TAMING THE HEARTLESS VAMPIRE

Chapter 8

Pagkatapos ng engrandeng hapunan na puno ng tensyon at rebelasyon, si Damien ang sumundo sa akin. Ang presensya niya ay mas kalmado kaysa sa mga miyembro ng pamilyang Nightborn, na tila nagsisilbing tulay sa pagitan ng mundo ng mga tao at ng mundong pinasukan ko.

Tahimik lang kaming naglakad palabas ng dining hall, ang tunog ng aking heels ay umaalingawngaw sa malalawak na hallway na gawa sa marmol. Naglakad kami hanggang makarating sa isang malaking garden sa likod ng palasyo. It was a masterpiece of landscaping, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world.

The place looked peaceful, almost ethereal. May mga ilaw na nakasabit sa mga puno na parang maliliit na bituin, at may isang maliit na fountain sa gitna na ang tubig ay tila kumikinang sa ilalim ng buwan. The scent of night-blooming jasmine was thick in the air. Sa isang patio sa gilid ng garden, na natatabunan ng mga baging ng ubas, nakita ko si Vale.

Nakaupo siya roon, nakasandal sa isang inukit na upuang kahoy habang nakatingin sa madilim na kalangitan. He looked like a fallen king contemplating his lost empire.

“Master Vale,” sabi ni Damien, bowing his head slightly.

Tumango lang si Vale bilang sagot, hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kawalan. Pagkatapos ay tahimik na umalis si Damien, his footsteps disappearing into the grass, leaving the two of us alone in the oppressive silence of the garden.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago lumapit. I forced my legs to move, even though every instinct told me to run the other way. Huminto ako sa harap niya, standing straight.

“I’m ready,” sabi ko. Kalmado ang boses ko kahit ang puso ko ay nagwawala sa loob. I needed to know the rules of this game if I was going to survive it.

Tiningnan niya ako nang seryoso, his golden eyes scanning my face for any sign of weakness, bago siya dahan-dahang tumango. Suminyas siya sa upuan sa tabi niya.

“Sit.”

Agad akong umupo, pero nag-iwan ako ng sadyang pagitan sa aming dalawa. I didn't want him to feel the heat of my body, or worse, for me to feel the chilling cold of his.

Tahimik muna siya ng ilang segundo, watching the fountain. Then I finally asked the question that had been eating at my soul since I woke up in this nightmare.

“Tell me, Vale… what exactly is my role as your thrall? Am I just a servant? A source of food? Or a toy?”

Dahan-dahan siyang humarap sa akin. Inabot niya ang baba ko at hinawakan iyon. His fingers were cold as ice, but they sent a jolt through my system. Marahan lang ang hawak niya, pero may diin na tila nagsasabing hindi ako pwedeng umiwas.

“Good question,” sabi niya, his English sounding like velvet-covered steel. Tumaas ang kilay niya, a smirk playing on his lips. “First, I am your master. You need to learn how to address me properly. Protocol is everything in the Nightborn Palace.”

Bahagya siyang yumuko palapit sa akin, his face inches from mine. “You call me Master Vale. Not Vale. My name is a privilege you haven't earned yet.”

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Pinilit kong huwag i-roll ang mga mata ko, though the urge was nearly overwhelming. He was so arrogant, so full of himself.

“Okay… Master Vale,” sabi ko, letting just a hint of my frustration leak into my voice.

Tumaas ang isang kilay niya. Halatang naramdaman niya ang sarcasm ko, but he didn't snap. Instead, he smiled—a fake, clinical smile. “Good. At least your hearing is still intact.”

Tumayo siya at humarap sa akin, hands clasped behind his back. “Now listen carefully, Aria Sinclair, for I will not repeat these rules.”

Naglakad siya ng ilang hakbang sa patio habang nagsasalita. “As my thrall, your first and most sacred duty is obedience. My word is law. My whims are your commands.”

Huminto siya sa harap ko, towering over me. “You follow my orders. Every single one. Without hesitation, without question, and without complaint.”

Napalunok ako, the weight of his words settling on my shoulders.

“Even if it means sacrificing yourself for me,” dagdag niya, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous octave. “If an assassin comes for my head, you are the shield. If the sun threatens to burn me, you are the shadow.”

“Pero—” hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. “No one can harm you. You’re powerful, you're fast... why would you need a weak shield?”

“Second rule.” Naputol ako sa sinabi niya. Cold ang tono ng boses niya, and the air around us seemed to freeze. “You do not interrupt me when I am still speaking. It is unbecoming.”

Agad akong natahimik, biting my lip. “S-sorry…”

“As my thrall, you cannot just do whatever you want,” patuloy niya. “You do not leave this palace without my consent. You do not talk to strangers. You do not interfere in family business. I do not allow autonomy. I own your time, and I own your choices.”

Nakatitig lang kami sa isa’t isa. The moonlight made his skin look like marble.

“If you disobey my rules, if you show even a hint of rebellion that threatens my family or my reputation... you already know what will happen. I didn't let your brother alive just to let him grow old in peace, Aria. He is the collateral for your good behavior.”

Nanahimik ako. My heart ached at the mention of Adrian. “Do you understand, Aria Sinclair?”

Tumikhim ako, trying to find my voice. “U-understood.”

Sandali siyang tumingin sa akin, his gaze intense. Parang may hinihintay pa siya. Napabuntong-hininga ako, realizing what he wanted.

“…Master Vale.”

Bahagyang tumaas ang gilid ng labi niya. It wasn't a smile of kindness; it was a smile of victory. “Good. You're a fast learner.”

Tumalikod siya para umalis. Pero bago siya tuluyang maglakad palayo, muli siyang lumingon sa akin, his golden eyes glowing in the dark.

“And there is one more thing you need to remember. Something that defines our bond.”

Huminto ang mundo ko sa sumunod niyang sinabi.

“As a thrall, your duty is to give me everything. Not just your loyalty.” He paused, looking at me with an unreadable expression. “Your body. And your blood. Whenever I am hungry, whenever I am bored, you belong to me.”

Pagkatapos ay tuluyan siyang naglakad palayo, disappearing into the shadows of the palace. Iniwan niya akong tulala sa patio, the sound of the fountain feeling like a mocking laugh.

My body? My blood?

Napailing ako nang biglang pumasok sa isip ko ang isang nakakahiyang eksena—isang imahe nina Vale at ako, sa isang silid, sa isang kama. Marahas akong umiling. Hindi. I refused to be his mistress. I refused to be a glorified blood-bag for his amusement. Pero sa ilalim ng lahat ng iyon, alam kong wala akong laban.

Kinaumagahan, hindi ako makatulog nang maayos. The sunlight peeking through the thick curtains felt like a threat. Agad kong hinanap si Damien sa main hall.

Kailangan kong umuwi. Hindi ko kayang manatili rito habang iniisip ko si Adrian na nag-iisang naguguluhan sa bahay. Siguradong nag-aalala na iyon; never akong hindi umuwi nang hindi nagsasabi.

“Hindi ka na pwedeng bumalik sa normal mong buhay, Lady Aria,” sabi ni Damien nang harangan niya ako sa hallway. His face was full of pity, but his stance was firm. “The transition has changed you. You smell of the Nightborn now. Mapapahamak ang kapatid mo kung pipilitin mong makasama siya. You are a predator now, whether you like it or not.”

“I know!” sagot ko, my voice rising in desperation. “I know I’m different. Pero kailangan kong magpaalam sa kanya. I can't just leave him thinking I’m dead or that I abandoned him!”

Napahawak ako sa noo ko, feeling the coldness of my own skin. “Hindi pwedeng bigla na lang akong mawala sa buhay niya. Mag-isa na lang ang kapatid ko. Our parents are gone. Ako lang ang inaasahan niya.”

Tahimik si Damien, clearly torn between his orders and my plea. “But you still need Master Vale’s permission to cross the gates. And he is... occupied.”

“Asan ba siya?”

“He’s out,” Damien answered vaguely.

“Saan? I’ll find him.”

“Somewhere you’re not allowed to go, Lady Aria.”

Napabuntong-hininga ako, my jaw tightening. “I’m not waiting for him. If he wants to kill me for leaving, then let him.”

I pushed past Damien, naglakad ako papunta sa malaking gate ng palasyo. The iron bars looked insurmountable, but I didn't care. Kailangan kong puntahan ang kapatid ko.

Pero bago pa ako makarating sa gate, the heavy iron groan began. Biglang bumukas ang gate, revealing the long driveway. May pumasok na itim na kotse, moving with a silent, predatory grace.

Tumigil iyon sa harap ko, kicking up dust. Dahan-dahang bumukas ang pinto, and out stepped Vale. He looked immaculate in a black suit, pero salubong ang kilay niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

“Where the hell are you going?”

“I want to go home,” matapang kong sagot, meeting his gaze even though my knees were shaking.

Peke siyang ngumiti, a flash of white teeth. “Did you forget something? The rules we discussed last night? Or is your human brain already rotting?”

Lumapit siya, his presence filling the space between us. “You just started your transition yesterday. Your hunger is unstable. Your strength is untested. I will not let you show your foolishness to humans and risk exposing our kind.”

Sumama ang tingin ko sa kanya. “This is unfair!” sigaw ko, not caring if the other servants heard. “You can’t just lock me up here like a trophy! My brother needs me, Vale! He’s all I have!”

“Forget your brother, Aria,” malamig niyang sagot, his voice like a guillotine. “He is a ghost to you now. And I said… it’s Master Vale.”

Napapikit ako saglit, the tears of frustration stinging my eyes. I had to swallow my pride for Adrian. “Master Vale… please.”

“I’m begging you. I’m not asking for my freedom. I just... I need to see my brother just once. Kailangan ko lang magpaalam sa kanya nang maayos. Para hindi siya mag-alala.”

Tahimik siya, watching me with those calculating eyes. Then he raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest crossing his face. “And what do I get in return for this... sentimental journey?”

“All you want,” agad kong sagot, my voice desperate. “I will do everything you want. I will be the perfect thrall. No more talking back. No more disobedience. I promise.”

Nagbago ang ekspresyon niya. The coldness didn't leave, but it was replaced by a dark, simmering intensity. “Are you sure, Aria? Promises made in desperation are often the most painful to keep.”

Napalunok ako, thinking of the "body and blood" rule. Then I nodded. “I promise.”

Biglang dumilim ang aura niya, a shadow passing over his face. Tumalikod siya at bumalik sa kotse, gesturing for me to follow. “Don’t make promises you cannot fulfill. It makes the eventual punishment so much more... messy.”

Binuksan niya ang pinto ng driver's side. “Get in.”

Natigilan ako, standing frozen on the gravel. “W-what?”

“I said get in,” masungit niyang ulit, not looking at me. “Are you deaf now? Or did you change your mind?”

Agad akong nagbukas ng backseat door, but he stopped me with a glare.

“Ihahatid mo ko?” tanong ko, shocked that he would do such a mundane thing.

Napailing siya, gripping the steering wheel. “I told you I won’t let you do anything stupid. If you're going to see him, I'm going to be there to ensure you don't accidentally drain him dry. And I am not your f*****g driver, Aria. Get in the front.”

“Sorry!” Agad akong bumaba at lumipat sa passenger seat.

Napabuntong-hininga siya, starting the engine. Tahimik akong umupo, holding my breath. I didn't want to say anything that might make him change his mind.

Napakabilis niyang mag-drive. Mas mabilis pa kaysa kay Damien, weaving through the traffic of the city as if the other cars were just stationary obstacles. The world outside was a blur of neon and grey.

Ilang minuto lang ang lumipas, nasa harap na kami ng maliit na paupahang bahay namin. It looked so small, so fragile compared to the palace.

“Adrian!” sigaw ko pagpasok ko ng pinto. I didn't wait for Vale.

Naabutan ko si Adrian sa sala, nakaupo sa sofa sa harap ng TV. Mukhang kagigising lang, gulo-gulo pa ang buhok.

“Ate?” Kinusot niya ang mga mata niya, tila hindi makapaniwala. “Ate… ikaw nga! Saan ka ba galing? Tinatawagan kita, cannot be reached ka!”

Tumulo ang luha ko habang niyayakap siya nang mahigpit. “Adrian… sorry… sorry talaga.”

“Saan ka ba galing, ate? Pagbalik ko kagabi mula sa 7-Eleven, wala ka na. Tapos yung note mo... emergency sa hospital? Pero wala ka naman dun!”

“M-may pinuntahan lang si ate.” pagsisinungaling ko. Pero habang yakap ko siya, naramdaman ko ang pamilyar na pintig sa leeg niya. The hunger growled in the pit of my stomach, a dark beast waking up.

Nang maramdaman ko ang kakaibang panunuyo ng lalamunan, dahan-dahan akong lumayo sa kanya, clutching my own hands to keep from reaching out.

“Adrian… may importanteng sasabihin si ate sa’yo.”

“Ano yun? Ba’t ganyan itsura mo? Ang putla mo, ate. At ang ganda ng suot mo... saan galing 'yan?”

“A-aalis ako, Adrian.”

“Aalis?” kunot-noo niya, the confusion turning into worry. “Saan ka pupunta?”

“S-sa malayo. Sa probinsya... hindi, sa ibang bansa,” sabi ko, my heart breaking with every lie. “Kailangan kong magtrabaho para sa tuition mo. Magco-college ka na next year. I got a big offer from a private company.”

Napabuntong-hininga siya, looking at his feet. “Hindi mo kailangan gawin 'yan, ate. Magpapa-part time job ako sa fast food. Basta huwag ka lang umalis. Dito ka lang.”

Namuo ang luha sa mata niya, making my chest tighten. “Hindi ko kayang mag-isa dito. Wala na nga sina mama at papa… pati ba naman ikaw? Iiwan mo rin ako?”

Tuluyan na akong umiyak, my cold tears wetting my cheeks. “Sorry, Adrian… para din ito sa’yo. Para sa future mo. Promise… babalik ako. I’ll send money every month.”

Pagkatapos ay mabilis akong umakyat sa kwarto ko. Kinuha ko ang isang luma kong backpack at naglagay ng ilang damit para magmukhang totoo ang pag-alis ko. Kinuha ko rin ang ATM ko at lahat ng itinatago kong cash sa wallet ko.

Bago ako lumabas ng kwarto, tiningnan ko muna ang buong paligid. Ang luma kong kama, ang mga libro ni Adrian, ang amoy ng bahay na naging kanlungan ko. “I’m going to miss this house…”

Then suddenly—

“Sino ka?! Anong ginagawa mo sa bahay namin?!”

Ang sigaw ni Adrian mula sa baba ay nagpabalik sa akin sa realidad. Agad akong tumakbo pababa, my heart stopping.

Naabutan ko si Adrian na nakatayo sa dulo ng sofa, holding a heavy glass vase like a weapon. Nakatingin siya sa lalaking nakaupo sa kabilang dulo ng sofa—relaxed, nakade-kwatro, at walang pakialam sa tensyon.

Si Vale.

“What took you so long?” iritado niyang tanong, checking his expensive watch. “I have a schedule to keep.”

“Ate, sino 'to?” galit na tanong ni Adrian. “Bakit siya pumasok dito?”

“Mauna ka na sa labas, Vale,” sabi ko, trying to block Adrian's view of him.

“It’s Master Vale,” sagot niya, standing up with a grace that made Adrian flinch. “Tsk. You humans are so loud in such small spaces.”

Tumayo siya, his presence making our living room feel like a closet. “I’ll give you one minute. If you’re not in the car, I’m coming back in to fetch you. And you won't like my methods.”

Lumabas siya ng bahay, slamming the door behind him.

“Sino 'yun, ate?” tanong ni Adrian, his voice trembling.

Umiling ako, wiping my face. “A-amo ko siya, Adrian. He’s... he’s a very powerful businessman. Medyo masungit lang talaga siya.”

“Amo mo? Akala ko ba sa ibang bansa ka magtatrabaho?”

“Dito muna ang training ko. Pero nasa Europe ang main business niya. Personal niya akong hinatid para makuha ko yung gamit ko.”

Parang naguguluhan si Adrian, his eyes searching mine. “Mag-iingat ka, ate. Parang... parang delikado yung lalaking 'yun.”

Tumango ako, holding his face one last time. Iniabot ko sa kanya ang pera at ATM. “Magpapadala ako ng pera linggu-linggo. Magpakabait ka ha. Huwag mong pababayaan ang pag-aaral mo.”

Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit, breathing in his scent, bago ako tuluyang tumalikod at lumabas. I didn't look back. I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to leave.

Paglabas ko ng bahay, sumakay ako sa kotse ni Vale. Agad niyang pinaandar ang sasakyan, tire smoke filling the quiet street. Pero napansin kong hindi kami pabalik sa palasyo. Iba ang daan na tinatahak niya, palayo sa siyudad at patungo sa mas masukal na bahagi ng bundok.

Nagpatuloy ang byahe hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang makapal na gubat, malayo sa sibilisasyon. Bigla siyang huminto sa isang clearing. Sa gitna ng gubat, nakatayo ang isang kakaibang gusali. Mukhang isang modernong restobar, pero may kakaibang aura—halos lahat ng ilaw ay kulay violet at neon red.

Nakasulat sa harap sa malaking cursive letters: Vee’s Restobar.

Napakunot ang noo ko. Paanong may ganitong lugar sa gitna ng gubat... at bakit parang walang taong nakakaalam tungkol dito?

“Welcome to the edge of the world, Aria,” bulong ni Vale as he turned off the engine. “Time to see where your kind truly spends their nights.” 🩸