, and the walls were painted with intricate murals, depicting scenes of vampires and humans living together in harmony.
"This is your room, my lady," Sarah said, curtsying again. "Rest well, and I'll attend to your needs in the morning." Eliana thanked her and watched as Sarah departed, leaving her alone in her new chambers, her heart heavy with uncertainty and fear, but also a hint of curiosity about her new life in Tenebrous.