Chapter 13: Anger

It was a hot summer day.

He can clearly hear the cricketing sounds of the insects all around. The rustling sound of leaves as the wind passes by, sensing its fresh smell from the trees, flowers, and the grass. But what made him fluttered his eyes open was the faint sound that's been calling him all along.

"Hey... wake up..."

There's a girl staring at him, calling in a small voice. She's too close, which makes him smell her familiar lavender scent.

"Where... am I?" He slowly got up and held his head.

'I was certain I'm sleeping in my room. How come I ended in this place? Is this a dream?' Rae thought and looked around the green forest.

"We're in the woods." Said the girl, wearing a poker face.

Looking closely, the lad recognized her face. That silky lavender hair, fair skin, and those golden pupils. Not to mention her emotionless expression.

"Y-you're--"

He didn't get to finish the words he's about to say when he suddenly heard a ruffling sound coming above the trees. When he held his head up, he saw the same girl wearing a camper's uniform. She was standing on the thick branch while placing a baby bird back to its nest.

"Ariaaaaaa!" Two girls with the same uniform came running to her.

"We've been looking everywhere for you." They panted.

"What are you doing up there?"

The girl called Aria jumped and landed on the ground effortlessly. Then, the girls heard the birds chirped happily from the branch where she just came from.

"I see... You returned a baby bird back to its mom, right?" The girl with brown hair tied in two braids said while fixing her glasses.

"You're amazing, Aria! You managed to climb that high tree." Said the other with thick curly hair coated in red-orange color.

"It's nothing." Aria briefly said.

"Oh, but it is something! Seems like the mommy bird is thanking you."

"Natalie's right. I heard how happy the mommy bird was when you returned its child."

Aria paused from her tracks, "A mom..." She gazed at the two girls, "Natalie, Griselda, what does it feel to have a mom?"

The two girls blinked while looking at those empty eyes. They exchanged glances and decided to answer the question.

"For me, my mama has always been so kind to me. She takes care of me and even worries about my health. She also helps me in doing my homework even she's tired from her work. I've always admired her and I looove her so much!" Natalie cheerfully responded.

Griselda sighed, "Lucky you. My mom has always been strict towards me. She always makes sure I'm doing my best in everything. But she's a strong woman! She raised me alone even without a dad."

"Cool! But you shouldn't push yourself too much, Griselda."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you always look pale and sickly. It's still amazing how your mom approved to let you join the camp."

"True." Griselda shrugged.

Then, the two girls glanced at Aria.

"How about you?"

"What kind of mom do you have, Aria?"

"I don't have one..." She mumbled.

"What do you mean?"

"Lolo told me my parents died when I was born. That's why I didn't meet them. I don't even know what it feels like to have a mom and dad."

The two girls exchanged glances once again.

"You must've been lonely."

"Not really. I don't even know my parents so it's fine." Aria said with those empty eyes.

"It's not... It's not fine at all." Rae mumbled as he listened to their conversation. But of course, they wouldn't be able to hear him. After all, he's inside of someone else's memories.

"I really mean it when I said those words. I don't have the slightest idea of a parents' love and warmth and it's never a big deal." Said the Aria beside him.

"I'm fine just being with these two... That's what I thought."

Suddenly, the clouds moved faster and from the day, the night has come so fast. The place shifted from a spot where the campfire is spotted. A group of girl campers has gathered around the fire while their tents are built behind them. A strum of a guitar played in the arms of an adult woman whom he presumes to be their teacher. She was singing a camp song and everyone was singing with her - except for Aria, obviously.

"Good job, everyone! You did great!" Their teacher beamed as she placed her guitar at the side.

"Let's all sleep now. We'll be moving out early in the morning."

The girls sighed and gave an "Aww.." expression. They wanted to sing more and have fun. But it's camping they came here for not anything else.

The teacher went to one tent from another to check every student.

"How was Griselda?" She asked while entering Aria and Natalie's tent.

"Still pale as before, Ms. Kayne. She's been trembling and sweating a lot." Natalie reported.

"I see." Ms. Kayne bent down and wiped Griselda's sweat with a damp towel, "I'm sorry, we have to wait for the morning the day after next. I can't contact anyone now we're in the woods." She furrowed her eyebrows.

"Hang in there, Griselda." Natalie held her hand.

As for Aria, she was seeing all these things. She could see the pain and suffer from her friend's face. Why? She looked fine earlier. They all shared the same meal. What could've gone wrong for her to feel this way? If only she could do something just to ease her friend's pain. But truth is, even she's called a 'gifted' child, she can't do anything in times like this.

Rae saw it all. How her empty eyes have drooped just now, how she's feeling lonely to watch her friend in pain. It may not be obvious with her expression, but her eyes tell no lies.

"I'm sorry." Rae mumbled, "I may not know why I'm seeing these things, but this must be the reason for who you are now, isn't it?"

'This must be it... the reason why she behaves like having a heart of stone. Her dear friend must've been...'

"My condolences..."

The young Aria beside him glanced at him, "What are you saying? Griselda didn't die."

"Eh? T-then... One of your friends got into an accident and you're still blaming yourself for it?"

Young Aria furrowed her brows, "No. Where did that come from?"

He held his chin, "Then, how about one of your friends got bullied because of you?"

"That's not the case too."

"Ah!" The lad snapped his fingers as if he finally got the answer, "You girls fought over the same love interest years after?"

The girl sighed, "Stop. I don't know where you get those ideas but they're all wrong and it's annoying."

"My bad, sorry."

"What will happen next is much worse than the things you said."

There it goes again. Her eyes filled with sorrow and regret. But there's another one. Another feeling that she's been keeping inside.

What could that be? And what's going to happen next that could be something dreadful?

Suddenly, the clouds move faster again and turned to daylight. The place shifted where they stood in the middle of the woods as the campers were walking on the ground filled with dried leaves.

"Griselda, are you sure you're fine now?" Natalie asked, worried for her friend's condition who was just pale a few hours ago.

"I'm alright now. Sorry for making you guys worry." Griselda laughed awkwardly.

"Don't push yourself too hard or you might collapse again." Aria reminded as they passed by near a lake.

"This is perfect, Ms. Kayne! We can go fishing on that lake for lunch." One student suggested.

"Hmm... You're right." The teacher turned to face the girls, "Alright everyone, we'll set up our tents here. Some of you may go and wash on that lake while others would go fishing."

The campers' faces brightened up on the news. Quickly, they set up their tents. Some went to the lake excitedly to take a bath. The others went on the other side to go fishing for their lunch.

Aria was about to join them when she noticed Ms. Kayne would be left all alone on the campsite. With that, she decided to stay.

"Ms. Kayne, let me help you with cooking."

"Oh Aria, do you know how to cook?"

The girl shook her head, "I don't. But I wanted to help you."

Her teacher chuckled, "Thanks. Ah, I should teach you then."

After a while, the girls came back and they started eating. It was a lovely afternoon one could ever have. The giggles and murmurs - these noises you wouldn't hate as you enjoy your meal with someone. The rustling sound of leaves being blown by the breeze of air, and the natural chirping sounds of birds and insects. They get to know new things and apply them outside their school grounds. At the same time, they get to know each other and have fun.

It was just then, time flies fast and the sun was about to set. Some are now preparing for the evening and the others have gone to gather wood for the fire.

"Aria, could you fill these bottles with water? We're out of stock." Ms. Kayne called.

The girl nodded and took those bottles.

"Oh, and could you pick up your classmates too? They're taking their sweet time washing on the lake."

"How about you, Ms. Kayne? Aren't you going to wash up?"

The teacher chuckled, "I will soon."

And after that, the girl walked towards the lake and filled the bottles with water. It was pure and clear, sparkling when the sun's rays shine on it.

'Ms. Kayne said my classmates are still here. But why can't I hear them anywhere?' She thought.

As she was filling those bottles, suddenly, she noticed some red liquid flowing with the water. She gazed at her right and followed where this red liquid came from. And right before her eyes, she saw a dark furry creature in the corner of the lake. Its long sharp fangs were pierced through the body it was holding. As her gaze glued on the body, she recognized who it was - the horrified expression of her classmate before it was eaten. The monster was sucking on its small and naked body, sucking her dry as her skin turned pale and gray.

In such shock, the bottles slipped through her grasp and fell on water. The splashing sound reached the monster's pointed ears and suddenly glared at her with its crimson red eyes.

"Vam...pire..." She was shocked indeed, but her body's not trembling at all.

The monster tossed the corpse aside and jumped to attack her. Snapping out of the situation, young Aria managed to dodge the attack as she jumped out of the lake to the ground. But the dark creature was faster and it quickly appeared before her. It flung its arm at her and grabbed her neck. It was tight and strong, she doesn't even have the slightest chance to escape. But then, the monster suddenly screeched in pain when its hand smoldered in smoke.

She gasped for air and held her neck, she noticed the golden rosary her grandfather gave her. He always nagged her to wear it at all times. And now she understood the reason why. She was also reminded of her years of training to defend herself if ever a day like this would come.

With that, she tightly gripped on the rosary and removed it around her neck. In such anger, the monster attacked once again.

"Come forth, O Holy Weapon!" She ran on the other side as the rosary glowed in golden light. Then, it turned into a golden whip which she quickly lashed at the monster while it got distracted from the dazzling light.

It screeched in pain soon as the whip landed on its skin. Smoke smoldered from its wound as it tried to run away.

"Not so fast!" The girl swung her arm and aimed for its neck. As the wind blew and passed by, the monster's head flew and fell on the lake. Blood gushed out from the headless body which is still moving.

"If I remember it correctly, Lolo said their hearts must be destroyed." She mumbled and took her pocket knife.

Then, she hit its leg and it fell to the ground. She pinned its body with her knees and pierced her small knife to its chest again and again until she stabbed on its heart.

True, her heart won't stop beating faster earlier. But right now, she was finally calm and didn't even mind the blood all over her face and limbs.

She panted and gasped for air. It was her first time killing an actual vampire. Although she has been trained for it since she was five. But the experience is still different from her training.

Seeing all these, Rae gulped at what he witnessed.

"Y-you're really amazing, Miss Grosvenor..." He nervously said.

"Not at all." The young Aria beside him said, "I am... still weak..."

He glanced at her and saw those lonely eyes once again. But then, he suddenly smelled something burning. When he looked up, he saw a thick smoke smoldering above, coming from the campsite.

"No..." He heard the young Aria said as she ran towards the fire.

When she thought she was finally calm, her heart beats faster again after seeing that dark gray smoke and the huge fire. Knowing where it came from, she became more nervous than before.

Her feet finally stopped running when she reached their site. Her hope for the class's survival seems impossible as she saw the horrible scene before her. There are more vampires like she fought earlier. And they didn't spare a single soul on the campsite. They attacked all of her classmates and sucked their blood, even her beloved teacher. The awful smell of blood lingers everywhere in the woods as the fire slowly swallowing their tents and stuff.

Speaking of tents, young Aria suddenly remembered something. Something that her grandfather told her to bring and it was in her bag inside one of those tents. Her eyes roamed around and luckily, her tent wasn't on fire yet. She was about to go straight when the monsters noticed her presence. They all glared at her with those sharp red eyes, but it didn't even faze her. Instead, she ran forward without hesitation.

The monsters attacked her one by one, and she used the golden whip to take them down. But it wasn't enough. They're way too many.

An idea came to her when she stumbled near the fire. She took a piece of wood and placed the other end on the flames. When it's now burning, she swung her arm and the vampires moved away.

"That might actually work..." She panted and set the golden whip ablaze.

Then, she lashed her whip at them which turned out, the vampires are now running away from her.

"This is... for my classmates..." She glared at them while taking their heads off as their bodies burned to ashes.

"And this is... for my teacher!" She exclaimed and managed to kill all those vampires alone.

She panted, her strength is slowly draining away. She's been fighting since earlier, her body's starting to give in.

Slowly, she went inside her tent and took the small box in her bag. She quickly left before the fire swallowed her tent and burned it all up.

"Wait, Natalie and Griselda!" Their faces flashed inside her mind when she recalled her dear friends. Looking around seems like their corpses aren't included on the campsite.

"D-does this mean..."

Suddenly, she heard a scream coming from the other side of the woods.

"That must be them!" Before she left, she gazed back at the burning site.

"Everyone... I'm so sorry..." She clenched her fist before running away. She kept on doing so even her legs tired out.

'This time, I'm going to save my friends!' She thought.

She opened the box and found two silver rings. She took one and wore it around her finger before she kept the box inside her pocket.

Her legs gave in when she finally reached her destination. There are more vampires surrounding her friends. But there's something strange. These monsters are not attacking them. Rather, they're standing around as if waiting for something to happen.

"Natalie! Griselda!" She called.

One of them flinched, and when she slowly turned around, Aria's eyes widened at what she saw.

Griselda was carrying Natalie with those crimson red eyes staring back at her. Her lips were filled with blood that spilled over her uniform. As for Natalie, the lass is unconscious, and there's blood all over her neck.

"A-Aria..?"

"What... did you do..."

Flustered, the lass couldn't speak. Suddenly, a woman stepped forward in their midst.

"I thought they have eaten those filthy humans in the camp. But it appears there's a mouse who got escaped from the trap."

The woman's glowing red eyes tell her she's one of those vampires, but she doesn't look hideous like the others.

"What's all this...? Why did you kill them?" Young Aria mumbled in a trembling voice.

The woman scoffed, "Isn't it obvious? We lured you all here." She replied, "Since you're going to die here, I should at least share the story of why this tragedy happened. You see, my daughter Griselda was having a hard time being a full-grown vampire. She was way too soft and attached to mortals like you. That's why when I heard the school has arranged a camping program, I seized this opportunity and asked my friends' help in awakening my daughter's vampiric instincts."

The woman pointed at Griselda, "And alas! Her very first prey was her so-called dear friend. How ironic!"

Young Aria shook her head, "No... Griselda wouldn't hurt Natalie... There must be a reason... Y-you... forced her to do it!"

The woman laughed, "How naive, little girl! You should wake up before you die. We are vampires! We are predators of your kind and this is our true colors! We will do whatever method it takes to feed our prey even if it means lies and betrayal."

"That's not true!" Rae exclaimed and ran towards the young Aria, "Ms. Grosvenor, don't listen to her!" He was about to hold her when his hand passed through her body.

"It's useless. You can't do anything to change my memories." Said the other Aria.

"But..." The lad furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at the girl who was already crying while she was covering her ears.

"Oh, poor thing." The woman laughed, "Eat her." At her command, the vampires around came and attacked her.

It was a moment where anything and everything went in slow motion phase. Young Aria can't hear a single sound but the furious beat of her heart. All the memories she spent with those two suddenly came flashing inside her head. The things they did and the words they say, they all came back to her.

'But Griselda ruined it all...' She thought, 'All those smiles and laughter... were nothing but lies...'

As her raging heartbeat continues, she can also feel the heat rushing inside her. It was like a fire sparked inside her chest, spreading all the heat throughout her system. And as she gnashed her teeth, her chest suddenly became heavy as if tons of rocks were filled inside her heart.

This is the first time she has ever felt this way. This irritation, these vexing thoughts... It was something new to her and yet she has finally understood what this emotion is called.

Anger.

Her chest feels heavy yet she can still find the strength to get up. It was as if this new feeling is giving her the power to move.

'Finally, you have felt something!' She heard a voice.

"Who's that?"

'I am that one you're wearing, kid.'

Young Aria glanced at the ring on her finger.

"You're... a Holy weapon?"

'Precisely. I felt your strong emotion that it wakes me up from my sleep. And now I am willing to help you and lend you my power. Just call my name.'

"What is your name?"

A strong wind came and passed by and it was like a whisper in her ear.

When the girl opened her eyes, a group of hideous vampires is now heading towards her. Without hesitation, she stretched out her hand and called,

"O Divine power from the Heavens, hear my plea, give me strength and power to defeat the evil. I call unto thee, come Artemis!"

Suddenly, the silver ring turned to gold and shone a dazzling golden light. The monsters were frozen at their place as they got blinded by the light. And while this is happening, the ring turned into a golden gun. It was heavy but enough to be carried with her two hands.

While the vampires are panicking from the light, the girl used this opportunity to blow their heads off one by one. And with its divine prowess, she doesn't need to worry about aiming their hearts now that these bullets can immediately turn them to ashes.

When the brilliant light faded out, the woman was surprised that her friends all turned to nothing but ashes. Then, she saw the golden gun on her hands.

"N-no way... D-don't tell me that's... a Holy weapon!? How can a child use such a thing?!"

"How?" The young Aria gazed at her with those cold eyes, "Because I am Aria Grosvenor."

"G-grosvenor..?" The woman trembled upon hearing the name. It was as if she has seen a ghost. Knowing something about it, the woman quickly turned around and called upon her daughter.

"Griselda, run! This child's no ordinary!"

"M-mom?" Confused, the young vampire seems frozen in place.

"Griselda, save your life!" The woman was about to run towards her when a loud shot echoed around the woods.

A hole was found on her forehead before her head exploded into pieces. Seeing her mother's blood splattered all around, Griselda screamed and was terrified.

"Noooooo! Moooom!" She cried and was about to go towards the headless body when she suddenly trembled upon seeing her friend, Aria, slowly approaching.

"It's your turn... Griselda..." She pointed her gun at the trembling vampire and was about to pull the trigger when all of a sudden, someone jumped right at her.

Aria fell on the ground in such impact and her gun slipped out of her hand. Her heart went broken when she saw the face of the one who attacked her.

"N-natalie?!"

Her friend was drooling and having those sharp fangs. Her nails have grown longer and sharper, piercing through her skin. And most importantly, her eyes are now glowing in bright red, glaring at her while making those growling sounds.

"N-natalie! W-what happened to you?" She grabbed her shoulders as tight as she can so that her friend's fangs wouldn't sink deep into her neck. She was trying to aim it right from the start.

And while she was struggling so, she saw Griselda running away from the depths of the woods without looking back. This must be her resolve after betraying her and turning their dear friend into a monster.

'How cruel..!'

Young Aria bit her lower lip as Natalie's claws continue to pierce her skin, scratching her arms nonstop. If she ever let go, it would be the end of her life. She can't even guarantee if sacrificing her blood would bring her dear friend back to her senses. She would be a cold corpse once she removes her arms.

But she can't let things go this way forever. Her arms are slowly getting numb as her strength keeps draining away. And to end this, there's just only one way of doing so.

'Aria, what are you doing!? Don't hesitate and call my name!'

"B-but... Natalie will..."

'There's no way she'll return to normal. The only way to save her is death. It's either she or you will die, choose!'

Her eyes began to water, thinking of the consequences of the things she's going to do.

'Call out my name!'

"Artemis!" Soon as she called, the golden gun that slipped through her hand returned in her grasp. And soon as it did, she pointed the gun right inside Natalie's mouth.

Her hands trembled as tears stream down her eyes.

"Natalie..."

'Aria, what are you waiting for? Shoot!'

All of a sudden, the vampire growled and was about to devour her when a loud sound of a gunshot echoed around. In a split second, the monster's head exploded and blood-splattered right in front of her face. Slowly, Natalie's headless body turned to ashes. Gazing at it, she realized how her whole body trembled. It felt like something vital has been removed inside her.

'Well done, Aria. You did the right thing.' The voice of Artemis said, 'Mark this day, dear child... May this serve as your lesson. Never ever trust the dark forces - especially the vampires. Showing your emotions would be your Achilles' heel*. You should conceal them well.'

When everything turned black and void, Rae shot his eyes open as he gasped for air. It feels like he just emerged from the depths of the sea. But truth is, he was still in his bedroom after seeing those things.

'Ugh... It felt so real that my body can still feel the heaviness... But those are just fragments of her memories, yet... I can clearly feel her pain like it was transferred within me.' He wiped the beads of sweat on his forehead.

"I mean, reading memories are cool but... I feel like I'm invading someone else's privacy." He crossed his arms to his chest, "But it's not like I can stop the circulation of their blood. And I shouldn't do that, at least." He sighed and suddenly, he heard a knock from the door.

"Good, you're awake." Damien came in, "Your friend is waiting for you downstairs."

Rae blinked, "My friend?"

When he went downstairs, he saw Gray in the living room while looking at the paintings on the wall.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Were you that excited to patrol around town?"

Gray frowned, "Don't get the wrong idea. I promised to offer help and I don't wanna be late for it." He crossed his arms to his chest.

'He is INDEED excited about it.' Rae thought, imagining if he has a tail right now, it might be wagging in such thrill.

"Ah, but first, let's wear these." He said and gave him a coat.

"Does it have to be black?"

"Well, we have to conceal our presence in the night after all. We are like ghosts guarding this city.

Gray sighed in defeat, "Fine, fine."

After that, they started running with the wind as they jumped from one building to another. Looking at every corner of the dark alleys to abandoned places, before they head straight the crowded ones.

"I never realize the city could be this wide. How can you manage to patrol within a night?"

"Well, I wonder about that too." Rae rubbed his nape.

"How about we split up? I'll patrol on this side while you go that side." Gray pointed at the right then on the left.

"Sure, let's do that."

And they both turned their backs and head straight in opposite directions. As Rae was roaming around the other side, he smelled a familiar scent, not from afar. From the building nearby, he saw the huntress, staring blankly at the city lights before her.

"Having a night stroll?" He said as he landed on the same building with her.

"It is my duty to guard your actions after all." She said and glanced at him with those golden pupils.

Looking at her, the scenes from his dream flashed inside his mind. And by recalling those, he can't seem to feel at ease.

"It seems like you have something to say." The huntress said while gazing at him.

"Is it written all over my face?"

"A bit. And I can feel it."

"You have an amazing intuition." He rubbed the back of his head and laughed awkwardly.

"Ms. Grosvenor," he called, "I would like... to show you something... That is, if you trust me..." Rae offered his hand and the lass gazed at it.

It does seem suspicious of him to ask out of the blue. But the gentleness in his eyes clearly reflects his pure intentions.

"Well... I can always blow your head up if you did something bad." She shrugged and took his hand.

He chuckled a bit, "Aren't you a bit harsh?"

"A vampire is a vampire."

He sighed in defeat, "Fine." He gently pulled her body close to him.

"Hang on tight." Then, he spreads his red wings and flies into the night sky.

The cold breeze of wind touches her skin as he gently flapped his wings at such moderate speed.

'Is he doing it on purpose? Or he's being a gentleman like Mr. Celis?' She thought, 'Either way, they're the same. I can't deny that.'

Soon, they landed on the highest floor of the biggest tower in the city. In here, she can see everything, the shining lights from each building, the tiny lights from the cars and posts, and even the people who look like ants from her point of view.

"I usually went here when I am down or bothered by something." Rae said, "This is the only spot where I can shout all my frustrations away. No one will be able to hear me anyway."

"Why did you bring me here?"

Rae grinned, "We're going to release everything that frustrates us."

The huntress frowned, "I don't see the point of doing this."

"You'll never know unless you try." He winked.

"I'll go first." He walked and held the metal railings as he took a deep breath.

"I DON'T FIT TO BE A KING!!!" He shouted, "I AM ALWAYS IN FEAR OF USING MY POWERS, I WANTED TO AVOID FIGHTING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND I HESITATE MOST OF THE TIME! BUT I HAVE TO BE KING! I WANTED PEACE ON BOTH WORLDS, AND TO PROTECT THE ONES I CARE ABOUT. TO MAKE THIS DREAM COME TRUE, I. HAVE. TO BE. KIIIIING!!!"

The lad panted after shouting at the top of his lungs.

It was the first time she has ever witnessed him shouting like that. It's like she has seen another side of him.

'Is this what he's been feeling all along? The things he said... were all his frustrations...' She said to herself.

The lad sighed in relief, "Ahh... I feel much better. Why don't you try, Ms. Grosvenor?" He glanced at her.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because it's fun." He chuckled, "It'll help you feel better, I guarantee."

She glanced at him.

"In our life, we have done a lot of things we regret. But nothing would happen if we keep ourselves trapped in those regrets. Don't you think it's time for us to be free of those? This is the only method I know, though." He rubbed his nape.

The huntress gazed from afar. She is quite curious to do that thing, never in her life she had done something as ridiculous as this.

'There's no harm in trying, Miss Aria.' Apollo said.

'Except for the fact that she's going to do that for a vampire's entertainment?' Artemis rebutted.

'Isn't this the perfect opportunity to test the Vampire King if he's making fun of us or not? But if you ask me, I can smell his good intentions.' Apollo explained.

'Tsk! Do what you want. But don't ever tell me I didn't warn you.'

'You hear that, Miss Aria? My sister approves. You can now express anything that frustrates you.' Apollo delightfully said.

'Something that frustrates me...' She thought. And all of a sudden, a memory from long ago flashed inside her mind.

The lass looked down and muttered something. Rae glanced at her, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I think you need to be louder than that. No one's gonna hear you from up here."

She tightened her grip on the railings and took a deep breath.

"I'M SORRY!" She exclaimed, "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!"

The more she keeps on saying those two words, the more her tears welled up her eyes.

"I'M SORRY... I'M SORRY... I'M SO SORRY..."

Even the words remain the same, Rae can feel how each phrase varies in weight and depth. It was as if she was apologizing to different people every time she repeats those words.

'It must've hurt so much... for not being able to express your thoughts and feelings for such a long time.' The lad thought, 'I am glad... you have managed to release it out of your chest.'

When she has finally calmed down, they sat on the floor, leaning on each other's backs. The huntress removed her mask for a bit to breathe comfortably since she cried a lot earlier.

"You know something about me, aren't you?" She began to ask.

Rae didn't hesitate to answer, "Yes. I have the ability to see other's memories through their blood circulation. I didn't mean it actually, there are times they just flash in my head when I touch someone."

"Is this the reason why you asked me to shout?"

"Uhh... yes. I'm sorry, it's the only thing I know since I've been doing it at times."

"You don't need to apologize. You have proven your claim anyway." The huntress turned to face him, "You're right. I feel much better after releasing my frustrations. Thank you."

When she said the last sentence, her lips slowly arc a bit on both sides. And it was something he never expected to see.

"You... smiled..." He blinked fast, "Ms. Grosvenor, you smiled!"

The lass blinked, "I did?" And her expression went back to normal.

"Yes, just a bit earlier. Will you do that again?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." She took her mask and wore it once again.

Rae pouted, "But you smiled... I know you did."

"You must be mistaken."

"I'm not! I swear I'll make you smile again."

Her heart suddenly skipped a beat when she heard those words. Even it was a brief moment, there's a tingling feeling she felt inside that made her scoffed and smirked.

"Well, good luck then, Vampire King."

***

Author's Note:

*Achilles' heel - it means 'weakness', based on the story of Achilles from Greek mythology.