Chapter 24: The Night Creatures

Devon's lips lingered on hers, savoring the soft, breathable kiss. He pulled away with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Shocked?" He asked with a raspy tone.

Leticia's face flushed a deep red as she gaped at him, her mind racing. He can't be serious! Want me? Must be a joke.

"What? Can't I be?" He inquired with a smirk as though he'd read her thoughts.

Leticia composed herself, her voice firm. "I don't like that fact."

No reaction crossed his face, "Why not?" he asked even though he sounded uninterested. Like he knew she had no other choice anh

Leticia moved away, her eyes avoiding his. "I just don't. So leave me alone!" She struggled to process the idea that Devon, of all people, wanted her. Want!!! Leticia's lips formed a tiny pout, betraying her confusion.

He smiled, changing the subject. "Did you enjoy the book?"

Leticia's face lit up. "Yes, I did. It's amazing. Thank you. But why did you lend it to me, though?" Her curiosity got the better of her.

Devon's pleasant smile faltered, replaced by a creepy grin. "Just wanted you to know about Mythics. Aren't they interesting creatures?" Leticia nodded, agreeing. "Yes, very. But they're weak."

Devon narrowed his light gaze on her, his eyes piercing. "Not quite. What makes you say so?"

Leticia explained, "The Vampires defeated them." Devon's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, yeah. But it doesn't mean they're weak. It only shows that Vampires are stronger than Mythics. A Mythic can kill a Vampire; it just has a 10% lesser chance."

Leticia smiled, her eyes opal sparkling. "You're right. But the Royals are the coolest." She emphasized, "They're the strongest and most powerful. They can clear off an army of Vampires." Devon nodded in agreement.

Leticia paused, her curiosity piqued. "What does that have to do with what Dad wants you to tell me, though? I mean you still haven't told me anything."

Devon's smirk returned, and he said, "Wait patiently, Kitten."

Leticia's face flushed slightly as she replied, "Okay..." But her mind raced with questions. Hello, her life was on the line here!

Devon suddenly asked, "Have you eaten?" Leticia shook her head, and Devon's expression turned cold, "No? Get up."

***

Alisha sighed in annoyance as she put on her shoes, dreading another blind date. Her father had been setting her up with various men, Princes in fact, every weekend since her Declan had helped her escape a forced wedding. Now, he allowed her to choose from his selected suitors.

"Hello, Princess." Declan's voice was unmistakable, and her heart skipped a beat as she looked up to see him elegantly sitting on her window frame, a small smirk on his lips. His messy hair and simple attire didn't diminish his attractiveness.

"Hello, Declan," she replied, trying to sound cool, but her heart raced. Declan's smirk grew as he stood up and walked towards her, his light red eyes fixed on hers.

"An occasion?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Alisha nodded, and Declan's frown deepened as he took on her prim attire. "On a date, let me guess." His jaw clenched, and he asked, ready to intervene, "Is your father forcing marriage on you again?"

Alisha shook her head, "No, just incessant blind dates. I can handle it, and you don't need to help me. I'll have to get married someday anyway."

Declan's expression softened, and he said, landing on his feet and walking towards her, "Don't you wish to marry the man of your dreams? A prince charming? Every Princess wants that."

Alisha hid her sadness, knowing she was bound by royal duty to marry conveniently, not for love. Declan's presence had delayed her father's plans, and she was grateful, but she couldn't avoid it forever.

"And even if I do, what's the use?" she asked nonchalantly, her blue eyes looking down at her feet that were in a beautiful pair of silver heels.

Declan offered, "Should I stop the dates? You don't seem pleased."

Alisha turned away, "I don't need your help, Declan. Thanks."

Declan nodded, slightly sullen, but brushed it off. Alisha glanced back, "Aren't you leaving?" This isn't the first time he'd appear in her room and have a chat with her before eventually leaving.

Declan teased, "Should I tag along and be the third wheel?" Alisha almost giggled but bit it back, "No need. Goodbye."

She rushed out, leaving Declan standing alone. He silently clenched his fist, glancing around her room, calming himself with her refreshing scent. A voice in his head assured, "She won't fall for anyone else."

He scoffed, replying his inner voice, "Why should I care?" facing the open window, "I don't care." but deep down, he knew he cared too much in fact.

*******

Alisha stepped out of her car into the evening air, her thoughts still lingering on Declan. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - frustration, gratitude, and a hint of longing. Deep down, she wanted to erase that tiny hint, but it was impossible.

"Declan, Declan, Declan," she whispered to herself, shaking her head in exasperation. With a deep sigh, she decided to push it aside for the moment.

"Blind date, here I come." and began walking towards her destination, wondering who exactly she was meeting again tonight.

*****

Leticia woke up feeling refreshed. After having a shower and dressing herself in a blue blouse and denim pants, she went to the dining room, anticipating a good day.

Upon entering, she greeted Quynn, Cecil and Luis, who looked a bit different. She decided not to say anything to Devon because he'll surely ignore her and Seraphim was even worse.

"Gosh! Luis, why did you get a piercing?" Leticia asked, giggling at the handsome young man.

Luis touched his newly pierced nose,raising a brow ,"Is it bad?"

"No! You look so handsome." Leticia's giggles caught Quynn's attention, and their eyes met briefly before Leticia looked away. His chest suddenly felt slightly heavy and he hated himself that minute. Had be been really harsh with his words?

Seraphim smirked, "Well, long time, Leticia."

Leticia nodded, and Seraphim continued, "How have you been?" Leticia nodded politely again but Seraphim snapped, her red eyes sparkling with disgust, "Are you now dumb? "

Leticia smiled slyly, "I prefer to keep my words than waste them on some people."

Seraphim's eyes widened, and Cecil whispered, "Good one, Leticia!"

Seraphim sneered, "How dare you, filthy...!"

Leticia glared, "I am NOT a filthy maid. Watch what you say about me." Seraphim gawked, surprised by Leticia's boldness.

Devon remained silent, eating his food, as Seraphim turned to him, "Brother Devon, did you hear what she just said? She disrespected me!"

Leticia wanted to roll her eyes. Seraphim's face turned red with embarrassmentw when Devon didn't even look her way. She knew better than to keep on disturbing so she glared at Leticia, thinking, "I'll deal with the slut later."

***

Four hansome men sat in Devon's opulent and now repaired meeting room.

As they sat around the table, the tension was palpable. Luis glanced at Devon, while Cecil looked so bored. Devon's face remained neutral, his dark eyes fixed on some point beyond the room. Quynn sat quietly, his gaze distant as usual.

Luis began, cutting through the silence, "Declan is going to talk to Princess Alisha about it. She still isn't keen on the idea of using Leticia to help Jacinta. "

Devon responded, "Okay." His reply rather crispy and Cecil raised an eyebrow, "You sound pretty nonchalant about it."

Devon's expression remained neutral, "Why should I be excited?"

Cecil pressed, "But she's your..."

Devon snapped, "She left me, Cecil! Jacinta left. And I'm not doing this because I want to, only because I have to."

Luis attempted to intervene, "You just have to understand..." but Devon growled, "Don't fucking talk to me about understanding any goddamned shit, Luis!"

Luis wisely kept silent, aware of Devon's volatile mood. Cecil also remained quiet, while Quynn didn't bother say a word.

They all knew what Jacinta did wasn't right and Devon wouldn't just get over it. Luis felt a tiny pull. He caused it all...

Devon abruptly stood up and walked out, leaving the others behind. As he strode down the hall, he spotted Leticia running towards the garden door. He watched with a hint of a smirk as she disappeared into the garden. He smirked and followed her.

****

Leticia sat on the swing, still trying to steady her breathing from the running. That was a close one, she thought. Before she could start enjoying the surroundings, a smooth voice startled her. "Eavesdropping could get you killed, Kitten."

Her heart jumped as she flinched. She turned to see Devon walking towards her. He sat beside her and she began explaining, knowing she'd gotten caught , "I swear I didn't mean to, I was just passing and I just... heard..."

Yes. She was just passing and she heard, but then got curious when she heard JACINTA being mentioned. She wanted to know more about her because Devon had once said he loved Jacinta.

Devon smirked, "Alright, I'll accept that. Next time, I'll cut your ears off." Leticia's eyes widened, "Oh no, please..."

Devon changed the subject, ignoring her pleas, "Beautiful day, isn't it?" Leticia agreed with a nod, and Devon offered, "Are you bored? I have this really interesting book about night creatures..."

"Night Creatures?"

"Vampires." He replied and she beamed, "I want it!"

Devon asked after few seconds of silence, "Do you believe in the existence of Vampires?"

Leticia hesitated, "Maybe... but they're made-up creatures you know, like fairies, mermaids, dragons and all..."

Devon smirked, "What if you're sitting with one right now?" Leticia rolled her eyes, "Vampires don't exist, and you aren't one."

Devon's smirk grew, "What if I am a vampire?"

Leticia thought of what he was saying as incredulous, yet her heart skipped, "That isn't funny."

Devon raised an eyebrow, "Why can't you believe you're with one?" Leticia felt uneasy, "Vampires are fictional."

Devon's eyes narrowed, "So you're saying I'm fictional... I'm offended."

Leticia blinked, groaning now , "You're not a Vampire, Devon." Devon's voice turned serious, "Why do you believe that so much?"

"You're normal... " Leticia began doubting her own words, "You're normal... human... You can eat human food, don't sleep during the day, can walk in the sun... Vampires can't do that, so stop this joke."

Devon's expression turned firm, "I don't joke, Leticia. Vampires can eat normal food... We rest during the day and hunt at night... The sun thing is complicated...Do you ever wonder how i call you in your head? How i move without making a sound."

Leticia's head pounded, "Stop! Just stop! You can't say all that... Don't terrify me. You aren't a Vampire, and that's it!"

Devon's jaws clenched, "You want me to do this the hard way, don't you."

Leticia shivered at his tone, "H... Hard way?"

Devon stood up, "You have to believe. Like it or not. Else, you'll join your sister wherever she is." He spat cooly and with that, he walked away, leaving Leticia stunned, her heart aching at his words, "No... He can't be serious... But wait, he is serious. But... VAMPIRE! Oh no. He has to show her!"

Leticia entered her room, heading straight to the bathroom for a quick shower. She changed into a nightdress and was about to lie down when she spotted a fancy red-covered book on her bed. THE NIGHT CREATURES title made her hesitate, but curiosity got the better of her. She opened the book, and its contents unsettled her - descriptions of vampires, their biology, and origins. According to the book, Vampires have red eyes but can change it at will. Only few creatures could see through the cover.

She couldn't shake off the image of Devon's red eyes glaring at her, his growl echoing in her mind: "I'll make you believe the hard way..."

Then the scene changed. She was in the halls, looking for something. She wandered into every room till she came to a room Luis told her not to enter carelessly. Thoughtlessly, she entered.

Before her stood a monster. It's eyes were red and dark. It had really long canines and so so long nails. It's bathed in blood, at its feet laid lifeless humans.

She wanted to scream and run away, but she couldn't do either. The creature walked towards her and growled "Believe it else, you'll join your sister wherever she is..."

There, Leticia screamed and forced herself back into consciousness. She was sweating profusely and tears brimmed in her eyes due to fear.

She placed her hand on her chest as though it would calm her hammering heart. She didn't even know when she fell asleep. Ultimate fear creeped up her chest.

That nightmare. What does it mean? Was just a manifestation of her fears, or something more sinister?

***

Devon nodded, ensuring Leticia was out of her trance-like state. He closed his palm, and the dark glow dissipated. He had effortlessly manipulated her sleep, and Luis commented walking up behind him, "She's going to be really scared..."

Devon replied, "She asked for this."

Luis disapproved, wishing Devon could be softer for once. Since Jacinta left, Devon had become a cold-blooded maniac.

Luis checked the time: 12:34 am. Midnight. He had a meeting with someone. Bidding Devon a good night, he exited the room.

In the hallway, he spotted someone with blonde hair. Cecil.

Cecil seemed startled but quickly composed himself and smiled at Luis, "Where to, bro?"

Luis replied, folding his arms, "Hunt. Why aren't you asleep?" Luis couldn't help the suspicion because Cecil never leaves the house in the middle of the night without telling anyone...

Cecil replied with his bubbly grin, "I was feeling weird, so I just wanted some fresh air before going back in."

Luis nodded, "Okay. Tomorrow then."

Cecil beamed, "Sure thing, Brother."

As they parted ways, Luis couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

Quynn, who had been watching from the shadows, thought to himself, "Something is suspicious about those two..."

****

A figure shrouded in a black veil entered the familiar cottage, where the old woman, Hecuba, awaited with a wicked grin.

"Have you found your partner in taking Devon down?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with malice.

The veiled figure smirked, "Of course, Hecuba. One of his so-called companions has already sold their loyalty. Just minutes ago."

Hecuba cackled with glee, "Excellent! And the remaining ingredients?" "Almost ready," the figure replied, her voice low and wicked. The cottage was filled with evil laughter, fading into the chilly night.