Miley’s POV
Everything seems okay and is happening according to the plan. I just hope that this day will end well and happily.
“I’m just hoping that what you saw will not happen today.” I sighed as I felt Reiri sitting beside me.
“Yeah. I don’t know if it’s just me or what, but I can feel something different right now.”
I looked up at her. She seemed so bothered.
I bit my lower lip. Honestly, I felt the same way. I was about to speak when I saw Steph approaching us.
“Did you do it?” I asked her.
“Yes. No worries. Whatever happens, I know that everything will be under control,” she reassured me.
“That’s good to hear then.” I smiled at her.
“Let’s have some lunch. I’m already hungry.”
We turned our heads to Nics, who was also approaching us while holding her stomach. We burst into laughter.
“Alright. Let’s go then.” I took one last glance at the museum before we leave.
***
Nicole Jane’s POV
We just finished eating lunch. Finally, my stomach is satisfied because I’ve been starving for some time.
It’s already past one in the afternoon, and now we’re heading to Fort Santiago. They said it’s close to the National Museum, and it might take us only ten to fifteen minutes to get there, depending on the intensity of the traffic.
I’m sitting next to Kyle now, and even though we’re inside the bus, he’s still wearing his shades as if the sun is still high up.
“Don’t you know that it’s rude to stare? You find me handsome again.” He smirked. Miley and Kira, who are sitting on the other end, burst into laughter.
“You’re so arrogant!” I glared at him and just looked outside the window. I might suddenly get blown away by his overwhelming self-confidence.
I remembered our next destination once again. According to Mikan, it’s supposed to be beautiful there based on the pictures she saw on social media. She has been wanting to go there for a long time but couldn’t find the right time to do so.
And as for me? I have no particular reason. I’m just curious.
“We’re here!”
Miley announced the moment we stepped out of the bus. Our other friends were already waiting, all wearing shades as well. So, I took mine and put it on too.
Earlier, where we went was still somewhat cold, but now it seems like we’ll be basking in the heat. We all happen to be lazy when it comes to using umbrellas.
But this is fine too, at least it lessens the paleness of my companions.
I looked around and felt like I was in ancient times.
It’s just right that the van following us arrived, with the protectors and vampire hunters on board. If you look at them, it’s like they’re just strolling around here.
I looked up at the signage of the entrance.
INTRAMUROS
“Oh, so this is so-called Intramuros. How interesting.”
“Okay, class. Just follow me. Don’t go wandering around,” Sir Marcus instructed.
We all nodded. I noticed that the two other advisers of the two sections were also giving instructions.
“That’s weird. It’s just Miley and me on the lower level here. But it feels like we’re already at a higher level.” We laughed because of what Reiri whispered.
“This field trip is really for us. I don’t know how someone managed to get lost.” Hiro shook his head. Reiri gave him a stern look, and they started arguing again.
We started walking. The other sections went ahead, and we were the last ones.
Kyle took my hand and intertwined our fingers. I looked at him, and he just winked at me. This guy is really into PDA.
As we entered, a seemingly long-established university greeted us.
COLEGIO de SAN LETRAN
From the moment you step inside, you can already see how big and expansive this university is. It’s evident that it has been standing here for several years already.
We continued walking until we saw a beautiful and spacious church. Wait, is this...
“Oh! The Manila Cathedral! Let’s go inside for a moment. They won’t notice us anyway because we’re at the back.” Mikan pulled me, but I stayed in my place.
“You go first. I’ll just follow.” She didn’t argue further and went inside ahead of me.
I looked back and there I saw the royalties who couldn’t even take a step, not even on the first floor of the staircase.
“Wait for us. We’ll just be quick.” Kyle nodded and I also pulled Steph.
“Just make it fast,” Kyle said before we entered.
Upon entering, I immediately noticed Mikan exploring each station here. I just let her be and headed straight to an aisle and kneeled. Steph followed me.
I’m not a religious type of person, but this time I can’t help but pray. I closed my eyes, cleared my mind, and talked to God.
I prayed that everything would be okay. That all the chaos would end, and we could live peacefully. That the secret about vampires would remain hidden because they also interact with humans normally. And that the evil vampires would be completely eradicated, so that no more people would be harmed because of them.
After finishing my prayer, I invited them to leave as Sir Marcus might start looking for us. We were supposed to go straight to our intended destination, as he mentioned earlier.
“There’s actually an entrance fee here. I thought this place could be visited for free,” I muttered to myself.
“Hey! Why are you all bundled up like that? It’s so hot!” Mikan said with a smirk.
I glanced at my companions who were now wearing cardigans and jackets.
“You don’t care. Just mind your own business,” Vince grumbled and walked ahead, hands in his pockets. Imagine a vampire like him walking under the sun.
“Just ignore us. We just don’t want to get tanned,” Miley reasoned.
I just shook my head. These vampires and their lame excuses.
Mikan glanced at them in disbelief.
“Huh? You’re already so pale! You should be exposing yourselves to the sun even more!” she exclaimed.
I noticed Reiri’s eyes narrowing. Before this girl could say anything, I grabbed her and pulled away.
“Don’t say that again. Just let them do what they want in their lives.”
Her face slightly saddened. “Sorry. Did I make them angry?”
“No, they’re not angry. Just don’t act like that next time.”
She pouted, then nodded.
Soon enough, we started wandering around. Souvenir shops lined up in front of us. Next to them was an old, dilapidated building with no roof, but it had been preserved.
There were also various sculptures scattered around. Some were standing in different poses, while others were sitting on benches, looking remarkably lifelike.
“Kyle! Take a picture of me here!” I insisted to my vampire boyfriend, who scowled in response.
“I don’t really get why you girls like taking pictures. Can’t you just capture the memories in your minds and hearts instead?”
I frowned. If he didn’t want to, then fine! No need to make a fuss about it.
“Forget it! I’ll just take a selfie!” I stormed off, and he reluctantly followed.
“Okay, fine!”
I grinned. He keeps on complaining but will follow anyway.
“Girls.”
I stuck my tongue out at Vince. Here he goes again.
“Can’t you stop complaining, and just enjoy the day?” Miley said and winked at me.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Kira tapped her head that made her blushed. How cute.
We took several minutes to take pictures before continuing our walk. The printed footprints leading to the main gate of Fort Santiago were delightful. The Raja Sulayman Theater and Dambanang Rizal were also here at Fort Santiago, as indicated by the signs. In the center stood the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal. There were also a few tourists here.
“They were probably imprisoned here before,” Hiro commented.
I glanced at what he was referring to and saw a cramped and dark place underneath. There was a sign that read THE DUNGEONS. I wanted to go down to that area, but the path was locked. Although I could still manage to get inside even if it’s locked.
It had only been over an hour, but we had already toured the entire place. Luckily, it started to get a little cloudy, so walking around was still bearable.
In fact, it wasn’t really that extensive. It can easily be explored within an hour. It’s just that taking pictures prolongs the visit.
“Okay, class. Time’s up. We need to go back to the academy before it gets dark,” Sir Marcus announced. So, we went back and some of us boarded the bus.
As we were nearing our bus, Mikan suggested going to the restroom first. Suddenly, I felt a call from nature, so I nodded at her.
“Where are you going? The bus is about to leave.” Kyle held my wrist, making me face him. We were the only three who hadn’t boarded yet.
“We’re just going to the restroom. The journey is long, and we might end up going home late,” I explained.
“I’ll go with you.” His expression suddenly turned serious.
I slapped my forehead. I just wanted to pee.
“Just stay here, and watch over them. Besides, we have other protectors coming, okay? We’ll be right back. We really just need to pee. Please.”
There was hesitation on his face, but after a moment, he nodded. “Okay. Just make it fast. I’ll be the one to inform Sir Maurer.”
“Thank you.” I immediately pulled Mikan and hurriedly went to the nearest restroom. I saw the two hunters and two protectors following us.
After finishing, I came out of the cubicle. I found Mikan fixing herself in front of the mirror. So, I also took out my other belongings from my bag to freshen up. I felt exhausted because of our activities throughout the day.
“Mikan, it really is so beautiful—” I didn’t get to finish what I was about to say when I suddenly heard her sobbing.
“Hey! What’s wrong?” I quickly went to her and immediately hugged her.
“I’m sorry.”
I furrowed my brows at what she said. “What—”
Again, I couldn’t continue what I was going to say because everything seemed to go in slow motion when I felt her plunge something into my back.
“M-Mikan... W-what...”
“Sorry. But I’m not what you think I am,” I heard her say before everything went blank.
***
Kyle Ethan’s POV
Only a few minutes had passed since they left. But I couldn’t calm down right away.
“I’ll just follow them,” I informed Sir Marcus. I didn’t wait for him to say anything and quickly left. I still heard Miley calling out to me, but I didn’t turn back to look at them.
“Where’s Nicole?”
I immediately stopped in my tracks the moment I heard that familiar voice. My eyes opened wide as I saw the witch sisters—Althea and Athena—standing in front of me.
From my peripheral view, I saw Miley and Kira step out of the bus. I knew that even they were shocked to see the twin sisters.
Vince, Hiro, Reiri, and Steph had already left on the bus a while ago. I informed them that Mikan would be joining us. There was also a van following them. So, we are the only ones left here. About five minutes had passed since Nicole left.
“She just went to the restroom. I was actually about to go there.” I frowned. “Wait. What are the two of you doing here?” I asked them, confused. As far as I knew, they were in Romania.
“Who is she with?” Athena asked with a furrowed brow.
I shifted my gaze between them since they didn’t even bother to answer my question. I also noticed that Miley and Kira seemed confused by their behavior.
“Wait. Just calm down. What’s happening? She’s with Mikan.” I tried to remain calm, even though I could feel the anxiety building up inside me.
They both gasped. “What? You shouldn’t let her go with that girl! Let’s go find her. We need to see her as soon as possible.”
Despite the confusion, we quickly made our way to the nearest restroom. Some of the remaining hunters and protectors followed us.
We followed the trail of Nicole’s scent. I wanted to ask more questions, but I decided to stay silent.
But I didn’t expect what I saw when we got there. The four people I sent to guard them were covered in blood and unconscious.
“Shit!”
I quickly entered the restroom. Thankfully, there was no one else inside.
“Nicole! Nicole!”
I noticed that her belongings were scattered in the sink. But I continued calling out to her. I also checked each cubicle one by one. My hands were trembling due to the mix of emotions I was feeling now.
But she was nowhere to be found.
Fuck!
“We’re late! Shit!”
With bloodshot eyes, I approached the twins. Miley and Kira were about to come near me, but I brushed them aside. I grabbed Althea by the shoulders, not caring if I was hurting her. I need to know what’s fucking happening!
“Tell me! What’s wrong with Mikan? She’s just a human! I know Nicole can easily handle her!” I asked angrily, baring my fangs. I also felt a strong gust of wind around me.
They sighed heavily. “We learned that Mikan is the spy inside the academy. She’s an enemy, and she sought help from the black witch. She’s responsible for the incident that happened in the academy. Now, let go of my sister because she’s damn hurting already.” Athena forcefully removed my hands from her sister’s shoulders.
“What? How did that happen? Why?” Miley asked, clenching her fists. “Wait. Just stay here. I’ll try to contact Dad with my mind to ask for help,” she added before stepping away from us.
Althea continued explaining, “She’s a human, alright. But there’s one more thing...” Kira and I held our breath, waiting for what she was about to say next.
“What is that?” Kira asked, his voice calm but filled with a hint of threat.
They both gave us a worried expression, then Athena locked eyes with me. I felt like I had gone deaf from what she said next.
“She’s Marcus Croven’s daughter.”
***
Third Person’s POV
Everyone began preparing in the palace. The protectors and royal guards were all set and ready.
“Marcus has always had a penchant for declaring war. But this time, I’ll make sure that it will be the last one,” the king calmly expressed to his wife.
Dad, Nicole is in trouble. Please help us.
As soon as he heard the message sent by his youngest child, he immediately took action and prepared everything in the palace. He couldn’t help but smile because their daughter was finally able to send him a message using their telepathic abilities from afar.
“I’ll go with you,” the queen said. But the king just shook his head.
“No, you can’t. We both know that you are one of Marcus’ targets. So, it’s better for you to stay here in the palace. Don’t worry. We’ll come back as soon as possible,” he assured her and kissed her temple.
He stood up and looked out of the palace window. “This will be the death of you, Marcus Croven. And this time, it’s for sure.”