In the Name of the Vampire Prince

Chapter 6: Bleed

“Poor you, you picked a wrong assistant for this match, oldie.” that sentence made the werewolf named, Master, full with guilt. And that's where he takes his final form. The Master turned himself into a fury white wolf, even bigger since he's an alpha to be precise.

When it's the Master's time to take him down, a sudden idea came into my mind. It would be risky, but it would be enough to distract him. The roof that I was placed on is too high, and my lance is on the end of the alley, all I have to do is jump into that box full of feathers that's beside my lance case.

But it wouldn't be easy since this is water and the feathers would stick into it. Or maybe it would also burst, which I think would be a good idea.

As the two are still fighting and the werewolves are all down into the ground, bloody and broken, without hesitation I took my high leap, but it was too late to realize how high it is. It was very high, almost high like 6 stories.

I felt too cold, nervous, and unsure of what I should do next. Unsure because I didn't even prepare for this. I kept in mind that I would probably be safe on my jump but no! I was too confident in my sudden plan without thinking twice.

Even if I didn't land on the boxes yet, the water popped off, making Devon glance in my direction instantly. My mind is filled with negativity. What if I will gonna die? I don't want to die yet! I have a mission!

The Celestials, please help me! I don't want to die! And a sudden tear escaped my eyes, just like what happened the other day, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment. How funny that I promise to myself not to cry even in this situation.

Tears, eyes, pain, and my hidden past.

I am falling on this building, is this my last?

I hope it wouldn't be, oh I summon thee

That someone would care for me in their arms– Arms?

When he was gonna break the Master's neck, he used his vampire speed to perfectly catch me from my fall. His arms and embrace are comfortable. Warm and comfortable that I opened my eyes just to see him.

“Don't be scared, Sydney.” he panted heavily, and he suddenly planted his forehead into mine, “When you're with me, you're safe.”

He was gonna kiss the back of my palm when his eyes widened on the quick knife that jabs his back. My heart beating fast with every second that I see his face laced with discomfort. I let out a scream just as the evil laugh resonated behind him.

Devon didn't waste time, even if it was too painful to handle, he pulled the knife behind his back and let it flow by the wind. And a sudden stab on the Master's stomach made the evil laugh stopped and turned into a painful howl instead.

“Coward. Can't even beat a single thin vampire.”

–––

Under the big oak tree, we're both sitting on the bench. Across us is the café that he was looking before the clash came in and stabbed his back. Although he said that it isn't a deep wound, I'm still concerned for him since the knife was a silver one.

And even though he said that he's immune to silvers, the pain shows on his face more than his reassuring words that he spat.

I feel guilty for what I've done, and I need to apologize for everything. I've caused this trouble, and so I have to do it, even though he's a long immortal foe of the wolves.

He seems nice and gentle, and without him, I might be dead now. Oh gosh, this is embarrassing...

“D-does your back still hurt? I'll just gonna go to the pharmacy... To get some stuff for that wound.” my fingers fidgeting, feeling all too nervous beside him.

“It would still be useless, Sydney.” he said in a monotone, he must be tired from all of the fighting earlier, “Or maybe you will give me a kiss on the cheek so that I can heal quickly.”

“What? Do you want me to slap that wound—”

“Chill, I'm just kidding Broken One.”

“Quit calling me with that honorific!” and I sigh exasperatedly.

Dang, even though he has a wounded back and bruised knuckles, he still has the nerve to be cocky...

To my surprise, he leans his back to the chair, his fingers gently tucking the strands of my hair behind my ear. His calm breathing goes with the subtle wind, and the leaves falling from the tree above.

“Hey! Your wound isn't healed yet, get up and sit straight!”

“Don't you remember? I have affinities, I can heal myself in no time. Knowing that we're sitting under this tree...” he looks up with a little smile, “Fortunately, this tree is old, yet still giving off oxygen. And I have connections with nature so...” he shrugs his shoulders before his gaze goes to mine again, “My healing will be quick, so don't worry too much.”

And so I nod and smile back at him. But he still suffered because of me though.

“If you're going to apologize, don't be. Don't feel bad about it. They started it, not you.” I only listened quietly, trying to form words inside my head but I can't. I am speechless with the choices of words he used. Even him in general.

He seems harmless to me if you will never urge him to fight. He's way far than the vampire that they described based on the books made by the werewolves. Too exaggerated and dark, while he's the opposite of it.

“I mean it. I didn't tell you that to flatter or some stuff.” he lowers his head and brushed his raven bowl-cut hair.

As I watch him brushing his hair, I also saw a red mist on his wounded back, knitting the cloth of the jacket and also his wound slowly. The red mist faded when they finished knitting the hole of his jacket into a pretty knitted rose.

“Lucky you. You're a powerful vampire, Devon. Having that charming face and demeanor, you must've dated many girls in the past centuries.” I said in a subtle tone, to which he almost choked on his saliva.

He brushed his hair backward, and his brows furrowed, “Are you seriously thinking that I have dated many? As in, many women? Wait wait wait, why bringing it up though?”

“I don't know either, it popped up on my mind just now, since I don't know how to find a better topic for us to talk to.” I look away from his eyes, and every second, it felt awkward for both of us. Or is it just me.

I don't know what to say because of what happened earlier.

He's just shrugging the wound off as if nothing happened. And here I am as if I was the wounded one between the two of us.

“Hey, why don't we go inside the cafe across us for a minute? So you can refresh your head for a while. Is that okay with you?” I only nodded silently as a response before I stood up from my seat. Walking while my arms crossed.