"Zayin?" Nystrix called out, her voice catching as she recognized him.
Zayinaus smiled. "You still remember me?"
"Of course," Nystrix replied. Then realization dawned on her. "You're a vampire?"
Zayinaus let out a small smile in affirmation. Nystrix turned to Darius, but he flashed a knowing look. She looked at Luthien, who returned her stare.
"But that night…" Nystrix began.
"I concealed my identity," Zayinaus interrupted.
"Ahh," Nystrix murmured.
"Your blue hair suits you better than black," Zayinaus added, and Nystrix smiled.
"I do prefer it, but the situation demands it," she replied.
"Zayinaus," Luthien called, his usual smile replaced with a serious expression.
"Ahh, yes," Zayinaus said, turning to Nystrix. "See you later."
"Mm," Nystrix murmured.
Zayinaus walked off, his red hair swaying in the wind.
"Didn't expect him to be a Shadowlord," Darius said, moving closer to Nystrix as he watched Zayinaus's back.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Vampires who act like governors," Darius explained.
"Oh," Nystrix muttered.
"Dad…" she trailed off, pulling Darius to a seat. She began asking questions and telling him about the Noctarii event
~~~~~~
Darius spent a week in the Vampire Realm before returning to the human world. Nystrix felt less safe without him around but relieved, knowing he wouldn't witness the darker, more dangerous side of this realm.
~~~~~~
A month later, Nystrix found herself training openly in the Vampire Realm, her hybrid abilities on full display. Guards and knights watched silently, some in awe, some with suspicion, but Koisar's presence reassured her.
"Focus," he said, correcting her stance as she swung her sword in a precise arc. "Your powers are yours. Control them, or they control you."
Nystrix nodded, sweat beading on her forehead. She had come a long way since her days of uncertainty, and under Koisar's guidance, her strength was growing—both magical and physical.
It had been Luthien's idea for her to start training the day she had met with the Noctarii, telling her it was necessary and that she needed to be prepared.
"Stop," Koisar's voice sounded, and she obeyed.
"You," he pointed at a knight, "Nystrix, I want to test your swordsmanship."
Nystrix stared at the vampire with the lean figure, thinking it would be easy—but she was dead wrong. The vampire had her backed against the wall.
Focus, Nystrix. Breathe in, breathe out. You are a hybrid—don't disappoint.
Her mind went back to the night Luthien told her about her real parents. That burning desire to avenge them lit a fire inside her, and she fought back fiercely and dangerously. Soon, her opponent was on the ground.
Koisar didn't look impressed, and Nystrix couldn't claim victory.
"Training is over. Tomorrow, same time," Koisar said, and Nystrix nodded, beginning to pack her things. Already familiar with the palace, she walked briskly back to her quarters.
Something was wrong. Her hands were burning, and her heart felt on fire.
"Trix." A voice called out, and Zaelie appeared by her side, smiling.
"I saw you there. Just keep practicing—you'll get there," Zaelie said.
Nystrix knew this wasn't her main concern. She asked directly, "Do you need something else?"
Zaelie smiled sheepishly. "Well… I know you're friends with Zayinaus, so I wanted to ask if you can create an opportunity for us to meet, like…"
"I understand," Nystrix said, wanting to get away quickly. She began to walk, but Zaelie held her hand.
"Trix…"
"Let go of me, Zaelie."
"Uh?"
A low growl escaped Nystrix's throat. Before they could blink, a burst of light erupted from her palm. The impact sent both Nystrix and Zaelie flying backward.
Zaelie, being a vampire, managed to stay on her feet, but Nystrix hit the ground hard.
"Trix!" Zaelie called, rushing to her, but Nystrix immediately moved back and disappeared.
Nystrix traversed back to her quarters, landing on her bed. Her hand was still hot, and the fire in her chest remained. She picked up her phone and looked at her reflection—her eyes shone brighter than usual. Something was definitely wrong.
"Nystrix." Luthien's voice brought her back. She stared at him, confused.
"The door was open" he said, seeing her confusion.
Nystrix closed her eyes, still on the bed, her hand twitching as the energy surged again.
"Can you leave?" she asked.
"No." Luthien walked toward her. Without warning, Nystrix shot at him, but with two fingers, he sent the blast flying.
"What's wrong, little hybrid?" he asked.
Nystrix's eyes widened as she felt another surge coming. She didn't want to blast him.
"Luthien, move—go away!"
"Little hybrid, your little blasts are nothing. Relax," he said. He stood by her bed, and when her hand shot up again, he bent down, swiftly kissing her and redirecting her hand.
Nystrix's eyes widened, feeling faint. The cool lips on hers made her realize she wasn't dreaming. Luthien disengaged and stared directly into her eyes. "Sleep." Her guard let down, her brain barely working, Nystrix closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Luthien placed his hand on her forehead and frowned.
She's burning. Her powers are becoming hard to control.
"Get Gadmyne here," he said. A shadow moved—not his own, but one of his Umbrakiths.
"Little hybrid… lips taste heavenly. How good would your skin taste?" Luthien murmured.
~~~~~~~~
Gadmyne stared at the hybrid, still asleep.
"She's the one. Her powers are overwhelming and seem to have a mind of their own," Gadmyne said. She touched Nystrix's silver-tipped strand and smiled softly. "To think Zanre wants her dead."
Luthien's face darkened. Though he expected it, he didn't want to accept it.
"Don't tell him," he said, his voice lacking its usual nonchalance.
"He still has a soft spot for you, though." Gadmyne's voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Are you here to tell him about himself or about this hybrid?" Luthien's tone was sharp.
"So disrespectful," Gadmyne muttered, turning back to Nystrix, still playing with her hair. "She needs to go to the Witches' Realm. That's where she can start her training to control her powers."
Luthien didn't like the idea, the slightest crease appearing on his forehead.
"Is it necessary?" he asked.
"Yes," Gadmyne replied. Seeing Luthien still unconvinced, she added, "I'll be there, and you can send Koisar with us."
"I don't trust you," Luthien said. Gadmyne smiled lightly.
"When she wakes up, you guys can go," she said, then stood to leave while Luthien remained.
~~~~~~~
Nystrix woke confused, wondering why she was suddenly going to the Witches' Realm. Her confusion deepened when Gadmyne said,
"Hello, prophecy girl. I'm Gadmyne, a member of the Noctarii and a witch."