Chapter 12: The Truce

The night has gotten darker and deeper. For the monsters and demons, this is the best time they could spend to hunt down their prey. It was supposed to be a time for fun and a meal. But not for this lass.

Walking in a tipsy manner while breathing heavily, she managed to head back to her unit. The blood from the arm she just lost won't stop spilling as she almost crawled towards the bed.

It was slowly healing. But the pain of losing it still lingers.

She lost a huge amount of blood, she needs to refill herself. Her visions getting blurry. Everything around her is spinning around. This is the first time she had a fatal wound after all. No one has ever wounded her this far.

Just when she was about to close her eyes to sleep, she heard raging footsteps heading in her direction. The sound of the door being barging open came and a vampire with fuchsia pink hair rushed towards her.

"Ciella! Ciella what happened to you?!"

"Bel..." She weakly mumbled and made a small laugh, "I finally killed him..."

"Who?"

"The rumored Vampire King..."

The vampire called Bel was surprised to hear this, "Y-you've finally encountered him?! A-and he's dead?"

"I gave him the taste of my deadly poison. I doubt he would get away from that. No ordinary antidote can heal it, only I can..." She snickered, "But... I'll find his body. I'll make sure to deliver his corpse to that old man."

"Let's do that tomorrow, but first, take a rest." Bel rushed towards the fridge to get some bags of blood and immediately came back to give them to Ciella.

"Did he do that?" Bel asked, referring to her missing arm.

"Yes... He's quite intriguing. But too weak against my charms." She drank the bags of blood and gulped them down nonstop. After that, her arm grew quickly and she regained it in a short span of time.

"I'll take things from here, you should rest now, sister." Bel said and gently caressed Ciella's head before throwing all those bags at the trash bin.

'So the Vampire King is much closer than we thought...' Bel clenched his fist and made a menacing look on his face, 'Alive or not, I'll make sure to find his corpse and tear it to pieces. How dare he wounded my sister like that?! He'll greatly pay for it! I'll definitely find him!'

***

"What did you say?" Rae blinked fast and in disbelief soon as he heard those words.

Gray was staring at him seriously, and he's always been the type who doesn't tell jokes.

"I said, from now on, I'll join you in your patrols at night."

"You don't have to do that." Rae turned around and closed his locker. They were inside the dressing room, changing their outfits.

"Why not? We both know going alone is more dangerous."

"I'm well aware of that."

"Then why won't you let me?"

"Because I don't want to drag you on this. I don't want to trouble anyone."

"But you already did, Mr. President." Gray narrowed his eyes, "Someone told me, friends should share each other's burdens. They should help one another, and I want to do that."

Rae blinked several times, "Mr. Salem... You're.. you consider me as your friend?"

The lad blushed and looked away, "If you don't like it, fine!"

"It's nothing like that! I'm just happy you consider me as one." Rae smiled.

Gray cleared his throat, "Now, will you let me join you?"

"Are you certain about this?"

"I've finally made up my mind." He seriously replied.

Rae sighed in defeat, "Alright. But you can back out anytime. I don't want to force you."

Gray scoffed, "Giving up is not in my vocabulary."

Rae chuckled, "Let's start off by calling each other's names. Call me Rae." He extended his hand.

"Gray will do." The lad shook his hand.

With that simple touch, a bond has already made.

Will it last long or break apart? Will it grow stronger or will it slowly disappear?

He was the very first friend he has ever made. Gray didn't have a single idea on how to take care of a friend nor how to be a good one. But his desire to protect someone else is much stronger that he didn't even think of how friendship works. He'll just follow his instincts like he usually does.

Just by looking at Rae, who has become paler due to the deadly poison, how can he let the matter slide and just let him wander off at night? It would be better to have someone around. Besides, seems like it's time for him to sharpen his hunting skills.

As usual, their café has become crowded for the third day. It's not just because of the week-long celebration, but also they're expecting a special guest for this day.

"Mr. Rae, I heard you got sick. Are you alright?" Asked one of the customers.

"Yes, I'm fine now. Thank you for worrying about me." He smiled charmingly that melted every girl's heart inside the room.

"Are you sure? You look paler today."

"Yes, I'm really fine. I appreciate your concern."

They all squealed at his dazzling smile.

"Mr. President, the Dean is calling you. It must've been about welcoming the special guest today." One student came and approached him.

"Thank you, I'll leave the café into your care." He patted his shoulder before he went out of the room.

Gray saw him leave and followed him.

"You don't need to come with me. It's still day out." Rae said knowing he's being followed by a giant bear mascot.

"I know, I'm just worried. We both know you haven't fully recovered yet."

Rae furrowed his eyebrows and made a sad smile. It's true indeed. He can feel some remnants of the poison still lingering inside his body. Though they might be of a small amount, it's still a deadly poison after all.

"Damien told me... the poison might be the answer that we've been looking for." He said as they're walking the hallway.

"He took the sample of the poison I released and tested them on the small parasites he managed to remove."

"What happened to those parasites?" Gray asked.

Rae paused and glanced at him with a serious expression, "They all died in just a second."

Chills ran down his spine. It's amazing and good news indeed. But he can feel there's a catch behind it.

"Does that mean... you're going to look for the owner of the poison?"

Rae sighed, "I guess I have no choice. I have to save those people."

Looking at his desperate eyes, Gray clenched his fists. He can't say nor do anything to stop him. Let alone to suggest some other way. He hates thinking complicated things after all.

"Here we are." Rae paused in front of the door, but before he could knock, the Dean suddenly opened the door.

"Mr. Rae, what perfect timing!" Mr. Luna cheerfully said as he shook the lad's hand. And then, he glanced to the side as he noticed the bear mascot behind him.

"Who's with you?"

"He's a friend. He's just worried about my health."

"Ah yes, you've been sick yesterday. But since you look fine now, let me introduce you to our special guest." The Dean pulled Rae inside and pointed at the lass sitting on the sofa.

"Mr. Rae, this is Ciella, my niece and the famous pop star!"

"Oh my, uncle! You don't need to exaggerate things like that." A girl with long candy pink hair stood up and turned to face them.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Ciella." She offered her hand while smiling cutely and innocently.

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Rae." The lad returned the smile and shook her hand.

Suddenly, his heart made a loud thump soon as their hands touched. And for a brief moment, he saw some random visions which played in a fast forward phase. He was interrupted when the Dean spoke once again.

"Ciella, Mr. Rae would be your tour guide in the university. He's a very reliable man. You don't have to worry."

"If uncle says so, I'll believe it." She smiled charmingly.

"Oh what a cute niece I have!" The Dean hugged her tightly.

"Please take care of me." She bowed politely.

"S-same here." The lad bowed his head as well.

"Oh, I'm going to ask for my manager's permission first. Mr. Rae, let's meet at the parking lot."

Rae nodded as he watched them leave.

"Gray..." He called.

"Yeah, I can smell it." The lad said, "She's one of us."

"Not only that," Rae glanced at his hand, "I can feel... she's the vampire I've been looking for."

"What are you going to do then? Don't tell me you're going to convince her right here and now?"

"I'll find the right time. But I'll make sure to do that within a day. We don't have much time left."

"Let me go with you."

"No, it'll be best if I talk to her alone. People might suspect if it's the two of us."

"What if she attacks you again with that deadly poison?"

"Don't worry, I won't allow it to happen again. I'll make sure of it."

"But..."

Rae patted his shoulder and smiled, "I'll be fine. I'll call you when I need a hand just like I promised. After all, I don't want my friend to worry too much."

And after that, Rae left and headed towards the parking lot.

"Mr. Rae, over here!" A girl waved her hand from afar, standing next to a black van. As Rae walked closer, he noticed it was Ciella, wearing a hat and rounded eyeglasses. Her hair is braided in two sides as she was wearing the same school uniform for girls.

"How do I look? Would people recognize me in this get-up?"

"I believe you'll be fine, Ms. Ciella." He smiled.

"Really? Oh my!" She squealed and glanced at her manager, "We'll be going now."

"Please return her before lunchtime."

The lad nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

"Let's go, Mr. Rae!" She grabbed his hand and suddenly pulled him out of the parking lot, heading towards the booths.

"I'm really nervous! It's my first time attending a school festival." Ciella said as she excitedly looked around.

"I hope you'll enjoy your visit here. It's not that much but I hope it'll suit your taste."

"Well then, I leave everything under your care, my tour guide~"

Rae smiled.

'She looks different from that vampire before. But why does my gut feels they're the same? What if I'm mistaken and ask her such things? It would be big trouble.' He thought and suddenly felt her hand, tugging the hem of his sleeve.

"Uhm, if it's alright with you, can... I hold your hand? I'm not familiar with this place yet and there's a lot of people, I might get lost." She pursed her pinkish lips, making an expression of being nervous yet cute.

He chuckled, "Sure. No worries." He gently held her hand as they started walking.

"This is the main building which is near the garden." Rae pointed at the four-story building near the entrance gate and then pointed on the other side, "And that one over there is our sports field where the athletes train hard for practices and competitions."

As he was explaining, Ciella suddenly paused from her tracks while gazing at somewhere. When Rae noticed this, he followed her gaze towards the cotton candy booth.

"Ms. Ciella, do you want one?"

"Yes! I-I mean.. no, uhm... I don't think..." She heaved a sigh, "My manager is very strict when it comes to my diet. She doesn't like me eating sweets." She looked down.

"Is that so?"

Even she said it like that, her eyes tell the opposite. Rae can easily tell she wanted that cotton candy. Knowing this, he bought two sticks and gave the other one to her.

"Here."

"B-but..."

"It's not that bad to eat sweets at times. But if you still feel guilty about it, then this will be our little secret." He winked as he grinned.

Ciella blushed, "T-thank you!"

The joy and excitement in her eyes twinkled as she ate the sweet cotton candy.

"Hey look at that, isn't it Mr. Rae?"

"Yeah, and he's with someone."

"That must be his girlfriend."

"But all I know is he doesn't have one."

"Maybe he's keeping her all for himself. Look, they're holding hands."

"Is that the reason why he rejected me?"

"I guess so."

"But upon closer look, his girlfriend reminds me of someone."

"Me too. She looks like Ciella Luna, the famous idol."

"OMG! No way! But you're indeed right."

"Let's follow them and check it out!"

While going to the game booths, people who knew Rae kept on noticing the girl he's with. They look like they're enjoying each other's company like a perfect couple.

"Oh my! This crepe's so tasty!" Ciella exclaimed as she excitedly eats it.

"Take it slow, no need to rush." He chuckled and noticed the cream near her lips.

"You have some cream..." He took his handkerchief and gently wiped it off. That's when he realized his sudden action.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Ciella shook her head, "Sorry to trouble you. Thank you, I'll wash this for you." She said and took his handkerchief.

Then, they continued eating.

"So sweet!"

"Do you want some water?"

"Yes please."

"Alright. Wait here, I'll go buy some." Rae stood from the bench and went to the nearest booth to buy two bottles of water.

As she waits, one girl suddenly approached her.

"E-excuse me... Are you... Ciella Luna, the famous idol?"

"E-eh? Y-you must be mistaken..." She quickly stood up and moved away.

"Hmm... But I'm certain of it, you look like her."

"Yeah, I believe she'll be performing later at the school grounds. You must be looking around our school, right?"

As they drew closer, Ciella took a few steps backward and suddenly bumped into someone which cause her to fell on the ground.

"Oh dear..." She took her glasses which just fell off.

"I knew it! You're Ciella Luna!"

The students around heard the girl's voice and quickly turned their gazes.

"Ciella Luna? The famous idol?"

"She's already here? I really wanna see her!"

Shots from their phone cameras flashed at her in every corner as she was surrounded by her fans.

When Rae returned, he saw a huge crowd gathering around and heard their voices. Quickly, he went with the crowd even they're pushing up against each other.

"Ms. Ciella!" He called.

The girl heard his voice and looked for his face in the middle of the crowd. Rae extended his arm and called once more.

"Ms. Ciella!"

"Mr. Rae!" She took his hand and quickly, the lad pulled her close to him.

"Let's get out of here. This way!" He firmly held her hand as they started running away from the crowd.

They ran and ran as the crowd chased after them. They took a few turns and hid in the garden. Luckily, there's no one else but them in there.

"I think we finally lost them." Rae panted and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"That was troublesome..."

Rae heard those words from the tone of her voice which became different and cold. When he glanced at her, her expression also changed. The innocence in her eyes suddenly disappeared and can no longer be seen. Her sweet smile has changed to a sly smirk drawn on her lips.

"What's wrong? I thought you already suspected it was me you've met before." She scoffed.

Rae cannot be mistaken. His eyes aren't playing tricks on him. Though her hair and eye color may be different, the way she talks and behaves, they're the same as that poisonous vampire.

After seeing the sudden change, Rae took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

"I need to speak with you." He said.

Ciella shrugged, "Figures. But I believe this isn't the right place for that. Let's head back to my uncle's office."

The lad nodded and followed her towards the said place. Soon as they entered the room, Rae closed the door and locked it afterward.

"Oohh... You're quite possessive, aren't you?" She smirked.

"Please don't misunderstand. It's better not to get interrupted."

Ciella giggled, "Whatever you say."

Suddenly, she turned around and threw some needles at him. But Rae quickly dodged them all.

"Calm down, I didn't come to fight. I came to talk!"

"Oh really? Only fools believe that lie, Vampire King." She was about to throw more needles when Rae rushed and quickly grabbed her wrists, pinning her down on the table.

It was so fast that caught her off-guard. And she would never think he could end this up in just a few seconds. Not to mention how his big hands strongly gripped her wrists against the table. She can't move an inch to attack him. Not even the kiss she did last time, his face is a bit far away to reach.

But instead of showing how she had panicked at that moment, Ciella kept up a straight face.

She scoffed, "My, I never thought you could be this wild, Vampire King." She teased.

Rae frowned, "You really tend to misunderstand things."

"I can't help it. Anyone would think the same if they saw us like this."

He smirked, "That's why I locked the door."

"Very clever. You're really something, Vampire King." She scoffed, "Fine. Let's hear what you wanted to say."

"But before that..." Rae's thumbs moved on her palms and applied some blood on it. She didn't realize he had already wounded himself earlier before grabbing her.

'I should've not let him live before. He's quite dangerous even he looks like a sheep at first glance. But truth be told, he's like a wolf inside.' She thought and became more aware of the lad before her.

"This blood will explode once you made an attempt to attack me again. That way, I can make sure we'll have a proper talk." Rae said before releasing her.

Ciella gently caressed her wrists which have become swollen from his tight grip.

"You've become more careful now, I see." She smirked and sat on the table, "What do you want?"

"I'll get straight to the point..." Rae's face became serious, "Ms. Ciella, I need your help."

***

"Have you finished what I asked for?" Mr. Grosvenor's voice can be heard on the four corners of the room where she was called. After finding the news of Isaac and Gideon's return, she immediately came to hear the news from them.

The gentlemen exchanged glances before they replied, "Yes."

"You might be thinking we wouldn't be able to make it out alive while spying the Vampire King." Isaac started.

"It's true, he caught us and we could tell his strength is of no joke. But he never used it to end our lives." Gideon added.

Mr. Grosvenor frowned, "What do you mean by this?"

"It is what we said, Grand Master." Isaac replied, "We saw with our own eyes how he can turn anything using his blood. And he did manage to get hold of our Holy weapons without turning to ashes."

"But he didn't use those abilities for his advantage. Instead, he helped us when more vampires came and he helped them." Gideon continued.

"I'm flustered. How can he help you two while helping the other vampires? It sounds absurd." Mr. Grosvenor caressed his beard.

"He helped us in a way to inform those vampires not to hurt us. On the other hand, he helped those Level-D vampires and turned them back to their human forms."

"He did what!?" Mr. Grosvenor's eyes widened upon hearing this news.

"We are telling the truth. He did those things using his blood." Isaac added.

"It's hard to believe..." Mr. Grosvenor sighed and rubbed his temple, "Who would've thought someone could actually do that?"

"We were shocked as you are Grandmaster." Gideon said, "And it's all in the power of the Vampire King."

"Technically speaking, he's not a king yet." Isaac added, "He told us it would not be until he defeated King Alucard, the rival clan of the Van Helsings."

"He's not a king yet he's this powerful. How much more if he became one." Mr. Grosvenor mumbled.

"Is there anything else you didn't tell us?" Aria suddenly spoke.

"He seems to trust you two. I wonder why is that? The Vampire King isn't someone who'll give away vital information about him." She narrowed her eyes while looking at them suspiciously.

The two gentlemen looked at each other and took a deep breath.

"We swore upon our Holy weapons that the words we said and will say are true."

"Very well. Then, answer my granddaughter's question."

"He is... Stephen's son."

"Stephen... has a son?!" Mr. Grosvenor said in disbelief.

Isaac nodded, "I believe he already told us something about his goal long ago. He was looking for his lover before he lost his memories."

"Turns out, it was the Vampire Queen whom he's searching for so long. She bore their child before she fell asleep for 18 years."

Isaac and Gideon explained further regarding the matter. They also confessed about Rae's temporary solution for the Level-D vampires and where he's taking them. While listening to the two gentlemen, there's only one person the lass had in mind.

It was Rae.

'His last name was Celis too, same goes for Stephen. Why did I not think of it nor notice it way earlier? It feels like I've been played by all along.' She gripped the hem of her skirt.

"Thank you for such information. Please continue your mission. If you chose to betray the Ministry, your Holy weapons would the ones to end your life." Mr. Grosvenor warned.

"We understand." They bowed politely before they left the room.

"You heard them, Aria. What are you planning to do now?"

"Lolo, truth is... I've known the Vampire King, and he's closer than I thought." She said.

"Y-you don't say--"

The lass stood and walked towards the door.

"I'll confront him again, and judge him with my own eyes." She said before closing the door.

After that, Mr. Grosvenor was stupefied. The way she said those words and the look in her eyes, there's a glint of irritation.

"This is the first time my granddaughter showed her emotion after ten years. And it's all because of the Vampire King." He scoffed, "What a lucky bastard. Now I'm curious to meet this lad."

***

"My help?" Ciella scoffed, "Interesting. Go on."

Rae explained the reason for all this. He told her about the parasite vampire and his victims. And also their findings when Damien used her poison and killed the mini parasites.

"I don't have the ability like yours. As much as I wanted to help them myself, I can't do that. One wrong move and it would be the end of those innocent people. So please... help me."

There's desperation in his eyes. It is clear he's not joking nor anything he said is just a bluff. But of course, she wouldn't give in that easily. After all, it's the Vampire King right in front of her.

She held her chin, "Hmm... How will I know you're serious about all this? You look like you can't harm anyone but looks can be deceiving."

"What do you want me to do to show my sincerity?"

"Well..." Ciella smirked, "Kneel." She said in a firm and cold voice while pointing her finger at the floor.

"Kneel before me and I might consider your request." She grinned devilishly.

'Men care about their pride. I know the Vampire King wouldn't kneel at anybody. He wouldn't do that for such lowly human lives. And if that happens, he's like any other evil men in the world.' She thought.

What happens next surprised her the most. Rae gets down on his knees and kneeled face down before her.

"I'm begging you... Those people are innocent... Please save them..." He mumbled.

Though, still in shock, Ciella managed to grasp the whole situation and reacted faster. She can't let him see how she was caught off-guard at that moment.

But what's this? Her heart was thumping louder and her body is shaking like it was electrified. She has never felt something like this before. But she can't show this side or else he might use it to bring her down.

While staring at him on the floor, Ciella grinned, "Alright. I'll help you -- under one condition."

Rae raised his head and looked at her as if asking for an answer.

"I'll help you IF you can fulfill my wish."

"Your wish?" The lad echoed and blinked, "What is your wish?"

Ciella giggled and placed her index finger near his lips, "If I tell you, there would be no thrill, right?" She grinned devilishly.

"I'll give you a week to find out my wish. And a month to fulfill it. But it looks like those mortals wouldn't last that long so if I were you, I'll make it quick." She giggled,

"If you fail to fulfill my wish, those people will die AND you will become my slave." She grinned and tilted her head to the side, "What can you say, Vampire King?" She offered her hand.

Rae pursed his lips as he furrowed his brows, 'I have no other option. She's the only one I know who can save them.'

"Alright, deal." He took her hand and shook it.

Ciella stood up and walked towards the door.

"Good luck, Vampire King. It's nice chatting with you." She blew a flying kiss before she left.

Rae frowned, "How am I suppose to know her wish?" His expression became clouded as he stepped out of the room.

While walking in the hallway, he gazed upon the window and stared at the sun which is about to set. It's almost time for the night performance of Ciella Luna that's why most students are now preparing.

They're heading towards the school auditorium where the performance would be held. Realizing this, Rae noticed he's still wearing the butler suit all day long.

"I must change now." He mumbled and head towards the dressing room.

After that, he fixed his things and noticed a small piece of paper inside his bag. There's a small note inside that goes like this:

'I'll be waiting for you in the music room at 4 p.m.'

-A. G.

After reading it, he gazed at his watch, there's still ten minutes left before the clock strikes at four. Quickly, he took his bag and left the room, walking briskly towards the music room. He knows better than anyone where that note came from.

Aria Grosvenor.

It's not like he's anticipating this. He just had this strong hunch that she already knows his secret. And knowing her, she won't stay quiet on something like that. If only things wouldn't have come to this, he would like to avoid any conflict as possible. But since she took the first step to reach him, he has to go and face her.

'I won't run away. Not anymore...' He thought and stood before the door. He took a deep breath before he knocked and opened it.

There she is, standing near the window while gazing at those people below as they were closing their booths. Most of them are in hurry just to get to the auditorium, excited to see the performance of their idol. Some have gone home, and the two of them are inside the four corners of the soundproof room. Just the two of them.

She turned around and gazed at him. The atmosphere has never been this heavy when he's with her. But right now, everything changes. As those cold golden pupils stare at him, he can't help but feel nervous like he has committed a grave sin.

'Get a grip, Rae! There's no turning back now!' He said to himself while clenching his fists. And then, he glanced at her wearing that serious expression.

"I'm here." He said and took a few steps towards her.

"I believe you already know the reason why I called for you."

"Yes. I have no excuse for hiding the truth except for the fact that we did that as a means of survival."

"Survival..." She echoed, "Do you perhaps know... that I'm a hunter?"

The lad nodded, "Yes."

"Then why? You have your chances to kill me but you didn't do it. Is it your plan to toy me at the palm of your hand?"

"It's nothing like that..."

"Then what is it? I demand answers..." She glared and pointed one gun near his chest, "Tell a lie and I'll blow your heart up." She warned.

It was scary. Any vampire would feel the chills in this kind of atmosphere. But what he's feeling right now isn't fear. It was something else.

"Because I don't have a reason to. Doing so could only cause a huge ruckus between our clans. And I don't mean any harm."

"Is that so..." Ms. Grosvenor puts down her gun and suddenly took a pocket knife, wounding her arm.

"What are you doing!?"

The lass showed her wounded arm right in front of his face as her blood keeps on spilling. Suddenly, his blue eyes turned red when the alluring aroma of blood reaches his nostrils.

"Ms. Grosvenor... we should treat your wound..." He said and looked away.

"No... isn't this what you wanted? To feast on human blood?" She stepped forward, offering her wounded arm to him.

Rae stepped back, "No... you got it all wrong..."

"Why is it? All vampires are the same. Why don't you show me your true colors now?"

'In that way, I could kill you this instant.' She thought.

"Stop being so stubborn!" Rae exclaimed and suddenly grabbed her wounded arm.

The lass was about to shoot his head when she witnessed what he did next. Instead of drinking her blood, he raised his other hand and manipulated her blood. Even the ones that spilled on the floor returned inside her body and just like that, her wound closes through her blood.

Ms. Grosvenor blinked in disbelief. Aside from the fact of how he managed to heal her wound like it was nothing, he didn't choose to go by his instincts.

"There you go." He sighed in relief, "Don't ever do that again, Ms. Grosvenor! You almost gave me a heart attack." He scolded her.

"Why... your prey is right in front of you... Why you didn't attack me when you had the chance?"

"I already told you, I don't want to harm anyone. I came for peace."

"How can I trust a vampire's word?"

Rae sighed, "I don't know what happened, but I just want you to know that not all vampires are the same. If you can't trust the vampire in me, at least, trust the human I am."

She gazed at him. His red eyes are glowing brightly yet filled with sincerity. It's the same soft and gentle eyes she always sees in him.

"I'm a hybrid. I don't want to force you but just so you know, I'm here to set a balance between the two worlds. Whether you help me or not, I'll fulfill that dream to have peace for both of us."

The lass looked down and kept her weapons. It feels like she just lost a battle with no combat skills nor logical thinking.

'Why... am I hesitating? Why do I keep on feeling strange things especially when it's him?' She thought.

"Well, if there's anything else I can do for you to believe me, I'll gladly do that within my power." Rae gently rubbed his nape.

"Then... I want you to show me... your vampire form..." She mumbled.

The lad blinked, "Is that all?"

She nodded, "Yes... I just want to make sure about my decisions."

Rae blinked several times and still wondering about her strange request. But he just shrugged and closed his eyes. Suddenly, his ears became pointed as his skin became pale white. His nails grew longer and sharper as fangs appeared. Lastly, his silver-white hair turned bloody red which symbolizes who he truly is, the Vampire King.

Just gazing at him makes her finally realize something. He was that sly and cunning vampire who played tricks on her yet he's the same person she knew who was loved and adored by everyone. He might play the role of another persona right in front of her, but his eyes never tell lies. Those eyes filled with kindness and gentleness.

While standing right in front of her, Rae blushed and looked away.

"You know, it's pretty embarrassing if you keep staring at me like that." He said.

The lass blinked and covered her mouth.

"It's not like you're going to melt anyway." She said.

But at that moment, Rae noticed how her lips have arced a bit earlier.

'Did she just... smile?' He blinked fast, 'Hmm... Maybe I'm just imagining things.'

"I've decided..." She said, "I won't hurt you nor the other vampires IF they didn't do anything to hurt humans - including you."

"I understand. I won't let you down, Ms. Grosvenor." He smiled.

All of a sudden, her heart made a loud thump just by seeing that smile. Even his sharp fangs show, the tenderness and innocence on his smile remains. This left her in a daze as he gazed upon him.

'I... want to trust this person... I hope I'm not mistaken this time.' She prayed deep in her heart as she unconsciously felt the warmth on that smile.

And on that day, a truce has been made between a hybrid and a hunter. It was something risky, yet both sides are willing to take that risk to see it through to the end. Will it be fulfilled or be broken? Only the heavens know.