Page 2 of House of Darkness (The Fallen Star #1)
His glittering fangs flashed in a smile. “Why does any man attend these events?”
My heart skipped at his words. It was a ridiculous question, of course. His controlled demeanor might have lulled me into comfort, yet they were all savages—he was no exception.
“Have any acolytes caught your eye?”
His gaze swept over me thoughtfully, lips curling into a smirk. “Yes.”
As the song ended, he stepped back. His gaze lingered on me with curious intensity as he cocked his head.
Unlike the others, his look was not of depraved hunger but one of profound understanding, as if he could see into my very soul.
I dipped my head to break eye contact, but his fiery stare kept burning holes into my flesh.
“Are you a count, Roman?” I asked, eager to break the uneasy silence. Counts and countesses, rulers of the vampire Houses by sheer force, commanded immense respect. His status would explain Edward's reaction.
Roman chuckled. “You could say that.” He extended his hand for another dance as the music resumed. I accepted with a curtsy.
“And which house are you the count of?” I inquired as he led me gracefully around the floor.
“I don’t see why that matters,” he replied smoothly.
His avoidance was exasperating. I pursed my lips before I could think better of it, tempted to retort, but the headmaster’s hateful grin appeared behind my eyes.
Attitude would result in a whipping. I quickly willed my face back to neutrality, but he saw through my facade.
“You’ve got quite the attitude, Estrella. ”
“I apologize, sir,” I stuttered.
“Call me Roman,” he insisted.
Frustration creased my brow. “I’m sorry, Roman.”
He chuckled. “Your attitude is refreshing.”
An involuntary laugh escaped me. My attitude, often scorned even by my sister, typically brought me trouble rather than admiration.
His eyes widened in surprise, and a captivating smile spread across his lips.
Suddenly, he dipped me, his hand at my sternum guiding the movement with a lover’s gentleness.
“Your laugh could bring a man to his knees, doll,” he purred.
My stupid heart spiraled. Over the years, vampires had used many lines to make me swoon, like, “Imagine how powerful our spawn would be.” But this time, the way he said it almost made me believe him.
Almost made me think someone might appreciate my attitude and laughter as much as my body in this tight dress.
But he was just a smooth talker, just like the others.
I forced myself back to reality. The only reason a man was interested in me was for my body, and that was unlikely to change.
“I’m sure you make the ladies swoon yourself, sir—Roman.”
“I am told I’m quite the charmer,” he said, his arrogant grin making me frown until I composed myself, returning to a mask of neutrality.
He pulled me close enough that I could feel his breath on my face, inhaling the scent of wood, smoke, and something sweet. The intensity of his gaze twisted my thoughts. “And yet, you’re the only one I’ve danced with tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because I like your attitude,” he explained, stepping back and spinning me once more as the song slowed. Though there was now space between us, my mind was left in shambles.
“Besides, I had to rescue you from Edward.”
I blushed, wondering if my distaste for Edward was that evident.
I needed to work on my neutral expression.
Yet my blush was not just from embarrassment; the naive hope of being valued beyond my looks stirred within me—a foolish girl’s dream.
I knew better, but a part of me clung to the hope of being seen as more than just an object.
As the song ended, we faced each other once more. His eyes roamed over me with the steady intensity of a raging hearth, peeling back the layers of my carefully placed mask.
“I quite enjoyed this conversation. I think you would be a great addition to my family, Estrella. What do you think?”
His question caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected to be asked, and deep down, I knew I didn’t truly have a say in who bought me.
Yet his expression was sincere, as if he genuinely wanted me to have a choice.
That sincerity meant more to me than any compliment or gesture ever could.
Before I could second-guess myself, I blurted out my answer.
“Yes.”
His lips curved into a dark smile. “I look forward to seeing you soon, Estrella.”
He took my hand and tenderly kissed my knuckles. Without a farewell, he stepped into the surrounding darkness as though he had never been here, leaving me feeling bare and exposed as the surrounding auras came crashing down on me once more.
I was so absorbed in the void he left behind that I barely noticed the music and dancing around me gradually coming to a halt. It took me a moment to shake off my daze and understand why.
Across the room, a dais with a single throne stood prominently, made of solid smoky quartz, rounded spires erupting from its back. Roman ascended it as if born for the spotlight, causing my stomach to drop.
A count. No wonder he laughed.
“Welcome, all, to my home,” he announced. His silky voice washed over the room, demanding the attention of all beneath him. Massive onyx wings, characteristic of the Koraki House, unfurled behind him. My knees wobbled. I was a fool.
“Thank you all for attending tonight. I extend a special welcome to the Kulta family acolytes, who came out tonight just for us. While I’m sure we’ve enjoyed their company, it is now time for the main event.”
He paced the platform’s edge, completely at ease under the spotlight.
“It is refreshing to see us gathered like this. Centuries ago, before my grandfather’s rule, vampires would tear each other apart for the chance to continue their lineage with an acolyte.
That we stand here tonight, civil and enjoying the company of these beautiful ladies, speaks volumes about the enduring Koraki legacy.
” As he spoke, his wings shifted subtly, and his expression darkened.
“I am honored to continue this legacy tonight by starting the bidding for the beautiful Estrella.” Roman gestured toward me with a fanged smile, eliciting a hushed whisper from the crowd.
Numbers were stamped on our hands beneath the Kulta brand, ensuring vampires didn’t need to call us by name. Again, his behavior was strange.
My legs moved of their own accord, bringing me within a few paces of the dais.
Had I been more alert, I might have noticed the crowd parting around me with wide eyes, wary of approaching what the tsar had claimed.
Roman didn’t need to state a price; his declaration that I was his was enough to instill fear.
I paid no heed to anyone else. Instead, my focus was entirely on the dark, handsome man towering above me, just as he would for the rest of my life. His ruby eyes locked onto mine, lips curling into a dark smile as he winked at me.
What had I done?