Nicole Jane’s POV
“Where have you been?”
I was taken aback when I heard his cold voice as soon as I got out of the car. I took a deep breath and gave Mikan an assuring smile. She looked stunned. Then I turned to him.
“Can we talk somewhere?” I just didn’t want us to argue right in front of Mikan.
He stared at me seriously, but anger was evident in his eyes.
I can’t blame him, though. It’s my fault too because I have a habit of leaving without informing him or anyone else.
He glanced at Mikan before redirecting his attention to me.
“We really need to talk.”
I was about to speak when he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me away. I looked back at Mikan and saw her worried face. I mouthed, It’s okay, and smiled at her.
As we walked, we remained silent, and I could feel the tension between us. I bit my lower lip and let him lead me wherever. I don’t know if it’s just me or if he was really angry about something other than the fact that I sneaked out of the academy without him knowing.
Soon, we arrived at the mansion, and I was even more surprised to see everyone there. It seemed like they were really waiting for us. Even Steph was there.
“What’s going on? Is everything okay?” I scanned the room, looking at each one of them. They all seemed serious and lost in thought. I couldn’t figure out if I should be worried or what.
“Shouldn’t we be the ones asking that?” Kyle replied, giving me a deadly stare.
“Calm down, Kyle. Let’s hear her out.” Kira smiled at me.
I furrowed my brow because I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. Just as I was about to ask, my attention was drawn to three pieces of paper laid out on the round table. I gasped as I realized they contained the threats I had received.
How did they get it?
I looked at Kyle suspiciously as an idea came to mind.
“Did you mess with my things again?”
I dislike it the most when someone touches my belongings, especially without asking for permission. They’ve done it before several times, and even though I let it slide, I still don’t appreciate it.
But he just had a blank expression on his face, as if my outburst meant nothing to him.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. The fact that you didn’t inform us about those threats and your sudden disappearance for the whole day means that you’re hiding something. Now, care to tell us when you received those threats and where the hell you went with Mikan?” His voice was low, but it still carried authority.
“Are these the reasons why you seemed anxious these past few days, sis?” Miley asked with concern.
I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I didn’t realize that my actions were affecting them and that they had noticed it.
They were all staring at me intently. So, all I could do was nod.
I sat on the empty couch and began to tell them everything. When and where I found the letters, as well as the story of the young boy who saved me before. His involvement in my past and my plan to find him. I mentioned my dreams and even our visit to Mikan’s elder sibling’s grave.
“Wait. What? She had a sister? And she’s alone here now because her parents live in another country?” Hiro asked, surprised.
My eyebrows raised at his reaction. The others also displayed surprise, but wasn’t a bit exaggerated like his.
“Yes. I just found out about that myself.”
I sighed as I recalled the conversation I had with Mikan earlier. Her sister had passed away five years ago. She was killed for reasons they couldn’t determine. One day, she suddenly disappeared, and the next day, they received the tragic news. A neighbor informed them that her sister’s lifeless body was found. They never even found out the identity of the person who killed her.
Meanwhile, her parents had been living in another country for a long time and only sent money to her. They wanted her to join them there, but she refused. She said she would only go there once she finished senior high school here. Only their long-time caretaker remained in their house, whom she visited whenever she had the chance to go home from the academy.
I felt sorry for her because of that. I couldn’t understand why her parents left her here. Didn’t they consider how their daughter would manage? Weren’t they worried, especially since they lost one of their daughter? They should have waited for her to finish school before leaving the country for good.
“If that’s the case, then we definitely have an intruder who managed to enter here. Because he was able to enter your room without us even knowing,” Kyle said.
I nodded in agreement, as I had been thinking about that too. But seriously, I still have no idea, up to this moment, who it could be.
“We really need to find him as soon as possible. Because we don’t know what he might do here in the academy. And it could be even worse than what happened during the student’s night,” Rei said.
“Everyone is a suspect. That’s why we need to watch the actions of everyone inside. We’ll never know. It could turn out that we actually know the spy,” Vince said, leaning his back against the wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed.
I pressed my lips together firmly. We should avoid that chaos happening again. We need to ensure the safety of the students here.
“Right. As far as I know, someone who can help us with that will arrive tomorrow,” Steph added.
I looked at her, confused. “And what is that?”
“See it for yourself tomorrow.” She winked at me.
I raised an eyebrow. This girl really knows how to keep me hanging!
“But...”
Kyle suddenly spoke, catching our attention. Why does this vampire’s ears seem to be blushing?
“Speaking of the guy you’re looking for, why do you still need to find him? And you even escape on us just because of him? Is he that special?” he asked.
I was left dumbfounded by his question. Others here seemed equally surprised. Seriously, we were having a serious conversation, and he had to bring up that matter!
I secretly saw Rei, Miley, and Kira laugh, while Hiro and Steph just shook their heads. As expected, Vince had no reaction.
I winced.
“Kyle, but—”
“No buts. Just focus on what we need to do right now. Set aside that matter for now. It will just distract you and split your attention.” He pouted and crossed his arms like a child.
I wanted to laugh at his behavior, but now it wasn’t the right time for that.
Despite my hesitations, I nodded and smiled.
“Okay. I will.”
Perhaps there is a right time for that matter. For now, we need to prepare for the possible actions of the enemy.
***
“Hey, what’s going on? Everyone seems so lively,” I asked Mikan curiously as we walked towards our classroom. Steph was following us.
The students today were buzzing like bees, and wherever I looked, they were engaged in conversations and appeared to be happy.
“Oh, you don’t know? It’s our senior high field trip tomorrow!” Mikan’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
I glanced at Steph, but she just shrugged. After all, she was still new to the academy.
“Field trip? I didn’t know that field trips exist in this academy,” I wondered aloud.
Mikan stopped walking and looked at me in disbelief.
“Yes, of course! Why not? Every school has field trips, you know.” She laughed.
I just shook my head. But I couldn’t help but think. What if the vampire students lose control while we’re outside?
“Here we are. You’re idling, Jane. Let’s go inside because Sir Maurer might arrive soon.”
I was surprised to see that we were already in front of our classroom, so I quickly went inside. But I glared at Mikan when I remembered what she called me.
“Jane?”
She grinned. “Yup. Just for a change.”
I just rolled my eyes at her. There was no point in arguing with her.
History is our first subject for the day. And I know that I’m going to be sleepy again. Although the field trip thing still bothers me.
I frowned when I saw that Kyle, Kira, Hiro, and Vince’s seats were empty again. Where could those four vampires be?
“They just needed to take care of something,” Steph said out of the blue, as if she read my mind.
“What could it be?” I whispered to her.
She was about to answer when Sir Maurer suddenly entered. “Good morning, everyone. I believe that you guys already know about our field trip tomorrow.”
All of our classmates were shouting. Some even banged their desks and chairs. Excitement was evident in everyone, except for me. I couldn’t help but worry about what might happen.
“Okay, quiet down. So, tomorrow all the senior high students will be going out for a trip. With that, we are all advised not to teach for this day—”
Before Sir Maurer could finish speaking, my classmates started shouting again. I just shook my head. They were making it too obvious that they didn’t want to have a class.
“Quiet! Let me finish first.”
Suddenly, everyone fell silent as Sir Maurer forcefully slammed the table. He straightened himself before clearing his throat and continuing.
“As I said, we are not going to teach for this day. But I’m going to leave an assignment. I want you to create an essay regarding your trip tomorrow.”
All of my classmates grunted, but Sir Maurer paid no mind to them.
“Okay. That’s all for today. Enjoy the rest of the day and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s trip,” he said with a smile before leaving. The rest of my classmates quickly followed suit and left the room.
I paused as I remembered that something seemed missing from his announcement.
“Wait, where are we going for the field trip tomorrow? He didn’t even mention it,” I asked Mikan. Only the three of us were left inside the room.
Mikan smirked. “Maybe he just forgot to mention it because at the beginning of each year, they usually announce the events for the rest of the year in advance. So, he probably assumed that everyone already knew the location of tomorrow’s field trip,” she explained, and I simply nodded.
I wasn’t aware of it since I arrived late and missed that part of the announcement.
“But where are we going, really?” I persisted. She looked at me with amusement in her eyes.
“We are going to the National Museum and Fort Santiago!”
Oh, that sounds exciting. I haven’t been to those places yet. It seems like our field trip tomorrow will be educational. It has a strong historical vibe to it.
No wonder she’s excited. I know she’s into historical places.
“Well, I just hope it will be all fun tomorrow and that nothing unexpected happens,” Steph whispered, but I heard her.
I looked at her and nodded. It seems we were thinking the same thing.
“Let’s go to the dining hall! I’m hungry already because I haven’t had breakfast yet. I rushed here this morning because I woke up late, only to find out that we didn’t have classes,” Mikan pouted while holding her stomach.
I just nodded at her. We were about to leave when suddenly someone approached me.
“I have something to show you.”
I couldn’t even utter a word as he dragged me along. What’s up with this vampire prince?
“Where are we going now?” I asked him, but he remained silent. I could only sigh.
But then I became curious when we suddenly stopped and entered the Student Council Office. I wondered what could be happening here. As we entered, we found all the royalties examining the...
Wait. What are those metal objects they’re holding?
I squinted my eyes and only then did I realize what they were.
“What’s with those necklaces?” I asked, both amazed and curious. But I almost dropped it because it was so heavy.
“We will make all the vampire students wear this tomorrow. This thing will help them control their bloodlust and prevent them from using their special abilities,” Kyle explained.
My eyes widened in astonishment. It seems they are really prepared for tomorrow’s field trip.
“This circular one.” He pointed to the small circle in the middle. “It will light up if they attempt something evil. So, we can easily identify those who violate the rules.”
I nodded in response. So, this is what they mentioned to me the other day. Inside the academy, the human students need to wear something for their protection, while the vampire students have something to wear outside to control themselves.
But this is not just a simple necklace. It’s made of metal and has an old-fashioned design.
I sighed. “I’m just hoping that everything will be okay tomorrow. Was that field trip really necessary?” I asked, feeling worried.
“Yes. Because, in some way, we need to show that this is still a normal academy. They’re not just imprisoned here, or some might get suspicious. Especially the human students,” Kira explained.
“Well, that’s true,” I agreed.
Kyle came near me and cupped my cheeks. “Don’t worry, my princess. I won’t let anyone or anything ruin the trip tomorrow,” he assured me.
I smiled and closed my eyes as I felt his lips brush against my forehead.
I just hope so.
“Rei? Are you having a vision again?”
I suddenly snapped out of my thoughts upon hearing Vince’s concern and panicking voice.
I looked at Reiri, who was now sitting on the floor with her eyes closed. I immediately felt a sense of unease. We all held our breath as we waited for her to speak.
“The forest. People are running and fighting. There are so many of them. But it’s blurry. I can’t identify who they are,” Rei suddenly spoke while still keeping her eyes closed. We all remained silent, watching her intently.
“There’s a man and a woman. I can’t determine when or where. But one of them will die.” She suddenly opened her eyes and leaned against the wall, as if weakening. Her brother and Hiro immediately supported her.
I instinctively covered my mouth and looked at Kyle.
Who the hell was she referring to?
***
Dave’s POV
“Release me from here, Dad!” I struggled against the restraints. But I could feel myself growing weaker, surrounded by the power that prevented me from using my own abilities.
He approached me slowly, anger blazing in his red eyes. His two fangs were bared, as if ready to attack me at any moment.
“Not until you learn your lesson, Dave! You’re really useless. What did that woman feed you that made you like this? And then you had the audacity to betray me!” His loud outburst instilled fear in his other subordinates.
I simply glared at him. “I didn’t become like this just because of Nicole. I’ve been like this ever since I found out what you did to Mom and my unborn sibling!”
We locked eyes, and my entire body trembled with the anger I felt.
My irritation grew even more when he suddenly burst into demonic laughter. I couldn’t believe I had such a demonic father. I felt no pride in being his son. Never. I even felt disgusted at the thought of being his son.
“One day, you will understand that what I did was also for the betterment and strength of our lineage. It’s good that she understands that matter and has been a great help to me.” He smirked, and oh, how I wanted to scratch his filthy face.
I clenched my fist. He is truly selfish. “I won’t let you continue to drag her into this anymore.”
He shook his head. “You can’t do anything about it. She wanted it too. She is obedient, unlike you.” He tapped my head, and I tilted it to the side to remove his hand.
“Let’s see.” I simply spat at him and grinned.
His eyes widened in response to my action. It was obvious that he didn’t expect that.
“You scumbag! You’re ungrateful! If only I knew that you would turn out to be such a disobedient son, I would have killed you instead!”
His slap hit my cheek so hard that it almost made it numb. But I didn’t care. Nothing could be more painful than all the things he had done to our family.
“Don’t let him escape! Keep a close watch on him, or he might interfere with my plans tomorrow,” I overheard him say to the guards before he finally left.
That made me freeze for a moment. I had no idea about his plans, nor did I have any clue about what he might do.
No. Whatever it is, I can’t let it happen. I need to escape from here as soon as possible.
“I won’t let you win this time, Dad. I will protect her and Nicole with all my will. Even if it costs my life.”