King Zach’s POV
We are currently here in the hall of the palace, having a meeting with the leader of the association of vampire hunters and protectors, as well as the Parkers.
“So, do you really think that the plan will work? What if we failed? Don’t we have any other options?”
All of us looked at Nick, the leader of the vampire hunters.
I suddenly remember the day when we approached him to ask for help. He was hesitant at first and thought it was a trap for us to kill their kind. They are the Vampire Hunters, and there are no exceptions for them, even the aristocrat vampires and the purebloods if our kind poses any kind of threat.
I suddenly felt relief when Kyle managed to explain everything to them. Although he said he wouldn’t do it to help us, but for the sake of humans. And we, on the other hand, understand that.
“No worries. I assure you that it will work.”
I leaned back in my seat and pondered. The events of the past should not be repeated.
“Do the younger royalties know about the entirety of the prophecy?” Jacob, the leader of the protectors, asked. He is also Kyle’s personal protector.
That question stunned me. I looked up, and Cassandra’s worried eyes greeted me.
“No. We made sure that they would not know about it,” she answered instead.
“Yeah. We removed the pages related to that matter before they could even see the book of records,” Nathalie Parker added.
Nick seemed relieved and nodded. “Good. It’s better that way. Because we can act more freely. You know, the younger generation nowadays is too aggressive,” he explained.
I sighed. I wanted to convince them that it was true.
But there’s no point in hiding. It’s better for them to know, so they can be alerted too.
I stood up, causing them to furrow their brows and look at me intently. “Not anymore,” I said. Surprise was evident on their faces.
“W-what do you mean?” Cassandra’s eyes widened.
“Somebody already knows about it. He managed to obtain the torn page when he came here.”
Conrad Parker stood up. “What? Who?”
I glanced at each of them before answering.
“Kyle.”
***
Nicole Jane’s POV
“Nicole, let’s go! Mommy is already here! Follow right away!” shouted Gino from downstairs.
“Almost done!” I shouted back.
For the last time, I glanced at myself in front of the mirror and contently smiled.
This is the last time that I will be wearing this uniform. I just have a feeling mix of joy and sadness.
I curled my hair and put on a light makeup. I also wore a pair of black heeled shoes. I wore the academy’s protection bracelet and the necklace they gave me as well, just like when I first entered here.
“Wow, Nics! You’re so beautiful!” Miley said and smiled.
“It’s good that you’re graduating already. While we still have another year.” Rei pouted.
I laughed and approached the two of them sitting on the bed, then hugged them. “Don’t worry. We’ll still come here to visit you.”
That’s true. We have already discussed it with Kyle and the others.
After we finished our drama session, I put on my graduation gown, and we left the guest room of the mansion. The two of them went downstairs ahead of me because they were involved in the preparations for the graduation event today.
The others had already left earlier. They said the girls took a long time to get ready, and they didn’t want to wait. Of course, who else would say that? It’s Vince.
Meanwhile, Steph had already joined them. She said she wanted to greet her dad who arrived early. She didn’t want to leave me behind, but I pushed her out. Kyle was the same. Uncle Zach and Auntie Cass would also be coming to oversee the event.
I was about to go downstairs when I suddenly stopped in my tracks upon noticing that the door to Kyle’s room was open. I don’t know why, but I have this feeling that something is pulling me to go inside.
That’s why I followed my instinct and entered slowly. His room greeted me with its cleanliness and tidiness. He was really organized when it comes to his things.
Apart from that, I didn’t notice anything unusual. Maybe I’m just wasting my time here. After all, I’m the one being waited for.
I was about to leave when my eyes caught sight of a piece of paper sticking out from the top drawer of the bedside table.
Suddenly, I felt an urge to see what it is. So, I went towards it and slowly took it. I was about to open the folded paper when someone snatched it harshly from my grip.
“What are you doing here?”
I almost jumped in surprise because of Kyle’s loud shout. Anger was evident on his face as his eyes started to turn red.
“Sorry. I-I...” I couldn’t find the right words to explain to him. It was the first time he shouted at me like that, and I could feel hot liquid wanting to escape my eyes.
I was caught off guard. Why is he acting this way?
Gradually, the redness in his eyes subsided and was replaced by concern. “Sorry too. I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you. Come on. They’re all waiting for us already.”
Before I could even respond, he pulled me out. I saw him quickly hide the folded paper in his pocket.
I looked at the man I love.
Now I wonder, is he hiding something from me?
Many questions are playing in my mind, but I chose to remain silent. This is a special day for all of us. I shouldn’t ruin it. I’ll just ask him when we leave.
Upon arriving at the function hall, everything was in order. I saw Mommy and Daddy seated in their respective chairs along with Gino and the Stanford sisters. Uncle Jacob, Steph’s father, was also there.
But the parents of Kira, Hiro, and Vince were still not present. If I’m not mistaken, they’re too busy in Romania. And my friends understand that. Well, they’re mature enough already.
Though I hope that even so, they could still make it to their children’s special day.
We sat in a row of chairs at the front because we were included in the awarding ceremony. Kira, Hiro, Vince, and Steph were also here, all joking around.
“Congratulations to all of us!” Kira said when we came near them.
“Yeah. Congratulations!” I beamed at him.
As I sat down, my gaze wandered towards the stage, where I suddenly noticed Uncle Zach and Auntie Cass happy in conversation.
The program started without much delay, but my attention wasn’t there. I am still thinking about that paper.
I looked at the man beside me. Like me, he seemed lost in thought. Eventually, he turned to me.
Kyle, please, tell me what’s bothering you.
It seemed like he read the question in my mind because he was suddenly surprised. But he quickly recovered, and his expression told me something...
Just trust me.
I averted my gaze and let out a deep sigh. Whatever was troubling him, I knew he would tell me about it when he’s ready.
After a few more ceremonies, each of us was called to go up on stage. Meanwhile, Miley and Reiri were busy taking photos. I’m pretty sure they can handle the academy in their last year.
Once it was over, they began calling the awardees. Those included in Rank 10, as they call it in the academy.
“For the 8th rank, Mr. Hiro Collins,” the announcer declared.
He stood up with a grin, waving his hand as his name was called. The women around us screamed in excitement. I couldn’t help but notice the sudden frown on Reiri’s face.
This man is such a pain in the ass. Just let him try to hurt Reiri, and he’ll meet his match!
He climbed up the stage with a wide smile, shaking hands with the king and queen. I couldn’t help but look around. I don’t know what I should feel as we’re about to finish this school without them knowing the mysterious secrets hidden within.
Especially the fact that some of their memories get erased whenever something bad happens here, orchestrated by vampire students unable to control their thirst.
I was initially opposed to coming here and finding out that my parents had arranged for me to marry someone I didn’t know and wasn’t familiar with.
But now I can say that entering Clarkson Academy is one of the happiest things that happened in my life. Though I’ve experienced too many bad things as well, still, I learned a lot of lessons from it.
I feel like crying again when I remember that she was supposed to be here with us.
I came back to my senses when I heard Kira’s name being announced. “For the 6th rank, Mr. Kira Hemmington.”
I smiled. I can say that I’m proud of each one of us because whatever rank we’re in right now is not because of the power we possess but because of our hard work and dedication.
Steph is in fifth place and Vince is in third. Then I heard my name being called for second place.
“Congratulations,” I heard Kyle say. It’s the first time he spoke since everything happened earlier.
I looked at him. “Congratulations as well!”
As I walked up the stage, Mom walked alongside me, beaming with joy. I graciously accepted my medal and diploma. Uncle Zach and Auntie Cass greeted me with smiling faces.
“Congratulations, dear. You made it,” Auntie Cass greeted me as both of us shook hands.
“Thank you.”
Uncle Zach also congratulated me, and both Mom and I thanked him.
Then I lined up next to Steph and sat down. We were waiting for one more name.
“And last but not least, the 1st rank for this school year, it is none other than Mr. Kyle Ethan Clarkson!”
The whole place erupted in thunderous applause before all the students stood up upon hearing his name.