Chapter 23~Zayne~ScrrrrrhhhhThe wheels of my car scratched against the harsh surface of the room as I brought it to a halt. “Phew!”I took in a deep breath as I stood in front of the cemetery gates. I shivered to the harsh cold that filled the darkness of the night. I decided to drop by to see Maya, my wife, after all it's been a long while. I went without the consent of anybody, not even Rowan. The only thing I told him was if I was not in my room by morning, he should check for me in the forest. I only had less than an hour to get in and take my medicine before the curse happened. I entered the cemetery as my eyes went searching for Maya’s grave. I couldn't help but have the feeling of spirits looming in every shadow. “Maya, a lot has been happening, you know?” I sat next to her grave not before dropping a banquet of flowers. “A few nights ago I almost died trying to save my maid. Rowan got arrested, but now he's out, they couldn't hold him for long” I chuckled. “Lut
Chapter 24~Luther~“What are we going to do Reta!” I paced around my room, my body tense and restless. Tomorrow, Zayne and the others will head out to the vampire kingdom for a truce. Vodka will definitely tell him about the intruders, about us. “Calm down Luther, we’ll think of something” Reta said, her voice still calm, which could not but amaze.How could she be this calm in a time like this? “Reta, this is your fault, I told you we couldn't trust the vampires and now look” I poured out my anger on Reta, it really didn't seem to affect her. Her expression barely changes. She remained calm as ice, as she sat on my couch her legs crossed. “I have an idea Luther, you can shut up and listen or keep on nagging”She talked with a certain elegance which upsets me. I felt like ripping her head out of her body, but for now I need her. “We'll talk!” my voice thundered through the room, I was getting tense and impatient. “You and Thorn will follow them to the vampire kingdom, you make
Chapter 25~Zayne~I frozed at the spot, as I remained silent to his offer.No war for our humans, for Emily. No, I can't give away Emily. “NO! That's impossible” I outright disagreed with Vadka. Vadka raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Humans may have taken Maya from me, but over time I've learnt not all human beings are evil, especially not Emily and Steph. “Zayne, we have to agree with it, after all their only maids to us”Luther whispered to my ear. “Are you mad? Luther!” his words ticked me off. I hate it when someone calls Emily a maid, I even hate myself when I do. She might be a maid, but to me, she's my source of joy and happiness. “Zayne, you're a smart man, so think this through. It's a simple offer, you're human residents or your castle falls apart and I take the humans either way”Vadka said his voice very cunning and manipulative. “You heard me Vadka, no deal!” I stood up slamming the table hard as I raised my voice in anger, causing an I easing loud noise, bu
Chapter 26~Emily~“Ahhh..” I woke up to the bright sun, its rays casting a luminous light at my face. My eyes fluttered open, my mind clouded by the scene of a new day. I took a sheepish glance at the wall clock, knowing fully well I was late, but yet hoping for the contrary. “Fuck!”The wall clock read 8:15 am, I was at least fifteen minutes late. I jumped off my bed at once as I rushed to the bathroom to get freshened up. I dashed to the castle's kitchen, but to my surprise I wasn't welcomed by Crystal's morning frown. Crystal was nowhere to be found. “Hey, you're a bit late today, by the way I'm Flora” a young female voice reached my ears. I was dazzled by her beauty. Her golden braids were such where women died. Her skin loomed like the sun. She wore a soft smile which seemed to warm my heart. “Okay nice to meet you, Flora, I'm Emily” I collected the tray from her and rushed upstairs. I couldn't even spare time to ask her Crystal's whereabouts. When I reached Zayne's r
Chapter 27~Zayne~Scrrrrrrrrrhh The buzzing sound of the alarm as well as the chirping of birds which flew by my window startled me up. My eyes were heavy, my body too weak to even stand up. I had barely slept an hour before now. All night all I could think of was Emily. I am supposed to be worried about the war with the vampire kingdom. But on the contrary, I chose to worry about Emily. Last night, she curled herself up in a tight spot, her face was tense. I could sense her heart was pounding, and on sight of me, all the anger stored up in her for me was gone. All I could see in her eyes was relief, relief to see me. It was as if someone was after her, or threatening her. Also, according to what Vodka told me, the intruders to his kingdom gave him the information he wanted so he couldn't give their names up. Last night I was able to piece out that the only information that is worth Vadka’s attention was, that about humans. Vodka never knew we had humans working out the cas
Chapter 28~Emily~“You're a very tenacious girl”. I looked up to Phil. He had a broad smile on his face as he offered me a hand up. “Not bad for a human. You deserve my respect. ““Well this failure is a learning phase for me, I will train hard and maybe we can have another duel”, I said looking very serious. Applause rang out from behind me and asked over the field. My heart melted for the affection they displayed to me. Ever since my arrival here, I've found it very difficult to get most lycans approval. They seemed to carry a burning hatred for humans. But it warmed my heart to see their approval for my effort. I turned my head to look over as Rowan came over to me with an approving face. “You guys did a good job, especially your Emily. I didn't think you had such quick reflexes”. He laid his large hands on my shoulder, his eyes staring into mine. He spoke like a proud father would to his daughter. “I just need to work on your raw power, and who knows you might just be read
Chapter 29~Emily~The morning arrived quickly for me. I woke up at dawn and went to the kitchen to prepare Zayne’s breakfast myself. I knew fully well that neither Flora or Crystal would be in the kitchen, it was still curfew hour. After a good night's test, all my fatigue vanished. And most of the minor cuts I suffered yesterday had all been healed. But for a few aches in my joints, I felt as good as ever. I couldn't help myself but feel the distance between me and my goal was ever close. I sneaked into Zayne’s room, my feet soft and soundless and gently dropped the tray on his stool. I left a note next to it, about my destination at the training grounds. I left the castle and headed down to the training grounds. The curfew wasn't held in the town outside the castle. A few town folks were already up and doing, and had resumed their work for the day. I approached the training grounds and to no surprise it was almost empty. Just how I liked it. “Emily, over here!” A familia
Chapter 30~Emily~I felt a sudden excitement as I held the tray in hand walking straight to Zayne’s room. I could only imagine it had something to do with what Rowan said to me yesterday. My mood turned grey as a sudden thought popped up in my head. What of Zayne!? How would he be feeling? He was so angry yesterday, he even beat up Rowan like he was some stranger. I hope he's feeling a lot better than he was yesterday. KNOCKKNOCK “Come in” I could tell from his voice he was still a bit moody. I gently opened his door, my eyes caught him looking at me. I carefully dropped the tray on his stool and stood for a few seconds. I waited to see if he had anything to say to me. “You know, Emily, I was also hurt yesterday. But all you cared about was Rowan”I looked at the bruises on his chest causing me to let out a light gasp. The bruises were a little less severe than Rowan's, but they were only partially treated. I felt a bit aggrieved. After all, from my point of view Rowa
Chapter 62~Luther~KNOCK KNOCK “Ahh.. Go away, I'm sleeping!”I moaned. Taking a faint glance at the clock it read 10 pm. Who could possibly be at my door at this time. A prince like me should always get his beauty rest no matter what. KNOCK KNOCK Despite my refusal, the loud knock still carried on. Getting even louder and more urgent.“I swear if this isn't important, I will lock up whoever is at the door. I'm in prison for the rest of his miserable life.”I managed to roll out of my bed and putting on my slippers I walked to the door and opened it. Thorn stood across me, urgency in his eyes, his breath was heavy, as though he ran a 100 metre race before coming here.“Ahh..Thorn what do you want?!” I said my tone was still very grumpy. “Sir, I need to tell you something very important!”“Can't it wait till tomorrow.” I couldn't care less about what he wanted to tell me. All I wanted was for him to leave, so I can roll myself under my sheets and sleep like a baby. “Sorry bo
Chapter 61~Zayne~Despite the darkness I managed to navigate my way out of the courtyard and to the hallway. I was almost to the castle gates when a rattling noise reached my ears from the bush just behind me. I halted in my movement and turned in the direction of the bush. The rattling noise continued, becoming even louder. “Who's there?!” My voice rang through the empty castle yard. The noise suddenly stopped, but still no reason for me to stop. I gently walked closer to the bush. My legs stretched out slowly at a time, pulling my body with it until I was just in front of the bush. “Hello?”My voice came again, this time laced with more mystery. But there was no response. Leaving me with only two options, possible to think of. It was either an animal in that bush, or if it is indeed a Lycan he must have run. Only one to find out! I bent closer to the bush and parted it. Nobody here! It must have been a Lycan, but why would anyone be out here past curfew. After giving i
Chapter 60~Zayne~“Yes, come in!”Rowan opened the door, the creaking noise rung through my whole room.“You called sir!” Rowan said, his voice firm and strong. “Yes I did. Aren't you going to train Emily this morning?” I asked, almost rhetorically, fully aware of his response. “Yes actually in about 20 minutes” “Yes. I want to borrow for the next three days. You can help train if you want, but I want to train her to be ready to go the temple with me”I said to Rowan, my tone almost as though it was a command. “Okay, let me tell her” Rowan turned to leave when my stern voice halted him.“Don't! She won't know until she's arrived at the ground”“Okay sir” Rowan said before he then left my room. I had to set out to train Emily myself at least for the next three days. Even though Rowan is a better teacher than me, I can train Emily on the survival instincts needed to cope with dangers lurking at the temple, something Rowan can't. I got dressed into my training gear. My steps ha
Chapter 59~Emily~I woke up to a bright morning. The morning had a different feel than normal. There was a warm breeze in the air, urging me to cover myself with the blanket and sleep more. But as I shut my eyes yet again, a stream of thoughts came rushing back to my mind. The conversation I had last night with Zayne became clearer in my mind. Zayne wants me to go with him to the sacred temple.To retrieve the sword to kill Vadka. I really hope the sword is as powerful as mom says, otherwise Zayne might not make it through Vadka. “Oh shit!” I cursed out loud taking a small glance at my clock. It read 9 am. I was supposed to be at the grounds an hour ago. . I got dressed into my light training outfit and walked to the training grounds, my steps quickened. I'm sure Rowan will be standing there waiting for me He will cross his arms, furrowed his brows and give him that stern look of his. Running from my room, I finally reached Zayne’s personal training ground. I spotted Rowan
Chapter 58~Emily~“Why are you here Zayne?” I asked again, my voice more stern than before. “Can I come in please?” Zayne requested, his voice very calm and gentle. And after a brief while to think, I reluctantly allowed him. Maybe he's ready to tell md the truth. Or maybe he's here cook up another lie. I really hope not. Zayne walked into my room and stood by the corner, the looming shadows covered part of his body, he was almost engulped by the darkness. “So, why are you here Zayne?” Zayne seemed to be avoiding the obvious question of his reason for being here. “Emily, I know your angry at me, but I need your help”I should have known she just needed my help, he isn't ready to say the truth. “Get out, Zayne!” I kissed my teeth in annoyance. “Please Emily, it's important. I really need your help”Zayne’s pitiful voice came again, seeming even more desperate. “For what?” I decided to give him an ear, I didn't really have any intention of going with it though.Okay, don't fr
Chapter 57~Zayne~I stood at the balcony of my window admiring the beauty of my kingdom. A feeling of gratefulness gripped me. I was really lucky to rule over this majestic kingdom. KNOCK KNOCK Soon, I heard a firm knock on my door. “About time, he came”I muttered to myself before walking up to the door to open it. “Hello Rowan you're a bit late” “Sorry training went a bit late” Rowan gave a genuine reason and it was enough for me. I never joke around with Emily's training. “Come in!” I showed Rowan inside, before taking a seat on my couch. I did my rountine check on Emily's training progress, asking Rowan several questions on her training today with my pet lion. I was the one who insisted in Emily training with my lion. It might prove to be a significant challenge for her, but if she can be able to stand her ground with him then she'll be ready for anything that comes in her way. “So, why did you call me?” Rowan asked as we got down to the main business at hand. I lowe
Chapter 56~Emily~“Where are you going, huh?” the stern voice came again. I slowly turned my head back to see who it was. Reta! “You were the one who kidnapped her right?” I asked, my voice laced with anger. Anger at Reta for putting so much fear in the minds and hearts of people at the castle. And for Flora’s family, putting sorrow. “How can you be so cruel?” “I can do anything to anyone, as Long as I get what I want!” Reta said, her tone mischievous. The corners of her lips curled up a evil smile. “I'm going to the castle right now ! And everyone will know what you did” I turned to leave, when another figure appeared just in front of me. His figure was large, he had an incredible physique. I looked up to his face, trying to identify him. “Thorn?”I asked, a bit surprised to see him. If Thorn and Reta are here, that means it must be Luther behind this. The night two days ago flashed back to my memory. Was this what they were upto? Taking Flora to the forest? If that
Chapter 55~Emily~The lion's huge paws pressed me down to the floor. I could feel the lion power stronger than any of the Lycan warriors I train with. I turned my head slightly and I saw that the lion had lowered his head, his mouth was like a bowl full of blood near my neck. His pupils were staring motionlessly at me, seemingly with some curiosity, and his huge teeth were almost in front of my eyes. I could feel the blood and heat inside the lion's mouth, as if I was going to be torn apart the next moment. Fear made my body tremble, watching a lion up close and watching it from outside the cage were two completely different experiences. I lifted my head to look at Rowan, and I found him standing at the edge of the cage, looking at me and the lion with cold eyes, not coming to my aid. No! I can't die here! Steph needs me. If Rowan won't help me I'll help myself. Suddenly a wave of conviction gripped my heart. I struggled frantically, but even though I used all my strength, th
Chapter 53~Emily~Staying by my window, I watched as Steph and Reta returned from wherever they left.But this time, they came back with Thorn and Luther. They walked to the castle, their steps very discrete as though they stole something. My heart twitched on sight of Luther, he wore a sickening grin across his face. But I couldn't help but ask, what are they doing outside their rooms? And where did they go? I am deeply worried for Steph. She was in the midst of very bad people. People who could ruin her life for her. I wish I could talk some sense into her, but she won't even talk to me. I peeped through my window as they arrived at the castle before splitting up at the courtyard. I carefully watched Steph, as she gently walked upstairs and towards the maid quarters. I need to know where she went to and why they were so discrete. I dashed out of my room and taking a turn, I found myself behind Steph, she remained unaware of my presence. I followed behind her, my steps s