"What the bloody hell is a strigoi," I snap at him, and he lets out a bellowing laugh before taking a step closer towards my floating body. Kyler runs in front of me and holds his knife up to the brooding figure. 

"Leave her alone."

"A little knight trying to play hero, so kind. If only you knew how important this," he points to me, and I let out a grimace," little one is. Unless you want to get killed, I suggest you step to the side."

"No!"

"I warned you," the man holds the cane up, and it starts to shift into a long sword. Blood covers the obsidian forged blade, and it glimmers with the properties of infused magic. Kyler takes a hesitant step back before noticing the bright red eyes of the man. I attempt to usher Kyler to the side, but my arms simply go through his body. I curse aloud before crossing my arms and let out a snarl. 

"Back off! It is me you want, not him. Answer my question, you scoundrel."

"Well don't you have quite a mouth," he gently pushes aside Kyler who cannot help but look at me, helpless. 

"Are you sure, Alice," I give Kyler a defeated look before nodding my head. He should not get mixed in with my --- baggage. 

The man lets out a smile before walking towards me, fixing a piece of my hair. A shudder runs through my spine as my teeth grit together. I attempt to slap his hand off me, but, once again, it goes through his arm. Why can he touch me, but I am unable to move him away? Talk about bullshit.

"Destiny is quite weird. When you first came into this world, I could see the flame that enclosed your heart. I knew you were destined for something more than this meager world," he hums something before taking a deep breath. 

"Instantly, I realized you were the savior of my kingdom. For my time is slowly coming to an end, and I need a leader to help bring peace between the living and the dead."

"What are you talking about," I spit out as my eyes narrow at him. I want to strangle him and never see his face ever again. But I could not help but feel helpless. 

"You are technically a princess," I can feel my eyes shift downwards as I stop floating. My feet land on the ground as Kyler gives me a pitiful look. He walks past the man and stands next to me, attempting to give me a soothing smile. It did not work. My stomach churns with nerves as thoughts rush through my head. I would have thrown up by now if I had an actual working organ system. 

"But you are my heir. I never expected it, but it seems Tyche has chosen a pure-blooded princess. I have my suspicions because as you were conceived out of sin---"

"Don't you dare speak of that," I hiss out. I close my eyes and let out a huff, tapping my foot along the stairs. I attempt to dig my nails into my skin, but they only go through each other. I scoff and stomp my foot along the ground, letting out an irritated scream.

"I only speak the truth, Alice. This sin has been the catalyst for your lineage. It isn't my choice; it is ultimately up to lady Tyche."

"Well, then she should bloody take a rain check and have chosen absolutely anyone else," I shout the last bit into the air and throw my hands up, giving two middle fingers. I shake my head as a bitter feeling starts to invade my mouth. I let out a cough and shake my head. 

"Alas, she didn't. I am here to, well, give you an option. There is only one way that I can break these chains attached to both of us. You can become a strigoi and attempt to capture your killer and return to the living world, or you can join me down in the underworld. If you succeed in possibly killing your murderer, then I will remain ruler and you will see the light of the day again. If you do not, then --- nothing good happens. It is up to you," I blink and take in the information. My mind quickly flashes to what Madam Zornem told me on that snowy night. She said, from what I can recall, that if I did not take this opportunity that Mama would be in danger. I want to live, I want Mama to live, and I cannot bear the idea of being the heir to this kingdom. I need to protect Mama. 

"I'll become a strigoi," the man lets out a big grin as his sword reverts to a cane. Flames appear from his open hand, and I can see a small bottle appear from his fingertips. I nervously shift my body as my eyes glare at the bottle. 

"This is your last chance to go back, Alice. There are many ramifications to this, but I will direct you to someone who can help."

"Alice, don't do it," I look towards Kyler as he reaches for one of my hands. His eyes are pleading with me, but I shake my head at him. I take a step closer towards the man and snatch the bottle from his hand. I lift the bottle upwards and inspect the black liquid inside. I raise it to the light, but the liquid only appears black, voiding any light that might go through. 

I go ahead and pop open the bottle top. There is no smell to the liquid, and I can find nothing more suspicious of it. This is fate, huh? Fuck you Tyche. 

I put my lips to the bottle and drink.