“I don't know…” She faltered. “I mean, where does it lead to? I didn't think the Vampire Kingdom was literallyunderground.”
“Vampires can't live under the sun. Where else did you think they live?”
It was a reasonable question but Violette hadn't actually thought about it before, though the underground definitely wasn't in the way. She had grasped that vampires have their own kingdom only a few hours ago, after all.
“I don't know, maybe a place where it is always night and magic holds the darkness all day long,” she suggested.
“Vampires don't have such magic, we are not wizards. I don't know if it's even possible.”
“Then, in a castle with fully closed windows. I don't know!” Violette shrugged, chaotically waving her hands. “Somewhere where it is not that…deep.”
He looked at her intimidatingly before making a step down the stairs.
“Are you coming?”
Violette’s mouth went dry. She didn't like the secret room in the crypt which was definitely not that deep in the ground and this looked more scary than meeting a bunk of vampires.
“Is there even enough air?” she let out uncertainly.
He cocked his head to the side and extended his hand, inviting her with him. She fell silent, looking at his palm facing her.
“I want you to remember,” Dante remarked, “do not trust any vampire there and do not accept any of their help.” His eyes narrowed and brows knitted. The caution in his words sounded not like one more joke, he was more than serious.
Violette raised her eyes to his and reached out her hand to accept his offer when he flinched his hand, letting her stagger.
“As I said, do not trustanyvampire,” his mouth twitched.
“Really?” She snorted. “We haven't even gone down yet.”
“Never let your guard down,” he said as he bent his head to the side with a smile on his face, offering her his hand again.
“No, thank you. You'll not trick me again.” She walked past him, pushing him aside, and proudly tipped her head.
Dante stumbled slightly, his smile growing even more satisfied as his eyes followed her back.
It wascold and empty down here recalling the entrance to an ancient tomb, and perhaps it was so. The stairs didn't go too deep and ended abruptly.
Violette's lips parted as her foot reached the stone ground, wondering about the place they were. It looked like a cave, rather than a beautiful kingdom, though the road led somewhere further. And before she made another step, Dante's voice hit her ear.
“Wait.”
He took his coat off and threw it over her shoulders.
“What is that for?” She lowered her eyes to the dark blue fabric.
“To muffle your human scent. They'll still be able to smell it, but at least it won't drive them crazy.”
“Drive them crazy?” She winced.
“It's possible that you might meet a hungry vampire.”
Violette's legs staggered and her brows pulled down. Her fingers nervously gripped the edges of the coat's collar.
“Don't worry, you are in no danger. If you stay close and don't stick your nose in everything like you usually like to do. Moreover, this will give them a sign you're already claimed.”
“Claimed? I'm not a thing,” Violette spat.
“Don't forget, for most vampires people are just prey, Little Witch. No offense but you are just a toy to claim for them.”
