𝘙𝘦𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. (𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦...)

⚠ Strong cringe like scenes, violence.

Dali...

Her voice was soft, caressing his troubles mind to ease. The frown on his face smoothed out.

Dali...

She called again with more fervor.

Shimmering into the forefront of his mind he saw her standing gracefully, a picture of beauty. But her beautiful captivating eyes held a sadness instead of its usual mirth.

Dali.

Frida called in a pained voice, brows pulled down in a disappointed look.

Don't do this alone.

She said in a soft voice filled with fear. He reach out for her but she suddenly was farther away.

I want you to have happiness for yourself.

Frida! Frida!

He yelled desperately, a hand reaching out in vain to catch her but she shimmered into mist.

He watched the mist swirl and waver until it morphed into his Frida again.

Turning around she held her hand out longingly to him which was when he realized that wasn't Frida anymore.

Dali.

Marietta called in a strained voice as if she suppressed painful tears. Her hand reached out to his. As he grabbed her she was tugged away.

A dark shadow loomed over her pulling her back. She screamed and begged for him to help her but he was immobile.

Screaming his name one last time in desperation the dark shadow swallowed her whole. Her voice echoing in his mind.

Dali woke up with a gasp, heart hammering in his chest.

Wild-eyed he looked around, calming down after reality settled in. Feeling exhausted instead of refreshed, he decided it best to get on with his day.

An hour later once fully dressed, he marched down the hallway, making his way to breakfast. He grew accustomed to the usual glimpse or two of Marietta in the morning. Her presence bringing a calm to him. But this morning she was nowhere to be seen.

✵✵✵

Catherine was absorbed in the world of the current book she read. She was steadily eating her way through Dali Delico's library after she completed the tall pile of books Marietta brought to keep her company while she healed.

It was a week and a half since she was found and with each day she grew more and more restless.

"Umm Catherine?" A voice called her but she remained unbothered.

She stubbornly pursued her reading her eyes flitting over the words but mind now churning with the events of the past few days.

"My lady?" The kind voice prompted in a quieter tone.

Catherine recalled he'd conversation with Marietta from the day before, blocking everything out.

"When will I be able to go home?"

"I am not sure. The decision was made to catch Berg first. It's not safe anywhere else." Marietta said in a soft tone.

"I am getting bored. I hate sitting still!"

"Perhaps we can go on a walk tomorrow. Its my job to guard you so it should be okay. I'll talk to the doctor."

Her mind registered the deep clearing of a masculine throat which she ignored, almost as if in rebellion.

Catherine frowned deeply in concentration, tunneling further into the story. Her eyes flitted over the words absorbing the meaning and emotion of the author.

'Should have done more than hit him in the knackers! Should've run my blade through as well.' She thought grumpily.

Since she was confined to strict bed rest, Catherine had read a library of genres ranging from medicine to romance and poetry.

'I am more than fine. I know I've healed well!' She insisted to herself.

"Catherine." The determination behind the voice cut through her concentration.

Picking her head up in response to the urgency of the tone she found Dino watching her with a smile in his eyes.

His lips were pulled into a smallest hint of an amused smile.

"I did knock but you seemed to be engaged elsewhere." He said now smiling fully.

"Dino..." She was caught by surprise, mouth parted with the shock of finding the handsome noble at her side.

Her cheeks grew pink with embarrassment of not noticing him sooner.

"I wanted to give you this." He said holding out a curvy, crystal vile.

Placing her book down, her tiny hand reached out to grasp the vile, the tips of her fingers brushing over the cool skin of his.

Stalling the moment she ran her fingers back down, ghosting them over his again. He sucked in a sharp breath, eyes dilating

Gripping the base of the vile she lifted it to the light. A ruby coloured liquid swished inside.

Recognition struck her and she opened her mouth to protest but his determined gaze dissolved her unspoken argument.

"Seeing as it was recommended that such treatment continues, I felt it more practical that you have some of my blood on hand." He said simply in a sturdy voice that held no argument.

"I've taken precautions and have already healed." He said holding his wrist out to show her.

Catherine assessed his wrist with a worried look on her pretty face. Her eyes scanned for the invisible cut but not even a scar remained on his pale skin.

She ran a thumb back and forth over his wrist as if to smooth away any pain or discomfort he could have felt, ignorant of the emotions she stirred in him by such a simple touch.

"Thank you very much." She whispered, refusing to lift her gaze.

"You're welcome." He replied in a tight voice before extracting his hand from her hold.

A lapse of silence passed over them, their potent attraction for each other filling the room up with unsaid words.

"How are you feeling now?" He asked regaining his composure.

"I am fully mended. I am as good as new." She insisted, trying to convince him with wide, hopeful eyes.

"As good as? Your complexion is still pale and you're still weak. I wouldn't call that fully mended. That was poisonous air that would have dried up your blood." Dino said in a calm tone.

"I am well. I don't need bed rest." She pushed, hoping he'd at least listen.

"I beg to differ." He said raking his eyes over her thin form.

She jumped off the bed with all her energy in an attempt to prove herself to him. The world swayed and her vision blurred with the sudden movement.

"See I am f-" Her words cut off when her vision darkened. He reached out with a dry look, arms open wide, waiting to catch her form. Dino sighed shaking his head as he laid her back down in bed.

When she came to a few moments later she found him looming over her with a quizzical brow lifted.

"Still feel fine?" He asked with an amused smirk.

She closed her eyes to keep her head from spinning. Opening them again she found him hovering over her until she felt his lips touch hers.

She drank needily from his lips, her new source of life. She heard a soft exhale of relief from him, as he pushed his lip further into her parted mouth for her to drink.

After a few moments of fervently nursing on his lips, Catherine pulled away. She turned her shy gaze away from him.

"Just a bit longer Catherine." He whispered in a placcating tone, not realising what he implied.

Clearing his throat he stood up to his full height, staring at her awkwardly.

"Umm so I was sent to watch you for today since Marietta was summoned by the agency." He said awkwardly.

"She was?" Catherine asked incredulously.

✵✵✵

Marietta dragged Johnsen Bergs limp body across the floor. She lifted his weight by linking her hands under his arms. A laboured groan escaped her as she struggled to remove him from the study.

'I only have about ten minutes before the drug wears off.' The urgency of the situation seeping into her now that the high of seeking justice ran dry.

It took a great amount of patience on her part to not sock him in the gut or kick him in the face.

Procuring thick white rope she got from a trusted source at the docks she bound his feet and tied his wrists behind his back.

For safe measure she dipped a rag in a sleeping drug, stuffing it into his mouth before gagging him as well.

Assessing her handy work she took in the sight of the playboy and criminal of the town. Her beautiful face scrunched up with a poisonous look of distaste.

Temptation gave out and she kicked him hard in the jaw, the crackling sound of bone echoing in the quiet house.

"That's for my cousin, you filthy pig" She snarled.

"Now, now. You know we can't leave physical marks on the accused. They can use it to their advantage." Edmond said with a teasing smile reflecting in his eyes.

Marietta stared up at him guiltily.

"Couldn't help it." She said sheepishly.

"Shall we get this swine off into the cell? I think it's time we wrap this case up." He said with a small smile.

Nodding she left him to carry Bergs heavy body out into a waiting carriage from the agency.

Edmond and Marietta sat on the opposite side, keeping watch of Berg, in case he woke.

"Did you tell Catherine about this crazy plan of yours?" Edmond asks, bumping his shoulder lightly against Marietta's.

"No. There wasn't time and I didn't want to stress her out further. I was lucky enough to Sir Dino and ask him to watch over her." She replied huffing out a breath.

The carriage ride was choppy and bumpy for most of the trip which only served to make her more anxious.

"How strong did you say that drug was again?" She asked Edmond.

"Strong enough to affect an elephant but if the person is used to drugs and narcotics it cuts the effect down by half." Edmond bared his teeth in a nervous grin.

"Oh Trump please be on our side." She whispered under her breath.

The metal fence of the back entrance to the Agency came into view, the heavy iron gates squeaked as it opened for them.

"Almost there." She mumbled nervously.

"Did you frisk him and check for weapons?" She asked Edmond, her large eyes glimmering with panic.

"Yes and the sharpest thing I found on him was a comb." Edmond deadpanned, hoping to make her laugh.

Marietta blanched, her eyes widening with fear.

"This man would kill and harass anyone woman for money. He's smuggling private details about our agency for petty cash. Please don't joke until he's put behind bars." She said in a shaky voice.

"Your plan to swoop in and use tact instead of brute force worked well. Many of us tried to overpwer Berg, but in the end all we needed was a sleeping drug and your charming smile. I think the hard part is over. Don't worry." Edmond said with a small smile hoping to help remedy her anxious mood.

They found Lord Johannes waiting with correctional guards at the entrance of the reinforced jail.

"Well done you two!" He said in a proud voice, a smile creasing his face.

"Was a bit tricky but nothing officer Sommers couldn't do." Edmond said with admiration.

The guards carried Johnsen Berg into a double gated cell and bolted the locks before handing the key over to Lord Johannes.

"And that brings this cumbersome case to an end." Johannes sighed.

"I need to officially close this off and let the other agents who were involved know. Marietta, Edmond; I'll need you to attend that meeting as well." He said in a polite tone.

"Yes sir." They chorused.

✵✵✵

Dali bounced his knee distractedly while Lord Johannes went on to explain the reason for summoning them.

He miraculously understood Dino's reason for not being present but insisted on Henrique, Gerhard and Dali's attendance.

"I heard that Berg was caught last night but managed to flee again." Gerhard said in a concerned tone.

"Yes he did." Johannes replied with a broad grin that made him seem like a maniac given the situation.

"You think he's finally lost it?" Henrique asked in a hushed tone to Dali. The latter too distracted to pay attention.

'Where did she disappear to? Why did Marietta not tell me before she left...?'

The large doors of the office banged open revealing two high classed officials striding in. Judging by the badges and jacket that they both wore, they were part of the secret services, a specialised branch of security that tied in with the military and the Vlad Agency.

These Aristocrats were the law and were allowed the leniency of any method to catch criminals, so long as it was fair and just.

"Let me formally introduce our head of state secrecy and the second in command." Lord Johannes gestured to the man and lady that stood rod straight with their jaws held high with discipline.

The other Lords in the room sat up straight at the sight of the duo.

Dali narrowed his eyes, studying the female intently.

She wore a black and gold jacket similar to the other aristocrats, the Vlad agency crest pinned to the front. Golden roped tassels hung off the shoulder pads. Badges that sung of her previous accomplishments were pinned on one side.

She stood with her back straight, hands still at her sides. Discipline etched into her fine features that remained feminine yet strong.

Dali's eyes caught sight of the hilt of the ladies sword that hung at the side of her hips. His eyes moved to her face to see the same hardened look any seasoned military professional would have.

"My good vampires, I'd like to give my thanks to all of you for cooperating and aid on this mission. I can, with much relief, now announce the official capturing and confinement of Johnsen Berg." The Vlad Leader stated proudly.

"What? He's been imprisoned?" Henrique asked astonished.

"Yes, he is serving a life sentence and has been stripped off all titles." Johannes spoke in a booming voice, eyes twinkling with a smile.

"I'd like to give a special thanks to our leader of the Secret Services and the second in charge. Chief officer Marietta Sommers and Lord Edmond Monroe. Both of who valiantly caught Johnsen Berg and brought a final end to this case." Lord Johannes spoke with pride, his eyes gleaming like a parents.

Marietta gave a nodded stiffly in acknowledgement, unlike her usual charismatic, alluring self.

Her long wavy hair was pulled back into a bun and her shoulder cape draped at a greater length, boasting her status and ranking.

Dali sat stunned in his seat, staring at the woman who had ghosted him for so many years.

"How did you manage that?" Gerhard asked in a low tone, his face scrunched up in wonder.

Edmond smirked, glancing at his superior before speaking.

"Officer Marietta used a method no man could have applied. While it was risky, she did what all of us failed to in a single day." Gerhard narrowed his eyes at the second in command but remained silent.

"I used his weakness. If he ran off he'd surely go to Catherine's place to try and get his hand on her again. You see, Lord Johnsen Berg is broke and had his eye on money, Nothing more." She spoke with measured, confident words.

"After assessing the reports from everyone who contributed to the case, we realised that anyone could have been the victim. Catherine had inherited a huge amount of money. He broke into the financial records room and learnt this bit of information." Edmond added.

"How did he manage to penetrate such a place?" Gerhard prodded.

"He had many employees he bought out, all of which are behind bars now." Edmond responded deftly.

"A simple sleeping drug was slipped into his tea. His weakness being the company of a smiling female. Using that to distract him we managed to knock him out and bind him. I wanted things done in a peaceful, quick manner." Marietta completed, keeping her explanation brief.

"Wow do I feel like a giant among vamps." Henrique commented dryly.

"My job was made easy thanks to your efforts. This opportunity couldn't afford a team of people and needed to be acted out with finesse and stealth." Marietta replied, turning her gaze to Henrique.

"We found him guilty if smuggling, drug peddling, stealing, defamation of character, harassment, attempted murder and human trafficking. All of you have my gratitude for assisting me on this case." Lord Johannes said, perusing through Johnsen's file before slamming it shut.

"It's an honour to serve this agency and our people. However I do ask all of you to keep my position and standing confidential. I wish to remain undercover." Marietta spoke in a crisp, firm tone.

The other Lords nodded, unsure of what to say after being stunned to silence. She bowed low and exited, grasping the hilt of her sword out of habit.

Ignoring Lord Johannes he ran out after her, his mind still processing the last few minutes.

"Fae! Fae!" He called desperately.

She came to a rigid stop, waiting for him to speak. Catching up to her he grasped her shoulders and forced her gaze to meet his eyes.

"You've been with secret services all this while? That's why I couldn't find you? You left me to join the secret services!?" He asked incredulously.

Marietta blinked, exhaling slowly. She lifted her eyes, the same sad look in them.

"I joined because I had nothing else left for me. I never left Dali..." She hinted.

His eyes searched hers hoping to see an emotion or hint.

"All of that remains a past. For the sake of Frida and your kids please let me go." She said quietly, pushing his hands off her shoulders.

"We were engaged damnit!" He shouted in frustration.

A tired, sigh escaped her. Looking up at him all he saw was defeat.

"I met Frida and yes we were married. But-"

"- Then that's all that matters Dali." She cut in with a tired yet patient voice.

"But we were engaged! Our wedding set for that spring! You disappeared and I still don't know why!" He stated frustratedly.

"Both you and Frida left me! Is this some kind of cruel prank?" He questioned darkly.

Marietta was silent, she chewed her lip in thought wondering how much of the truth she should part with.

"You were angel that swooped into my dreary life. My Fae... I deserve an explanation. I'll wait for you tonight at my manor. I hope you'll come, I hope you'll explain." He ran a thumb back and forth over her cheek.

"I still love you Fae." He whispered before turning to leave.

'I still love you too Dali Delico...'

Marietta didn't visit that night, Dali waited all night but to no avail. The next morning he received a letter.

Thinking it to be her, he hurried to open it but instead found an invitation to a ball.

𝓛𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓔𝓭𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓻𝓸𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓵𝔂 𝓘𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝓷𝓳𝓸𝔂 𝓪𝓷 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮, 𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓱𝓲𝓶.

𝓛𝓮𝓽 𝓾𝓼 𝓬𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓫𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓷𝓳𝓸𝔂 𝓪𝓷