Xylon awoke to find himself in a place he did not recognize.
He stood in the middle of a dense forest.
He immediately realized what it was.
A dream...
He slowly walked through the woods, carefully observing his surroundings.
Then he stopped.
The distant neigh of a horse echoed through the trees.
Xylon quickly hid behind a massive tree.
Moments later, an elegant royal carriage came to a halt not far from where he was hiding.
His eyes narrowed.
He recognized that carriage.
The coachman climbed down and began inspecting something near the horses.
The carriage window slid open, and a young woman looked outside.
The instant Xylon saw her face, his eyes widened.
"J-Jade..." he whispered.
"Is something wrong?" Jade asked the coachman.
"Your Majesty, the horses suddenly refused to move," the coachman replied.
Jade stepped down from the carriage.
A moment later, Maddison followed, carrying the infant Viel in her arms.
"What's happening?" Maddison asked.
Suddenly, baby Viel began crying, drawing everyone's attention.
Then—
Several monsters burst out from the surrounding forest.
"No...! Jade!"
Xylon shouted as he desperately ran toward them.
.
Xylon jolted awake.
His entire body was drenched in cold sweat.
He was trembling.
"J-Jade..."
Tears streamed down his face as he buried his hands against his forehead.
What really happened that day...?
Who was the one who murdered my wife...?
.
.
.
Back in the academy...
Viel, Akuma, Mist, and Lucas were enjoying their afternoon snacks when a female student approached their table.
"Hi, Akuma," she greeted with a sweet smile.
The four boys looked up.
Akuma tilted his head. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."
The girl smiled and nodded. "I'm the one you accidentally bumped into the other day."
"Oh!" Akuma smiled awkwardly. "Right... I'm really sorry about that."
Mist quietly exchanged a glance with Viel.
"My name is Ji Park," the girl introduced herself.
"Hi," Lucas greeted cheerfully.
Ji Park completely ignored him.
Her eyes remained fixed on Akuma.
"Um... would you like to go out with me later?" she asked shyly.
"A-Ah..." Akuma scratched the back of his head, unsure how to respond.
Before he could answer, Viel spoke up.
"I'm sorry, but he can't. We already have plans later."
Akuma blinked.
"Oh... yeah. That's right. I almost forgot," Mist added with a casual smile.
"I see..." Ji Park forced a smile. "Maybe next time, then."
She turned around and quietly walked away.
The moment she disappeared from sight, Viel frowned. "I don't like her scent."
Mist smirked. "You're just jealous."
"Tsk," Viel looked away.
Mist laughed as the four of them continued eating.
.
.
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Back in the Palace...
"I still can't stop thinking about that masked guy," Blake said.
"He disappeared without leaving a trace," Xenon replied.
"He had long silver hair," Zake added thoughtfully. "Even though we couldn't see his face, his voice made it obvious he was a man."
Their discussion came to an abrupt end when Aria entered the room carrying several goblets.
"Ooh! Blood!" Zake's eyes sparkled.
He hurried over to Aria and immediately grabbed one of the goblets, drinking it in one gulp.
Heberlin sighed. "Some things never change."
The others simply shook their heads with amused smiles.
.
.
.....
The witch's lips curled into a sinister grin.
"Send two of the Chimeras. Let them play in the town tonight. We shall prepare a wonderful gift... for the vampires."
"As you command, Mistress," one of her servants replied before bowing.
The witch threw back her head and laughed wickedly.
.
.
.
In an old mansion...
The masked young man silently stared at the playing card in his hand.
His eyes were calm, yet filled with deep contemplation.
"...Just a little longer."
He slowly slipped the card back into his cloak.