Friends and foes

CHAPTER FIVE

The chopper landed swiftly on the glass and Adam ducked out from it. Zane waited as he ran to him and unfolded the seamless white shirt and the black redingote coat. Milan quietly watched from a distance as Adam helped Zane put them on. She faintly overheard them talk about ‘the Western castle… battlefield… injured leader…might attack again… ‘ which she was quite unable to put together. However one thing was clear enough to her, Zane was no ordinary man considering how he was being treated.

“Hey little girl” he called out turning towards her.

“Huh.. yes” she responded overcoming her trance.

“Where does your grandmother live? You live with her right?”

“Yes, but how did you know?” confused, she queried.

“Well… don’t you remember … you told me yourself..?” Zane half questioned remembering she didn’t, but rather he had read her mind when she was thinking of her grandmother while crying earlier.

“It’s getting late. You cannot walk back to the village alone lil girl.”

“Stop calling me lil girl” she whined “Also the village isn’t that far from here, only half a mile towards the east. Are you coming with me to drop me off? It’s quite fun walking there.” She beamed, expecting him to accompany her on her way back.

“I wish I could, but I’ve got work so Adam will drop you off safely, he’s my most trusted person” he reassured her, though he did not expect the disappointment that replaced her expectant eyes. He then turned and whispered something to Adam.

“So you aren’t coming..” Milan mumbled disappointingly.

Standing in the middle of the green field at dusk he watched as Adam walked her back to her village. As much as he dreaded leaving behind a few peaceful moments he had stolen in his lifetime, he was fully aware of his responsibilities as the Prince and that he had to return to fulfil them selflessly for his people. He tried to define the strange contentment he felt in the past hours but he couldn’t and decided to leave it as that and go back to where he belonged, what he was; The heir of the vampire kingdom, Ezekiel Zane.

Present

“I’m here” the silver haired girl replied over her smartphone from the further end of the café to catch the attention of her best friend who just entered the shop. Mie Lan looked over the hustling crowd of café at the call, to see her best friend, Zia waving from 3rd table beside the window. She took down her phone from her ear, disconnecting the line through which she had asked Zia where she was. Mie Lan was in a pink floral skirt with a white tank top and a white cardigan, contrasting the black jeans and overcoat of Zia. She walked to Zia’s table, smiling brightly. They both hugged each other and settled down as Zia called for the waiter. Zia and MieLan ordered Expresso and Latte respectively before exchanging words about their current whereabouts.

After a few minutes of catch up about Zia’s job, and Mie Lan's internship and interview updates, Zia told Mie Lan the news she knew would earn her a ‘surprised Mie Lan expression’.

“I got engaged last week” Zia casually stated showing the ring on her finger.

“WHAT!” MieLan exclaimed, caught off guard by the sudden declaration of her friend. Zia smiled at her inevitable response.

“How could you do this to me? I thought we were going to stick together forever but you abandoned me so easily and secretly got engaged to someone else” Milan said with a dramatic sob and covered her face.

Zia chuckled “Stop being so dramatic. At least I told you before the wedding. It’s next month”

“Aw, my heart hurts, this is betrayal. You even planned the wedding and only telling me all this now. I’m so hurt” Mie Lan pouted. “Still I’m so happy you found the love of your life”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hide it from you. It’s just our relationship was reserved and then his proposal was sudden…” Zia replied, smiling at Mie Lan ’s attempt to seem mad.

“So… what’s his name? What does he do? Will you live here after the wedding?” MieLan started with her endless queries, back to being her usual cheerful self.

“Calm down sweetie, I’ll tell you everything” Zia chuckled at her haste. A waiter interrupted their conversation placing their latte and expresso neatly.

___

The grand ballroom shimmered under the glow of opulent chandeliers, their crystal prisms refracting light like scattered diamonds. Ornate gold-trimmed columns lined the vast hall, their intricate carvings exuding an air of old-world aristocracy. The marble floors, polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflected the glow of candelabras and the twinkle of fairy lights draped across the vaulted ceiling.

A live orchestra played a soft, melodious waltz, the harmonious notes weaving seamlessly with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of crystal champagne flutes. Silver trays laden with gourmet hors d'oeuvres—caviar-topped blinis, truffle-infused canapés, and delicate macarons—floated effortlessly through the crowd in the hands of white-gloved waiters.

The guests, a constellation of the city’s elite, were clad in designer ensembles—tailored tuxedos, flowing silk gowns embroidered with gold thread, and jewellery that caught the light with every movement. Laughter, rich and indulgent, filled the space as politicians, business tycoons, and celebrities exchanged pleasantries, their voices laced with both charm and calculation.

Outside, a fleet of black sedans and vintage Rolls-Royces lined the driveway, their chauffeurs waiting under the warm glow of antique lanterns. The scent of jasmine and expensive cologne lingered in the night air, a final touch to an evening drenched in decadence.

Amongst all the guests of honour, one stood out most effortlessly it was Ezekiel Zane —charismatic, strikingly elegant, and entirely accustomed to prestige. His long, dark hair falling over his pale face. His sharp features, dark gaze, and slightly dishevelled yet aristocratic appearance gave him an air of intrigue. He is dressed in a vintage, Victorian-era black suit with a high-collared shirt and a flowing white cravat, adding to his refined yet enigmatic aura. He didn’t need flashy embellishments; every stitch, every fold of his attire spoke of power, the kind that needed no introduction. He was the core definition of opulence. As he stepped into the grand ballroom, conversations faltered, eyes drawn to the quiet confidence exuded by his flawless attire.

 Surrounded by a good number of businessmen and politicians trying to earn his favour and flatter him into joining hands with them, he could hear there greedy and selfishly thoughts aloud, so much so that he was disgusted.

Ugh! Humans, they’d bow to the devil itself if they’d benefit from it. Lowly as always. He thought while giving a formal greeting to those ingratiating him.

“Look who we have here, Ezekiel Zane” remarked Jake Lycan walking towards his rival Zane with smirk, his obsequious people following close behind. He had a tanned complexion, piercing brown eyes, and tousled, wavy dark hair cascading past his shoulders, adorned with golden accessories, including a delicate chain necklace and a single dangling gold earring in his left ear. His intense gaze and slightly smirking lips exuded confidence and allure. His midnight-blue velvet suit shimmered under the chandelier’s glow, the fine silk lapels caught the light like liquid silver. A gold-studded tie pin gleamed at his throat, its deep blue matching the hues of his tailored suit. The jacket hugged his broad shoulders with effortless precision, the fabric sculpted to his frame like a second skin.

“One would think it is you who is getting married, not the president’s son” he snickered.

“It’s amusing that my mere presence overshadows the luxuries of a president’s son and perhaps also a certain person laden with gold” Zane smirked back, taking the wine glass with red liquid Adam brought for him.

^^^ To be continued ^^^

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