Zanya's eyes grew wide as the vampire that she remembered who was named Leon suddenly seized her by the arms and pinned her against the tree trunk behind her. In his rush, Leon's action of pinning Zanya down as he pushed her against the tree was a little rougher than he had intended, thus she winced as she was held down.

She had early on noticed his presence since she crossed the castle's bridge, but she had ignored it since she understood that the vampires might have decided to send this one as a scout to follow after her to make sure she did not escape. And that was why Zanya did not try to do anything and even acted as though she had not felt his presence at all.

However, she decided to turn around for a look when she felt him suddenly coming too close, too fast. And now, she was shocked that the vampire had suddenly seized her. The most shocking thing was that he even looked quite angry, his eyes dangerously blood red, and his grip on her arms were strong and firmer than necessary.

"If you're trying to escape…" he said in a firm and deep voice, "pardon me, but I won't let you."

Zanya immediately made a face, her forest green eyes gleamed defiantly as well. "Let go, vampire." She hissed, narrowing her beautiful eyes at him. She tried tugging at her arms to free herself, but to no avail. Leon had his hands locked around her securely and was not allowing her any leeway to escape.

"No, I'm bringing you back to Her Highness." Leon said and as he was about to pull her close to him, Zanya instinctively used her magic. That sudden burst of magic took Leon by surprise, and he loosened his hold on Zanya for a second. But that one second was all Zanya needed as she was waiting for that opportunity. Her eyes flashed as her hands came up and slammed into Leon's sturdy chest, causing his eyes to widen at the very unexpected move from Zanya.

The vampire was immediately pushed back due to his short moment of inattention, and he then fell on the ground with a loud thud. Zanya gasped at what she did. She did not mean to attack with her magic. It was just that this vampire had acted so presumptuously in assuming that she was trying to run away that she lost her temper for a short while. She was aware on how this vampire was important to Princess Evie. Thus, she was feeling a little concerned if he was hurt by the accidental attack.

Zanya worriedly rushed over towards him, knowing that she had used too much magic power and that the vampire did not even block her sudden attack. Why did he not block? She was certain he was a very strong one! So, it did not quite make sense in her mind that her attack could have thrown him back until he had crashed to the ground.

Realizing that this was the very first time the vampire had been attacked by a fae, Zanya pressed her lips tight as she crouched down to help him sit up. Her face was a mixture of regret and worry as he blinked while sitting up with her help. Her magic was still lingering in his body as he tried to rise.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…" she trailed off as the man grabbed her wrist again and it was only then that she realized how close their faces were. Zanya had a clear view of his attractive purple eyes which she thought was a strange eye colour for a vampire. She had never seen a vampire's eyes with such a colour before.

She backed away and glared at him as she tried to pull her hand out from his strong grip. "Let go or I'll hurt you again." She threatened though she just felt bad for using her magic on him just a few minutes ago. Despite knowing that this man was the princess' ally, she could not help but feel wary and defensive knowing full well that he was a vampire. And to top it off, he is currently touching her without her express permission and what is more, looking angrily at her.

"That won't be happening again," he replied, "I told you, I'm not going to let you escape. The princess took so much energy to free you, so –" Leon stubbornly continued in his speech.

"Who said I'm escaping?" Zanya's eyes flashed in irritation as she stared directly into Leon's eyes, challenging him.

Leon blinked a couple of times, obviously confused for a moment as he did not expect her to deny his claims. But he immediately became serious again as he thought that the little fae might be tricking him to lower his guard before slinking off to escape again.

"If you think I'll let you trick me –" Leon growled lowly as he was more alert, in the case where Zanya might run off if he took his eyes off her.

"You're mistaken," she cut him off again firmly this time, as she finally realized this vampire was fully convinced that she was trying to escape. "I'm not escaping. I am out here to look for fresh fruits." Zanya explained, barely keeping herself from rolling her eyes at the dense vampire before her.

"F-fruits?" he stuttered as he tilted his head slightly, then he looked at her with doubt. Leon wondered if she was truly out here looking for fruits or was it another feint that she is using to trick him, causing him to narrow his eyes at her after a few seconds.

Zanya could only sigh as she could see his clear hesitation at her explanation. It seems that just like her, this vampire could not quite trust her fully too. Just like how she was still unable to trust them fully as well, except for the princess. She decided on the spot that she would not resent them anymore but trusting them was a whole different issue altogether.

"Yes, fruits." She repeated as she swung her arms in a wide arc, pointing out the area that was around him. As Leon looked about and then at the pink-coloured object in her hand that indeed looked like a fruit. "I came here to forage since Crescia doesn't have any living trees anymore. I know I could only find these outside the gates."

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A/N: I am going to join winwin event again this month so i am hoping for your support again spellbounders. Please buy privilege if you can. Buying tier 1 which cost 1 coin is already a huge support to me. Thank you in advance for the support. <3

P.s. If we reach rank 1 in golden ranking until sunday, I will give bunos chaps on monday. ^^

Follow me on instagram @kazzenlx.x

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