⚠ Lemon like scenes, angst and may contain spoilers from the manga/anime.

"Fae." He said her name with a kind reverence that conveyed his disbelief and love.

"Dali." Marietta whispered, her eyes pinched and voice laced with pain.

Just as he stepped forward toward her, she was called for. Placing Ul into his hold she swept out of the room without another word.

Dino sauntered into the room, his hands folded, staring pointedly at Dali with a spark of amusement in his eyes.

Bristling at his silent stare Dali addressed the older Vampire with an irritated tone.

"What is it?" He snapped.

Dino seemed to be enjoying ribbing the usually sassy, cocky Lord. For a change the Classico vampire smirked and prodded at Dali.

"Nothing. Isn't that your ex-fiancèe? The one you were betrothed to before you met Freida?" Dino asked with a goading smirk.

Dali tapped Ul as he walked to the cot to place the baby in.

"And? What of it?" He asked rigidly.

"Whatever made you leave such a lovely lady?" He asked silkily; noting that Dali's temperament was now more like that of Gerhard Fra.

"She left me. The engagement broke off and then I met Freida. That's it. I don't even fully understand what happened myself." Dali said huffing out a frustrated sigh.

"Why are you here instead of being with Catherine and Theodore?" Dali demanded.

"Well I am not the master of this place. I thought it right to inform you that the doctor has arrived." Dino replied.

Smirking knowingly Dino turned on his heel to exit the room.

The doctor from the Vlad Agency had just completed his check up and was about to leave.

"I wanted to discuss the Lady's health with you, her guard and family. Until she heals it's important to understand her current condition and her requirements." He said in a light tone

Marietta nodded, urging him to continue.

"This may be obvious but she needs to rest. I've prescribed a list of home remedies that can help speed up the healing process." The medic said handing Marietta a piece of paper.

"Oh my!" Marietta exclaimed, pressing her dainty finger-tips to her mouth. Her brows raised up with surprise at the list she read.

"What? What is it?" Catherine asked with a dubious frown on her face as she stared at her cousins expression.

Marietta found herself at a loss of what to say. She shook her head and glanced up at the doctor who seemed confused.

"Something wrong?" He asked scrunching his face up.

"Why would you suggest the last one?" Marietta asked handing him the list back.

As the doctor spoke, Dino Classico entered the room, setting the sword that usually hung at his hip, down on a chair.

"Well, if you look at the blood type and method of administration, I'd assume she has a fiance or is married." The doctor stated.

Dino approached them with slow measures steps, his nerves prickling on end.

Dali invited himself in with the intention of talking to Marietta. Hearing the doctors words he grinned mischievously.

"Looks like the cats out of the bag. To think you were worried about me." He said through the side of his mouth to Dino.

"Shut up. You'll have your turn too." Dino countered, whispering back to Dali.

"What method do you speak of doctor?" Catherine asked, frowning up in curiosity.

"An oral insertion with fast acting blood that could only come from a male vampire of nobility. It's the fastest acting way of first aid, something only a high ranking noble would be knowledgeable of." The air in the room stilled almost as if waiting for a reaction.

Catherine blinked at the doctor deep in thought. She seemed mildly taken aback by his findings.

"However, there are rules that permit only couples or spouses to do so. I prescribed the continuation of such a method assuming this law is being followed." The doctor completed.

"Oh well would you look at the time." Dali said, distractedly staring up at the ceiling to avoid the awkward tension. He exited the room with the intention of watching the kids instead.

Catherine studied Dino, a pensive look on her face that he couldn't define.

"You are engaged or so I assume?" The doctor asked.

Catherine remained silent, staring at the aristocrat who saved her life. He swallowed thickly looking at her with a look of hesitancy.

"I'll have you know it's against the law to otherwise do so." The doctor pressed.

Dino hesitated, staring at the doctor with unease.

"Yes, I am aware of the law. I am engaged to Dino Classico. Thank you for all your help thus far." Catherine lied, smiling politely at the doctor in response.

Marietta saw the doctor out, leaving Dino to speak to Catherine and do some much needed explaining.

Dino exhaled heavily, his chest dropping with the motion. The tall vampire slowly approached Catherine. His long pewter hair cascading beautifully down his back, swaying with his movements.

A section of hair draped over the front of his shoulder framing his handsome face that was currently clouded with tentative fear.

"Catherine I-" She held her hand up, halting his words.

Getting off the bed she walked over to him until they were only millimeters apart.

She peered up at him with wonder and gratitude. A slow smile grew on her thin face.

"I-" She cut him off again, this time throwing her arms around his shoulders.

Emboldened by the fact that he pushed boundaries to save her life, Catherine sealed her lips against his, pulling him into her embrace.

The pristine Lord of Classico's was temporarily stunned, having never experienced such true hearted romance before.

Her eyes fanned shut as she slowly kissed his warm lips. Dino placed a palm between her shoulder blades while the other gently held her hip, his masculine instincts kicking in.

Closing his eyes he reveled in what was the first genuine experience of intimacy in his life. Dino slid his mouth against Catherine's provocatively, his jaw flexing as his mouth slid over hers.

Passion bled through his lips, telling her of the panic and despair he felt for her.

She clutched onto him, fervently expressing how much she appreciated him and needed him.

Her tongue slipped into his, mind delirious and empty of all thoughts except Dino.

Brazenly she flicked her tongue around his, hinting at her want and desperation to have him.

After what felt like eons, their lips stilled, breaking apart to stare intently into each other's eyes.

In that moment, their unsaid emotions and feelings were conveyed. Dino stared at her now as the woman he'd have and hold for an infinity.

"Dino..." She whispered, still holding onto him.

The vampire understood her feelings and smiled at her with a look of care and affection.

His eyes strayed to the list the doctor had written before meeting hers again. Extracting a fang he pricked his lip. Garnet coloured liquid trickled down his mouth.

"It's an honour to shed my blood for you." He said before pressing his lips to her parted ones again.

✵✵✵

Gerhard sat in his study drinking heavily from the full glass of liquor in his hand.

Knocking the entire drink back, he poured another healthy amount. His thoughts wondered to Serina at the inn and the manner in which she drank alcohol as if it were water while still walking straight.

He drowned himself in liquor trying to ignore all thoughts of her. But it only seemed to make her face more vivid.

"Tch! Why should I be bothered by such an annoying, free spirited woman!?" He grumbled, knocking back another drink.

After submitting his report to Lord Johannes he was officially done with his contributions to the case and decided to return to the Fra estate.

On his way out he bumped into Serina who approached him with a bright smile.

"Did you really befriend Berg in order to gain more information? That was rather risky and careless of you." Gerhard asked, giving her a disbelieving look as if she had a second head.

"I can defend myself and wield a sword better than he ever could dream of. I was fine." She replied.

"Tch! You think he'd duel you!? The reason he's a wanted criminal is because he uses force and crafty ways that a sword can't beat!" Gerhard exclaimed in a raised voice.

Serina crossed her arms and inhaled impatiently, staring at him with a hard scowl.

"I fully understood the stakes Gerhard Fra. And once again I can protect myself." She said indignantly.

"What about under initiative!? What would you have done if he caught you off guard. You saw those pills. He has a hand in helping the Pendulum members that got away!" He yelled.

"He'd have to catch me. I am a trained officer. Don't write me off Gerhard." She enforced stubbornly.

"NO ONE CAN EVER BE ON GUARD FULLY!" He yelled angrily, his emotions getting the better of him.

His panted heavily giving her a frustrated, pained look. Gerhard stared at her with glassy eyes an old memory reflecting in his eyes.

Startled at his outburst she took a step back. Serina remained silent eyeing him with sympathy. Through the grape vine she'd heard all about his wife and how he lost her four years ago.

"Why do you females never understand just how monstrous some vampires can be!?" He whispered shaking his head with a bitter sigh.

"Now, now. You'll make all of us look bad." Said a voice behind Gerhard.

Turning around to stare at the owner he found a handsome aristocrat standing in front of him. His clothes and cape spoke of a similar ranking to Gerhards.

The vampire lifted his lips up into a prideful smile. His beauty shining brighter with it.

"Edward Monroe, pleasure to meet the renowned leader from the house of Fra." The attractive Lord said sticking his hand out to Gerhard in a friendly manner.

Gerhard stared at his hand for a second before shaking it stiffly.

"It's an honor to meet you in person. I trust that my fiancèe hasn't caused you too much trouble? She can be a handful." Edward said, walking over to sling an arm around Serina fondly.

Gerhard's eyes widened at the word 'fiancèe'. He cast an incredulous look at Serina who looked the handsome young aristocrat with a small smile.

"Darling." Edward called, holding a hand out to her. She reluctantly slipped her palm in his hand, looking down at the floor.

Gerhard pinched his brows tight, glaring at the couple in front of him. He tried to tamp down on the emotions bubbling up inside him. The vampire tried to identify the feeling in vain.

Was it sadness? Disappointment?

"Thank you so much for looking out for my Serina. I am afraid urgent matters await us so I shall be taking your leave." Edward said in a kind voice, his arm now casually draped around her dainty shoulders.

Serina leaned into his hold, not fighting it. Gerhard caught her eye, giving her a hard stare before walking off. He held his head high refusing to succumb to the feeling inside him.

"I hope we meet again." Edward called before leaving with his fiancèe.

Gerhard flexed a fist, glaring into the empty space of his study.

Snapping back to reality, his lip curled up into a snarl. Getting up abruptly he marched off into his bedroom. Pulling out the frame he kept in his drawer he glanced at the face of his late wife.

Maria Fra was attacked and forced under an enemies initiation. Despite that she fought the urge and refused to kill her husband, killing herself instead.

Attacking the wives of powerful aristocrats by using initiation to control them was a common trend which cost Gerhard his wife a few years ago.

After that he drew in on himself and avoided his son Angelico who reminded him painfully a lot of her. Only recently did he warm to the boy, realising he was more like himself.

And then he saw Serina at Lord Johannes's' party and saw Maria in her. Gerhard was shaken to his very core by the resemblance.

She was exactly like his wife except for the fact that she wasn't his wife.

Gerhard resorted to tempestuous bursts of anger and sarcastic comments whenever Serina was with him.

Hoping it would deter her and push her away, all it ended up doing was pull him closer to her.

Gerhard swallowed thickly thinking back to the moment they played a couple at the inn.

Her perfume still clung to his shirt, a faint smudge of her crimson lipstick staining the collar of his shirt. No one had spotted it except for him. He was thankful that his shirt was red.

Just as he opened up to the world he once again found a reason to remain single and aloof.

Shutting his eyes tight instead of seeing Maria's face as he usually did, he saw Serina's.

His mind spiraled and whirled, until he couldn't tell Maria from Serina.

He saw her smiling and laughing brightly, until it morphed into a teasing, tormenting laugh. He recalled the possessive way Edward had announced their relationship.

A strange feeling throttled his stomach. He felt like socking Edward Monroe in the jaw.

"Tch!" He exclaimed frustratedly, ripping off his shirt with one hand. Tossing it dismissively to a chair he stepped out of his thigh high boots and padded off to the bath.

His mind wondered off to Serina again, wondering why she hadn't mentioned her engagement to him before.

"If she was engaged then why agree to come on a mission with another male so far off?" He wondered to himself sourly.

There was no other way to describe Gerrards feelings other than him being utterly astounded and indignant.

Serina's strong personality and sweet smile had already begun its work on mending his shattered heart. Gerhard Fra to his great chagrin already begun to take a liking to Serina.

'How could I, a great member of the Fra clan let this happen?'

He allowed his disbelief to seep out in the confines of his private rooms where no one would ever see his vulnerable side.

'As the leader I shall not let this happen again.' He thought in a panic as an attempt to suppress his feelings.

The following days consisted of Gerhard working alongside Henrique to sort out the evidence and proof of Bergs many misdeeds.

✵✵✵

"Busy?" Dali asked, poking his head into the room.

Marietta picked her head up from the book she was reading to find Dali waiting with his hand outstretched to her.

Placing her book on her lap she shifted to face him fully.

"Thought I'd keep you company." He said with a sheepish smile.

Waking up from her seat she walked over to him with a small smile on her face. Refusing his arm she walked alongside him while maintaining a considerable gap.

"I apologise for the intrusion Dali. Thank you for being a safehouse to Dino and Catherine." Marietta whispered as he led them down the hallway to his study.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm actually glad. This way I got to meet you again, Fae." He whispered fondly giving her a soft smile.

She turned her gaze away, frowning into the distance to keep her tears at bay.

Marietta joined Dali in his library where he had two cups of coffee waiting for them.

Holding a seat out for her he sat next to her, holding a cup out to her.

"Two sugars and just enough milk to colour it." He said with a grin as she took the cup.

Her heart fluttered, cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink.

"You remembered..." She said slightly stunned.

"Why would I forget?" He countered flashing her a charming grin.

Marietta opted for silence, sipping her coffee daintily.

"Where have you been all these years? I've looked for you." He said in firm yet casual tone, void of any usual arrogance.

"Work. I've spent the last few years improving and establishing a good name for myself." She said mechanically, eyes staring forlornly at the rim of her cup.

"Mm, I heard about that. The most sought out vampire who's beauty remains unmatched." Dali hummed after taking a sip of his drink.

His eyes sparkled with mischief, staring at her with with a darkened look that spoke of an old love.

"That's not what I'd like to be remembered for." She said in a small voice, fisting the material of her dress.

"Can't help it. Your beauty can transfix any vampire." He winked.

"Not all." She commented.

Dali frowned, noting her reserved behavior that was unlike the Marietta he grew up with.

"How come you never married?" He asked, frowning curiously.

"I chose not to. I decided to dedicate my life to the Agency." She replied giving him a tight smile.

"Well that's a shame. I always hoped to see you in a white dress one day." He said with a frown.

'I always imagined her walking toward me in it...' He thought.

"Some things just aren't meant for everyone. I have a good career and that's all I need." She said with a smile that would charm anyone else, but not Dali Delico who saw through her façade.

He remained silent studying her quizzically. She felt uneasy under his eye and moved to stand up just as he spoke.

"Why did you suddenly disappear all those years ago?" He asked in a deepened voice.

Dali noticed her hands tremble as she wiped them down the front of her skirts nervously. Her bright, confident demeanour was shattering under his expert eye.

"I have to check on Catherine. Excuse me." She replied hastily not bothered with formal niceties.

Marietta dashed out of the room, running as quickly as she could without waking anyone down the darkened corridor.

"Fae! Fae! Come back!" Dali yelled, striding toward her purposefully.

Her eyes widened in panic, her steps quickened until she neared the door to Catherine's room.

"Fae!" He called again in a demanding voice.

Her heart fluttered like a rabbits. Nervous anxiety coursed through her, the need to be away from him making her panic while clouding her thoughts.

A sharp gasp escaped her at the swift contact of him catching her arm.

She took in his creased brows, his eyes reflecting hurt and anger.

Dali panted, his hold on her firm.

"You owe me an explanation." He said in a possessive tone.

"I am nothing to you and thus owe you none." She countered in an icy-bitter tone before yanking her arm free.

She hid in the safe confines of Catherine's room away from her angry ex-betrothed.

Dali cussed under his breath, raking a hand through his hair frustratedly. Kicking at the wall he walked off without getting any answers as planned.

✵✵✵

Henrique waltzed into his manor later than usual. Ever since his fall out with Kate he'd been coming home late.

He skipped meal times altogether and retired to his room