Chapter 198 - Whispers in the night

- Vlad, stop. - Rafa says, placing his hand on Vlad's arm.

The boy's touch sets Vlad's blood on fire, and he lets go of the Guard, who falls coughing.

Rafa removes his hand, enters the room, and closes the door, but Vlad can't free himself from the heat that his hand has left on his arm.

He looks at the guard on the ground.

- You're lucky to be alive. Get out of my way and tell the commander to send another guard to do your job. Tell him to look for me in the morning. Starting today, the worst jobs a guard can have await you. And you – he turns to the other guard – I hope you don't want to follow the same path.

The guard bows and, swallowing hard, straightens up next to the door, carrying out what he was ordered to do.

Vlad leaves.

In his room, he remembers what happened. The place where Rafa had touched still vibrated with the heat of his cold hand.

- May the gods help me. This must be a twisted test.

He undresses to get into bed, but first, he goes to the window and looks at the gar