Hellbound Heart

A/N: I'm listening to The Vampire Masquerade by Peter Gundry while writing this chap. Just sharing in case some of you want background music while reading. ^^

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No matter how Elle tried to calm down her wild heartbeats, her heart seemed to be insistent on disobeying her mind. She was getting incredibly nervous every step the person came closer. Was it because of this prince's somewhat inexplicable air around him? Now that he was near her, Elle even could not help but feel a little shiver running down her spine. She had never felt anything like this when she met the other members of the Reign family. Was she kind of scared or was she just creeped out at how freaky his mask was?

Now that he was closer and she saw his mask's details, Elle noted the line of sharp teeth indicating the mouth area on his mask. The sight of all the details were just truly, unsettling to say the least.

He finally stopped before her. Elle found herself fighting for calm again, yet she kept her chin lifted and her bearing composed as though nothing was bothering her. Looking up at him. His height was probably just an inch shorter if compared to Sebastian's. But there was his aura. She could sense something off about him, but she could not quite put her finger on what was the problem. It did not give the similar feeling of something dark and intense or mysterious like Sebastian's. And it definitely was not something warm or light and normal either. It was simply hard to describe or something that one could not even figure out.

"Good evening, my lady." He bowed so gentlemanly. His voice was smooth, a little deep and… surprisingly polite and pleasing to the ears. Somehow, his voice and actions were a contrast to what she had been expecting from all the warnings she had gotten on her not attending this party. "I'm glad you didn't reject my invitation for my party."

"It was my pleasure, Prince Elijah." Elle managed to give an immediate and gracious response. "There's no way I would miss attending such an important event." She smiled at him.

,m "You are looking as gorgeous as I have heard." He responded and she saw his grey eyes gleaming from behind that truly unique mask of his, indicating that he might have just smiled at her. Before she could say 'thank you', he continued. "May I have this dance, my lady?"

He extended his hand to her in another gentlemanly move. But what Elle had noticed first was his black leather glove. The sight of it immediately reminded her of Sebastian.

Forcing herself to stop thinking about Sebastian for the nth time, Elle placed her gloved hand on his. There was no way she could reject his offer right in his face. She had no real reason to. And she had already prepared herself for this since she knew that this country did not have any strict protocol on their royalty regarding matters like this.

Even so, Elle was not planning to just accept any man's invitation to dance, just in case a few others would later invite her to dance. She only planned to accept a dance request from her brother-in-law in case he asked because it was his party. And maybe just one or two more with someone she might be comfortable with. She just wanted to avoid any rumors that might spark if she only danced with the prince and rejects everyone else.

"I hope you do waltz, my lady. But if you don't, please let me know. I believe I am familiar with every decent types of dances there are out there. So I can definitely make the adjustments for you." His words flowed so smoothly that Elle just found herself relaxing and smiling at him again.

"That's very considerate of you, Prince Elijah. But worry not, I can waltz. Any decent princess worth her salt should be able to waltz well enough, don't you think so?" she joked lightly.

"Perfect then. And I'm sure you are more than a decent princess, right?" Elijah then winked at her.

Elle glanced over her shoulder at Lucas and saw the man taking a half step towards her, obviously on the verge of stopping her. So, Elle smiled reassuringly at him and discreetly gestured that it was alright as she allowed Prince Elijah to lead her slowly towards the empty dance floor. Somehow, at the moment, her nervousness towards Elijah had subsided that she started to wonder if her initial impression about him was just being overexaggerated and was perhaps influenced by the atmosphere. Because right now, this man did not seem dangerous to her. At all.

When they stood in the middle of the dance floor, Elijah stared at her with a look that seemed to be promising her much enjoyment. And then the music started and flowed melodiously around the large hall.

They began to waltz along with the music, their steps going in time with the beat. He danced with so much grace that Elle, who had mastered the textbook waltz since she was young was finding herself being amazed at his skill. It was like he has had decades more practice compared to her. But that was just impossible, because she could tell he was probably at most, just a few years older than her. How much difference could that few years make even if he did practice dancing daily?

"You're pretty amazing, Prince Elijah." Elle complimented him genuinely when the dance slowed down a little. She could really feel the extent of this man's experience, especially with regards to women's bodies. But he was a gentleman, and his hands that were placed on her were nothing but respectful. He held her with assurance and poise, that Elle was starting to really feel she could really depend on him.

"And so are you, my lady." His eyes smiled down at her. "I hope you have been enjoying your stay in the castle so far?" He probed mildly.

"Yes. Everyone has been so welcoming. The people, places and things that can be found in this country is truly amazing." Elle did not hold back on her praises and was generous in her compliments.

"That's a relief to know. But sooner or later, I'm sure you'd start to see something you have never expect." His voice was suggesting something else that she did not know. Elle knew he was trying to pique her interest.

"Like what? Pray tell, Prince Elijah." Elle replied in an airy tone with mock curiosity.

Something flashed in Elijah's eyes as he stared at her. But Elle did not catch what it was as he suddenly moved a little closer to her and whispered lowly. "Bloodsuckers... like the one you saw earlier."