Blood and Roses

CHAPTER 2Truth beyond the Mystery ㅤSEVERAL years ago, it is widely known that Izquierdo kingdom was one of the most prosperous, powerful, and peaceful kingdom within Xeofarea. However, an unforeseen revolution occurred which caused the vampires and humans who placed their faith upon the royal family’s extermination. A conflagaration between two races happened due to a rumor wherein the king and queen are using the land along with its people to their delectation. There were no proof shown but the townspeople believed what was told to them and Lucas suspects that they trust that individual a lot that it was easy for whoever it was to manipulate crowd. Moreover, the late king, Arthur Griego along with his loyal subjects were annihilated while defending the castle and the innocuous, while the late queen, Erina Griego died in Rutchill woods with an unknown reason – some suspected that she was also killed while some says that she suicided but there were no concrete evidences to prove the

CHAPTER 4 Purpose ㅤAS MERLIN debunked the idea that the previous princess of Izquierdo kingdom was only fictional and was only created to spice up the history of Griego family’s tragedy and of her possible death, Lucas discovered that the spell ‘Hymn of the Moon’ may only sound lame in the ears of those who have not paid too much attention to its details. It turns out that it is something more than a boring spell and it actually deserves its seat as one of the forbidden magics out there. The mere fact that it is a protective spell made things bland but with the added reality of its capabilities – which is to surpress one’s identity to hide the object it was casted upon – Lucas understood why the spell requires a heavy sacrifice. Still, processing all these information may have taken a toll in his mind. “That better be not a joke,” Lucas uttered almost breathlessly. Merlin blinked, amused that despite he had laid out what he knew about the lost princess to fill in Lucas’ curiosity,

CHAPTER 6.1 Proceeding to the Journey ㅤLUCAS had never thought of inviting misfortune within their kingdom when he finally tied the knot with Princess Luan from the current Izquierdo kingdom. All he thought was that: if he retreated, kept his mouth shut and instead, defend their territory in ways that only he could by watching the Demelzas carefully, then he could preserve Vintress kingdom’s peace and harmony. This was his chosen way of maintaining balance. Only that it’s a temporary resolution and war is inevitable as the snakes would have bitten him to death if he chooses the easiest path available. With that, his father proved that he’s still unfit for being a leader with such choice. His choices aren’t exactly poor but it’s still lacking, although his father commended him for thinking logically as making friends with their enemies could really help them attain a serene administration. It was just that, peace was never an option. Behind the curtains and beyond the darkness, shad

CHAPTER 6.3 Suspicion AS soon as Princess Luan and King Morfran approved of his visit in Izquierdo kingdom, Lucas immediately set off to travel to the place. He also discussed this with his father during their dinner and he approved of his schedule for the day with a reminder to be careful since behind his visit lies an agenda to look for the ‘abandoned place’ where Griego family’s faithful subordinates are kept for execution. “You better not blow up your disguise visit,” was what the king told him back then, “or there would be dispute.” Lucas knew and understood immediately. All he has to do is to act like the ‘good’ fiance before he sneak out to check if the rumours are true. He also brought his strongest knight, Jonas, as well as some other knights who swore loyalty on him and before he left, King Alexander saw him prepare for his departure who blessed him with success. He heaved a sigh as soon as he discerned the gate and the walls of Izquierdo kingdom from afar—it has been lo

CHAPTER 6.5Convinced NETHERMOORE is a place where vampires and humans alike are condemned. Depending on their ages and their gender, the people deserted in Nethermoore are either sold for slavery or other malicious acts such as trafficking while the young ones are introduced to child labor but that does not mean that there’s no possibility for child trafficking to occur. It has already been a week since he witnessed the monstrosity humans could do and for what reason? He doesn’t know but at the same time, he can’t blame the Demelza—what the revolutionaries did was treachery against the royal family, after all. Still... it’s too much. He can’t wrap his head around what he witnessed. “Prinsipe Lucas,” tawag sa kanya ni Chief Knight Lyte. Agad din namang napukaw ang atensyon niya kaya nag-angat siya ng tingin para tignan ito. But to be honest, he didn’t like the stern look on her face and he knew that she’s about to reprimand him for spacing out, as well as not giving his best durin