Poison Rose of Avalon

Liora's POV:

Daran's eyes sparkled, and a broad grin spread across his face as if he had discovered lost treasure once Rachel came into view.

"Rachel!" He called out cheerfully, darting over to close the distance between them.

And Rachel beamed a flawless smile in return, revealing her bright white, perfectly straight teeth. "Daran!!"

They held each other tightly for what seemed like forever to me. I stood off to the side, nervously shifting my weight from one foot to the other. Their close embrace was so cosy and personal that I began to feel like an unwelcome third wheel on a bicycle built for two.

He never embraced me in that way. Yet, I also never permitted him to. So, was it solely his fault?

I cleared my throat, hoping to break the spell created between them. "Um, should I call for another cab?"

Daran eventually released Rachel, laughing at my inquiry. "Don't be ridiculous."

I stepped forward to meet Rachel's eyes.

"Hello, I'm Liora Valentine," I responded, attempting to show excitement while feeling out of place at a gathering.

"Hello, I'm Rachel." She moved closer to embrace me, but Daran promptly stepped in.

"She doesn't take hugs very well," as if I was a delicate human in need of protection.

His words stunned me for a moment. My cheeks flushed as I attempted to offer an embarrassed smile. 'Since when do I have a problem with women?'

"Oh!" Rachel exclaimed, appearing somewhat surprised as she awkwardly stepped back. "I apologise," she said, looking between Daran and me. "I didn't intend to make you feel uneasy."

"It's okay." I quickly cast a glance at Daran, and, as usual, he disregarded my unspoken warnings.

He then grabbed my suitcase without further delay, and we began heading toward the parking lot where Rachel had left her car.

Daran placed the bags in the car trunk, while I settled into the back seat, observing the parking and city line.

As the car exited the parking lot, the environment transitioned dramatically from contemporary urban surroundings to a scene reminiscent of 500 AD.

After 500 meters away stood a massive gate flanked by impressive stone walls, and despite its age, it stood firm and unyielding, telling a story of scars from countless battles. The gate itself was forged from thick iron, bore intricate carvings of dragons, snakes, and skulls—an ominous design that seemed to carry a story of its own.

The car rolled forward onto a sturdy bridge, wide enough for four vehicles and the gate was biggere than that. Beneath the bridge, the water was dark and still, reflecting only the faintest glimmer of light.

As we approached the end of the bridge, another gate appeared in front of us, almost identical to the first; however, it had an additional feature that sent a chill through my body—a stone wolf standing atop it, its eyes intricately carved to look almost lifelike, staring down at us as if evaluating our worthiness to enter.

"This place feels ancient. Even the air I breathe feels different, like it's been pulled straight out of a bygone era," I whispered to myself.

My words were barely audible over the sound of the engine and the name Valtham echoed in my thoughts, contributing to the unsettling mood.

Rachel caught my words while driving, and Daran had his eyes closed, seeming to be enjoyingng the ride or taking a nap. A knowing smile spread across Rachel's face.

"You're right," she replied, "this location is unlike any other. There's a legend associated with it."

I glanced at her, my confusion mingling with curiosity. "A folk story?" I pressed, eager to know more.

She nodded, her eyes gleaming as though she knew the tale was just the beginning of what awaited us all while maintaining her concentration on the road.

"There's a legend tied to this place," Rachel began, her voice infused with intrigue as she eagerly prepared to share the tale she cherished discussing with new to the city.

"They say an Archlord once cursed a woman whose family had destroyed his own. Their hatred burned deep between the family, and in the end, she stabbed him. But before he fell into years of sleep, he cursed her with the help of a witch, vowing she wouldn't die until he woke again."

I scowled, a look of confusion appearing on my face. "You mean, he's dead—not sleeping, right?"

Rachel shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips, a subtle smile playing on her lips. She was aware that many individuals would ask the same question upon hearing the story:

"No, not dead. He's sleeping. The Archlord was from a royal lineage known as Arcane blood." Her tone suggested he was still merely in slumber within the coffin.

The term flew over my head, leaving me puzzled. "What does that even mean?"

Rachel let out a soft laugh. "It means he was one of the originals. A firstborn vampire."

My mouth fell open, and my eyes grew wide with astonishment. After a moment of silence, I burst out laughing. The journey to campus seemed thrilling to me. When I first heard about Valtham, it sounded mysterious and unusual to me. However, I was unaware of the story behind it, and Valtham appeared to be a blend of contemporary society and ancient culture. I pondered what the people here might be like.

"Vampires?" I managed between fits of giggles. "You're kidding, right?" I shook her head in disbelief.

Rachel grinned, biding her time for my chuckles to quiet down. "Naturally, that's why it's referred to as a folk story and not a historical account."

My gaze drifted out the window, where ancient stone buildings stood alongside modern ones. It was like the city had one foot in the past and one in the present.

Rachel glanced at me through the rearview mirror, while my focus was on buildings and people.

"Just so you know! This city is still controlled by the royal family. It's a part of California, but Valtham maintains its own customs and government. The royals hold their history and culture in high regard, so the city's name remains unchanged."

I hummed thoughtfully, observing the city's unique blend of old and new. "So," I said after a moment, "what happened to the Archlord and the woman? Did the curse ever break? Did he wake up?"

Rachel's eyes flicked to me in the rearview mirror, her expression unreadable. 

"They say he eventually woke, and when he did, he clashed with her again. But somewhere in their hatred, they fell in love—only for her to be accidentally killed by him. Since then, he's been waiting in slumber for her return."

I blinked rapidly, my lips parting slightly in surprise as I gazed at Rachel. "That's... heartbreaking." After a pause, I laughed softly and began to appreciate the city again. "It sounds like something straight out of a movie."

"There's even a tomb for him in the royal palace. But it's off-limits—no one's allowed inside." Rachel stated.

I tilted my head with curosity dancing my eyes. "What was his name?"

"Archlord Lucian Valtham. According to legend, he received this name from Lucifer himself," Rachel stated plainly.

I whispered the name under her breath and it sent a shiver all over my body a if I was touched by harsh winter. "And that's why the city is called Valtham…" I said fanitly.

Rachel nodded. "The royal family still ruling here carries the surname Valtham."

I couldn't help but ask more out of curiosity. "So, do they look like vampires?"

Rachel laughed, shaking her head. "Liora, it's just a legend. You know how people love to exaggerate."

"You are right." I reclined and sighed, stretched my arms. "It's a fascinating tale and the city."

Rachel allowed me a moment to absorb the story before she began talking.

"Liora, we'll head to my place first and then to your campus residence. Does that work for you?" Rachel inquired, casting a glance at me through the rearview mirror.

"Yes, that works for me," I answered, attempting to keep my tone despite the exhaustion of the long journey. All I desired was to take a warm shower, collapse into the bed, stretch out my body, and sleep through until the following day.

Rachel beamed. "By the way, I really like your curly blond hair. No one would recognize you—Liora. Not Caspian, nor Sven."

'What a contrast,' I mused, looking out the window. On one side, I was excited at the idea of Caspian; on the other, I was fuming about Sven.

"Thanks," I responded, forcing a grin. "It's still in development." I hope they don't recognise me immediately.

Rachel acknowledged with a nod, her gaze returning to the road. Daran, beside her, appeared calm and completely at home in this unfamiliar setting.

Upon parking in the underground parking area and riding the elevator, we arrive at the fifth floor. Rachel lived in a penthouse that provided a breathtaking view of the city. She had a spacious terrace overlooking the city, which featured a large, low table that resembled a sitting area and could also be used for sleeping with a mattress.

Daran and I sat on the terrace's seating area while Daran's luggage was kept aside. Meanwhile, Rachel unlocked the door and went inside to bring cans of beer.

The sky was clear, shifting to a deep blue hue and the stars began to sparkle. I was uncertain whether to gaze at the sky or the cityscape.

"I don't drive to university. I take the metro like everyone else," Rachel mentioned, passing us some chilled beers.

"Are you trying to get her drunk?" Daran inquired, grabbing a beer from Rachel.

"With one beer, who gets drunk?" I asked Daran.

'Am I a child or what? Why is he tarnishing my image in front of Rachel. Let me have one girl friend, you idiot Daran.' I scolded him silently and hoped it would reach him magically.

Rachel shot him a stern glance. That look lingered for a significant moment as if they were engaged in a silent dialogue. Eventually, Daran averted his eyes.

"Let her make her own choice, Daran. Stop hovering over her."

I took the beer can, enjoying the cool moisture against my hand. "Thanks, Rachel." I turned to face Daran, "there's no need to fret. I can take care of myself."

Rachel grinned, nodding in agreement. "That's right. It's vital to maintain some autonomy."

Daran sighed but refrained from saying anything further, taking a sip of his beer. I could feel his instinct to protect me, yet there was also an unease stirring within him.

Despite our closeness, there were things we never shared with each other. I never informed him about the camping incident, and there were things he hadn't told me either. I constantly sensed that he was concealing something from me. But what could it be?

As I enjoyed my beer, I caught a glimpse of Daran. I honor his personal space, just as he honors mine.

"Here's to fresh starts," Rachel said, lifting her beer in a toast.

"Here's to fresh starts," I repeated, clinking my bottle with hers.

Daran finally offered a faint smile and joined in the toast. "Here's to fresh starts!"

Before heading to my place, we stopped for dinner at a seafood eatery and picked up a SIM card. Once I activated it, I called my Mama and Uncle Dane to inform them that I had arrived safely and was on my way to my residence.

Rachel parked the car at the Campus residence parking lot. 

As I reached to unlock the door and stepped out, mine, Rachel, and Daran's eyes widened in shock.