Chapter 36

Chapter 36

ANDREAS

“How did it go?” asked Aiden the moment I arrived. I nodded at him.

“The news hit her hard, but she’s in better shape compared to the first time.” I looked at the torn-down walls and the tunnel that leads to the catacombs. “Is he awake?”

Aiden nodded. “But something’s strange with our second prisoner. Contrary to what they said, he does not look unstable at all. He appears not to have any recollection of what happened, either.”

A vampire losing memory after an attack was indeed odd. Either he was withholding information or something was amiss.

I led the way to the tunnel, observing the torn-down walls and the entrance to the catacombs. The echoes of our footsteps resonated until we reached a man lying on the ground, knees curled against his chest. As he noticed me, he scrambled to his feet.

Noticing my presence, he got up and scuttled as far away as possible.

“W-Who are you.” he hesitated and squinted his eyes at me. Recognition filled his features as he said, “Andreas.”

I smiled and crouched. “Glad to know you recognize me. Do you also have any idea why you’re here?”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t. I… I was with the wolves–”

“Do you know a man named Theon Suan?”

His face paled. “He… I met him in the outskirts of Veridia.”

“How did you come in Veridia? Vampires are situated outside the border.”

“We rise from the ashes,” he muttered and I stilled. “I’ve been blindly following the belief that the vampire prince will come and save the vampire species. But I was wrong. When I came to Veridia, I met Theon Suan–a wolf. I knew something was wrong–

“You won’t glean anything from him,” said Dreyfus across where Gale was.

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I faced Dreyfus and Gale used that opportunity to try to escape. But it was futile. There may be no physical barriers in front of the cave where they were isolated but it was spelled to contain even the strongest vampires

inside.

Gale grunted in pain as he was sent flying back inside his cell and hit his back against the rock wall.

“Is there anything you’re not telling us, Dreyfus?” I smiled.

His smile confirmed my suspicions.

“Seeing that vampire fulfilled my doubts. You going to that ball confirmed everything I’ve been suspecting.”

“Are you telling me you made me go to that ball so you could confirm something?

He chuckled. “Yes, Sir Andreas. Perhaps you might feel deeply offended but I suggest you push that aside. I have something valuable for you.”

“What is it?”

“Before I tell you, I want you to give me your word. That there shall be no vampires who can come inside Veridia and no wolves shall go outside the borders and interact with the vampires.”

Aiden and I locked eyes and he nodded.

“Me and my pack are in charge of the border. I give you my word.”

y aware, Dreyfus looked at Gale first and then sighed before he started, “Some of the wolves, as you are already are working with some vampires. The vampires are desperate. We have no King, unlike your kind. We have ourselves and we’re divided. The belief that the vampire prince will rise and claim his rightful throne was something that started from vampires themselves.

“The desperate vampires started following this belief. Unfortunately, the vampires that are consciously working with the wolves used this to lure the vampires inside Veridia.”

I furrowed my brows. “Including you.”

He smiled. “Yes. But I came here not because I was blinded. I came here to know the truth.”

“And killing that woman was necessary?”

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“I did not kill her. I was the one that took the blame. The wolves made it look like a vampire did it.”

“Why did they do that?”

“I’m certain you had your theory. It was to ruin your reputation. The victim was last seen with you. Fortunately for you, that fact did not get out. They wanted you out of the capital because they know you’d stop them, whatever it is they’re doing.”

“Why are they luring the vampires inside the capital?”

Dreyfus jerked his head towards Gale. “They did something to him. Whatever it is, I have no idea. But you’ve seen him attack someone. That’s what they did to him. And now he can’t recall everything. It’s quite convenient for them that he’s lost his memory.”

“If they did something to him… why does he look fine now?” asked Aiden.

Dreyfus shook his head. “I have no idea. But I feel’something strange going on in this kingdom. You ought to discover it and put a stop to it.”

“Do you know how many vampires came here?”

He shook his head again. “As I said, the vampires are divided. Unlike wolves, we don’t work together. Without a leader, we are on our own. I came here alone and met Theon Suan. But I do know there are a few vampires already working with them. Whether or not most of them know what’s going on, I don’t have a clue.”

I looked at Gale. “Did you come with someone?”

“I came to Veridia and met Theon Suan alone. But I met vampires when I was brought to a house. There are less than ten vampires there already.”

“Do you know their names?”

“Codes. We call each other by code names.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose. Whatever this mess is, this is not something I’d consider small. I agree with Dreyfus, whatever this is, it’s not something to ignore.

“So that means your name is not Gale?”

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“No. My name is Aran.” Gale groaned as he tried to get up. “Aran Glyffin.”

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The Glyffin clan, as far as I can recall from my studies, is one of the largest clans of vampires before.

“And what about you?” I asked Dreyfus.

“I was only meant to take the blame for that woman’s murder. I did not need those.”

Silence filled the whole catacombs. My mind raced. If there is someone who knows all the answers to my question, it’s Theon Suan.

“What’s your plan?” asked Aiden as we were walking out of the catacomb. Dreyfus gave us valuable information, indeed. In exchange, I gave him my word that vampires shall be kept outside the borders of Veridia.

“I’m confronting Theon Suan,” I answered and before I could take another step, Aiden grabbed my arm.

“He’s a prominent figure. If you do something to him–”

“I am not doing anything to him, Aiden. You can be rest assured. I plan to make him talk without using force.”

“Do you

think that’s going to work? He’s working with vampires. Surely, he has something against them–”

“I’ll take care of it.” I pulled my arm away and before Aiden could stop me any further, I was gone. My surroundings became a blur as I sped through the woods, not caring if anyone would sense me. My goal was to get Theon Suan and get him to reveal everything. No matter what.

I stopped and found myself standing in front of the huge manor where I and Henrietta had been last night. The lights still shone in the huge expanse of the yard while some of the windows were dark.

Getting inside the house was no problem. I did not bother concealing my presence. I figured letting them know of my arrival was the quickest way. I reckon Aiden would have disapproved of this but he’s not here.

I kicked the door open and marched to the foyer. I looked around and saw the doors. I do not know what lay behind them but I opened them one by one until one maidservant saw me and yelped as I kicked another door.

I smiled at her and stuffed my hands inside my pockets. “Kindly tell Lord Theon I am requesting for his audience.”

The maidservant attempted to respond but could only manage a stutter. Then she started running to find the

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Chapter 36

Lord. I walked back to the center of the foyer, admiring the grand chandelier that provided light to the whole

space.

It was then that I heard the sound of shoes coming down. I looked up to see Lord Theon.

“Sir Andreas!” he greeted as he walked down. When he was in front of me, I could not help but see his cun ning resemblance to his only son, Lord Herbert. “It’s a pleasure to have you here. Please, take a seat–”

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I took the dagger out of my pocket and pointed it under his chin. He raised both his hands, fear struck in his eyes as he swallowed hard, realizing his situation.

“S-Sir Andreas-

“Father!” called Lady Grace who was at the top of the stairs.

“Stay back, Lady Grace. I’m afraid your father and I have a lot to discuss.”

“W-What–” I flicked a dismissive hand, cutting her off, and pressed the dagger harder against Lord Theon’s neck and grinned.

“I won’t beat around the bush. Are you working with the vampires, Lord Theon?”

“What?” He let out an awkward laugh. “I don’t—”

“Yes, you would not dare admit your sins before your daughter. So let’s talk somewhere more private, shall we?”

His face paled and I grinned before gesturing for him to lead the way.

Reluctantly, he started walking and Lady Grace started to s ob. Then, Lord Herbert arrived, opening the front door with such force it rattled the vases nearby.

“What is the meaning of this, Sir Andreas?”

“Step back, Lord Herbert. This is our business.”

To my surprise, he was already next to his father, grabbing my wrist.

“I’m afraid I would stop you right here. Or the Alpha King will know about this.”

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I smiled. “Go on. I dare you to tell my father.”

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“I doubt he’d take the side of his ba ta rd son. My father, as you know, has a close tie with His Majesty-”

“Imagine my father’s surprise once he knows your father’s working with the vampires.”

Lord Herbert stilled. “What?”

“Herbert, it is not true-

“I shall be the judge whether you’re telling the truth or not. I’ll let you go

90colae you’re innocent.”

“And what of this humiliation?” Lady Grace came marching down. “Once my father is proven to be innocent, what of this humiliation? How will you compensate for this, Sir Andreas?”

“I’ll ask for your forgiveness and leave the capital.”

Lady Grace shook his head as if not believing.

“Sir Andreas, please. You…You can’t possibly do this. I know you won’t do this. I danced with you-”

“I’m afraid you do not know me at all, Lady Grace.” I took the dagger away from Lord Theon’s neck and grabbed her shoulder instead. She flinched when she felt the tip of the blade on her neck. I looked at Lord Herbert and Lord Theon who had nothing but pure terror on their faces.

“I am no kind man. You have seen me wearing fancy clothing, attending balls, and whatnot that you have forgotten about my reputation. I did not become the most ruthless warrior for no reason. It was because I do not hesitate when I make my kill.” I smiled and pressed the dagger closer to Lady Grace’s neck. “Now, Lord Theon. Do you wish to tell me something important?”

Lady Grace was already sobbing. Lord Theon clenched his jaw and let out a sigh.

“I shall tell you the truth, Sir Andreas. Please let my daughter go.”

I

My smile grew wider and I let go of Lady Grace.

“Father!” Lord Herbert attempted to stop him but Lord Theon shook his head.

“Stay with your sister.”

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Chapter 36

Then he started to walk down the hall and I followed.