Madeline’s POV

“Or maybe he is just desperate for the slaves to be free,” the prince said.

“I can discreetly feel a person’s true intentions,” I said bluntly, looking at the master. “Let me investigate the oldest prince, master. I don’t have a good feeling about this mission.”

The old master nodded and said, “Do whatever you want. I trust in you.”

I smiled. “Your trust is worthy of me, master.”

When I was sixteen years old, I entered a dangerous assassination organization. I was trained to kill and fight for deadly missions like this. There was just this one specific day, while Prince Arthur and I were playing in a lake, Master Aemon, the organization’s leader, approached us and persuaded us to join the group. I was not born stupid. Prince Arthur might act like he is the dumbest prince everyone would know in the first impression, but he is not. We joined the organization not just from a mere persuasion. It is also because we kill people to save lives. Our secret organization operates to discard slavery, inequality, and injustice. It includes the royalties until the levels of the commoners. We protect mankind by removing villains. I must say that assassination has become my passion throughout my life. Knowing that I slit throats to make other innocent lives comfortable and free makes me content in my heart.

“Who is that? And why is he tied up, master?”

As we adjourned the meeting, Prince Arthur opened up about the man in front of us who had now drifted asleep. Our comrades are outside, consuming cigarettes and planning for the missions. The only people who were left inside the headquarters were I, Master Aemon, and Prince Arthur.

“He killed one of our comrades,” our master answered and sighed deeply. “Jade is dead because of him.”

“Wait, what?” I exclaimed in shock. “No! That can’t be!”

Jade is one of the most likable comrades we have. Hearing him dead is uncomfortable and unacceptable.

"How did that kill Jade?” I asked our master and pointed at the man.

“We can’t explain it,” Master Aemon said. “But Jade has gone pale after that man suck his blood through his neck.”

“Suckhis blood? Like a vampire?” the prince said.

My eyebrows furrowed as the prince and I exchanged glances. So we are right. This creature is not a human. Not a wizard, either. It is a vampire.

“I really can’t say. Vampires do not exist anymore. Maybe this man is just crazy or a cannibal. So I suggest you keep an eye on him while your comrades and I are going to the prisoners in the other kingdom,” Master Aemon tasked us.

“Yes, master,” the prince and I answered in synchronicity.

It did not take long as I watched Master Aemon and the members of our organization exit the headquarters. Arthur and I were left inside. The prince drifted into sleep when I came from smoking outside. He was already lying his head on the wooden table with his dagger beside his hands. I was about to sit beside him when my eyes drifted to the man who was also sleeping while standing. SuckJade’s blood, huh?

“Hey…” I called.

I had the guts to approach the man and kick his foot lightly to wake him up. I could have just kept an eye on him, but I don’t think I could do that when I just had an encounter with him last morning. My curiosity won’t let me sleep at peace tonight.

“Wake up,” I urged the man again by kicking his foot.

In just seconds, he slowly lifted his head after coughing two times. My eyes squinted when I met his tired red eyes, gradually opening to meet mine. These eyes… are surreal, I thought. I mean, this is very interesting. If he truly is a vampire, he will be hunted down by the mortals.

“It's you,” he said and chased his breath.

My suspicions only arose when he said that. It only meant that he knew me. I stepped forward and stared at him intently.

“Do I know you?” I asked him. “Because my memory is cleaner than a pristine one from the West. I never met you…”

“Not in this lifetime,” he said and coughed again. “I… I need water…”

Lifetime?

Due to my desperation for him to continue, I groaned and turned my back on him to get a cup of water. I got it from the wooden table and proceeded to make him drink it. I guessed immediately that he was very thirsty when he abruptly drank it with huge gags.

“I’ll ask you again,” I demanded. “How did you know me, and why were you following me last morning? If you don’t answer me truthfully, I will slit your throat without being tentative.”

He furrowed his eyebrows, and I got irritated by the smirk he showed. “Bloody hell. I missed your threatening look and words, my sister."

What the hell? I got shivers down my spine, and to ignore that weird feeling, I withdrew my dagger from the sheath of my combat shorts. I pointed its skin nearer his neck while coldly glaring at him. The more he talks, the more it gets confusing. I do not know why he has that look in his eye like he is looking forward to talking to me.

“What are you talking about? I am not your sister,” I said. “Stop kidding around. It's not funny, and I might kill you by just joking like that. I won't hesitate."

“You don’t belong here,” he said. “Come home with me, Marissa.”

My head was spinning around from the name he just mumbled. Various visions went through the back of my mind that I recognized. Wolves. Fangs. Magic. Cries. Blood.Corpses.

“I don’t understand you!” I exclaimed.