(Author’s POV)

"Grandfather, are you~ ... are you really feeling okay?" Fabian asked, trying to make sure. Although Jacob was acting his usual self, Fabian was well aware of how his grandfather was good at hiding his pain.

There was one time, around 10 or 12 years ago, when he was on a secret inspection. He went out alone, not even taking Chris with him. And on his way back, he saw a female vampire being mobbed by a few rogue members of the bear clan who held a grudge against the vampires. It was one fragile vampire against thirtyish, burly, vengeful bears. As a virtuous king, he had to intervene. And so, he did.

The battle wasn’t tough at all by his standard, and obviously, Jacob won it in the end. He would have left unscathed, but the female he was fighting to rescue took out a sharp wooden stake and instead, sneak an attack on him. She was an accomplice, and it was all part of the plan.

She aimed straight for his heart, even managing to drive the stake through his rib cage. Needless to say, he killed her on the spot, tearing her limbs apart, but was left with an ugly wound right in the centre of his chest.

For days, he kept quiet and didn’t tell anyone so as not to create any havoc. But after a week, one morning, when Chris went to his room to wake him up, he found that Jacob was running an intensely high fever. He was nearly passed out. Only then was the truth revealed. Even at that time, he had brushed it off casually, saying it was a minor graze and not to worry too much. As the king of Vampires, he was used to showing a strong front even when he did not need to.

Jacob took Fabian’s hand in his and patted, "Silly child. I am the King of all the Vampires. What could possibly happen to me? I am really alright. The medicine Secretary Shadow brought back is working great. I feel energetic all over."

Fabian read his expression carefully and decided to believe him. He felt as if a massive boulder had lifted off his shoulders. Ever since the plane crash, his guilt had only amplified. First, his parents and neighbours, his close friends, were killed, leaving only him behind. Then his grandfather had such a ghastly accident. Afterwards, under his watch, in his territory, Myra was kidnapped as well. And one way or another, he was involved in all of them. He has been blaming himself, feeling like he was cursed. But hearing his grandfather’s reassuring words filled him with ease.

"If you say so. But tell me immediately if you feel any discomfort, hmm?" he muttered.

Jacob nodded; he couldn’t help but give a soft laugh, Alright, I will."

Recalling something, Fabian inquired, "So what did you want to talk about? What is the important matter you wanted to discuss?"

Listening to his words, Jacob’s expression instantly turned serious. He solidified his grasp on Fabian’s hand and said, his voice steady, grave, "You remember that tomorrow is the day of the summer solstice, right?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Fabian’s eyes flickered as he nodded. "Yes, I know," his voice came out barely above a whisper. How could he ever forget? Even if he wanted to, he could never erase it.

It was the very day when the life of the five year old Fabian turned upside down. It was the very day when he lost his parents. It was the day etched into his heart like a thorn piercing his soul. His expression shifted to something more than gloomy. He could still feel the pain.

From the rearview, Chris glanced back, his eyes turning sharp, noticing the sudden shift. Meanwhile, Jacob continued, "Clear out your entire schedule for tomorrow. You are not to step out of the mansion."

"Huhh?" Fabian was taken aback. "Why?" he questioned. It has been nearly twenty four years since the tragic day, and Jacob has never once imposed such a curfew on him. So, he was confused by his sudden words.

Jacob was about to reply when he detected Chris looking back, "Secretary Shadow, do you have something to say? Out with it."

Caught off guard, Chris was quick with his reply, "No, your majesty. I was just looking at your complexion. It is still not back to normal. Once we are back, you should rest properly." He suggested.

"I will. Now~ ... eyes on the road," Jacob spoke. He shifted his attention back to Fabian and said, "The rest, I will tell you when we reach the mansion. You tell me about Myra Miracle. What is going on with her? Do you~ ... like her, hmm?"

Chris’s eyes were now glued to the road ahead, but his ears perked up. He too wanted to know more about the girl.

Fabian batted his lashes as his cheeks flushed. He answered, "No, I don’t just like her. I love her."

"Are you sure it is love? It can be mere curiosity or not more than infatuation," Jacob stated.

"I haven’t been so sure in my life, grandfather. I know what I want, what I feel about Myra is all real. She is someone I want to spend my life with. I want to grow old with her. I cannot imagine my life with anyone else. I can do anything for her. Myra Miracle~ .... I love her, wholeheartedly. She is my lifeline," Fabian confessed, his tone filled with determination.

Jacob hummed, repeating his words in his head, ’Growing old together~ ....’ and making a strange face. He then threw another question his way, "And does she feel the same way as you?"

There was hesitation in Fabian’s eyes. Of course, Myra has never said it, but he was sure that she had started to open up to him. Even if she didn’t love her the way he does, feelings can be developed over time. With that thought, he told Jacob, "Today, I was going to confess to her. I was even going to reveal my real identity and introduce you to her."

"So~ ... we ruined it for you," Jacob sounded regretful.

"No, you didn’t. I can tell she likes me. Don’t worry, grandfather, I will find a suitable place and time to tell her then," he resolved. ’I definitely will have to hurry. Those Lycan wolves, hovering around her, I can’t let them have their chance. I can’t give up on Myra, never."

To Be Continued . . . . . . .