Chapter 4

THE footman swung the heavy wooden door open, revealing the dimly lit study room. Stepping inside, the butler followed closely behind, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting that covered the floor.

“My Lord,” the butler greeted respectfully and bowed.

“Seifi.” Aleister’s piercing gaze fixed upon his servant. He was a favorite, a thirty-year-old soldier that died in a hospital ward that he’d resurrected just recently.

The butler then approached his master, who sat behind an intricately carved mahogany desk.

“I hope you come bearing good news today, Seifi,” Aleister said, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and impatience.

“Yes, my Lord,” the butler replied with a measured and composed voice. He gracefully handed Aleister a sealed brown envelope. Its edges were already worn from its journey.

Aleister brought the envelope to his nose and sniffed the scent attached to it. A growl rumbled in his throat as he recognized the familiar aroma.

“Human…” His senses became heightened.

Bowing slightly, his butler explained, “Forgive me, my Lord. But I find this human to be more suitable for the job. The vampires investigating this special case have always—”

“Enough, Seifi. I’ve already heard enough excuses for years.”

Aleister’s pale, cold hands tore the envelope, revealing a few photographs of a teenage girl with wavy ginger hair. He raised his gaze to meet Seifi’s, seeking confirmation.

“Are you sure this is her?” Aleister asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

“Yes, my Lord,” the butler replied without hesitation.

He slowly turned his head from one side to another.

“And if not?” Aleister’s voice was dripping with a chilling undertone.

Seifi cleared his throat. His expression was composed but cautious.

“The private investigator would be your next meal, my Lord.”

“Tell the driver to prepare the car,” Aleister commanded, waving his hand dismissively.

“Yes, my Lord.” The butler swiftly exited the study.

Aleister’s gaze lingered at the photographs again. It had been years since he started searching for that child. Maybe this time, he’d finally hit the jackpot.

After a few minutes, the butler returned to the study, informing him that the car was ready. Wasting no time, Aleister rose from his seat and strode to the door.  His ever-loyal butler Seifi then escorted him to the waiting vehicle.

ALEISTER and his company were warmly greeted by the nuns managing the orphanage upon their arrival.

“Mr. Seifi,” said the nun waiting by the entrance.

His butler shook hands with the nun.

“Sister Sola. It’s a pleasure seeing you again.” Seifi gestured in his direction. “This is my master, Lord Aleister.”

“Welcome to Happy Village, Lord Aleister,” the nun greeted with a smile and slightly bowed.

Aleister nodded in response and put his hands behind his back.

“Shall we proceed, Sister Sola?” Seifi asked the nun afterward.

“Ah, yes, of course. Mother Superior is waiting for Lord Aleister inside her office. This way, please.” Sister Sola led them inside.

They walked through several hallways and staircases until they reached the Mother Superior’s office.

Aleister tilted his head upon seeing Mother Superior. She wasn’t as old as he expected and possessed this strong aura that surprised him.

“Mother Superior, this is Lord Aleister Montgomery and his butler, Mr. Seifi,” Sister Sola introduced them.

The woman rose from her seat and approached him. She then extended a hand he graciously took and kissed her knuckles.

“Ever since Sister Sola told me about you, I’ve been anticipating your visit. On behalf of the entire Happy Village, we thank you for your generous donations, Lord Aleister,” Mother Superior told him joyfully.

He glanced in his butler’s direction, who gave him a nod of confirmation. It seemed that Seifi had done something without his knowledge.

“You’re welcome,” he responded casually.

Mother Superior gestured for them to sit on the couches.

Aleister strode toward the couch and took a seat. His butler remained standing a few feet away while the nuns sat on the couch across from him.

“Before introducing you and your daughter to each other, we want to hear the story first,” said Mother Superior.

“Seifi,” he called his butler. “Tell them about it.”

The butler stepped closer to the couch.

“Years ago, Lord Aleister had a daughter with his ex-lover. The child was taken away and got lost due to a tragic incident. My Lord has spent years searching for her.” Seifi handed Sister Sola an envelope. “We believe his daughter was the girl in the photos.”

The nun opened it immediately and showed the photos to the Mother Superior. They exchanged looks before turning their gazes on Aleister again.

“Lord Aleister,” Mother Superior began. “I won’t lie to you. The girl you’re looking for is indeed under our care. However, these photos aren’t enough—”

Aleister adjusted his coat and leaned to the side.

“She has birthmarks. There’s a red half-moon-shaped mark on her nape and a black crescent moon mark on her upper left chest.”

He saw how Sister Sola’s eyes widened in shock when she heard what he said about the girl. Of course, he knew about it, for it was stated in the prophecy.

“H-he’s r-right, Mother Superior,” Sister Sola said, stuttering. “I’ve raised Luna since her very first day here, and I’ve seen those birthmarks on her.”

Mother Superior held the nun’s hands and pressed them. “Are you certain, Sister Sola?”

 “Yes, I am,” the nun replied with consecutive nods.

Mother Superior released Sister Sola’s hands.

“Then go and get Luna. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to meet her father.”

Sister Sola stood up and left the office.

A smile curved on Aleister’s lips. He then rose from the couch and strode toward Mother Superior. He leaned closer and gazed into her eyes. He attempted to read her mind, but no matter how much he tried, Aleister couldn’t penetrate the nun’s mind. It made him believe that she was no ordinary human.

“Mother Superior, tell me…” He decided to compel her. “Will you remember everything that happened today?”

“Yes… of course,” Mother Superior replied without hesitation.

He stood straight and returned to his seat afterward.

“Is there something wrong, Lord Aleister?” his butler inquired.

He waved his hand dismissively in response.

LUNA’S friends blindfolded her and led her out of their bedroom. It was her eighteenth birthday, a special moment she should feel happy about. But how could she be happy when she knew she was about to be released? Until now, she hadn’t heard anything from the nuns.

“W-where are you taking me?” she muttered as she tightly held onto Kira’s hand.

“We have something for you,” Dita teased. “Today is your special day.”

“What is this something you’re talking about? You’re making me nervous….”

But even before they could reach their destination, Luna heard Sister Sola’s voice calling her from a distance.

“Sister Sola’s calling me,” she told the girls.

Dita and Kira burst into laughter.

“What are you talking about, Luna?” asked Kira. “It’s just the three of us here.”

“No. I heard Sister Sola. I swear! She’s calling me—”

“Luna! Luna, where are you?”

“Right. She’s calling you. Just now.”

She let go of Kira’s hand and removed her blindfold. Luna turned around and saw Sister Sola coming in her direction. She decided to meet her halfway.

“Sister Sola. What’s the matter—”

“Come with me, Luna.” Sister Sola held her by the hand and pulled her away from the girls.

“Wait!” her friends protested in unison and followed them.

“Sister, it’s Luna’s birthday today, and we have a surprise for her,” Dita explained.

“You can’t just take her away like that,” Kira added.

“Whatever it is, maybe it could wait, Sister Sola.” Luna heaved a deep sigh. “I don’t want the girls’ effort to go to waste—”

“Girls… Luna’s father has come to take her,” Sister Sola told them, smiling.

Her mouth dropped open. “M-my father…?”

“Yes. You heard it right, Luna.” Sister Sola said, grasping her shoulders. “Finally!”

“W-where is he?” she asked with teary eyes.

“He’s waiting for you at the office with Mother Superior.”

Luna turned in her friends’ direction. The two gave her a knowing smile and beckoned her to come with Sister Sola.

“Go,” Dita encouraged her with a smile.

“We’re happy for you, Luna.” Kira couldn’t stop beaming. “This is the best birthday gift ever, don’t you think?”

She nodded in response.

“Let’s go. We must not keep them waiting.” Sister Sola held her hand and ushered her to the office.

Luna couldn’t believe that her prayer had been answered.