"Yikes, it's gross," I grumbled to myself walking out of the washroom. "Mmmm!" I struggled as someone abruptly put his hand on my mouth and dragged me into the corner.

I kicked his knee in defense but he didn't budge. I was about to twist his hand which was blocking my mouth when I heard his voice.

"Ouch! Ash, It's me, Ren." I removed his hand from my mouth and turned.

"Are you okay?" I asked concerned.

"I am fine, that much won't hurt me."

"Are you looking down on me?" I crossed my arms over my chest miffed.

"And you even ruined my lipstick! Now I have to apply it again." I added pouting. To my surprise, he chuckled softly. Well, it's rare to see Ren laugh like that. Most of the time he either looked irritated or bored.

I heaved a sigh. "What brings you here?" I met his gaze.

"You are asking me! Did you get infected by Sam's stupidity?" I chuckled at his sarcastic remark.

"You are laughing, I am dead serious here and wherein the hell has that blockhead run off to? I'm gonna kill that airhead!" I can't help but chuckle which infuriated him more.

"How can you laugh right now? I am gonna give you an earful after all this end." He said pulling my ear.

"Ahh, sorry mom. I won't dare to sneak out late at night again," I said teasing him.

Heaving a sigh, he released my ear. "I see, Sam has rubbed on you badly. Only you and he can joke around even if in grave danger." I grinned at him.

Sliding his glasses upward, he cleared his throat. "You have thrown up, right? Do you feel something unusual?"

"No, I am alright. Sam didn't know about it, right?"

"Please don't tell anyone about this," I added.

"But-"

"Please, I don't want them to worry. I'm fine as you can see. It's not a big deal. I am a dampyre. It won't affect me, rest assured."

"Please." I pleaded with a puppy face.

He heaved a sigh. "Okay, what are you gonna do now?"

"I have got an aid. You and Sam wait for me at the back door."

†††

"Let's go." Ren dashed to take out the car from the alley.

"Yo Ash, you are awesome!" Sam draped his arm over my shoulder and grinned.

"Thanks but where were you?" I asked frowning.

"Uhh, I got stuck with something. I am really sorry."

"No prob!" I smiled at him.

"Will you two hurry?!" Ren glared at us looking out from the car window.

Sam took the seat next to Ren while I settled at the back. "Dude, cut me some slacks. It's a blood moon tonight," Sam argued lazily.

"I forgot. Hold tight. I am gonna speed up." When we reached there, they were already waiting for us at the door.

"You did it, Ash." Linda threw her arms at me happily and gave me a bone-crushing hug.

"It's enough, Linda," Sammy stated not looking at me.

"Oh, sorry. Where is it?" I pulled the paper and handed it to Zane.

"Thanks, dude." He side-hugged me and clapped my shoulder.

"Sorry, but we gotta go. We will catch up later." I nodded and they took their leave.

"We need to go too," Sammy muttered, grabbing Sam by the back of his collar. She looked kind of edgy.

Did something happen? They were just fine a while ago.

"Okay bye. See ya tomorrow." Sam gushed.

It's unlike Sam to go willingly without any fight.

Like Sam read my mind he spoke up, "Be ready for the camp. We'll get father's consent and get everything arranged so you need not worry." He winked at us.

"Let's go." With that, she left.

"You go take a shower and I'll take out something for you to eat." I nodded in assent and did so.

After the shower, I felt refreshed. Finally, I can breathe. That toxic smell has almost killed me. Any longer and I would be dead.

I slumped on the sofa in relief.

"Here." He placed two sandwiches and a glass of cranberry juice in front of me.

"Thank you." I smiled rubbing my hands in joy.

After finishing up, I took the plates to the sink and started washing them.

"Leave it. I will do it." Ren said standing beside me.

"It's alright. I know that much work." I chuckled.

Heaving a sigh, he turned and leaned on the counter.

"Ash, there is something I wanna talk to you about?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

"About that Wallace guy." I saw him staring at me from the corner of my eye.

"Please be careful."

"Why?" I asked wiping my hands, meeting his gaze.

"I had no information on him. He is always on guard but I can say he is precarious and cunning. I am afraid you might get hurt in the end."

I smiled at him. "He is difficult to penetrate but he is not a bad guy, I can tell. He does things for fun and is a sadist but he is generous from the inside. I doubt he himself has any idea about that."

He looked down. "In this world, everyone has numerous faces, what they show might not be the truth."

"Thank you for worrying about me. I will be careful." I smiled.

"You know what Ren," I paused stealing a glance at him.

"You never talked about your family."

"Is that so?! I didn't realize," he said pretending to be surprised, not meeting my eyes.

"My family is nothing special. Just a typical proud noble vampire's family, powerful and affluent," he said with a forced smile. I could tell it's not that simple.

"Ren, people can hide their emotions but their eyes never lies. And not just humans, it's for all living beings. No matter how composed you are or how good you are at pretending, your eyes tell the truth hidden deep inside your heart," I paused and glanced at him.

The dim light shadowed his face. He was looking down. His jaw tightened up, his fingers clenching the counter but not that tightly to break it.

I lifted his chin and pulled his glasses. For the first time, I locked my gaze with him without glasses. His hold loosened and he stared at me with utter surprise.

"These blue eyes behind the eyeglasses hide a lot of pain." On hearing my words, his eyes widened.

"These eyeglasses may act as a shield but they can't hide from me." I retracted my hand from his chin.

He looked away."I-I-"

He is not ready yet.

I turned. "No worries, everyone has their reasons. Everyone is feeling pain for one reason or another. I am not forcing you. Remember, I am always there for you. Whenever you feel like talking, you can come to me. I'll listen to you."

I suddenly felt a sudden tremor like everything is spinning before my eyes. I can feel my heartbeat increasing.

Something's wrong!

"What if I am not what I show?" He asked in a low voice. I controlled my breathing before turning.

"It doesn't matter to me. I'll embrace you for who you are. You will always be the same for me."

"What if one day you think I'm a burden and dragging you down?" He looked at me.

"You would never be a burden for me. I'll never leave you as long as I am alive, no matter the condition."

He smiled at me. "I promise to be with you even if everyone else leaves you. I would always be by your side." I beamed at him and hugged him.

He pulled back. "Don't tell anyone about this and give me my glasses back!" I chuckled. He put them on.

"Uh, I need to head back."

"Why?" he asked moving beside me.

"It's just I don't feel comfortable unless it's my bed. If I don't get enough rest, I will get agitated and Albert will scold me." Well, it's partially true.

"But your aunt?" he asked concerned.

"Don't worry. They are not home. I have the spare key."

"Okay, rest well or else they will scold me." He smiled.

"Okay. See ya tomorrow at school." I smiled and left.

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Hello lovely readers. How are you all?

Here's another chapter. Hope you like it.

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Till then bye ;)

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