Chapter 82

The group was set to leave. Our horses and weapons were already set. While we waited for Ethan to join us, we chit chatted at the living room.

"I never thought this house could be this good." Jameal said. He has gotten a good bath and his look, stunning. Who would have thought?

"I practically imagined it will collapse during the night" Claire laughed.

"It's been a long time since I slept on a bed." Azazel added. "Feels so surreal"

The three laughed and chatted heartily. Julian was in a sullen mood. I don't know why. I haven't had the chance to speak to him since I woke up. It seems like he's avoiding me. That got my mood sour also. I also still feel different. I feel like my head is out of my body or somehow I'm now two. I can't describe it, can't explain it. I wish I could. Ethan's weird attitude backed up with Julian's sulkiness. I knew there was more to worry about.

"Oh my goodness, I forgot my pearls!" Claire gasped. She hurried up the stairs to get it. The two youngsters still chit chatted. I got fed up of sitting there. I could see Julian steal glances at me. And it's really annoying.

I stood up and walked out, leaned on my horse, glad that I'm finally alone. Few moments after, I felt someone join me. It was Julian. To be honest, I least expected to see him. I thought he was angry with me or something.

"Hey" He said. "Is everything alright?"

I should be asking you that question. Is everything alright with you?

"No, no."I shook my head. " I'm very okay and you? You don't look like you are."

"I..." He licked his lips. "I'm cool. We're going back to the castle right?"

I winced. I've been thinking about that too. There's one more person I haven't found. I can't go back yet and today we have to go back or there'll be suspicions. I remembered the holy water. I've lost my powers now, will I still be immune to it? I can't take risks now that I know how useless they will be to me. But I need to find the last guy. The guy with a pet, a baby leopard.

"I don't know. I can't leave without finding the last person. I'm so confused right now."

And Luna, Will I leave without her? Never!

"We should leave. We should get back to the castle. You can find them some other time. We have to keep ourselves safe first."

Huh... That's impossible. I wasn't in the mood to argue.

"I'll do what my mind tells me. You can leave if you want to."

I know that was harsh but it was nothing compared to how I felt. My brain, I can't feel it. And this pain on my neck, I wish I've checked a mirror before putting on my coat this morning.

We were quiet. Though, my mind was wondering around but I observed something behind the bush far away from where we stood. I didn't say anything because I thought it was just an animal. The more I gazed at it the more I realized that it was human. But no one lives around here? 

Suddenly I saw a bullet cut through the air. The figure or whatever it was just shot a gun towards Julian. I found myself pushing my weight on him. He fell hard on him back, then the sound came and I felt the tiny bullet penetrate my throat. Blood gushed out. I thought I would died. I saw Julian send an arrow toward the attacker before he came to me.

"Katrienair!"He shrieked. "You should not have done that!" 

My eyes were heavy but the bullet... something was in my mouth that I had to vomit. It was the goddamn bullet. I was shocked to see my wounds close up gradually. While Julian cried on chest, I felt my pain ease away. And in no time, I had the strength to speak.

"Idiot!"I hissed. Julian raised his head. His eyes already swollen in tears. Shocked was written all over his face. I was surprised too but I just felt I had no time to dwell in any type of emotion.

"Katrienair"He gasped.

"Shut up" I stood up and cleaned up he dust on my coat.

This only means one of thing; I got my self back.

But I can't be happy just yet.

I walked over to the young boy who laid limp on the ground. An arrow already lodged in his heart. Oh my God, Julian did this.

I touched him, life was already going out of him but that electric effect of 'you are ours ' was still in there. I knew then that he as just the guy I was searching for.

I sent Julian an evil glare. He has just killed him. I removed the arrow from his chest. Tore off his blood soaked clothes and placed my hands over his wound.

Julian glared back at me.

"What are you trying to do? He almost got you killed!"

"Shut up!"I spat. "He's the one."

I could here footsteps behind us. Then Ethan's voice.

"Seems like there's been a big fight here huh?" He knelt beside Julian while the others followed suit. There was blood on my coat. They all stared at me awkstruck. I focused on the dying boy. I would use every bit of the new energy in me to get him better. We were quiet. They watched me silently and in awe.

"Can someone explain what went wrong here? Who is he?"Claire broke the silence.

"She took a bullet"Julian began his explanation. "This boy tried to kill her. I killed him and she's trying to wake him up."

She took a bullet? They echoed. 

Moments after, I felt his heart beat again. I felt so relieved that he's been brought back to life.

"Seems like our master has gotten her powers back huh" Ethan jeered. 

"But why did you save him?" Claire asked.

I was about to answer her when two animals ran towards us. My breath stopped, so did the air around us.

The two animals, his white baby leopard and Luna jumped on me. Each licked the sides of my cheek. I felt like my life got restored to me in few seconds. I kissed Luna and the leopard though he didn't spend much time with me. He got on the young lads face and licked it to life.

"I miss you Luna!"I shrieked. She only rubbed her face on mine. Tears ran down my cheek, I could not control it. It's the first time I'll be crying in front of people. I really wished I could control it. Claire hugged me and wiped my tears with the back of her hands.

The boy soon gained enough strength to sit up. I pulled myself together and got into the act.

"What's your name?"

"I'm sorry, I only wanted to get rid of the demon."He apologized while glaring at Julian. I felt suddenly nauseous. What the heck?!

"Get rid of prince Julian?" I pursed my lip, thinking of what to say. "How did you even get a gun?" He was just young teenager.

"I'm a young hunter. I hunt for my father. He told me demons should not live. They don't deserve to be here."

I know right?

"You should not attack prince Julian ever again. He's one of us."

He nodded solemnly.

"So what's your name?"

"Gabriel" He said.

"And your leopard. What's his name?"

"Alex"He smiled.

"You're one of us Gabriel. Would you join my army?"

He looked puzzled for a while before speaking. "I'll be honoured."

"We should leave then."

Claire walked over to him and helped him up.

"I'll get him new clothes." They walked back into the building.

"I'll go get him a horse."Ethan said, Azazel and Jameal followed him.

Then I was left with Luna and Julian.

Luna just held on to my right leg and Julian, he was staring at me. He loves it to stare, don't he?

I had a lot to say but just could not. It's ridiculous how my powers and Luna came back all in one. What would have caused them to come back so quickly. Is it the wine? Or what's the new thing I did yesterday? No wonder this morning started off awkward.

 With his stare, I could only ask one question:

"Julian, what happened yesternight?"