Chapter 10: Chapter 10

It was already nightfall. The forest at this time is dark and eerie; shadows of trees graced the dead grass. The air is cold; it's freezing out here. My body shivered at the sound of crickets and the intense silence every time I took a step forward.

Every stride was light as I am trying not to create noises that may disturb any unearthly creatures. Why did I even go here in the first place?

Looking up at the bright, full moon, I can't help but to think of dying in here like being eaten by wolves or something.

A deafening howl came from the east side of the forest. I took a step back; my legs became wobbly at the loud echo. Oh god, help me!

“Shit!” A low groan escaped my shaky lips.

Suddenly, I was out of balance. My ankle hit a tree root. I winced in pain as I came tumbling down the uneven ground. I kept falling until my back hit a log but the pain didn't end there.

It was this stinging pain on my back that added to the torture. I bit my lip to stop myself from screaming. My nails dug into my palm as I bawled in agony. I was breathing heavily and the sharp pang in my chest wasn't helping.

I gripped onto the log next to me and tried to move my legs but I failed after several attempts.

“Ah!” Something sharp pierced my skin from behind. I could hear the cracking of bones and flesh being ripped.

A string of curses escaped my lips. Tears ran down my pale cheeks and sons followed afterwards. I can't take it any longer. At this point of pain, I think I'll faint anytime soon. My throat ran parched; I could still taste the metallic liquid in my mouth.

Then a deep voice came, followed by heavy footsteps. I could hear the stranger stepping on twigs and dead leaves.

“Are you alright, lady?” The words came rolling smoothly out his tongue. His voice was very soft yet manly still. Like he's careful with every word he claims.

But to answer that question, no I'm not anywhere near alright. I just hope this man isn't one of many people trying to kill me.

“Don't move. I'm here to help.” The stranger mumbles, looking at my direction intently. I couldn't really see his expression because it was dark and all I can spot is the dark hair and his lean, tall physique.

I didn't have the energy to ask his name and where he came from. The important thing is he's happy to help and I should be grateful for that.

The dark-haired stranger walked closer to my direction. He sat on the log and examined my back.

“What is wrong with me?” A shaky breath escaped my lips. These stupid tears won't stop falling.

“There's nothing wrong with you, love. You just need to rest and heal. That's all.” He says as if he's so sure of his words.

He stood up and squatted in front of me just so he could level with my height.

“Just take a deep breath and calm yourself down.” He licked his lips, gesturing to me to breathe slowly. That's when I saw fangs. Sharp fangs just above his lower lip, peeking. It must be because I’m used to having four vampires back in the castle that I didn’t panic at the sight of fangs; or maybe it’s just because I have no energy to even react.

I did what he said and calmed myself down. Surprisingly, it works. The pain slowly subsides until I feel myself healing.

“That's better.” The stranger stretched his lips into a small smile. He grabbed my arm and helped me sit on the log.

It was only then I recognized the color of his eyes. They were deep green in the most beautiful shade. How do I have the boring brown ones? It’s unfair.

“Thank you.” I can't explain how thankful I am to this stranger.

“I must ask, what's your name?”

He grinned, “My name is Cassius.”

I slowly nodded, “Well then, thank you for your help, Cassius. I could've died if it weren't for you.” I pursed my lips, nervously.

He shook his head, “I'm glad to help.”

“Do you live close by?” I asked, curious as to why he's in the forest at this time.

“Yes,” He answered with a genuine smile. I was thinking of asking where in Emberton does he live but that would be too nosy for me to ask.

“I was hunting.” He added, staring straight into my eyes. He must have noticed my vague expression or he’s just another vampire with mind reading ability?

“Can you also read minds?” I can’t help but to ask.

“I wish I could be that awesome but no.” Cassius answered, grinning and looking away.

“Hm, what can you do then?”

He paused for a moment. “I can shift, like changing my physical appearance.” He explained, with hand gestures. Cassius has this habit of licking his lower lip whenever he explains something in a serious way; like it’s his way of concentrating. I think that’s really adorable.

“And you don’t think that’s awesome?” I laughed, amused by his ability. That’s even more awesome than mind reading! I wish I could have his special ability.

“Is it?” Cassius leaned back and looked at the sky, as if deep into his thoughts.

I simply nodded.

Drawn into his emerald eyes, I can’t stop myself from staring at his face. He looked familiar.

“You’re a vampire.” I blurted out without thinking.

A deep chuckle came out his parted lips, “Yes, I know.”

“What are you thinking?” I asked when I saw his furrowed brows and pressed lips. He looks like someone just stole his candy.

“This woman, I miss her so much she probably forgot about me.”

“Oh, that’s a bummer. Why don’t you go to her?”

“I did.” He let out a sigh.

I chewed my lips. “Huh, she must be heartless for not taking you back. You seem like a nice person. Or maybe you must have done something really bad to make her that mad.” I grinned jokingly, looking away. I can’t stare at those emerald eyes for long. I feel kind of awkward. I don’t know why though. Perhaps, it’s because he stares at me like he’s going to devour me.

The corner of his lips curved up, “Maybe.”

There was silence after that. It was just us, the moon and the crickets. For unknown reasons, I felt comfortable with Cassius. The silence wasn’t awkward as it was before. We hung out for a while until he insisted on taking me home.

We arrived at the end of the forest, near the damaged gate at the back of the castle. I thanked him again before walking away. Now thinking about it, he didn’t even ask about me or even my name.