Irina

The first time we came to the Count of Reid castle, my mistress and I were little children. She was three and I was seven years old. I can remember that it was a lovely day, the sun was shining, and the sky was clear, it would be a great day to go outside and rest under the shade of a tree, but for me, it was the day my master left us. I wanted so much to run behind her, but the baby in my arms and my promise stopped me.

I knew I had a responsibility and a debt to pay to my Master. I vowed to never leave Miss Lucia, not even once. I vowed to protect her and care for her for the rest of my days.

When we entered the main door of the castle, the astonished faces from the servants were quite funny to look at. After all my Master was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Even the Count was left with eyes wide open and a bit of a blush.

However, that surprised face didn't last when he realized who we were. His astonished face turned into a frightened one. I remember he was overly respectful to my Master when he invited her into the study room to talk. I stood behind the door carrying my baby miss. She was sleeping so peacefully in my arms making small saliva bubbles and grinning with a silly smile.

'What a silly one.' I thought.

After a few minutes, my Master came back with the Count following but his face only showed annoyance. Then he announced that Miss Lucia was his daughter and she was going to be raised in the castle. Without saying another word, my Master went out the main door, and I followed her, however, she didn't turn back and my little legs couldn't keep up with her pace. I was afraid and sad and alone. My eyes were tearing up and I recall I could see my Master's tears too, but she never turned back.

From that day, I never left my Miss alone, she became my world. The Count of Reid ordered several servants to prepare our rooms and necessities and to never disturb us or bully us otherwise they would suffer the consequences.

The Countess was stunned by her husband's behavior but never said anything. I know that she was disgusted and tried to reprimand us many times but the Count prevented it, however, he didn't show any care either, just indifference. I knew it would be painful for my Miss Lucia, and I could only hope that she became stronger.

"Little baby, we only have each other. Don't worry I will take care of you forever."

The silly baby smiled at me and took my finger. I knew I couldn't leave her anymore.

** **

"Dragon!"

Hahaha, this is amazing. I've never imagined arriving at my old house in the back of the legendary golden dragon with a handsome Duke and my cute Irina.

Father would probably be shocked and I can't wait to see the horrible and stunned face of the Countess and Monique. Come, come, my dear sister, get outside the castle.

"Miss Lucia, we should get down. Little Blaze is tired."

"Oh come on, he is the mighty golden dragon, he cannot be tired this fast."

A roar revealed the proud countenance of the mighty Golden Dragon heir. Then his powerful golden scales from his back shined majestically, I knew he was now showing off his power, then…

He turned into a child again and went to sleep right away in the arms of Irina.

"What?"

"I told you, miss. Little Blaze is tired from the travel."

What about my terrifying and mighty entrance? What about the scared looks on the Countess and my stepsister and luckily of my cousin?

"Don't pout darling, I am here too."

"Tsk… they will just check you out and I will get jealous, it is better if you don't go inside."

"…"

The main doors opened, and the Count came out with his sleeping robes and a messy coat.

"What is the meaning of this? Who is making this scandal?"

He turned to look at us and recognized Irina and the Duke. But when he looked at me, the blood in his face drained. Oh, new ways of sucking blood, and I didn't even put any effort.

"You… you are..."

"Father, it is me, Lucia."

He turned to look at my cute Irina for confirmation. Really? Is this my father?

"Count Reid, we need to talk with you urgently."

The silly man finally turned to look at the Duke.

"I am sorry for my discourtesy, Your Highness." He bowed his head very quickly. "What do you need me for?"

"We should talk inside."

"Yes, of course, please follow me."

He turned around and guided us into the study. This place seemed so unfamiliar. Thinking back, the only time I came here was when the Count told me about my engagement to the Duke. And even that time was so short that I couldn't look around very much.

"Please take a seat, Duke."

The Duke took my hand and lead me to the sofa. Irina went to the one behind us and sat down with Blaze sleeping in her arms.

"How can I help you, Your Highness?"

"We came to talk about the Nerum clan." Oh my! My darling is learning to suck blood. Just look again at the pale face of the Count. He is totally drained. "The… the Nerum clan?"

"Yes."

"I don't know anything." The Count's eyes were looking around. His lie was so evident, at least he should try to hide it better.

"Are you sure about that Count?"

"I… I…" The man was sweating so much. I've never seen him that way. Should I be concerned?

"Count Reid, please tell us everything." Irina was the one to speak this time. I've never seen her look that serious to my father. The Count could only sigh in resignation.

"I don't know much about them."

He looked at me. Finally, it is the first time he looked directly into my eyes. "You must know that I am not your father."

I guessed it long ago.

"Sigh… Your mother did a great favor to my father a long time ago. She made us promise to take care of you and hide you in return if she ever came back to Crotia. Many years passed and we thought she had forgotten."

"Why did she want you to hide me? From whom?"

"I don't know very well but she told us to use the relic passed down on my family to hide your presence." He opened the drawer from his desk and took out a plaque with an emblem. It was in the form of a sun and a cross in the middle. Somehow it looked so familiar.

"The Light City."

Irina was the first to talk. She recognized it from the book. The Count looked surprised.

"Yes, it is from the Light City. It was said that the Reid family and seven other families around the continent were the last descendants from the Light City." He stood up and walked to kneeled before me. Then he took my hand and patted it gently, this came as a shock. He had never given me a hug nor a gentle look from a father. His gaze was always indifferent and cold. Now I know, for sure, I always felt that we never had a connection with each other.

"This emblem will protect you from the shadows."

He knew it! He always knew about the shadows from my infancy and this man didn't do anything about it. He left me alone with my nightmares, even with my cries and screams at night.

"I am sorry. Lucia. I am so sorry."

I couldn't talk.

"There is no need." The Duke came to my rescue. I was so shocked and hurt that I had to turn my head to the side avoiding the Count's pleading eyes. I know I shouldn't blame him as it was not his fault but… I still felt so hurt.

The Duke continued. "Tell us about this Light City."

"It is a legend from ancient times. When magic was only allowed to few clans. My father used to tell me that when the darkness arises again and the one who was locked escape, the Nerum clan will wake up to save the living ones from the shadows, however, they will pay a high price for that." He kept silent for a while looking at the emblem caressing it. "This Nerum clan, I don't know much about them. It was said that the alliance censured all historical records and punished severely anyone trying to dig out more. However, it was said that the members of the Nerum clan were mighty warriors powerful enough to beat the darkness. So, I think they were purposely hidden to await the rising of the darkness."

"Are you saying they somewhere alive?" Is there a possibility of others with powers the same as me? Does the dream was real? Is my mother alive?

"I don't know Lucia. I only know the legends. When your mother left you with me, she asked me to hide you because… because…"

He was nervous. I could see how he passed saliva and his fingers tapped unceasingly the desk. "Someone is looking for you, my dear. She told me that it was… it was" He seems to be afraid to talk, just what is going on?

"Who?"

Sighs…

"Talk! Who is looking for me?" Is it the man from last time? The creepy voice? The one chaining my mother?

"The beast."

My heart was beating faster and faster. I didn't know why but it scared me. The Duke hold my hand harder and made me look at him reassuring me about something I didn't understand, however, I was so lost in my fear and panic.

"Why? Why is that looking for her?"

"I don't know, the only one to know is her mother, but she disappeared long ago. She didn't tell me where she went or why."

"Irina… tell me."

I turned to look at her. She was looking down at her hands.

"Irina?"

"I don't remember much but… she told me that I had to protect you… that she… she will fight for you."

Is she telling me that my mother went to fight that thing? That creepy voice from that time, the smell from the old man, and the disturbing feeling. Is all that related?

"We need to know more about this clan and that beast. It hasn't found you yet. We must prepare." The Duke took my hand and stood up preparing to leave, but I didn't stand up.

"That…"

"What is it, Lucia?"

"I think he already found me."

"What?!"

The three of them shouted at the same time.