She couldn't believe what had just happened, and she felt a mix of happiness, worry, confusion, and guilt. Happiness, because the kiss had been everything she had ever dreamed of, and she felt a deep connection with Merrek that she had never felt before. Worry, because she knew that Merrek was a dangerous man, and she didn't know what his intentions were. Confusion, because she didn't understand why she felt such a strong attraction to him, despite knowing that it was wrong. And guilt, because she was married to another man, and she had betrayed his trust by kissing another man. Amelia took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart and overwhelming emotions. She headed to the apothacary chamber to drop off the starblooms with Evangeline and Colette. She took another deep breath and decided to go to the chapel to find her husband. She needed to be with him and forget about the kiss. She decided it may be best for now to pray, and that is where she saw her husband kneeling at the altar, his head bowed in prayer. She approached him quietly, not wanting to interrupt his moment of solitude. When he finally looked up and saw her, his face lit up with a smile.

"Amelia, my love, you're here," he said, rising to his feet and embracing her. "I've been praying for you."

"I'm glad you've returned to me, Taric." Amelia expressed to her husband.

She felt a wave of guilt for her husband wash over her, and she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest. She knew that she had to put the kiss out of her mind and focus on her life with her husband. She couldn't let one moment of weakness ruin everything that they had built together. Amelia felt guilty for keeping such a big secret from her husband, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him. She knew he would be hurt and angry, and she couldn't bear to see that look on his face. Instead, she tried to push the memory of the kiss out of her mind and focus on the present.

As Merrek flew off into the east, his mind was filled with thoughts of Amelia. He couldn't believe how strong his attraction to her was, and he knew that he had to be careful. He didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize their relationship or put her in danger.

After several hours of flying, Merrek approached a large manor, nestled in the heart of a dark forest. He landed softly on the ground, and as he did, his wings disappeared, concealed by a powerful magic. He straightened his cloak and walked towards the entrance of the manor.

As he approached, two figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the darkness. They were vampires, dressed in fine clothing, and they bowed respectfully as Merrek approached.

"Welcome back, my Lord," said the first vampire, his voice soft and deferential.

"Thank you, Lysander," Merrek replied, nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Is everything in order?"

"Yes, my Lord," replied the second vampire, a female named Sariel. "Your presence was greatly missed, and we are glad to have you back."

Merrek nodded, pleased with their response. He knew that he was a powerful vampire lord, feared and respected by all those who served him.

"Good," he said, his voice cold and commanding. "I have much to attend to, but first, I require sustenance. Bring me a human."

The two vampires bowed once more and scurried off into the darkness, their eyes glowing with anticipation. Merrek smiled, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight. He was a vampire, and he knew that he would always be one. But despite his dark nature, he couldn't help but think of Amelia, and the kiss that had changed everything.

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Merrek spent the next few days attending to his duties as a powerful vampire lord. He ruled over a vast kingdom of vampires, and other creatures of the night. His power was absolute.

Merrek spent his days in his manor, attended by his loyal servants and advisors. He had a vast library, filled with books on magic, history, and the dark arts. He spent hours pouring over these books, searching for ways to increase his power and knowledge.

In the evenings, he would hold court, receiving visitors and hearing petitions from his subjects. He was a just ruler, and he always listened carefully to their requests and concerns.

Despite his dark nature, Merrek was also a man of culture and refinement. He had a taste for the finer things in life, and his castle was filled with beautiful artwork, rare wines, and exquisite furnishings. He enjoyed music, and often held concerts in his grand ballroom, inviting the most talented musicians and performers from around the world to play for him and his guests.

But despite his wealth and power, Merrek was not content. He felt a sense of emptiness inside him, a hunger that could not be satisfied by his wealth or his many conquests. He longed for something more, something that he could not name. At least not until now.

"Amelia.." he tasted her name.

As he sat alone in his study one night, he found his thoughts drifting back to Amelia. He thought of her soft lips, her gentle touch, and her kind heart. He knew that he should not be thinking of her, but he could not help himself. She had awakened something inside him, something that he had thought long dead.

Merrek knew that he could never be with Amelia, that their worlds were too different, and that their love was forbidden. But still, he could not shake the feeling that she was somehow meant to be his. He vowed that he would find a way to be with her, no matter what the cost.

Merrek spent several hours in his study, attending to the matters of his kingdom. He spoke with his advisors and received reports on the state of affairs in the surrounding towns and villages. As a powerful vampire lord, he had amassed a vast amount of wealth and power, and he knew that it was his responsibility to protect and maintain his empire.

Merrek turned his attention to another vampire who was waiting for him. He was a tall, muscular man with a bald head and a scar running down the side of his face.

"Vorin, come here," Merrek said, motioning for him to approach.

Vorin bowed respectfully, his eyes fixed on the ground.

"My Lord, how may I serve you?" he asked.

"I require information on the recent attacks on our territory," Merrek replied, his voice calm and measured.

Vorin straightened up, his expression serious.

"We believe it is a group of rogue vampires who are trying to take over our territory, my Lord," he said. "They have been attacking our outposts and causing chaos."

Merrek nodded thoughtfully. He had suspected as much, but he needed confirmation.

"I want you to lead a team to take care of them," he said. "Bring them to me, alive if possible. I want to know who they are working for."

Vorin bowed once more and retreated into the shadows, his mission clear.

Merrek turned his attention to the balcony, staring out into the dark forest. He could feel Amelia's presence in his mind, and it was distracting him from his duties. He needed to clear his mind and focus on his task. But he could not. He needed to see Amelia again.

One of his vampire subjects approached him, bowing low. "My lord," she said, her voice deferential. "Is everything alright?"

Merrek turned to her, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. "No," he replied curtly. "I have business to attend to. I need to leave for a few days."

The vampire subject bowed once more. "As you command, my lord," she said. "Shall I arrange for your transportation?"

Merrek nodded. "Yes. And make sure that everything is in order while I'm gone. I will not tolerate any mistakes."

The vampire subject bowed once more and scurried off, leaving Merrek alone on the balcony. He gazed out into the night, his mind filled with thoughts of Amelia. He knew that he needed to be careful, but he couldn't help but feel drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.