Discoveries part 2

'Hunt.'

The word circled around Szeina's head. She thought she was only imagining it, but Raegan wasn't kidding.

Most of their companions were, if Szeina was computing right, their age.

"Are you alright?" Yvann asked, his voice soft as he joined her. The grass silenced their footsteps as their small group moved around the forest.

Large trees, medium ones and even the thinner kind were present in their surroundings.

They were taking extra careful measures in case someone from nearby entertained the idea of capturing them.

Still puzzled by the bizarre escape and how Laura called her as 'special', Szeina didn't know what response to tell Yvann.

He wasn't even supposed to be there. Wherever they were.

Over the horizon, the orange glow allowed them to see the setting sun bade its last goodbye, enveloping their small group in a dim darkness.

Taking its cue, the moon sat in its place, providing them with the minimal moon light shine.

"Physically, I'm… fine. I think. How about you?" Szeina finally uttered, turning her attention to him as they followed behind the expert hunters leading the way.

"I'm doing okay. Just… confused. But, I'm fine too."

Szeina let herself grin, causing Yvann to do the same.

"You shouldn't be here. I'm sorry."

"Oh, no." Yvann shook his head stubbornly. "It wasn't your fault. I had been trying to look for you. What a coincidence it was for you to actually be there in the first place I tried."

Szeina noted what he just said, a crease forming on her forehead.

"You were looking for me?"

"Yes. I told you, it embarrassed me with how things went between us. Then, I came to realize that you were probably thinking of me being the culprit. I had to clear that part out."

"Oh," It was Szeina's turn to shake her head. "What a big coincidence that was indeed. But how come you don't seem so shocked about all this? Shouldn't you be like, you know, asking me questions and stuff?"

She noted. Yvann didn't seem at all concerned that she did something incredulous. If what they said was true, then he should be running in the opposite direction, away from her.

Yet, there he was, sticking to her like glue and like nothing weird happened at all.

She was still light-headed and wondering what they all meant. Her mind still blocking that certain part of her memory.

"That's… there's a reason for it." Yvann hesitated. He wasn't certain if it was wise to tell the truth right now.

After what he had seen, Yvann concluded that Szeina was not mortal. At least, partly. Else, how would she even do that if she was nothing but ordinary?

He could trust that Szeina was indeed 'special', as Laura claimed. This was another surprise for him.

Laura and Raven have been in Alwreck High since freshman year. The two had made quite a reputation in school. They top their classes and would have been a good rival or part of Violet's little minions.

However, they rarely associate themselves with anyone. The twins kept to themselves.

And now, Yvann understood why.

Heaving a deep breath before releasing it in a shaky sigh, Yvann braced himself to tell her that piece of truth which he couldn't even tell his father about.

"My mother's death was no accident. Contrary to what they put on the report, there was no robbery that night. Duke…" Yvann trailed off, clenching his hands into fists.

"That monster was the one responsible for killing my mother."

Szeina stopped in her tracks. She stared at Yvann, who kept on walking, his back to her.

The weight of what he just told her made her see Yvann in a new light. He witnessed his mother's death and yet; he was able to survive.

Finding back the strength to keep walking, Szeina caught up to Yvann. They were a few feet away from the rest of their crew.

"Wait. You were there when your mother got killed?"

Yvann nodded, his mind nowhere in the present.

"So, are you…?" Szeina couldn't even finish her question. The realization only dawning on her.

If Yvann was there when his mother died and it was Duke who had killed her, how did he manage to survive?

Yvann shrugged.

"I don't know. I have no idea, Szeina. The same thing has been bugging my mind. Or maybe I'm just too afraid to acknowledge what I've become. Either way, I have no way to tell."

Szeina bit on her lower lip, her mind mapping out the possibility.

There was no way that Yvann would have made it out alive that night if someone didn't stoop in.

If his mother died, it only meant that there was no other person around. Hence, the only way for him to be alive was that if he had died that night, but like most vampires, he woke up after being turned.

A hoot from afar had their little crew come to a halt. Raegan and Rile put a finger on their lips, signaling for everyone to keep quiet.

Unsure what was going on, Szeina exchanged a glance with Yvann, who seemed to be as clueless as her.

Among the six of them, it was apparent that she and Yvann were the only ones who did not know what was what and where was where.

The single hoot only became louder and this time, even Laura and Raven were holding their breaths.

"Uh, I hate to break it to you, but would anyone care to explain what's going on?" Szeina asked in a hushed whisper.

Raegan turned to her, her eyes blazing.

"Trippers." She said like it was enough of an answer.

"Would you care to expound that?" Yvann replied, mimicking the hush whispers.

"We have no time for explanations. The only thing you need to know is that you wouldn't want a tripper to capture you and expect to live." Laura replied, stepping backwards.

"They move fast, merciless animals. They are worse than Rebels. If you think you've seen worse, think again." Raven continued, moving along with her sister.

A third hoot sounded. This time, it was so much closer to where they were.

"Run!"