Chapter 25: Are you an halife?

Since she couldn't sleep, Leticia decided to search for Devon. She quickly slipped on her flip-flops and staggered out of the room. She needed to ask him about the dream that had shaken her - was he really a vampire?

On her way, she spotted Seraphim standing outside one of the rooms Luis had warned her not to enter - the same room from her dream. Leticia froze, her heart racing.

Seraphim felt her presence and looked at her with a glare. With her voice dripping with disdain,she spat, "What do you want, pauper?"

Leticia frowned, her eyes locked on Seraphim. "Where is Devon?" She didn't have time for Seraphim's immaturity right now.

Seraphim scoffed, her voice icy. "It's Master to you. And he's busy. You're not worthy of his attention."

Leticia bit her lip, her impatience growing. "I want to see him. Is he too busy for me?"

Seraphim raised an eyebrow, her expression mocking. "If he's too busy for me, what makes you think you're an exception?"

Leticia's frustration boiled over. "I need to see him, Seraphim. Please."

Seraphim's gaze lingered on Leticia, a sly smile spreading across her face. "You want to see him urgently? Very well." She stepped aside, revealing the door behind her. "Go in, then. He's inside."

Leticia's eyes narrowed at the reply, "He wasn't busy, was he?" Seraphim faked a smile, her lips curling up in a wicked grin. "Yeah, sorry about that. He's just inside."

Leticia narrowed her gaze, her eyes scrutinizing Seraphim's expression. "So I should enter?"

Seraphim nodded,"Yeah, because if I enter before you, I won't come out till morning." She smirked and Leticia detected a hint of sadistic pleasure in her voice.

'Is Devon sleeping with Seraphim or what? None of my business.' Leticia frowned, pushing aside the strange pang in her heart. She turned to the door, her hand hesitating on the handle as she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Seraphim smiled wickedly, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light, knowing that if Leticia entered, she wouldn't come out alive. Devon was in a dazed state, blind to anything and Leticia discovering his secret would either kill her or force him to silence her permanently.

Seraphim taunted, "Too scared to enter a room?" her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Leticia ignored her and opened the door, peeking into the darkness. The room was shrouded in shadows, the air thick with an eerie silence. She hesitated, her heart racing, and made up her mind to turn back. She'll ask Devon later. But before she could retreat, a strong force pushed her in.

Leticia's heart jumped as she banged on the door, her fists pounding against the wood in desperation. "Hey! Open the door, you wicked witch! Damn it! Open the door!" But it was futile.

Seraphim laughed contentedly, her voice echoing in the hallway, "Bye, bye," and strode to her room, reveling in her success.

Leticia was consumed by anger and fear, her attempts to open the door futile. Just then, she heard a sound. She turned to face the darkness, a growl echoed through the room, making her heart race. "Hello... Is anyone here?" she called out, her voice trembling.

The sudden shattering of glass made her scream, and the moonlight cast eerie shadows on the walls. A massive creature burst through the broken window, its black eyes fixed on the person it held in its claws.

Leticia's back pressed against the door as she watched in horror, tears streaming down her face. She was praying this was a nightmare and that she'll wake up soon.

The creature's fangs sank into the human's neck, and Leticia covered her ears, unable to bear the screams. When the creature finished, it discarded the lifeless body, its black eyes suddenly locking onto Leticia as though it just noticed her presence.

Her breath caught in her throat and she whimpered as she stared back at it. The creature's bloody canines and neck seemed to gleam in the dim light, its pure black eyes fixed on her with an unblinking stare.

As it took a step closer, Leticia shook her head, her body trembling in terror. "Please... Don't hurt me, please..." she begged, her voice barely audible.

He gazed down at her terrified face and his eyes widened slightly, 'What is she doing here? She's seen everything!'

As he reached out to touch her, she shrieked hysterically, "Devon! Help!" This is the end. She's going to die. This monstrous creaturewill kill her and she'll never see her family again. Or Luis. Or Cecil. Or Devon.

Tears streamed down her face as she whimpered weakly, "Devon, help me..." Her sobs were silent, her body shaking with terror.

He froze, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm here, Leticia..."

His familiar voice, the one that always made her stomach churn, came from the creature. She looked up, tears still rushing down her pale cheeks,"D... Devon...?" She choked out.

"It's me, Leticia," he said softly.

Leticia shook her head frantically, "No! No! It can't be!" This thing cannot be Devon!

"Just calm down..." he said gently, wondering who dared to let her in. Leticia suddenly began to feel strange, her nose itching, eyes blurring. Oh no! Her sickness can't start now! She can't faint in front of this monster!

"Don't touch me!" she sobbed, her knees weakening. He noticed her frailty, blood started streaming from her nose. She coughed, fighting dizziness, but couldn't resist.

Darkness consumed her, and her body went limp. He caught her before she hit the ground. Her body was cold and pale, hair white. He wiped the blood from her nose, resisting the urge to lick it.

He stared at her, feeling a pang of guilt. He didn't sense her presence when he entered. He could have stopped himself. He growled silently, wondering, Who... Let... Her... In?

***

Alisha and her friend Nana were shopping for dresses at the mall. "Oh, before I forget, I need a bikini," Nana exclaimed. "Dash invited me to his family's pool party this weekend, and I'm really excited!"

Alisha smiled and replied, "Lovely, let's find you a befitting bikini." As they giggled, Nana asked, "How about you, Li? How are you spending your weekend? Don't tell me you'll sit at home as usual."

Alisha picked up a purple bikini bra and said, "I won't tell you then. How's this?"

Nana frowned, "Don't you think it's time you stop rejecting eligible guys and accept one?"

Alisha responded, "I'm okay as I am, Nana. I don't need some boyfriend disturbing my peaceful life, so please..."

Nana collected the bikini, and Alisha sighed, thinking, 'Why have a boyfriend when I won't even get to marry him? Unless he's some prince of a dumb kingdom.'

Just then, her phone rang, and she excused herself to answer it. Seeing Declan's name on the screen, she smiled and said, "Hello, Declan."

He replied coolly, "Hey, Princess. How are you?"

Alisha asked, "What's wrong? You don't sound quite yourself."

"I missed you." was all he said and a tiny blush rose to her cheeks as she teased, "Silly ass. Seriously?"

He chuckled heartily and asked, "Are you busy? Let's have dinner at your place. I'll cook."

Alisha couldn't help but grin wildly and said, "Whatever. Be here by 6:00, or I won't let you in."

Declan replied, "Your wish is my command, Princess."

Alisha ended the call and let out a cute giggle, feeling excited to see him and have dinner together.

***

Devon placed his hand on her forehead, feeling her temperature for what was like the hundredth time. Thankfully, she was no longer freezing cold like she had been seven hours ago. Her temperature had stabilized, and her hair had returned to its natural beautiful blonde color. He gently stroked her loose hair, his touch soft and gentle.

Ever since bringing her to her room, Devon hadn't left her side. He couldn't. She was in this state because of him, after all. Someone entered the room, asking, "Still unconscious?"

Devon nodded and asked, "Found anything?"

Luis glanced at Leticia and sighed, "Yeah."

Devon listened intently as Luis explained, his expression darkening. "Is Seraphim asking for a death wish?" he growled, his anger simmering just below the surface. If he lays a hand on that girl..Luis shrugged, moving closer to check on Leticia. Devon watched as he felt her temperature. After that, Luis looked at Devon, "What are you going to say to her when she wakes up?"

Devon shrugged, his dark eyes never leaving Leticia's face. "The truth. What else?"

Luis nodded in agreement. "Alright then."

***

Leticia's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed around her room, relief washing over her as she realized she was safe. No monster. But her tranquility was short-lived, as Devon's voice pierced the silence. "You're awake..."

Her heart raced as she sprang off the bed, her eyes fixed on the tall handsome man standing before her.Although Devon's eyes were gentle, but his presence still terrified her. "You don't have to be scared. I won't hurt you," he whispered, his approach slow and cautious.

Leticia backed away, her eyes never leaving his face, as he continued to reassure her. "I promise." He reached out and took her trembling hand, placing it on his cheek. His skin was cold to the touch and Leticia's fear slowly subsided, but she remained cautious. This handsome, devilish being was a vampire! An actual one!

She searched his face, looking for any signs of the monster she had seen before, but he appeared normal now. No fangs, no black eyes... just a handsome, devilish being. Her fingers traced his face, as if to ensure he was real. Devon watched her, his body reacting to her touch. He knew he had to be careful; this was dangerous.

"How?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Devon understood her question. "I was born a vampire. It's just my nature, I guess." Leticia shook her head, struggling to accept the truth. "I don't want to believe it..."

She thought back to her father's words, and a terrifying thought crept into her mind. "Am I a vampire too?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Devon's eyes locked onto hers, and he shook his head. "You're not a vampire, Leticia." before she could breathe out in relief, he added, "But then you're not human either,"

Her hand fell from his face as she asked, "I... am not human?" Devon guided her to sit on the bed and handed her a cup of tea she's not seen there before.

"Hmn, Jasmine tea. My favorite." A tiny smile crossed her lips. He stroked her hair gently, "I know." She took a sip and smiled, "Refreshing."

Then, she sighed, "So, what am I?" Her eyes widened suddenly , "Don't tell me I'm werewolf!"

Devon chuckled a little bit, "No Kitten. You're not."

She sighed playfully, "Good, because I can't imagine howling every time I see a full moon."

Devon smiled, "Remember the book you read? About Mythics?"

Leticia nodded, "Yes, I do." Devon stared at her, and the realization dawned on her, "I... Myth... I'm a Mythic?" Devon nodded, "Yes, you were born a Mythic."

Leticia started, "B... But I don't have powers or magic or..." Devon explained, "It's been seized. Your powers were taken away."

She asked, "Why?"

Devon replied, "To protect you. But it's not working, which is why you need to know who you really are and how to protect yourself."

Leticia sat silently, letting it all sink in, then said, "Vampires killed my sister." Her statement sounded more like a declaration than a question. Devon nodded slightly, "Yeah... they did."

Leticia's anger flared, "Dad said you avenged her death. You killed them." Her voice was laced with a mix of emotions - grief, anger, and skepticism.

"Yes..." Devon's reply was simple. Leticia's glare pierced through him, her distrust evident. "Why? Aren't they your kind?" She spat the words, as if the very idea of him being related to those monsters was repugnant.

Devon's expression remained calm, his voice measured. "We might be of the same species, but we aren't of the same kind."

She looked at him, now confused, "Why are they after me? I don't even know them..." She trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

Devon's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "It's a bit complicated. But with time, you'll understand. What we need to do now is get your powers back, or your sickness will get worse."

Before she could ask how, he continued, "Your sickness comes up because without your powers, your body is too weak for a human environment. It happens to every Mythic who isn't given their powers. They can't draw energy from nature to sustain themselves. The longest any mythic can last is 16 years then they start falling ill."

"That's when it started! I was 16!" she exclaimed, realizing the connection. Her eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. "How do I get my powers, though?"

"Your father is coming soon."

She nodded, looking at him again, still trying to process everything. Her mind raced with questions and doubts, but she didn't need anyone to tell her to accept it. The truth was staring her in the face, and she knew she had to confront it head-on.

Devon placed the teacup back on the tray. He could feel her eyes on him all along. "What?" Devon smirked, turning to her.

"Do all Vampires have red eyes? Like that book says..." She trailed off. He nodded and Leticia bit her lower lip, her mind racing, "So, Luis, Quynn, Seraphim, and even Manuel...?"

"Are all Vampires," he confirmed, his voice low and serious. She could faint at the realisation that she's been living with a bunch of blood sucking creatures!

"Though they can hide the color from anyone. Except royal Mythics. Only they can see through disguises. Like to every other person, I probably have brown eyes and Luis has green."

Leticia nodded. So she's not just any regular Mythic. She's of royal blood. Wow. "Cecil's eyes are blue though. Is he human?" she asked, hoping at least one of them was normal. But alas, Devon's response crushed her tiny hope. "He's a Vampire. Born human, but turned. That's why he has natural blue eyes."

Leticia then asked, "Everyone else has light red eyes, but yours are dark. Why? Are you an halfie? It's always like that in books." She teased a bit. Devon chuckled, "Oh no, I'm not a half-blood. I'm just different."

"How? Tell me..." she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, her lips pouting. Devon glanced away,"That's a whole different story, Kitten. Leave it."

Leticia sensed he didn't want to tell her and playfully pursed her lips, "You don't want to tell me?"

Devon smirked and leaned in closer, his voice low and husky. "If I tell you, you'll make out with me, deal?"

Leticia stared at him, her eyes widening in surprise and her heart racing at the suggestion.