“So. That little story you just gave about your missing friend. Was it true?”

“Yeah. His name is Jason. We came here together but I lost him earlier.”

“Well then, what does he look like?” Evan then proceeded to describe his friend. 5’6, slim and pale with bright honey gold eyes and his silver hair styled in a comb-over.

“Sounds a little familiar actually. I’m sure I’ve seen him in the castle once or twice but I’m not exactly one to meddle with you humans and whatever…human things you do. I can, however, offer my assistance in searching for your friend. Just this once. Consider it a thank you for teaching me the other day.”

“Wouldn’t that have already been repaid after you just saved my life!?”

“I suppose so. Well in that case,” The vampire male stepped closer, looping an arm around the smaller boy’s waist, pulling their bodies flush against each other, “I suppose you’ll have to find a way to repay ME this time, no?”

“Overwhelmed by the situation, Evan wriggled out of the elder’s grasp, thought Mizak wasn’t exactly using much effort, face hot with emotion. His sexuality wasn’t a secret though it was not mentioned often. This male before him was doing things to his heart. Thing’s he’d only felt while watching those gorgeous male tv actors or reading a good boy love manhwa.

Mizak on the other hand stood in a bit of a daze. When Evan’s bare hand made contact with his own, he’d felt something akin to a shock or spark that travelled up his arm and straight into his heart. He released the boy as though he’d been burnt, staring down at his hand in wonder. Shaking it off though, he regained his composure before speaking once more.

“Come along human. Let's find your little friend before you find yourself in trouble once more.” Mizak turned to the door, briskly walking out into the crowd of people that made room for him to pass by. Many of them cast glares or curious glances toward Evan who only kept his head down while walking behind the important figure before him.

“You needn’t be afraid/ They can’t do anything to you while you’re with me. They’d be fucking crazy to even think ill of you in my presence.”

‘Oh yeah? Then what happens when you’re not with me? Will I be sucked dry till I become but a raisin?” An involuntary thought that brought a shudder down his spine. Just gonna tuck that thought away with the others.

“What did you say your friend’s name was, Evan?”

“You…you remembered my name?” Finally looking up, he looked at the back of Mizak’s head in surprise, curious as to how and why the vampire had remembered him, such an insignificant character in their world.

“Did you not say it to me when we met? Why wouldn’t I remember it, Evan Daniels?” Thank god for his dark skin or he would be in a world of embarrassment. The sound of his name in such a deep, rough voice was causing heat to pool in his face which would surely have revealed a blush if not for his melanin. Too bad it couldn’t hide his flustered gestures.

Mizak spared a glance at the figure behind him, using all his effort to pull back a smile that attempted to escape him. The younger now with a wavering smile was covering his face, ultimately flustered by something. It was admittedly a cute sight for the eyes, one which he was sure would live freely in his memory.

Wait…cute? Memory? Was this boy truly a human? Mizak gave him a once over. He surely looked human. There were no signs of him being anything else whether by sight or scent. Then how? How was he easily bringing forth these new emotions within his heart? Not once in his life had he truly smiled or laughed, thought something to be cute, or seen anything that interested him in the slightest. Nothing was enough and no one was good enough.

But here stood a boy whom he’d only met once a mere two days ago. A boy who slipped past his inner walls and kickstarted his feelings of joy and…affection? Was that what it was? His mind suddenly drifted to the last line of that woman’s ‘warning’

Unless two souls combine 1 none lives evermore.

‘Two souls? It couldn’t possibly be…no.’ Wanting to test his new theory, he removed his gaze from Evan and scanned the crowd. Each person he looked at refused to meet his eyes for fear of disrespecting him. He felt nothing but emptiness as his eyes flitted from one person to the next, vampire or human. However, when he returned his gaze to Evan, the young boy stared at him head-on in what seemed to be a staring contest. His heart raced, faster than it had ever gone before.

He raised a hand, reaching out to touch the human. Evan only looked at the hand and then at the face of its owner in confusion though he showed no signs of stopping it or moving away. Mizak placed his hand on the cheek of the younger and felt his knees go weak.

‘Impossible. This…this can’t be!’ He wanted nothing more than to tear his hand away but could find no strength within him to do so. Instead, he pulled the shorter male closer, overwhelmed by the feeling of wanting the be closer. His mind was clouded, only allowing thoughts of the one in his arms to seep through.

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“What’s going on with the young master?”

“Is it a blood frenzy?”

“GET LORD KAS!?” The last shout caused an uproar among the guests as many of the vampires began forming protective circles around the humans. Lord Kas and his family were quickly spotted making their way to where the two males stood, one tightly hugging the other who only awkwardly kept his hands at his sides for fear of beheading.

“Mizak! What are you doing!? How dare you-”

“Father I can’t let go of him… I don’t understand why I want to hold him this badly. No, that’s not right. I know what it is but- but it’s impossible. He can’t be right?” Kas only looked at his son before his eyes widened.

“Is…is it him? Are you sure?” The said male only nodded, turning to meet his father’s eyes while still clinging to the human male.

“How strong is it my son?”

“I feel if I let him go, I’ll die.” Through all their talking, Evan couldn’t help but notice an intoxicating scent coming from the one holding him. It was strong but not overpowering. A refreshing scent of pine and the sea. He recalled the scents from memories of his favourite trips to the ocean or his monthly hikes with his parents. They’d become comforting during his years of constantly smelling them. His arms unconsciously rose to hug around the taller male's waist, nose buried within the clothes he wore.

“It seems another of my children has found their mate today. Not only is he human, but he is also male.” Kas’ words hung heavy in the room. It wasn’t exactly uncommon for a vampire’s mate to be human. Not many were against it therefore there were no inner strifes when a vampire/human couple exists nor when their dhampir children were born. However, there had been no recorded history of two of the same sex being mates.

The significance of one’s mate was to combine the souls of two who were mostly compatible. Whether emotionally, physically or just sexually for reproduction. In most cases, it was seen for the latter. Two males meant there were going to be no children therefore what was the point of their relationship.

“Mizak. Take…what is your name, youngling?” Youngling? Just how old was this guy?

“I…his voice escaped him. It seemed his body still couldn’t think straight enough for him to speak yet so he only gesture for Mizak to speak on his behalf.

“Evan Daniels is his name. He and his family recently joined Ethereal.”

“My. You seem to already be acquainted. We will speak of this development later in private. Both of you. As for now, take him to your room. However, I want no kind of funny business up there.” The two stiffened at his words, obviously embarrassed. I mean, who wouldn’t after being practically warned in front of hundreds of people to not have sex.

“We’ll be sure to keep our actions…child safe as humans say.” Kas nodded, subtly pointing to the stairs which led upstairs to the bedrooms on the second floor.

Ensuring his hold on Evan’s wrist was secured, Mizak took his possible mate to the stairs, the two soon disappearing from the obvious glares of the guests of the hall.

“Everyone! Despite what has just occurred, the party is still to continue. We will be sure to get to the bottom of this development but, for now, relax and enjoy yourselves once more.” The humans, due to lack of knowledge on the topic, easily returned their attention to the festivities while the immortal attendants gazed at each other, surely curious about the situation.

The two who made their way upstairs now stood hand in hand in front of a door.

“Are you okay with entering my room?” Afraid of how his voice would sound in this situation, Evan could only nod in affirmation. The carved wooden door was then pushed open to reveal a large room painted in a pale lilac colour. The colour reminded Evan of Mizak’s eyes, wondering if the elder chose the colour based on that. He would ask when the time seemed right,

“So. We’ve got a few things to talk about. I’m sure you’re probably curious about what exactly happened down there if you haven’t already figured it out based on my father’s words.” Finally gathering his self-composure, Evan spoke up.

“Figured it out? Is it something important? I noticed a lot of people staring at us. And what was with that sudden hug? You startled me.”

“I- I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I was just a little overwhelmed by my emotions so my body ended up acting without my permission. Also, yes. It is very important, especially for us vampires. Would you like to know what exactly is going on?”

That line just now, ‘especially for us vampires’ could be interpreted in different ways, some of which Evan found…unsettling to say the least. What vampire tradition is there that can even possibly involve him? He was a human last time he checked. Maybe one of them bit and changed him in his sleep so now he’s secretly been living as a vampire this entire time? No no, surely someone would tell him.

Plus, he’s had no cravings for sinking his teeth into anyone’s neck to drain their blood but that’s another note.

“Tell me.”

“You and I are soulmates, bound together by an unknown entity that has been biding many souls for centuries. It's not uncommon for vampires and humans to be bonded so everything would have been fine if not for the fact that we’re both males.” It was like word vomit. Words just kept pouring out of his mouth without stopping.

“First of all, calm down a bit you’re talking a little too fast for me to keep up with what you’re saying.” The vampire stopped his river of facts to take a breather, successfully calming down.

“I apologise for overwhelming you there.”

“It’s fine. Don’t stress over it. Now, much slower and more comprehensible. Let’s start from the top.” So the two sat discussing for what seemed to be hours, though neither of them noticed as they were too engrossed in their conversation as well as completely focused on the other.

A certain woman sat mid-air just outside of the window of Mizak’s room, a knowing smile on her lips as she listened for a while. It seemed the two souls have begun their bonding process. The rest was up to these boys.