Page 1 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

Chapter 1 - The Engagement

Alexei

I opened my eyes as a ray of sunlight hit my face, being a pureblood vampire I do not have issues with the sun, its warmth gently coaxing me into wakefulness. The room was bathed in a soft glow, the sunlight streaming through the blinds and casting delicate patterns on the walls. Despite the drawn blinds, the promise of a beautiful day lingered.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I realized that today was the day. The day I had been eagerly anticipating, a day that held the promise of forever. Excited and determined, I sat up and took in the quiet serenity of the room.

Turning on my side, my gaze fell upon the beautiful woman beside me. Evelyn was sleeping soundly and quietly. Strands of her hair gently framed her face, and her eyelashes resteddelicately on her cheeks. There was a tranquil grace in her, an ethereal beauty that made my heart swell with affection.

The room, adorned with memories of our time together, seemed to echo with the anticipation of the question I was about to pose. The soft hum of the city beyond the window, the play of sunlight on the walls – everything aligned in harmony, creating a backdrop for the pivotal moment that awaited.

I gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Evelyn’s face, careful not to disturb her peaceful repose. With a gentle kiss, I slipped out of bed, knowing her penchant for sleep would keep her nestled a bit longer. Evelyn was not a fan of mornings.

Heading to the kitchen, I contemplated the calm that had settled over our supernatural community. It was a welcome change from past tensions. A thought began to form in my mind as I sipped my coffee – a notion of unity that could solidify this newfound peace in the town.

I was occupied with scrambling eggs when I felt soft, warm hands wrap around my waist.

“I’ll never understand why you get up so early. You stay up most of the night because that's when you feel strongest. Yet, you still wake up so early. How do you do it?”

A smile crept to my face when I heard Evelyn’s voice. I turned slightly to meet her gaze, the morning light casting a gentle glow on her features. “Well, someone has to make sure you’re not late for the day, especially when there’s something important on the agenda,” I teased, flipping the eggs in the pan.

Evelyn chuckled, her breath warm against my neck. “You're my personal alarm clock, then?”

“Among other things,” I replied, enjoying the playful banter. “But today is special. I've been thinking about something, something that involves all of us. A way to celebrate this peace we've found.”

Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she released her hold on me, allowing me to turn and face her. “What's on your mind, Alexei?”

I paused, taking a moment to appreciate how the morning light accentuated the warmth in her eyes. “I’ve been thinking… what if we made things official?”

Evelyn’s brows furrowed into a frown. “What do you mean?”

I let out a small sigh and smiled at her confused expression. “I mean that I want you, Evelyn Williamson, to be my wife.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened when she finally processed what I was talking about. “Oh my goodness.”

“Well, that wasn't the answer I was expecting. Do you not want to marry me, my love?”

She playfully slapped her hand on my chest. “Of course I’ll marry you, silly. But it’ll only be on one condition.”

I frowned. “What's that?”

“You have proposed properly. I mean, I know you're not that much of a romantic, but really? You won’t even do the whole ‘go-down-on-one-knee’ thing?” she said with a playful frown on her face.

With a grin, I took a step closer, capturing her hand in mine. The morning light danced around us, lighting the unfolding moment warmly. “Evelyn, from the day we met, my world has been brighter. You’ve been my partner through laughter and challenges, and I can’t imagine a future without you by my side.”

As I continued, her eyes softened, and a tender smile curved on her lips. “Today, in this peaceful morning surrounded by the harmony we’ve built, I want to ask you something.” I paused, my gaze locked with hers. “Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”

Evelyn’s expression shifted from playful to heartfelt, and she nodded, a hint of tears shimmering in her eyes. “Yes, Alexei. A thousand times, yes.”

I slipped my hand into my pocket and brought out a small box.

A gasp escaped Evelyn’s lips when I opened the box. Inside it was a small ring with an emerald stone. It was my family heirloom, and I couldn’t wait to put it on her finger.

“It's gorgeous, Alexei,” Evelyn said as I slipped it on her finger.

I tilted her chin up with my finger and responded, “You’re gorgeous.” I planted my lips on hers, and we kissed.

Evelyn suddenly pulled away from the kiss. “I just had the perfect idea for when we announce our engagement.”

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