(Author’s POV)

"Don’t pull my legs, Luna Sara. Those are the things from the distant past. Anyways, what brings you to Esteria?" He inquired, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"I was in a nearby city for some business, so I thought, why not go and inquire about your current health status?" Sara replied coolly.

"What a loyal ally I have got here," Jacob mumbled, "Right, Secretary Shadow?" Chris read the underlying meaning behind his words, but kept silent.

Sara added, "And also, I wanted to ask for a favour from you." Her voice turned serious.

"A favour from me? Speak, what may I help you with?" Jacob asked.

"Umm~ ... A child is residing in your vicinity, to be precise, studying at Red Stone University. She and her family are quite close to ours. Recently, she has had a mishap. So, I want you to look after that kid and her peers and ensure their safety until she graduates," Sara spoke.

"Someone close to the Everests’ family, studying here? I wasn’t aware that werewolves were applying for Red Stone University," Jacob commented.

"She is not a werewolf but an ordinary human," Sara quickly added.

"Ohhh~ .... a human, I get it now. So, what’s the person’s name, whom you are so protective of?" Jacob inquired, showing interest.

"You might already be aware of her. Her name is Myra Miracle. She is one of the scholarship holders. Her parents work in the cafeteria too. And her younger sister, she is a fresher there," Sara told him. "She is a very good kid. And her family, they are kind people as well."

"Myra~ ... Miracle~ ... hahh," after repeating her name, Jacob chuckled a little. "When they say, the world is a small place, it’s all real. Luna Sara, this Myra Miracle you are talking about, I have met that child before. She is indeed a blessed kid: polite, humble and respectful. We even met today."

"Today?" Sara’s eyes narrowed just a bit, but she soon regained her expression. According to her, Jacob had gotten up from bed this morning, so how did he meet Myra today? ’Did Myra come to the Larson mansion? Was she that close with the people from the vampire clan? Is she aware of their identities as well?’ Her mind raced with questions.

"Yes~ ...." He summarized what happened to Sara.

Chris, who was standing quietly, was listening eagerly to their conversation. The girl with Fabian, Myra Miracle, was the centre of the topic, after all. He wanted to know more about her and her circumstances. The more detailed, the better.

"Secretary Shadow~ .... why are you standing there like a statue? Go and see whether Luna’s room has been thoroughly prepared or not. There should be nothing lacking," Jacob commanded.

Chris didn’t want to leave the room, not yet. But as Jacob’s subordinate, what choice did he have? He bowed, "Yes, your majesty," and exited the room. Once out, he glanced back at the tightly shut door; no sound could be heard from outside. Then he walked off, his face hard.

"You don’t have to say twice, Luna Sara. Ms. Miracle is someone whom Fabian, one of my most trusted men, cherishes. He has taken a liking to her. So, needless to say, we will look after her and her family," Jacob mentioned casually.

"Prof. Stephens~ .... likes Myra?" Hearing this, Sara felt a bit uncomfortable. The matter of Myra being Brave’s second chance mate has not yet been cleared up because of the former’s sudden disappearance. There was also the matter of Myra’s biological parents. Plus, low-key, she wanted one of her sons to choose Myra as their chosen mate. Or, even if that wasn’t possible, she wanted Myra and the Miracles to stay in Kimberg and be close to them.

"Yeah, the boy told me himself," Jacob told her.

Sara became silent, her thoughts spiralling back to last night when Fabian emerged from Myra’s room. At that time, she didn’t think much of it. But after what Jacob said, it got her thinking, ’If Myra and Fabian are already together, there is a high chance she won’t agree to come to Kimberg. I will have to ask her face to face, and whatever her decision is, I will respect it."

_______________________

"What’s with this sudden commotion? Has Jacob Larson died? Are they preparing for the funeral? Aamon spoke while entering the room from the window. He walked in like he owned the place.

"EeeeEEkkkkk~ ...." Elisa, who was busy ogling the precious protective charms in her hands, yelped and fell onto the mattress.

Seeing her reaction, Aamon chuckled and commented while taking deliberate steps in her direction, "What, were you waiting for me? Are you so happy to see me? Already throwing yourself onto the bed. My Queen, can’t wait? You want to do that in broad daylight." He leaned down to come level with her.

Elisa immediately pushed him away, though gently, straightened up and hid the charms under the pillows. She then smoothed her dress and said, "The Vampire King has woken up and is fine as a fiddle. But~ ... what brings you here, Marquis Aamon?"

"Tskkk~ .... Call me Aamon. We are in the human realm, so let’s drop the formalities." Taking a strand of her hair, he curled it with his finger, leaned down and then brushed it with his lips, "I was missing my queen. Wanted to see your face desperately." He leaned forward, trying to steal a kiss, but Elisa quickly covered his mouth with her hands, which were still a tad bit sticky because of the ointment.

Aamon forgot what he was doing; his whole focus shifted towards her hands. The red, angry blotches on her skin made his expression turn icy, then it changed to irritation. "Have you still not treated your hands? Did they not even send a doctor to treat your injuries? These people~ .... I should just set this mansion on fire and kill all of them. How can they treat my beloved queen like that? Give me your hand~ .... I will make it disappear."

Elisa shook her head, "Aamon, don’t do this. It’s not like that. To gain their sympathy, I need my hands to stay like this~ ... as long as possible. Only then can I achieve my goal, claim my Demon Queen title and return to hell." She tried to make him understand.

"But~ ... but I can’t see you like this, my queen. It makes me feel insignificant," Aamon spoke, sounding truly heartbroken.

"You are the Marquis of hell, Aamon, my lover. How can you call yourself insignificant in my presence?" Elisa spoke, matching his sentiment.

"But it breaks me to see you suffer like that, and I am not able to help you in any way," he said.

"And if I say you can help me with something really important, are you willing to do that?" Elisa finally played her card.

To Be Continued . . . . . . . . .