The Frozen Throne

THE SUN HAD just set, and darkness almost instantly engulfed Eibrellion City. Had it not been for her sleeping under the tree for hours, she would have likely gone home before it was dark. Iafleur was awakened by a distant dog howling. Immediately, she recomposed herself to head home. The vibration of her telephone nearly startled her. She bared it out from her pocket and hundreds of messages from Dracyan bombarded her inbox.

She heaves a deep sigh and smiles afterwards. Her cheeks flushed red she could feel them burning. 'Indeed it is a wonderful feeling to have someone care for you like this.' she thought privately.

Graydel Woods was not that quite a wide area and Iafleur is certain to have followed the trail when she entered. But the path she is taking now does not seem quite familiar as it looks different from the path she had taken earlier.

She stopped on her track. "Oh, no. Am I lost?"

She pans her eyes in the surrounding area but everything seems to be looking the same.

"A wonderful place for me to be lost." She scoffed.

Iafleur still proceeded on her way despite being unsure of the path she had taken.

Other people could have perceived her situation as fearsome. Strolling in the woods in the dark was called unwise in the past before their kingdom was converted into a city. Creatures from the past that was believed to be monsters always loved to lurk in the dark to wait for prey. The unfortunate victim would likely be found the next day--- lifeless.

Indeed, the belief of vampires, werewolves and witches existing in Eibrellion City was quite popular with many people even until today. Iafleur works as a secretary to the Human Council and she has heard several stories and gruesome truths about vampires. Vampire existence was most popular in Eibrellion City. Though many still doubt Iafleur knew the truth.

Working as a secretary to the Human Council had given her the privilege to know things that many people only read in books.

Iafleur's reflection was halted when she felt again the vibration of her telephone from her pocket. She took it out, the caller's name was Dracyan. She answered it as she walked.

"Hello, my good friend." She greeted. "Why have you called at this hour? You must forgive but I am currently not at home."

"I know," he confirmed and revealed, "I'm actually standing outside your flat. Have you lost a finger or something?"

Iafleur frowned at his question. "What kind of a question is that supposed to be?"

"I called you many times and you weren't answering. You know a phone is made to communicate with other people when they're far away, right? Why didn't you answer? Where are you? You're making me worry."

It was Dracyan's last statement that made Iafleur stop on her track again. It was not the first that Dracyan would express his worry for her but hearing it coming directly from him is still quite very astonishing in Iafleur's ears.

She felt her cheeks warming up again, she could barely keep her lips from smiling. She suddenly felt embarrassed as though she was standing in a spotlight with everyone's eyes on her though she is alone at the moment. The sound of Dracyan's voice snapped her back into her present thoughts.

"Are you still there? Where have you gone? Hello!"

"I-I'm h-here!" she stammered. She cleared her throat. "Sorry about that. I'm actually in Graydel Woods. What were doing outside my flat by the way?"

"I just wanted to invite you for dinner. You know I hate eating alone in restaurants."

"I'm sorry to hear that. But why don't order takeout or something? I'd love to join you at dinner but it seems like I'll get home late."

"Why? What happened?" The tone of his voice expressed more worry.

Iafleur could not help but smile. But deep within her heart, she knew he worries for her because they were great friends.

She assures him, "No, I'm alright. I overslept after taking a nap. But I'm heading home so you don't need to worry. I'm a bit lost though but I'll find my way."

"Are you sure? Do you want me to pick you up where you are? I'm very good at navigation," he added confidently.

Iafleur chuckled. "I know. Thanks but no. I can manage. Besides, I'm taking my time to be alone and be surrounded by calmness before going back to that noisy city."

Iafleur heard his sigh from the other line. One thing she doesn't always adore about Dracyan is his respect for the decision of others.

He responded, "Very well. I'll see you tomorrow then. Be careful on your way home."

"I will. Thank you." After ending the call, Iafleur heaves a deep and loud sigh of disappointment. Things did not exactly go as she had expected.

"He didn't even persuade me."

Iafleur lifts her eyes. The sky is almost fully tainted with darkness. That might be the sign for her to find her way back and hurry home.

Eventually, Iafleur found the trail she took earlier and followed its path towards the entrance. Upon approaching the river, Iafleur could even hear from a distance the soft sound of the flowing water.

She cautiously takes her step on the slippery rocks protruding from the water. Upon reaching the other side, Iafleur's eyes suddenly caught a figure lying by the side of the river.

Iafleur instinctively went to aid her thinking that she might be endured and in need of help. The body was facing the ground and she had to flip her which didn't do her any difficulties.

But seeing the full features of her face made her stagger back in fear. Her eyes are wide open, blood-red. A wooden stake was plunged into her. Dark veins crawl all over her face.

Iafleur knew that they were legends from the past but she had not expected she would ever encounter an actual vampire in their modern day.

But that was not the only thing that shook her ground.

"W-what have I done!" she cried and scurries away.

Unbeknownst to her, upon her departure, the vampiress' blood-red eyes glowed and her body began to dissipate and turns to dust.

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

"You found a what?"

Lariel and Dracyan cried in unison. After realising that she was a vampire, Iafleur fled the scene and finds her way to Lariel's house who immediately called Dracyan after she mentioned "vampire". Among them, Lariel is the expert when it comes to beliefs, curses and their consequences.

"Do you have any idea what you just did?" she added effusively, rubbing her forehead as though what she had told them had greatly brought her pain in the head. "How are you so naive to have touched a vampire? Really? A vampire?"

"But shouldn't we be grateful that she was unharmed?" Dracyan queued.

"The vampire's dead, Dracyan. How harmful could it be? But that's not the important thing here. She might now be subjected to the Curse of a Vampire." She turned to her with a grave look. "For all we know, touching a vampire's body shortly after death is called unwise in our past--- even today that belief is still followed by some people. Our modern generation is not quite a fan of such existence but we know they are real. Still, I was surprised to know that there are vampires living in the city."

Dracyan clicked his tongue. "She must've somehow managed to escape from the Sacred Woods."

"That is suggestive. But I don't think that an ordinary human being is what killed her."

Iafleur's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "What do you mean, Lariel?"

"Because if it were an ordinary human, that person might have run in horror and stirred panic in the public or he would likely end up dead. I don't want to think it but it seems that poor vampire died in the hands of someone who knows more about the history."

Lariel's words brought more confusion to Iafleur. Apparently, Iafleur thinks otherwise. If indeed a person with full knowledge of the history killed her, why would they leave her body out there like that? Graydel Woods is often visited by people for it is one of the small tourist spots in the city. People will surely see her. She gasped.

Yet again her thoughts were halted when Lariel spoke again, "Are you really certain that it was a vampire?"

The image of that vampire flashed into her mind like recalling an old photo. Everything seems like a blur and the only thing she did not forget was her blood-red eyes. They nearly appeared like they were alive, warm yet full of wickedness and evil. Iafleur furtively clenches her fist and responded in her most calm voice, "I am certain of what I saw. I know it was dark but I'm not stupid enough to not know the reality before me. I know everything about them, thanks to the Human Council."

"I am certain that it was a vampire in our modern day," she declared firmly.

Lariel asserted her eyes but they seemed certain and genuine enough. Iafleur is not also the type of person to lie. When she told them what happened, like Iafleur, Lariel was also in the state of being surprised. She knew they existed and believes that they were real. But she never had expected that she would ever hear about a vampire existing today. For they all knew that their kind has been eradicated during the Great Slaughter.

Dracyan sighed and suggested, "If that is true, I think we should give her a proper burial before anyone else sees her. I've read them in books and seen them in films. But now I get to see a real one! I never thought this could be so exciting," he added.

Iafleur made an eye-roll. "This is not the time to be amazed, Dracyan."

Iafleur, Dracyan and Lariel indeed went to Graydel Woods, carrying their shovels. To avoid attention, they had to wait until it closes at half past 7.

When the crowd ceased, the trio proceeded, undetected by anyone. But as they approach the river where Iafleur had found the body, her heart suddenly began to thump wildly. 'I have a bad feeling about this.' she mentally pondered.

Her intuition did not fail her when they were greeted by an empty space from which Iafleur supposedly found the body.

"What is the meaning of this? S-someone already took her b-body?" Iafleur's voice trailed.

"Who could it be?" Lariel pondered. "Everyone still seems to be calm."

"W-what's gonna happen to me then?" Iafleur's hands were visibly shaking and the darkness could not hide it. What is she going to do now? "I know that touching a vampire's body shortly after death is dangerous for their restless spirit could possess you, take over your body to bring terror once more. H-how could I be so stupid for carelessly touching a random stranger's body?"

The worse of things could happen to her. She might end up hurting her friends if that legend is proven true. No case has been reported yet, not even from the past. The fear was too great that every human being would purposely avoid helping someone in need when they were unconscious by the side of the road. But this doesn't mean that it's not real. Iafleur might be the first one to experience--- and it doesn't excite her at all.

For she might actually end up hurting the people she cares about. She was absorbed in her thoughts but she was quick to snap back when she felt a palm landing on her shoulder. It was Dracyan. And the small and innocent smile on his face somehow calmed her raging heart.

"Nothing bad will happen to you, Iafleur. And if something did, I will protect you. Lariel and I will do our best."

Iafleur looks at Lariel. "What if that vampire's spirit really possesses me?"

Lariel scoffed. "They can only possess if the human is weak--- something you do not fit in."

"No one has ever even been possessed by a vampire before," Dracyan pointed out. "It could be just a false belief. It might not be real at all."

"We still don't know for certain," Lariel gravely added. "Even our country, England itself, hides many mysteries, just like Eibrellion City's history. But if it makes you feel better, I can cast on you a spell in which you'll be indicated if someone 'is' trying to possess you."

"And what would the indication be?" Iafleur softly inquired.

She clicked her tongue. "You'll feel nauseated."

Iafleur frowned at the answer. "Is that all?"

"Yes. Now stay still. I'll cast the spell."

Lariel Herald comes from a family of witches. This is also the reason why Iafleur was confident about their existence in the first place, aside from her knowledge as a Secretary to the Human Council. Before the two of them crossed paths, Lariel revealed that she has been practising magic since she was only little. She also shares that she'd often snuck herself into her grandmother's private room and learn about spells.

Apparently, Lariel's expertise in that field is only limited to healing wounds and extinguishing pains. Iafleur knew of Lariel's desire to unfold the depths of magic and learn more but that desire does come without a price to pay. A price not everyone could afford. To avoid the chaos that might come along with her desire to learn, Lariel decided to draw the line and instead perfected Healing Magic.

After Lariel cast the spell, Iafleur felt her body getting lighter for a moment or two before returning to normal.

"Is there any way you could prevent the possession?" Dracyan inquired. Iafleur pondered his question and realises that there must be some way she could stop herself from being possessed by the vampire's spirit.

Lariel turns to Iafleur instead with a regretful expression. "Unfortunately, no spell can counterpart the Curse of a Vampire. The only one who can the possession is yourself. If you believe you are strong and you know who you really are, then no spirit can take over you."

Iafleur and Dracyan bid their farewell after expressing their gratitude to Lariel. As the two friends stroll in the dark streets of Eibrellion City, Dracyan unknowingly leads them both to Central Lake. It is one of the famous lakes in the city and many people go there during the night because of the scenic decorations all over the woods surrounding it. It's not a wide lake and one can actually make a run around it.

As expected, many people can be seen in the area. The spacious field after the entrance was quite filled with people, most of them are pairs of couples and groups of friends. Colourful lights are lit and gave off a mildly romantic ambience.

Iafleur and Dracyan decided to take a seat on the grass, their view overlooking the lake's fence before them. The fences are only up during the night for the government prohibits anyone from taking late-night swims and skinny dippings.

Iafleur merely snapped when Dracyan spoke to her.

"How are you feeling?" he softly inquired.

She sighed. "A bit tired I guess. I couldn't get my mind from thinking what might happen if ever I do get possessed by a vampire. What do you think will I do? Will I go on a killing spree and kill humans and drink their blood?" She scoffed. "I never thought I'd get myself involved with a vampire in my entire life. I mean, imagine seeing live--- I mean, a dead one, who'd have thought that some of the people living here in the city are vampires?"

To her disappointment, Dracyan only chuckled at her remark. She frowned.

"It's quite amazing that only some people get to see the things that other people badly want to see," Dracyan replied. Iafleur turns to him with a curious look, prompting him to continue, "I'm a believer myself and honestly, I wanted to see one for myself. Since our history depicted them as monsters who attacked and killed the first Human King, I am intrigued to know if those comments are proven accurate. Since it's not easy to go and hunt vampires in the city, let alone England itself, I could only have those facts proven by the stories I hear from other people."

"I see. That's why you suggested immediately burying the body so, you can see it personally," Iafleur added. Dracyan confirmed by nodding his head. "And what happens if you finally get to see one?" she added.

Dracyan was silent for a moment or two until his lips stretched to form a small smile. But amidst the mildly dark environment, Iafleur perceived the sadness that swirled in his coal-black eyes. Despite their colour, they often express effusive emotions as Iafleur had noticed over the past years.

He finally spoke, "Then I could finally get to scratch one thing from my bucket list."

"I see." She nodded thoughtfully. "Well, they are quite certainly real, Dracyan. At least most of them I think."

"What do you mean?" he asked curiously.

"I mean about the Vampire Queen."

He pulled his head back in confusion. "The legendary Vampire Queen? What about her?"

She chuckled. "I must have heard that title once or twice from the Council. The members don't often acknowledge her existence in the past. I've only heard a few stories about her from the Council and it seems like not many people knew or even believe she existed."

"And you don't?"

Iafleur shook her head for confirmation. "I can believe in hybrids but I can't believe a vampire using black magic."

"They're called Umbran," Dracyan corrected.

Iafleur snorted to mock Dracyan. "I can also believe in witches using black magic but vampires? That's an exaggerated fact. That just goes way beyond against nature. That's not how vampires are supposed to be. I guess I should no longer wonder why her existence was not preached to the people, it's because the Council itself doubts her very existence."

"How many members of the Council do you think have seen an actual vampire?"

Dracyan's question made Iafleur ponder. 'How many indeed? I know they spoke of them often but they never mentioned anything about meeting a live one.' She heard Dracyan's soft laugh and halted her thoughts.

"Maybe the Council purposely hid the truth about her existence because they feared it might stir panic, not just in the city but in the entire country of England. Imagine a vampire so powerful, has no weaknesses, doesn't burn under the sun, could not be killed with a stake through the heart and can use black magic--- the most perilous form of magic. A fearsome creature could not be carelessly passed through a bedtime story. A legend like that has to be kept a secret for the safety of everyone. For even knowing the dangers of that creature may cost someone's life."

"I worked for the Council as a Secretary for many years but you seem to know more than I do." She softly scoffed. "I'm quite embarrassed."

Dracyan chuckled at her remark. But even that sound of his joyful tone could not hide the sorrow hiding behind his eyes. 'What could be the reason for that sadness?' Iafleur mentally uttered. His knowledge about the Vampire Queen was quite something else but Iafleur just concluded that his obsession to see a live one might have pushed him to dig for more information.

But as fast as the running millisecond that Dracyan's smile disappeared when Iafleur asked, "Do you really believe that such a creature as the Vampire Queen exists?"

He turns to her with a grave look, it nearly startled her had he not spoken in a calm tone.

"I believe in many things, Iafleur. But until I have proven their existence with my own eyes and did not just hear them from the stories of other people, I'd like to keep them in my head."

"I see." Iafleur nodded thoughtfully.

They enjoyed the rest of the night in silence when Dracyan no longer spoke of the matter. Though he asked of her reason for exploring Graydel Woods alone, she delightedly satisfied his curiosity. As the night grows late they finally headed back home to their individual flats.

Upon reaching her flat, Iafleur did not bother turning the lights in her room. Sometimes she'd just prefer to move around in the darkness and her vision eventually adapted to dark environments. Her bundle of keys merely clanged when she laid them on her study table.

Iafleur's heart feels uneasy at the moment. She decided to pour herself a glass of wine. She stared at herself in front of the mirror while mixing the wine in her glass before taking a sip. But after a moment or two, she hurled the wine glass across the room, it hit the wall and shards of glasses scattered on the floor and wine spilt on the carpet.

Her tight clenched fist indicates her anger and her unfathomable hatred against vampires and all other beings that are not human only added to her fury.

"Those beings don't even deserve to exist! Why were they even created in the first place? Who created them?" she muttered to herself. "What monstrous being could have created such monsters?"

Iafleur was very absorbed in her thoughts that the annoying ringing of her telephone greatly startled her. It was then that she realised how her nails were buried under her skin that it caused a wound. She paid it ignorance when the telephone rang again.

It was still in her pocket, she bared it out and the caller ID's name was registered as Lariel. She slid up her thumb to answer.

"What is it?"

- "I called in to check on you. How are you feeling now? Didn't you feel nauseated yet?" -

Iafleur smiled at her friend's concern. 'Indeed it is a wonderful feeling to have someone care for you. It reminds me of something again.' Before her thoughts could fly away, Iafleur immediately responded to Lariel.

"Your concern is much appreciated. Thank you. I'm actually feeling a bit better now." she softly chuckled.

- "That's good to hear. Are you sure you'll be alright on your own tonight? Do you want me to stay with you and keep you company?" -

"It's alright. I'll be fine, Lariel. And if I do feel a bit different, I'll call you immediately."

- "You better keep that word, miss, or I'm putting a tracker on you to keep an eye on you in case you get possessed." -

Iafleur nearly burst into laughter but she held back. "I believe you're overreacting, my friend. I'm still me."

Iafleur turns to face the mirror again, only to discover her reflection slowly vanishing. But even in that fleeting moment, her playful smirk was displayed well.

THE GREAT SLAUGHTER or what only a few people would call the Blood War, is an event that occurred in the past where many people, both innocent and sinful lost their lives on that frightful and unforgiving night. It was called to be one of the most brutal wars to happen in all the history of England. While people sacrifice their lives for the crown and to protect their country and their family, some beings would do the opposite by taking lives instead of protecting them.

Vampires have long existed since ancient history and some believed and claimed that they have seen one, others claimed that they have been acquainted with one and some even claimed to have befriended one. They used to be a part of the history of the Eibrellion Kingdom. Indeed, Eibrellion City used to be a hidden kingdom in ancient times, where people live in harmony alongside the creatures; vampires, werewolves and witches.

Three kingdoms of three different races, divided by fences co-existed. But even though no deaths have been reported yet about vampires feeding off of humans, the people inwardly live in fear. And no one would have expected that their greatest fear would soon be granted by wickedness.

One night the Human Kingdom was awakened by loud noises, screams and cries for help from the people. Soldiers were immediately deployed to protect the Human King. War broke out on that frightful night, lives were lost when vampires begin attacking anyone they see. Werewolves arrived to join the war, not to side with anyone but to join the killings.

The three races who used to live in harmony attacked and killed one another. Many innocent lives were lost. Blood tainted the pure grounds. The war started in the palace itself when a vampire killed the first Human King of England. The King's Council immediately thought of a way to subdue the vampires and werewolves. That was when they had pleaded to the Goddess of the Moon to grant them their wish of planting a curse against vampires and werewolves.

The Goddess heeded their plea and the vampires were soon weakened by the sun and the werewolves become ordinary humans during the full moon. And that is when the Great Slaughter began. In daylight, the soldiers and people joined forces and together hunt for vampires. And during the full moon, they would altogether hunt for werewolves.

Eventually, the human race managed to eradicate the entire race of vampires and werewolves, including witches who remained neutral during the Blood War and aided no one. Since then, they sealed that past to the place known today as the Sacred Woods, where surviving vampires and werewolves are still believed to lurk to hide from humanity.

Vampires and werewolves were since then depicted as bloodthirsty monsters. The Royal Family who used to live in the old Kingdom of Eibrellion relocated in hopes of forgetting the past. Many years passed and many successors reigned on the throne of England. Today, the present reigning Royal Family now resides at Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.

Ever since the Great Slaughter, no inhuman creatures resurfaced again. It wasn't until the reign of Queen Annaria in May 1707 that she called forth trusted people, direct descendants of the people who led the Blood War in 939 AD. She formed what is called now the Human Council. She also relocated the old kingdom to what is called now the Eibrellion City, and there she assigned the Human Council to govern the city to watch over the Sacred Woods where they had sealed the monsters away.

"The Human Council has been operating for over 950 years. And we, as members and part of the council are tasked to protect the crown and the people," said Council Member Ylandar Laimos Farrir. The Human Council is merely composed of 12 members, all of which are men. Their customary uniform consists of formal clothes with the British flag drawn on the front. These people are also often addressed as Lords.

Iafleur was in the library of the Welson House, the place where the Human Council Members currently reside after being declared as one of the members. Dracyan's information about the Vampire Queen had her thoughts run and she found herself searching in the archives for historical facts when Lord Ylandar coincidentally found her going through the history books.

The books in the library and the archives in the Welson House are not also available to the public. All the information in every book's contents was quite confidential. Only the people who work in the Welson House are given access to them but it comes with a certain rule; whatever information they might find in there, they are not allowed to slip it out to anyone outside the Welson House.

Iafleur smiled to Lord Ylandar at his comment and replied, "Sometimes I still can't believe that the Human Council was actually appointed by the crown. I'd often think that the priests were too paranoid to have people guard the Sacred Woods."

Lord Ylandar chuckled. "While that is true for the people, Queen Annaria, the person who created the Council had it made clear not to tell anyone about it. The crown also simply wants to protect its reputation. Queen Annaria also made it clear the importance of the Council. Without the Council, the Cloaking Spell and Protection Seal of the Sacred Woods will crumble."

"But what is it that bothers you at this moment that you'd have to re-read the entire history?" he added.

Iafleur sighed. She glances at the book on the table before answering Lord Ylandar. "It sounds weird but I heard that if you read a book over and over again you will find another new piece of information even though nothing of the words have changed."

"I see. And what is this piece of information you were searching for?"

Lord Ylandar's question made Iafleur still. She was unsure how to answer him. She knew they all doubted the Vampire Queen's existence and they were even told not to speak of her name. For they believe that the more they speak of her, the more she becomes real to other people. When Lord Ylandar repeated his question, Iafleur heaved out a sigh and averted her eyes and confesses: "I just became very curious last night of whether or not the Vampire Queen did exist."

Lord Ylandar was a bit surprised by her answer but he held it back. He replied, "We talked about this, didn't we? The Council made it clear almost every time that she is not real."

"But how did the people know about a Vampire Queen? They even call her an Umbran, said to be the rarest of breeds of vampires."

"How many times must we tell you this; the vampires only created a Queen image to inflict fear on their enemy. They made everyone believe that she was an invincible being. A vampire so powerful, has no weaknesses, doesn't burn under the sun, could not be killed with a stake through the heart and can use black magic--- the most perilous form of magic. It often drove their opponents away. This is one of the reasons why werewolves were always afraid to pick a fight against them."

Iafleur was astonished to hear his answer. There was something about his words that gives her a sensation of familiarity. But what was it? Her thoughts were halted once more when Lord Ylandar spoke again.

"Please, if you have anything that confuses you, you know you can always come to me and ask. I will try my best to answer them all. But I must implore you, Iafleur, to stop researching more information about the Vampire Queen. For you could and you never will find anything about a creature who never existed in the first place."

There was always a reason why Iafleur doubted her existence. And it was because of the lack of information about her identity.

"Do you promise, Iafleur?"

Their eyes met and she caught the glimpse again of his coal-black eyes, so deep yet enigmatic. Iafleur smiled. "Yes, my lord. Forgive me for disobeying your orders."

"It wasn't actually ordered in the first place. We just don't want to encourage anyone to dig deep into a fictional person."

"I understand."

"Very well. I'll see you later for the meeting. Have a good day."

"You too, my lord." Her cheeks flushed again but thankfully Lord Ylandar had already turned away.

Amongst the 12 Council Members, Lord Ylandar Laimos Farirr was the youngest yet one of the wisest members. He was ranked Number Two because of his explicit intelligence. Number One of course goes well to Lord Ferron Magnolia, the oldest member of the Human Council and he is also considered to be the leader.

Aside from that, Lord Ylandar is also the most attractive member and many women from outside Welson House would always look forward to his coming out and morning walk in the park. Iafleur also admits that she too feels attracted to Lord Ylandar. It seems to her that his age is the same as Dracyan's.

♛♛♛

THE COUNCIL MEETING took place at one o'clock in the afternoon. Lord Ferron Magnolia began by asking the members about the condition of the seal in the Sacred Woods. Lord Ferron is actually a man in his fifties but his old physiognomy is not that evident to display his wrinkles. And his full white beard and moustache somehow gave off a spitting image of a young-looking grandfather.

Lord Ylandar answered him, "I take a visit to the Sacred Woods every morning to check the seal. But you have nothing to worry about, for now, my lord Ferron. The seal is still intact and strong. As of this moment, it is unlikely to be penetrated by anything."

"It's been over 950 years. Those monsters might have gotten stronger by now. It could be possible for them to penetrate through the seal," said another Council member, Lord Myoda. His appearance goes like that of a military father. He has this strong yet serious countenance.

"Without the sustenance of blood for hundreds of years? I highly doubt that, my lord," said Lord Ylandar.

'Even though he's the second youngest member, he is not afraid to talk back.' Iafleur mentally pondered.

"Lord Ylandar has a point. Those creatures might have already weakened over the past centuries. Moreover, they're more likely to die without proper sustenance," Lord Ferron agreed. Alas, his countenance transitioned into a sterner one that the rest of the Council members instantly hinted at the bad news from his expression.

"Yes, there is bad news," he told them, as though he already perceived their surmise.

"What is it, my lord?"

He sighed. "There have been rumours spreading in the town near the Sacred Woods. The men we assigned to guard the entrance heard the people speaking about an Umbran who has somehow found the lost Kingdom of Vampires and is now ruling it."

"But that's impossible. Our ancestors already killed all the vampires!"

A commotion started amongst the Council. Iafleur was only intently jotting down minutes for the meeting and suddenly felt her legs trembling--- not in fear but anger. 'An Umbran? Alive? Kingdom restored?'

"Some of them, unfortunately, survived," Lord Myoda reminded them, "otherwise, we won't be sealing the Sacred Woods."

"Could this be true?" asked Lord Ylandar. "How could the people have heard such a thing? Any information regarding an Umbran has been sealed in our archives."

"I agree with Lord Ylandar," said Lord Uzel. The clean-shaven man of the Human Council. A man in his thirties who prefers to have a clean-shaven face to the extent of shaving his head bald, including his eyebrows. Somehow it does make him look quite a bit attractive. "Someone might actually be spreading false information to the people."

"What do you suggest, my lord? That a vampire has escaped from the Sacred Forest and spread this rumour?"

Iafleur made a deep swallow upon hearing Lord Myoda's question. A vampire escaping into the city would likely become a big problem for the Human Council. She and her friends might find it astonishing and irritating at the same for a vampire living within their city but for the Council members, it will mean a large threat.

The image of the vampire she found by the river in Graydel Woods unwillingly flashed into her mind, making her lose grip on her pen and drop it on the floor. The fallen pen created a small sound and attracted the Council's attention, making them turn to her.

"I-I'm sorry," Iafleur apologised and picks up her pen.

"Are you alright, dear Iafleur?" inquired Lord Killon. And like Lord Ylandar, he is also a young member of the council, the last member they recruited and his distinctive feature of coal-black hair had always made his pale-looking skin stand out. But unlike the other lords, Lord Killon is the kindest and warmest amongst them. "You look a bit pale. Would you like a bottle of water?"

"N-no, thank you, my lord. I'm fine."

Shortly after the meeting proceeded on the main subject, still on the rumour about an Umbran. 'And I thought they weren't real?'

"As far as I'm concerned, my lord Ferron," Lord Ylandar intervened, "if it was indeed an Umbran, it can only be one being--- and that is none other than the Vampire Queen herself."

"Lord Ylandar!"

"What nonsense!"

"Blasphemous! No such creature has existed!"

"Need I remind you, Lord Ylandar, we all agreed that her existence is nothing but a farce," Lord Ferron firmly declared. "The rumours did not deceive us in the past and we will not be deceived by them now. Vampires from the other side of the Sacred Woods might not be able to escape the seal but they can still make contact in the outside world with the help of their witches who survived the Great Slaughter."

Iafleur was intently listening to Lord Ferron's words but her eyes are not leaving Lord Ylandar. Since her sitting place was in favour of her being able to see his face, she took that chance to examine his coal-black eyes, a feature that reminds her of Dracyan, but like Lord Ylandar's cold countenance, those eyes of his bore nothing but coldness also.

"We cannot let this rumour pass through our city or it will cause panic to the people--- or worse, it could lead them to investigate the Sacred Woods! Some people might still doubt but some are determined to believe in their existence. We cannot allow them to enter the woods or they'll end up as sustenance for those monsters."

"Lord Myoda is right. For further precautions, we'll send someone to investigate who created these rumours," Lord Ferron suggested. At that same moment, Iafleur felt a heavy spotlight raining on her and when the lord called her name, her heart felt like it was about to explode.

"Iafleur Ina."

"Y-yes, my lord?" His eyes hinted at Iafleur of his request.

"You know that your position here as the Human Council Secretary is not only limited to being a secretary and writing down notes on our meeting. I want you to go and investigate the town and find the person spreading this false information. I want you to bring him in for an interrogation."

Lord Myoda's forehead wrinkled in confusion but he voiced out, "Why would she need to bring that person here? Iafleur is very well capable of things like that. Why don't we let her do the interrogation and bring back answers? Besides, it might just be someone making a prank."

"In situations like this, we must be cautious, Lord Myoda," Lord Ferron reasoned. "We are the protector of humanity and taking lightly to such things will not be tolerated in the council. I want to know for myself what this person's motive is for spreading such ridiculous rumour and to make sure that he will do nothing of the sort again."

He turns to her again. "Go there immediately and report back at once. But do not return here without that person. Do we have an understanding, Iafleur?"

Iafleur willfully nodded her head. "Yes, my lord. I will not fail you. I will return here at once when I get a hold of that person."

"Good. Now, go."

Iafleur ascended from her seat and took a bow as a form of respect to the Council. But before leaving the room, she could not help but take one last glance at Lord Ylandar's face. Sadly, his eyes are fixated on the table and did not meet hers.

Iafleur thought their meeting would only be just discussions about strengthening the seal on the Sacred Woods and the economy of Eibrellion City. She never would have expected to hear the Vampire Queen's name again.

Just as Iafleur was about to climb down the flight of stairs, a voice from behind called her and she halted. Her cheeks flushed red again when she realised who it was.

She slightly lowered her head. "Lord Ylandar, what is it? Is something the matter?"

"I could not be seen by the other council members giving you this." He took out something from his pocket and on his palm was a bronze necklace with a full moon pendant with a curly wooden design around it.

"Why are you giving me this?" she softly inquired.

"I want you to be safe on your journey. A friend of mine from years ago gave me that. She laced it with a spell and whenever you're near a vampire, the moon will turn red," he informs her.

"I-I don't know w-what to say," her voice trailed.

He softly chuckled. And for a moment there, his coldness warded off. "Just a nice "Thank you" would be appreciated. And the reason I can't be seen by the other members is that I don't want them to think the wrong idea about us. Consider that necklace as my gift for you and all you've for us at Welson House."

She swallowed and forced herself to smile formally. "T-thank you, my lord. Honestly, I don't know what else to say."

"You've said enough. You best be on your way now. Be careful."

Even after Lord Ylandar disappeared from her sight, Iafleur's lips are still stretched into a wide smile. She could barely keep them from grinning ear to ear. She never thought that her simple attraction to Lord Ylandar would allow her to feel this way.

She breathed out. "Despite his coldness, it seems like he knows how to show a little warmth somehow."

Iafleur glances at the necklace's pendant to admire its unique design when suddenly the moon glowed red.

"What? W-what is the meaning of this?"