CHAPTER 35: CRAWL UP HERE...

Obi breathed a sigh of relief when his task was finally completed. He was truly afraid of the new slave. But then he realized something—wasn’t that man the one he had helped in the Dark Forest?

Obi’s eyes widened in shock. Had Vlad found Kai and killed him there? Then brought that man back?

Oh no...

Obi swallowed hard, feeling guilty. He had caused Kai’s death, and now he would face punishment. This was all his fault. His hands trembled slightly as he remembered Kai’s kind eyes, the moment they’d met, and how he had trusted him.

Obi stayed in the bathroom for a long time, deep in thought, before finally leaving Vlad’s residence and slowly walking to his room.

He would face punishment from Gim tomorrow, but right now, his emotions were all over the place.

In Vlad’s room, John quickly untied Alvaro’s hands and feet as ordered by the master. To his surprise, Alvaro didn’t resist and stayed calm.

John quickly left the room, leaving Alvaro standing in the middle of it. He hoped the man could survive Vlad.

Alvaro stood there, still wearing his bathrobe. He didn’t like this situation, but he tried to stay calm and think rationally instead of fighting Vlad head-on—he knew he couldn’t win in strength or speed.

Vlad sat on the edge of the bed, a couple of meters away from where Alvaro was standing. He smiled when he saw him.

Alvaro’s eyes looked fresher now. His face was clearer, clean after the bath, yet his expression was still filled with quiet defiance.

Vlad extended his hand, inviting Larue to come closer. "Come here, Larue..."

"My name isn’t Larue. My name is Alvaro," Alvaro replied.

"But you’re my Larue."

Alvaro stayed silent. There was no point in arguing with someone blinded by love. "Whatever," he said sourly.

Vlad continued holding out his hand, encouraging Alvaro to take it. "Come here."

Alvaro stared at Vlad intently. "I’ll obey you if you help me," he said.

He didn’t know if this was the right move, but he had no other choice. It was better to use Vlad’s weakness to his advantage.

"What do you want?" Vlad asked, tilting his head. "If you want me to free you, don’t bother trying."

Alvaro shook his head right away. "I’m protecting Prince Sylas. I won’t be able to live in peace with you if I keep worrying about him. He’s in danger. Please take him to the palace."

Alvaro had truly humbled himself.

Vlad smirked. "I’m really jealous of how much you care about him."

Alvaro furrowed his brows in disgust at those words. Jealous? Never in his life had someone said something so ridiculous. Still, he held himself back from mocking the man.

He wasn’t sure if the figure in front of him really was the feared vampire. Right now, Vlad just seemed like a love-struck fool.

"I’m King Adrien’s trusted knight. I’m protecting Prince Sylas. I have no feelings for him besides my duty to keep him safe. I would sacrifice my life for him. If he dies, I’ll die here too," said Alvaro.

Vlad smiled slightly, seeing the determination in his eyes. He didn’t doubt Alvaro’s words—he was sure this man would die for Sylas. Didn’t Alvaro know how foolish the kingdom’s soldiers were?

They were willing to die for something called loyalty.

"Alright," Vlad said.

Alvaro stared at him in disbelief. Had Vlad really agreed to help?

"I’ll help your prince if you truly submit to me," Vlad added, his eyes teasing and mischievous.

Alvaro instantly became suspicious. But he had no other option.

"Okay," he said hesitantly.

"Submit to me completely," Vlad said firmly.

Alvaro sighed. "Okay, you’ll get what you want. Just make sure you help Sylas!"

Vlad laughed. "You’re really something. But I won’t believe you just because you say it. Take off your clothes and crawl up here."

Alvaro paused. Had he heard that right?

"What?"

"You heard me. Take off your clothes and crawl up here."

Alvaro snapped, "Are you crazy? I’m not a dog!"

"You will be if I order you to."

Alvaro tensed up. He refused to lower himself like that.

"Didn’t you agree to submit to me completely?" Vlad reminded him.

"You’re really a pervert!"

Vlad smirked, enjoying Alvaro’s reaction.

"I’m waiting."

Alvaro clenched his fists tightly. He couldn’t do it.

"I refuse!"

"Then forget our agreement, and come here," Vlad replied casually. He wasn’t the one desperate for help.

Alvaro gritted his teeth, holding back his emotions. He was in a losing position.

"Damn it!" he cursed.

"Make your decision. You can stay here comfortably and forget your prince, or... submit to me and I’ll help you. It’s your choice," Vlad said.

Alvaro stood frozen. He couldn’t think anymore. His pride was too strong to let him obey such a humiliating demand—but he knew he had no other way.

Alvaro clenched his fists. Finally, he gave in. "You must keep your promise!" he shouted, pulling off his clothes and throwing them to the floor, his face burning with shame.

Vlad smiled with satisfaction. He enjoyed watching Alvaro’s face flush as he gave in and got down on all fours.

The once proud and fierce knight now looked like a sweet little kitten before him. All this to protect a prince? Unbelievable.

"Come here," Vlad said, teasing him further.

Alvaro lowered his head, silently cursing as he crawled toward Vlad. He felt a cold breeze sweep over his body. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. He cursed himself over and over.

He was full of rage. But the thought of Sylas’s safety gave him strength. His pride crumbled with each movement, but his resolve to save the prince kept him going.

Vlad smiled softly, admiring Alvaro’s athletic body. What a beautiful sight.

Alvaro stopped in front of Vlad, staring only at the man’s feet, refusing to look up. His emotions were all tangled up, but he reminded himself that he was doing this for Sylas—and for the kingdom.

"You’re so sweet, Larue..."