After the son and father staring contest, three vampires wearing red cloaks entered. Their knees hit the ground as they bowed. They were all concealing their faces with their hood. It’s clear they’re men, though. Their muscles were bulking on their cloaks. “Escort the young prince to his quarters, and find a room for his dear Zheira.” The king waved his hand, and the three vampires led Zheira outside. Vladimir glared at his father for the last time before walking out of the room. “I know how to walk, thank you!” snapped Vladimir when one vampire tried dragging him like what they’re doing to Zheira. Inclining his head, he crossed his arms. “Put your filthy hands away from that girl.”“The king’s order—” the vampire holding her tried to counter, but Vladimir gave him a steamy glare. “Don’t force me to cut that hand, you lowly Elite. I can ensure your misery with nothing but a flick of my thumb. So when I say you put your hands away

It had been about three days after Vladimir’s eyes first laid on Zayne. Ever since, he could not take her features out of his head. He could even imagine himself sleeping with her. He erased those thoughts by trying to steer his mind to his goal of knowing how he could become a human; however, it only made his blood boil. Intentional or not, his father had, somehow, managed to keep them from being alone together. Even on his birthday two days ago, he was heavily guarded. The visitors could not take their attention away from him, and it made him anxious. A part of him wanted to see Zayne for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge, but at the deepest part of his mind lurked the thought of knowing her. It didn’t feel right for him. Every time he could take a glimpse of her smiling face, he couldn’t help longing to be the reason for that happiness. There’s a whisper in the back of his mind, telling him to hold her hand and do reckless things with her.“

A week had come and gone after Vladimir was punished with a great deal of pain; he promised to train himself and give the favor back to his father. Ever since, he isolated himself in his room. All he did was call a maid and order them to get him some books or else blood. Following Alic’s advice, he dedicated himself to reading informative books. In the long run, he found out that it’s rare for a vampire to have a gift; only special ones were granted such a privilege. According to the Immortal’s Deepest Roots, there weren’t two vampires sharing the same gift, like how twins wouldn’t have the same attributes. Every vampire has a different way of thinking and that made the gifts unique. At some point, it’s always connected to the brain; what one desires the most became his gift. Vladimir had no idea what his gift was. Maybe he hadn’t got any, but he’s not giving up. He knew he had it. He’s just too weak to reach it. It was when he’s doing

After realizing she was Zheira and not Alic, she ran back to her room, burying her face to the pillows. Her tears started streaming as a flesh-searing pain sparked through her veins. The memory felt so real. It’s as if—in a short period—she was Alic. She felt her agony inside the tube and the difficulty of her sacrifice. Even at this moment, she could still feel her pain. She wasn’t aware that her gift would be this impactful. She suppressed a sob when the door creaked. “L-leave me alone.”Vladimir ignored her and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m here to apologize.” He swallowed. “I admit I lied but it was for your own—” “Zip it. I don’t want to hear your excuses.”“Listen, Zheira!” He pulled the strands of his hair. “There are things you shouldn’t have learn—” “You cannot decide that!” She sat upright, releasing a steamy glare. “You have no right to choose whether or not I need to know such things. All I want is for you to be honest,

A man wearing a white coat crouched to get a better look at Zheira who’s seated at the reclining chair. He smiled, revealing white, pointed teeth. “Okay, Princess Alic, what do you suggest we do?” He flicked the syringe filled with purple liquid.Zheira followed its tip with creased brows. “But why are you calling me Princess Alic?” Her voice sounded small and pitchy. The man smirked. “You’re a joker little girl, aren’t you? Of course I’m calling you that way, because it’s who you are.” “Me?” She pointed herself. “I’m not Alic! I’m Zheira!” Her heart started beating rapidly when the man laughed. “You’re just stressed out. We’ve just been talking about these potions, and now you’re denying who you are.” He shook his head with amusement. “No! Believe me! You’re mistaken! I’m not Alic!” “Hmm. Let’s just say that I believe you.” With one last glimpse, he injected the syringe into her shoulder. Her screams pier