Oscar knew that Era was really okay. After all, Bogy had ensured Era's safety no matter what, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.But the worry Oscar felt couldn't be soothed by any logical reasoning. His brain kept telling him that Era's safety was guaranteed, that Bogy was fully responsible for her safety, but it was all in vain. None of it mattered until Oscar could see for himself that Era was really okay."Let me hold you a little longer, Era," Oscar whispered as he nuzzled his face into the curve of Era's neck. "Please."Era didn't say anything. She just gave a brief nod. After that, she continued to rub Oscar's back, trying to calm the turmoil of worry raging inside him.After a moment, when Oscar felt more in control, the hug loosened. He looked at Era intently and let out a long breath. "I'm sorry."Era shook her head. "No, but can you tell me what's going on instead? Why did you suddenly come with Thad and Jonathan?" she asked curiously. "It's not like there's going t
Era wouldn't be hypocritical; of all the people in the world, Amias was the one person she never wanted to see at her graduation. The reason was simple: Amias had never been a father to her.The difference in treatment between Amias and Sylvie made all the difference to Era. Not only had Amias never been a caring, understanding, and protective father in her life, he had been the opposite. Amias was the embodiment of a cruel and heartless father. As a result, she was often tortured, her body full of wounds, and eventually the hatred grew on its own.Only Sylvie took care of Era and loved her. Only Sylvie gave her affection with full sincerity. Sylvie's presence gave her a spirit. That was how she endured the difficult days with an ironic curiosity. How could a kind-hearted person like Sylvie have a cruel husband like Amias?Era couldn't understand it. To her, Sylvie deserved a much better man than to sacrifice her life by marrying Amias. Because in Era's eyes, or maybe in everyone's eye
Now that Amias thought about it with a clearer mind, he could conclude that the bouquet was not the only luxurious item Era possessed. Even her clothes, shoes, bracelets, earrings, and necklace exuded an undeniable luxury.Amias rubbed his hands together before slipping them into his pockets. For a moment he looked around at the quiet surroundings. Era had led him to a secluded corner of the campus, away from the crowd."So, he really is your new boyfriend?"Era took a deep breath. "That's none of your business. The important thing now is to tell me, why did you come to see me?"The first suspicion came to Era's mind. She guessed that Amias' reason would not be far from money. After all, she didn't expect any other reason, knowing Amias' nature only too well. Amias was a drunkard, a gambler, and a drug addict.A cynical expression appeared on Era's face. "Do you want money? Or do you want to sell me again to pay your debts?""You're really something, Era. How could you talk to your fa
Oscar once again proved his principle: when it came to Era's safety, there was no room for risk. He did not want to take any chances. So, he decided to take Era back to Pondera E.V., back to The Palace, right after the graduation ceremony ended.On the other hand, Era did not resist. Usually, she would try to reject Oscar's behavior, which she considered excessive, but not this time. She also didn't want to take any risks because the situation seemed to be more complicated than she had initially thought.The incident with Amias shocked Era because she had never imagined that those who were spying on her would go so far. It turned out that simply watching her was not enough for them; they were willing to cross the line.In fact, Era despised Amias to the lowest point of her life. All she wanted was to sever all ties with Amias. But this was not the way. She couldn't let others suffer because of her, even if that person was Amias."Era."Oscar's voice broke Era's reverie. Her focus, whi
Philo quickly drove away from the palace towards Avaluna Village after receiving orders from Oscar. He did not waste any time. It only took him about ten minutes to get ready—just change clothes—and pack his equipment into a bag.The day had changed by the time Philo arrived at Avaluna Village. He was greeted by a thick fog and drizzle that dampened the rest of his short journey.Philo aimed his car at the Ross home. He thought it would be the best place to start the investigation, since it was there that Amias had been visited and beaten by unknown people.The car didn't stop right in front of the Ross house. The caution that was ingrained in him made Philo act with full consideration. He didn't want to attract the attention of the villagers, even though the area was quiet at the time. There might still be one or two people out there who could spot him.Philo left his car at the hospital after pretending to enter as if to visit someone. He slipped into the darkness of the night and s
"Then who is he?"Era broke the short silence that had fallen after her confession. She had waited, but Oscar hadn't said anything to her. Instead, he kept looking at Philo with a look that only deepened her confusion.The situation was indeed disturbing. Era was well aware of that, especially since she was the object of all this. She didn't want to be kept in the dark. She wanted to know every bit of information available, at least so she could anticipate who she was up against.So, Era looked back and forth between Oscar and Philo and asked, "You both know them, don't you?""Yes," Oscar finally replied, taking a moment to catch his breath. "Philo has been investigating. Most likely he is a werewolf from The Elven Pack."Era frowned. "Elven pack?" she repeated uncertainly. "I don't know them."Oscar nodded. "Of course you don't. You only know the Xylvaneth Pack."Era narrowed her eyes. "Are you mocking me?""Not at all," Oscar replied quickly. He wiped his face briefly. "In fact, it
Seth wouldn't have considered the idea if Irene hadn't brought it up. Until then, he hadn't noticed anything unusual about Dree. She seemed like any other girl to him. Now, thanks to Irene's words, everything about Dree made him question her true nature.First, as the flirtatious waitress had pointed out, something that Seth had initially thought was ordinary now seemed unusual: Dree's pale skin and slender frame. He had assumed it was just her body type, her genetics. But now he shuddered at the thought. What if Dree's genetics were vampiric?Secondly, as Irene had mentioned, it seemed rather strange that Dree had such a strong instinct. It was impossible for a normal human. Now Seth found it strange that he hadn't noticed any werewolves watching them that night, while Dree had been very aware of them.Third, hmm. Seth's eyes narrowed as he reached for his napkin and wiped his mouth. Vampires liked blood, didn't they? Was that why their cheeks always seemed to turn rosy?Seth cleared
As long as Era was in Celestial City, Seth kept watch over her. He never left her side until she was safely inside her apartment. For Seth, there was no place in Celestial City that could be trusted for safety other than the Avalon Gardens apartment.Seth really did carry out Oscar's orders as best he could. Even when Era didn't want to be guarded, he cleverly watched over her from a safe distance, ensuring her safety one hundred percent. One way he did this was by following Era home after she finished working at the cafe.Now that Era had returned to The Palace, Seth realized that there was no harm in continuing to follow that route. He thought that maybe one or two members of the pack would still think that Era was there. If that happened, he might get some valuable leads.Seth turned the wheel and made a turn at an intersection where the streetlight was broken. He looked at the flickering light and shook his head, thinking that the twinkling stars were much nicer.Thoughts of twink