A few days later, Encre's POV

Connerie and his group got a new home in the lowest cells in the dungeon, chained without any chance of escape. Their only visits are from Suave with Jasper or Felicia, though not for the sweetest of reasons. Suave says he goes with them to clean them after they have fun with the filth they consider their pinatas. Yes, they quite enjoy getting their revenge on Connerie.

I haven't stepped foot down there, seeing no point in exposing myself to those who harmed me again. And as far as I know, Fallacy has neglected them as well since their first night getting locked up, though Jasper has mentioned how sleep-deprived he has found them in the dungeon...Felicia suspects Fallacy goes alone when they don't notice or are awake to supervise him, but nothing has been said about it. He is often working on paperwork, finding that more important.

Now that they're handled, I'm finally able to relax. Suave is even looking for a cure to my curse. I find myself opening up more, especially in the company of Fallacy. And it's much nicer with a warmth often filling my soul that I no longer have to worry about. Then I decided to see how my dads are doing, preparing to make the trip home. I check the note that they had given me with the location and compare it to maps, finding that it will take a bit of walking but it isn't far from Fallacy's kingdom. I told them of my plans and Jasper smiled, allowing his lessons to be paused. He even helped me prepare. Soon I was at the kingdom gates saying goodbye to Jasper as he watched me march into the woods with my map. I see a carriage rush past me, fighting its way inside the gates and zipping towards the castle gates. I hear citizens shout and yell, cursing the driver that nearly hits them in such a rush.

"Look out Dad, they arrived!"Jasper yells

Seems like I left just in time to avoid royal trouble.

I keep walking and checking my map, eager to see my family. I'm curious about how it's going, especially with Rufous and Classique living there to help where they can. Then a familiar face blocks my path. Lord Charmeur.

"It's been a bit, hasn't it? Have you reconsidered at all? One bite and your life could change forever.~"He says with a grin.

"Nope, not interested. Don't need your mark on me."I say

"Then I demand that you let me!"He snaps

Jasper was right...He would return to be a problem...

"No can do."I say

"You dare deny my demand?"He snaps

"From what I understand, you can't take something that doesn't belong to you. Works the same with marks, right? Can't mark what's already marked?"I say, revealing my neck.

He gasps, looking like a lover that got cheated on, and soars away quickly. I shake my head, glad to be rid of that creep. Yet I only take a few more steps before hearing bushes rustling.

"Whoever is there, show yourself. I am not going to get stalked on my trip."I say

"Since when can you speak English?"A familiar voice says

I glance over, seeing Reve step out of hiding. I smile, waving to him.

"Bonjour, Reve. A lot has changed since we last saw each other. I'm sure that we'll have plenty to discuss but first, come here."I tell him, extending my arms to him.

He eagerly took the chance to hug me with a grin. I notice his red eyes and fangs.

"Yeah, the experiments worked after we got separated in the market. I'm mostly a vampire except for the wings and transformations."He says

"I see..."I say

"Any new scars? Anyone I have to handle?"He asks

"Yes, but you don't have to handle anyone. Not even Connerie."I say

"Really? Where are you even going then? Are you free?"He asks

I nod.

"Yes, I am free. I reunited with Father and I'm going to see him in the new village that he is developing. Classique and Rufous are there and plenty of people are moving there. I'm sure that they'll be happy to see you."I say

He holds my hand as I lead the way to the village. It doesn't take long before we see Rufous at the village walls, mending some iron bars onto it.

"Bonjour, Rufous!"I say

"Hey! Encre! Oh and look at that! It's Reve! Come on in, you two!"He says, opening the gates and shutting it behind us.

I smirk, pushing it open again.

"And what do you think you're doing? Aren't you supposed to be preparing for something?"I ask

"What do you mean?"Reve asks

"Rufous here has a date and yet he is repairing what isn't broken."I say

"How do you know about that?"He asks

"You thought that Classique wouldn't tell me when you said yes? He was so excited and I got so many letters where he was celebrating it."I say

"It's about time you both got together!"Reve says, grabbing Rufous by the arm and pulling him away

"What are you doing?"He asks

"Helping you prepare!"Reve says

"I'll show you around when you're done!"I call after him

I walk around, seeing the town for myself. It has great progress so far with multiple streets with houses or families of all different groups. There are even libraries, schools, and bakeries around and a fountain at the center of the town. A community is certainly taking shape. Before I could really consider things deeper, I get knocked forward by a pair of wings, pulling me into a hug. I smile up at me dad as he hugs me tightly. I hear him shouting and squeaking. Then my father runs over, looking alarmed until he sees the situation.

"Geez, Aster! I thought you were in trouble with the way that you were screeching! Why didn't you just say that he is here?"Father asks

Dad shrugs, making me chuckle.

"How is our boy anyway?"Father asks

"Good! I have a lot to tell you about! I'm finally free from speaking Greek! The town looks amazing!"I say

"Yes...It's just like our old home. But this one will stay."He says, leading me away with Dad.

Soon after getting a tour with Father explaining everything, Reve finds me and praises the town eagerly. He even says that he may live here.

"How come I don't see your house here?"He asks

"I'm Jasper's art tutor. The daily travel would take too long from here."I say

Then I smile as my parents return from getting snacks, welcoming Reve lovingly.

"How the heck did you become Prince Jasper's tutor? Is that why the news showed you with his father?"Reve asks

"Pfft, no. His position shouldn't be so surprising since the royal family ADORES him and can't get enough of him."Poussiere says, landing beside Reve with Azure in his arms.

"I've heard so many complaints from Suave about having to end bickering between Jasper and his aunt on who can spend time with him!"Azure chuckles

I shake my head, hearing similar complaints from Suave, though it's more about Fallacy skipping meetings or messing with the schedule.

"What brings you here, Poussiere?"Reve asks

"Just finished a meeting with the council and Fallacy so now I am here to help with the legal or structure sides of the village. And I can't go without my boyfriend!"He says, setting Azure down.

I see the shock on his face.

"What did I even miss?"He asks

"You'll probably want to sit down to hear all that you missed."Azure says

"Yes, I am very concerned about what might have happened...Especially regarding Mr. Aster's return."Reve says as he is taken away by my parents and Azure.

Poussiere stays beside me and grins. 

"So, you like how the village is coming along?"He asks

I nod and he steps closer, his gaze scanning me carefully. Then he grins wider.

"That son of a bitch! He actually marked you!"He shouts

"No! Nobody marked me! Quiet down!"I say

"Pink Moon was very interesting this year, huh?"He says teasingly

"NO!"I snap, shaking my head.

I cover my neck as he grins wider.

"Shut up! This isn't anything so stop calling it a mark before my father hears and wreaks havoc!"I tell him

"I am sooo teasing him about it now!"He says, soaring off.

I groan, shaking my head.

It's not a mark...It's just one of Jasper's tricks...This is going to be a great family visit...

TBC