Thank you so much for reading my Gazellian Series. Thank you for making it this far. When I wrote His Bite, I never thought that readers will appreciate this kind genre, hindi ko rin akalain na mapapahaba ko ito nang ganito. Thank you for loving my GS series.

Maraming salamat sa nanatiling nagbabasa <3

Epilogue

"Let's go home, Tavion."

Before, when I heard the word home, I couldn't think of any good meaning about it. It was just a single word, but it pained me like the sharpest sword. I loathed that word because every time that I had the courage to call someone home, to find a place that I should call home— they tend to disappear right before my eyes.

But now who would have thought that a lone vampire like me, who accepted his fate to be alone, and who stopped hoping to find his new home would have been given a chance to have this beautiful view in front of his eyes?

Iris extended those warm hands as she looked back at me before we fully entered the portal back to that place they called home— Parsua Sartorias, I tried to find that usual pain in my chest. . . but all I felt was a relief.

She smiled at me as I felt that single tear glided down my cheek. Until I allowed her to pull me closer as we crossed the portal together.

***

I could remember how calm that kingdom was, the place I thought was my home— a place that I thought would accept me little by little, but everything was just too foolish to hope. 

It was that usual summer in the Kingdom of Athens, the children of royalties were outside of the castle, playing together with their servants watching them, Queen Nova, my mother was with them with her beautiful white parasol as the summer breeze flutters with the leaves from the huge trees towering our castle.

I grew up as a young boy, witnessing this scene multiple times, as I've been isolated to socialize with my siblings, and with other nobilities— because who am I to demand a place in this kingdom? I am an unexpected child, a mistake, a boy who has no father, and a disgrace to my mother.

I spent most of my time inside my luxurious room, dressed like royalty, with servants and tutors but no one to talk with aside from my lessons as a prince. I always placed my table near that slightly opened window as I watched my mother play happily and freely with my siblings. With my chin on the back of my hand, as I witnessed how happy they were in front of the castle, all I did was allow those pieces of small leaves to flew down on the current page of my opened book.

When I was young, all I wanted was to join them.

I was about to remove my gaze away from them when my mother's head looked up exactly at the window of my room, she smiled at me with a wave from her hand, but her attention was easily diverted when my half-siblings pulled her hands, not even giving me a chance to wave back at her.

"Prince Tavion?"

I brushed the leaves on the pages of the book and looked at those familiar lines. I shouldn't get swayed by my emotions and I should be satisfied with their treatment— a prison cell dressed in luxury.   

"I am sorry. This is my idea about this passage. . ."

As I read the passage from the book, my tutor's face brightened, fascinated by how I could easily understand the complexity of those words at my young age.

He shouldn't be surprised. Hindi ba't iyon na lang ang ginagawa ko sa buong buhay ko?

I lived in the Kingdom of Athens studying their law and history as if those gained knowledge would recognize me as someone who would be one of their rulers. Dahil alam kong kailanman ay hindi darating ang araw na tatanggapin ako ng mundong ito bilang isang may kapangyarihan.

It was all for the sake of my mother. 

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ko na halos ipinipilit na lang ng aking ina ang oras upang makasama ako. Her, being the queen of the kingdom has bigger responsibilities, and to be a mother of an unacknowledged child, giving him more attention is a waste of time.   

Ngunit sa kaunting panahon na inilalaan sa akin ni ina, kailanman ay hindi ko siya pinakitaan ng higit pang paghahangad. I know that she's been trying to do her best to be with me, sa kabila ng kanyang responsibilidad. And I should enjoy every moment of it.

"I heard that you've been reading your books and taking your lessons diligently, Tavion."

Marahang hinaplos ni ina ang buhok ko habang katabi ko siya sa aking kama. It's been a year when she last visited me before I sleep. And I never expected that it will happen again.

Ngumiti ako sa sinabi niya.

"I even had this news that you're gifted in using weapons."

Halos pagtango lang ang ginagawa ko habang nakatuon lang ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Kung iisipin, paano pa ako hindi higit na gagaling sa iba't ibang larangan kung iyon lang ang tanging aking ginagawa?

I've been trying my best not to be her disappointment. If this world would not see me fit to be one of their rulers, I could always be my on mother's side, a knight or a soldier that would always be there to protect her.

My life as a kid inside the Kingdom of Athens was filled with memories of limited happiness with my mother. Kung hindi man ako nakikisalamuha sa mga dugong-bughaw ay sanay na akong tumatakas sa palasyo at nagtutungo sa lugar kung saan naroon ang mabababang mamayanan ng kaharian.

There, I could feel that I am free and had the right to smile and have that little laughter with my identity hidden from my playmates.

My playmates and I were gasping for air as we fell on the beds of fluttering white glowing flowers that night, the sky was bright with its stars, and the chill of the wind felt so satisfying. Madalas kaming mag-unahan sa pagtakbo at pinipili na roon magpahinga para tumanaw sa kalangitan. Tawa kami nang tawa sa aming mga sarili dahil sa ginawa naming pagtakas mula sa matandang lalaki na nagagalit sa tuwing nagigising siya sa kanyang pagtulog dahil sa ingay namin.

"He will definitely kill us next time!" sabi ko.

"Can we change our route?"

"Hindi naman talaga tayo maingay. He was just sensitive!"

Muli kaming nagtawanan.

"Oo nga pala, Tavion. Nasabi mo na ba sa inyo?" tanong ni Wylan.

Bigla akong natahimik. They asked me the same question before, and I couldn't find any answer.

"Bakit hindi mo anyayahan ang mga magulang mo na minsang dumalo sa pagdiriwang sa bahay? Hindi ba mahilig makisalamuha ang iyong mga magulang?"

I told them that I was a son of a servant from the palace. At pinababayaan ako ng mga magulang kong bumaba para makipaglaro sa kanila kapag tapos na ang trabaho ko sa palasyo.

"They are busy." Iyon lang ang iisang kasagutan na lagi kong isinasagot sa kanila sa loob ng halos dalawang taon.

I thought everything would be fine, with my disguise as a commoner and a diligent prince being locked down inside the castle, but one night when I was changing my commoner's clothes, the king of the Kingdom of Athens, my mother's husband caught me with the complete rage on his face.

I didn't falter even with his intense anger. Dahil alam kong walang laban ang boses ko. Marahan kong ibinaba ang kasuotan ko sa kama at hinarap ang galit na galit na hari patungo sa akin.

Malakas na sampal na may kasamang malaking bakal na singsing ang tumama sa akin. I felt that sudden sting on my face, and the smell of my own blood.

My tilted head moved slowly as I showed my usual straight-faced in front of the king and his servants.

"You insolent bastard! At ngayon ay ipinakikita mo na ang totoong intensyon mo? Mukhang pinagpa-planuhan mo pang manguna sa rebelyon ng kahariang ito!"

Hindi ako nagsalita at nagpatali ako. With his knights, they dragged me outside of my room and brought me inside that hideous prison cell. With my young body, I accepted all those lashings and endless curses of a sin that didn't even cross my mind.

Marahas hinawakan ng hari ang mukha ko habang patuloy siya sa pagmumura sa akin na halos hindi ko na maintindihan. And those soldiers left to torture me didn't even give a slight mercy with my young body, they all treated me as a criminal. 

I never shed a single tear. Hinayaan ko lang ang nakatali at nakaangat kong mga kamay, ang ulo kong nakayuko at ang katawan kong nababahidan na ng sarili kong dugo.

As I looked down I could see my own reflection on the wet ground as the dim light from the old single lantern illuminated that rotten prison cell. I have the ability to escape the cell, but I chose to stay for my mother.

"Everything for you, mother. . ."

Matapos ang ilang gabing pagpapahirap sa akin, hindi na ako muling nagtangkang lumabas ng palasyo. I spent all of my days reading and training my body to be tough, and discovering more about my vampire gifts.

It's one of those days that I have a training with the knights, dahil may iilan na akong naging kapalagayan ng loob, nagagawa na nilang makipag-usap sa akin at magbigay ng ilang balita na naririnig nila sa usap-usapan sa palasyo.

"I heard that the king is planning to marry you off to a wealthy family, Tavion," sabi ni Denzo bago uminom ng tubig.

He gave me a wooden cup filled with water as well. Tumigil ako sa pagbebenda ng aking braso dahil sa nakaraang tama sa akin at tinanggap muna ang inabot niya sa akin. Uminom muna ako ng tubig bago ayoko bahagyang yumuko at ipatong ang dalawang braso ko sa aking hita.

"I can bear the torture of this kingdom, but they can't force me to marry someone for political affairs. I am a vampire and I have a mate. I will marry and love once. Iisang babae lamang."

I am not going to take that same mistake again.

"You are quite matured for your age, Tavion."

Tumayo na ako at sinuntok siya sa kanyang braso. "Want another sparring?"

Suminghap siya. "But you're still injured!"

Nag-angat ako ng kilay sa kanya. "I heal quickly. If you're afraid, you can call the others to help you."

Buong akala ko ay magiging higit na malakas na ako dahil sa matinding oras na iginugol ko sa pag-aaral, pag-e-ensayo at pagtuklas sa kapangyarihan ko. But when our kingdom has the biggest enemy's attack, I discovered that everything was not enough.

When I was with my mother, I was still that vulnerable kid who needs to be pampered and spoiled. Sa tuwing kasama ko siya, hindi ko naiisip na mag-isa lang ako sa mundong ito, na kailangan kong higit na maging malakas at humilera sa mga mas matatandang lalaki na ilang taon ang agwat sa aking edad. I was just a kid in his usual age who wants love.

Pero dahil sa posisyon ko sa mundong ito. I matured quickly and grew up aware of the things I should learn after coming of age. But I have to help myself because that's my only means of survival.

I thought everything would be fine, sinusunod ko ang lahat ng gusto ng palasyo, higit kong pinalalakas ang sarili ko, at masaya na ako sa saglit na pagsasama namin ni ina, ngunit isa pala iyong malaking akala. Lumaban man ako bilang mandirigma, sa huli'y nasaksihan ko pa rin ang sakripisyo ni ina upang ako'y iligtas. I was not strong enough to save someone that I loved.

"I was wrong when I brought you here, Tavion. Find your father. . . you deserve to find a family that will love and accept you, anak. Live. At mangako ka sa aking malakas kang babalik para bawiin ang mundong ito."

It was my first defeat and I couldn't even think of a way to recover.

***

Nang sandaling imulat ko ang aking mga mata, hiniling ko na sana'y kapag ipinikit kong muli iyon ay makakasama ko na si ina. I didn't wish to wake up in a foreign country— to start a new without the familiar warmth of my mother.

But old man Oda, the man who welcomed me in another world gave me strength and pushed me to take that risk again and overcome my fear and loneliness.  I tried everything to shove him away from me, but it was the old man's natural kindness that swayed me, and hopes that maybe I have this second chance to live again.

I grew up with the idea that my mother sent me to the place where my father was, but I never looked for him. I enjoyed living in the company of Old man Oda with his simple life. But everything started to change when I first saw my biological father with the same hair and features as if I was looking in front of the mirror.

Ang tanging nais kong gawin ng mga oras na iyon ay marahas na tumalon patungo sa kanyang kabayo at saktan siya. How could he abandon us? How could he abandon his own son? If he loved my mother why would he allow her to marry that weak man who let his kingdom to get trampled?

Ngunit wala akong kakayahang saktan siya sa mga oras na iyon, at ang tanging nagawa ko'y tumakbo nang napakabilis malayo sa kanya habang dama ang matinding galit at sakit matapos ang ilang taong pag-iisa ko.

That night, I desperately want to remove any of our attachment as if I could really do something it. Habang nakatanaw ako sa sarili kong repleksyon sa ilog, gusto kong baguhin ang mukha ko, ngunit ang tangi ko lang nagawa'y pilit palitan ang kulay ng buhok ko na katulad ng sa kanya.

Sarado ang isipan kong magkaroon pa ng kahit isang pagkakataong magkaroon ng engkwentro mula kay Tiffon Gazellian, ngunit ngayon na madalas na akong makisalamuha sa mga nilalang sa mundong iyon, higit na akong nagkakaroon ng ideya sa naging nakaraan ni Tiffon Gazellian.

I was right about him, having me and my mother before he met his mate. He left his responsibilities in his own world to be with the current queen in this world— Queen Lumina. The Queen who was loved, the mate, and the destined woman for him.

Sa kaunting panahon na kasama ko si ina, alam kong hindi niya minahal ang haring kanyang pinakasalan. She married him for power and stability, but her heart remains in the man who abandoned us.

The world named, Asta Wellingzon is a place I never thought I'd call home, because Tiffon Lagor Gazellian is their king. Matagal ko nang inisip na umalis sa mundong ito at maghanap ng ibang lugar upang doon manirahan, ngunit ang pagmamahal sa akin ng matandang si Oda ang siyang pumigil sa akin.

I grew fond of the old man that I decided to stay in this world, to live with him, and to be happy because after all, he was the one who accepted me as his son. Sa kabila ng kaalamang kahit isang patak ng dugo niya'y walang nanalaytay sa akin.

And I'd do everything for him to make his life longer. At handa akong isugal ang pagkakataong muli magku-krus ang landas namin ni Tiffon Gazellian dahil sa isang misyon— a mission to find a magical fountain lake that would make someone healthy again. Isang alamat na akala ko ay tanging sa mga libro ko lang malalaman.

At ngayon na may kakayahan na ako at lakas, hindi ko hahayaang wala akong gawin katulad nang nangyari sa amin ni ina.

A few nights before the mission on finding the Fountain of Youth, old man Oda made his attempt to stop me again.

"Tavion, anak, matagal pa akong mabubuhay sa mundong ito, hindi mo na kailangang sumugal sa misyong –" I cut him off.

"Buo na ang desisyon ko matandang Oda. If you don't want to use it, and then I'll sell it," birong sabi ko.

"I can recommend good buyers," dagdag ni Cora.

Recently, I've been meeting this woman for no reason. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla na lang siyang sumusulpot sa tabi ko, but I've grown accustomed with her presence as if we shared something that I suddenly forgot.

Did I drink her blood and I couldn't remember? I am aware that a priestess has the ability to erase memories, did she remove something inside my head? But I don't find her as a threat, kaya hinayaan ko na lang siya sa tuwing bigla siyang lumalapit o nagpapakita sa akin.

"Nobya mo ba ang babaylan na ito, Tavion?"

"Yes," agad na sagot ni Cora.

"No." Madiin kong sagot.

Tumawa si Cora habang nalilito kaming tiningnan ng matandang Oda. "I'll start packing my things."

***

The expedition towards the Fountain of Youth was filled with hopeful soldiers. Katulad ko na umaasang may maililigtas na mahal sa buhay. We're all motivated not just to help our loved ones, but to bring the triumph of the kingdom.

Marami na daw sumubok at may iba pa mula sa ibang mundo ang siyang nagtangkang magtungo sa lugar na iyon para kumuha ng tubig ng buhay ngunit wala pang nagtatagumpay.

Tiffon Gazellian might be leading the expedition, but I tried my best to avoid him. Kung maaari ay lagi akong naroon sa grupo kung saan si Cora ang siyang namumuno. She was with the soldiers and the only healer of the journey.

Umiinom ako nang alak nang tumabi siya sa akin, may hawak din siyang basong gawa sa kahoy. And it smells like an alcohol as well, mas matapang.

"Are you sure about that?" tanong ko sa kanya nang makitang halos hindi pa niya napapangalahati ang alak.

"Are you worried about me?"

Tumalim ang titig ko sa kanya. "You are the only healer. I am just thinking about the welfare of this expedition."

"Hmm. . ."

"Why don't you join them?"

"Join who?"

"There will be a day that they will enter this world. You should come with them."

"What are you talking about?"

Ngumiti lang sa akin si Cora bago niya ako iniwan sa kinauupuan ko na habol ang tingin sa kanya. She is really a very weird woman.

Our expedition was filled with strong wind, storm, and endless surge of the sea waves. Halos hindi na natuyo ang buong katawan namin dahil sa walang tigil na ulan. Malakas na sigawan, takbuhan, at abalang mga kamay ang tanging ginawa namin sa ibabaw ng barko upang mapanatili lang nakalutang ang aming ekspedisyon sa dagat.

I was expecting that Tiffon Gazellian would be just giving his orders while his subjects were all struggling to make our ship afloat, but he was as eager as everyone.

"Tavion!" sigaw ng isa sa mga kasamahan ko nang may malaking kahon na bigla na lang magtutungo sa akin dahil sa tindi ng paggalaw ng barko.

I will fall!

"Tavion!" narinig kong sumigaw si Cora.

She was about to use her spell to save me, but her sudden movement to save me would kill more of us, napailing siyang tumalikod habang ang dalawa niyang kamay ay nakatuwid at pilit sinasalag ang naglalakihang alon na lalamon sa amin.

Nakahawak na ang lahat sa dapat nilang hawakan nang tumagilid ang barko, ngunit may nag-iisang nilalang na hinayaan ang sariling bumagsak ang katawan upang habulin ako.

I never witnessed King Tiffon in any of his combat, but I heard that his power was similar to light— an orange light to be exact. They say that the king emits the light of a burning sunset.

I wasn't trying to extend my hand for him to save me, but as I descended with my eyes fixated on his face, I could see the desperation. There was a sudden orange light on his feet, as if it bodied a small floor for him to stop and stand, and pull me with the orange igniting light that turned into rope.

As he pulled me closer to save me, there was something in his eyes that I couldn't figure out. Was this the emotion of a king to his subject?

With Cora's power and with everyone's helping hand, they stabled the position of the ship the moment, and King Tiffon saved me from falling.

Kung tutuusin ay magagawa ko namang makaahon sa tubig kung mahulog ako, ngunit bakit ganoon na lang ang reaksyon ni Tiffon sa isang mababang nilalang na katulad ko?

Nakatayo ako sa harapan niya, akma na sana niyang hahawakan ang balikat ko ngunit itinigil ni Tiffon ang kanyang kamay, agad niya akong tinalikuran at sunud-sunod na siyang nagbigay ng utos sa lahat. Bumaba mula sa ere si Cora at tumabi sa akin habang nakatanaw pa rin ako kay Tiffon.

"Are you okay?"

"I will survive that fall, right? It's just water with waves."

"This is the devil's sea, Tavion. You will die with those waves, it will eat your strength. Kahit gaano ka pa kalakas."

"He saved me. Why?"

Tumawa lang si Cora sa sinabi ko.

Halos isang buwan din kaming nanatili sa ekspedisyon, hindi lang panahon ang siyang kalaban namin dahil maging iba't ibang klase ng halimaw ang siyang sumasalubong sa amin.

Tiffon has been saving his subjects, but he never used his orange light again.

"Malapit na tayo," sabi sa akin ni Cora.

Inilabas ko ang sarili kong bote kung saan doon ko ilalagay ang tubig para kay matandang Oda.

"That Old man is so lucky to have you."

"No. I am lucky to have him."

For the first time, the wicked priestess smiled genuinely at me. "Maybe you're both lucky to have each other."

"Sometimes a warm home can't be found in places, but it can be found into someone's embrace."

"And you found it to that old man," dagdag ni Cora.

"Yes."

Ngunit nang inakala naming malapit na kami sa tagumpay, isang pulang ibon ang siyang lumipad patungo sa aming malaking barko. Agad lumapit si Cora sa tabi ni Tiffon upang mabasa ang sulat na nakapaloob doon, at habang pinapanuod namin ang bawat reaksyon ng hari, hindi na naging maganda ang pakiramdam ko.

Nagbaba ng anunsyo si Tiffon.

"We have to return to the kingdom!"

Walang nakapagtanong sa hari at lahat ay sumunod sa kanyang bawat utos. Nagmamadaling lumapit sa akin si Cora. "The king has been fooled! We're not going to the Fountain of Youth! The Fountain of Youth has been inside our kingdom!"

"W-What?"

"It's in the underground graveyard of the empire!"

Lalampasan na sana ako ni Cora ngunit marahas kong hinawakan ang braso niya. "What?!"

Iritado niyang sinalag ang kamay ko sa braso niya. "This is the reason why I never agreed to remove your damn memories! I don't want to further explain! The king, your father! He's been trying to protect his position in this world, mayroon pa rin hindi tanggap ang pagiging hari niya sa mundong ito. This is an attempt to dethrone him and make this expedition an act of foolishness! Queen Lumina is in danger!"

"W-Why?"

"Because this attempt to find the fountain of youth was never meant to find that magical water! This mission's aim is to destroy that fountain, Tavion. Dahil ang tubig na sinasabing nakakadagdag ng buhay ay umaagaw lang nang panibagong buhay para magdugtong ng isa pang buhay. It's like killing to save the other lives. . . sacrificing another life for another. Sinong nilalang ay may karapatang magtimbang ng buhay dalawang nilalang? If people will find its power, magpapatayan ang lahat para lang sundin ang sarili nilang interes!"

Bumagsak ang mga balikat ko sa narinig mula kay Cora. Not just because of the fact that the Fountain of Youth will not save my father, but the discovery that the place that we've been searching for is a source of evil.

It should be destroy. Dahil tama ang sinabi ni Cora, walang sinuman ang may karapatang tumimbang ng buhay ng bawat nilalang.

"And the Kingdom's grave is a place that no one would think. . ." usal ko.

I thought Tiffon would never use his orange light again, but Cora and him combined their powers to move our ship against the bigger waves. Ngunit ang higit kong hindi inaasahan nang nagawa pa nilang paliparin ang malaking barko.

If King Tiffon has that look of desperation when he tried to save me, right now, it was all madness. Na nasisiguro kong mapapatay niya ang nilalang na ku-kwestiyon sa desisyon niya— a love that he'll never offer for my mother who died loving him. 

We arrived back at the kingdom na tila walang nangyayaring hindi tama. Nais ko na sanang magbalik sa kabundukan upang ibalita kay Matandang Oda ang sitwasyon, ngunit may nagtulak sa akin na sumunod kina Cora at Haring Tiffon.

"Why in the Kingdom's grave? Why in the royalty's grave? Because a royal's sacrifice would give a longer life," dagdag ni Cora.

"And the King hasn't heard about this? Na nagtatago lang pala rito ang hinahanap mo?" hindi na ako nag-alangan pa kung marinig ni Tiffon ang sinasabi ko.

Bukas na ang lupa kung saan naroon ang mahabang hagdanan patungo sa libingan ng mga naging matataas na namumuno ng mundong ito.

"Or maybe the royalties are really aware and they purposely didn't tell you, but who are they going to revive? And who's the. . ." natigil na ako sa pagsasalita nang matalim na lumingon sa akin si Tiffon.

Nakasunod ako sa kanilang dalawa na nagmamadaling bumaba sa hagdan. I was preparing myself for another combat, but I never thought that I'd see someone very familiar, with his fragile body, drenched with his own blood, and a Queen behind his back.

Behind them was a small man-made fountain, and an altar, around it were graves of the deceased royalties, statues, old lamps, and other dead bodies. 

My father, my old man Oda was trying to protect the queen against the other royalties— just like a soldier as he used to be. "F-Father. . ."

"I am forever loyal to the royal family! All hail Queen Lumina!"

"A-Anong ginagawa mo rito?!" malakas na sigaw ko.

Bago pa makakilos sina Tiffon at Cora upang patigilin ang mga nakapaligid na dugong-bughaw na tila hindi inaasahan ang pagdating namin ay isa-isa ko nang nilapitan ang mga ito at walang awang pinugutan ng ulo.

I joined the expedition to give him a better life, but what is happening?

"Father. . ."

Ilang beses kong tinawag na ama ang matandang si Oda habang lumuluha akong nanghihinang naglalakad sa kanya. He's not a soldier anymore, bakit siya lang ang narito? Nasaan ang bantay ng reyna?

"What kind of kingdom is this, Tiffon!?" mas malakas na sigaw ko.

"Anong klaseng kaharian ito! Ayos na ako! Kami! What the—" halos saktan ko ang sarili ko habang matalim na tinapunan ng tingin sina Tiffon, Cora at maging si Reyna Lumina, pati na rin ang mga katawan ng mga maharlikang nakahandusay sa sahig.

"Let's go home—" ngunit bago pa man ako makalapit sa matandang Oda ay tumulo na ang ilang patak ng kanyang dugo sa tubig na nasa likuran niya, buong lakas niyang itinulak si Reyna Lumina kay Tiffon bago ko tuluyang nagsaksihan ang unti-unting pag-angat ng tubig.

"N-No. . ." nanlalaki ang mga mata ko habang nakatingala sa umaangat na tubig sa likuran ng aking ama. "No. . ." ulit ko.

"Masaya akong naglingkod sa kahariang ito, Reyna Lumina, ipinangako ko sa aking mahal na asawang ipagpapatuloy ang tungkulin niyang pangalagaan ang prinsesa na ngayo'y reynang inalagaan niya. Ipinadala ka rito Haring Tiffon upang ayusin ang mundong ito. . ." huling tumingin sa akin ang matandang Oda.

"Tavion, isang kagalakan na binigyan ako ng pagkakataong maging isang ama ng isang mabuting batang katulad mo. Maraming-maraming salamat, anak."

Bago pa ako tuluyang tumakbo pa abutin ang kanyang mga kamay ay tuluyan na siyang nilamon ng tubig sa aking harapan. Agad akong niyakap at pinigilan ni Cora upang hindi sumunod sa tubig habang walang tigil sa pagluha at pagtawag ng ama sa unang nilalang na tumanggap sa akin.

Because the devil's fountain accepts the offering through a drop of a single blood— at inangkin iyon ng matandang Oda, upang hindi na maghangad pa ng buhay ang tubig ng araw na iyon.

***

They locked down the graveyard where the cursed fountain was located. I spent almost two years guarding the entrance of the graveyard to honor the bravery of my father. I never talked with Tiffon, Lumina or even Cora. Naroon lang ako at hinayaan ko ang sarili kong bantayan ang lugar na maaari pang kumitil ng buhay nang nakararami.

I even heard that my relatives suddenly appeared in this world for their own interest. Saka ko lang naintindihan ang sinabi sa akin ni Cora noon, na may darating at maaari akong sumama. Ngunit nasisiguro kong hindi magiging maganda ang pakitungo ko sa kanila kung sakaling magtangka silang lapitan ako.

As much as possible I want to be alone. I am tired.

Nabuhay akong umuuwi sa aming dating tahanan at bumabalik ako sa bukana ng libingan upang magbantay. I didn't even hear news about the situation of this world in Tiffon's new way of administration.

Inaasahan ko na magiging ganoon pa rin ang buhay ko hanggang sa susunod na mga taon nang biglang nagpakita si Tiffon sa tabi ko.

Alam kong madalas siyang nakatanaw sa akin sa malayo, at ipinagpapasalamat ko na ang mga taong ganoon lang ang ginawa niya. Ngunit tila ngayo'y may nag-udyok sa kanyang lapitan ako.

He sat beside me, while I remained standing in my position.

"They went here."

Hindi ako nagsalita. "The family that deserves you. I know that you regained your memories, those that you wished to be removed before. . . Tavion, stop punishing yourself. Oda will not be happy with your situation."

Nanatili akong hindi nagsasalita. "You should free yourself, Tavion. Leave this world and find your happiness, iyon ang bagay na alam kong hinihiling ni Oda para sa 'yo. Ito ang bagay na nais kong gawin mo."

Lumingon na ako sa kanya, ngunit hindi nagbabago ang ekspresyon ko.

"Sino ang magbabantay sa lugar na ito? Paano kung maulit at marami pang buhay—" tumayo na siya at hinarap ako.

"I am now a new king, Tavion. For the past few years I proved them that I deserved the throne, that I am not a foreigner of this place. Allow me to protect this place, Tavion. Lumaya ka na sa lugar na ito. Maging masaya ka, a-anak. . ."

Nabalot ng katahimikan ang paligid namin. At hinayaan namin na tanging ingay ng ihip ng hangin ang siyang mamayani ng mga oras na iyon.

I've been protecting this place for years, ngunit ngayong narinig ko ang sinabi ni Tiffon, at muling nagbalik sa akin ang nakangiting mukha ni Matandang Oda, alam ko sa sariling kong tama ang sinasabi niya. The old man Oda will never wished me to be here, alone, and hating myself.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago ako saglit na lumingon sa likuran ko. "I should go, father. . ."

Muling umihip ang mainit na hangin nang tipid kong ngumiti sa bukana ng mga libingan. Tipid akong lumingon kay Tiffon at bahagya akong tumango sa kanya. Dahil hindi ko rin nais magtagal sa isang lugar na tanging kami lang dalawa ang magkasama ay nagsimula na akong humakbang at taas noong nilampasan siya.

"At. . . humihingi ako nang tawad sa lahat, Tavion. Alam kong hindi mo ako mapapatawad, ngunit ang tangi ko lang hiling ay kaligayahan mo."

Tumigil lang ako saglit bago ako muling humakbang papalayo sa kanya. I saw Queen Lumina in front of me, I simply nodded at her. "Mag-iingat ka, Tavion," mahinang sabi ni Reyna Lumina.

Hindi na ako tumigil pa at iniwan ko na ang hari't reyna ng Asta Wellingzon.

***

Bago pa man ako umalis sa Asta Wellingzon ay muli pang nagpakita sa akin si Cora.

"I heard that you choose to live in that—" pinutol niya ang sasabihin ko.

"I am here to send you to the Kingdom of Athens. Hindi ba't doon mo nais matungo? And we're not friends to check on each other's lives, right?"

Ngumisi ako sa sinabi niya. "But you're aware of mine."

"I am a smart priestess and I am just doing my job."

"To whom do you work for?"

"Someone more powerful."

That's when Cora sent me back to the world where I was born, and fulfilled the promise I made with my mother. Bumalik akong malakas at may higit na kapangyarihan. Kinalimutan ko ang lahat ng panahong naghirap ako sa mundong iyon at pilit akong nakipagtulungan sa mga mamayanan at dating may katungkulan upang bawiin ang kaharian ng Athens.

Sa loob ng isang linggo, sa aking pamumuno, nagawa kong bawiin ang mundong unang nanakit sa akin.

This time, the royalties accepted me, my siblings started to honor me, but behind my back, I knew that they will never accept me wholeheartedly. Kahit anong gawin ko, at iyon ang bagay na hindi ko na ipagpipilitan.

I returned in this world to fulfill a promise, at ngayong natupad ko na iyon ay payapa na ako.

Alam kong hati na ang populasyon ng mga nilalang na nais ang pamumuno ko o ang siyang pamumuno ng mga kapatid ko. I never wanted to join the battle of the throne, but to provoke my siblings and to make them move and prove to their people that they deserve to reclaim the throne, hinayaan ko ang lahat na maniwalang interesado ako.

"Prince Tavion, you should take this seriously. Ano na lang ang mangyayari sa kahariang ito kung hindi ka dumating? Our kingdom forever be enslaved," sabi ng matandang pinagkakatiwalaan ko sa kahariang ito.

Kasalukuyang nakataas ang paa ko sa lamesa habang hawak ng isang kamay ko ang isang aklat at ang isa'y abala sa pagpitas ng ubas na siyang kinakain ko.

"It will not happen again. I gave them a threat. I will hunt their kingdom down. And I sent some monsters around the borders, everything will be protected."

"Your brothers and sisters are too weak to protect this kingdom!"

"They should learn. I might help them again, but if they continuously fail this kingdom, I can't promise to help them again. I only promise to my mother once. At ngayong wala na siya, sino pa ang dapat kong pangalagaan sa mundong ito? I am just a mere weapon in this kingdom's eyes."

"Kung ganoon ay saan ka magtutungo, mahal na prinsipe?"

"I want to visit the human world. Learn medicine, get a degree, go to some bars, travel, and maybe become a model. According to this book, they pay a lot of money if you are a real handsome."

"Hindi ko naiintindihan ang mga sinasabi mo, mahal na prinsipe."

"I need to take a rest from this exhausting life of mine, Meso. I am just thinking of the best way or an excuse to leave this kingdom with a very good reason. Do you have anything in mind?"

Umiling lang sa akin si Meso.

But right after that conversation with my butler Meso, I didn't expect that he'd have a very realistic excuse. Dahil nang sandaling matapos ang aming pagpupulong, bigla na lang niya ipinakilala ang isang babaylan sa gitna ng lahat.

The odd priestess, with her face covered, read my palm as if everything was real.

"Fevia Attero, isang babaylan ang siyang tutulong sa 'yo upang higit na mapatatag ang kahariang ito. Isang Callista, ngunit ang tanging makapagdadala sa 'yo sa mundong iyon ay ang nilalang na may kawangis ng kulay ng iyong buhok, mahal na prinsipe."

Nagsinghapan ang lahat nang marinig ang sinabi ng babaylan, hanggang sa nasundan ito ng bulungan. Napahimas ako sa aking noo.

"Huh? Where should I find this someone with the same hair?"

Pilit kong sinisilip ang mukha ng babaylan ngunit mas ikinukubli pa niya ang kanyang mukha. Her palm reading is quite fascinating, dahil nasisiguro ko na hindi iisipin ng mga nakakarinig na huwad siya dahil sinamahan pa niya ito ng magandang rason.

"Parsua Sartorias."

"Oh, okay. . ." bulong ko. Muli akong humarap sa lahat at mas inangat ang aking ulo sa kanila. "I will accept this mission!"

"Long live, Prince Tavion!"

I plastered a smile in front of them. I guess, this is going to be the last time.

Nang sabihin ko iyon ay marami akong natanggap na papuri, ngunit hindi ko na nasisiguro kung ilan doon ang totoo. Naghahanda na ako ng aking kagamitan nang lumuluha nang pumasok sa silid ko si Meso.

"Talaga bang hindi ka na babalik, Mahal na Prinsipe?"

"Yes. After few months, announced them that I died in the mission. Saan mo nga pala nakuha ang babaylan na iyon?"

"She's a farce priestess, Prince Tavion."

"I know. But she was quite specific."

"May balak ka bang sundin ang sinabi niya, Mahal na Prinsipe?"

Umiling ako. "I will go on vacation. And I want to be a handsome doctor and a model in the human world."

***

Sinubukan kong magtagal sa mundo ng mga tao dahil sa tulong ni Cora na mukhang sanay na rin sa lugar na iyon.

"Why do I have this feeling that you really have this specific job?" tanong ko kay Cora.

We are both students taking BS Biology, and we're inside the library.

"Hi, Guevarra. . ."

Two female students greeted me. I gave them a small smile and they giggled when they thought I couldn't hear them. I adjusted my eyeglasses and looked down at my book. 

"Like what?" tanong ni Cora.

"To guide me?"

"I am here to visit someone else, Tavion," sagot niya habang nakatuon din ang mga mata sa libro.

"I have this odd palm reading in Kingdom of Athens, Cora. Are you familiar with Fevia Attero?"

"A little bit."

"The priestess told me that I have to find this priestess named Callista."

"If you're bored in this world, try to find her and answer your question."

Iyon na ang huli naming pagkikita ni Cora bago niya ako dalhin sa Parsua Sartorias, at doon ay higit kong nalaman ang nakaraan ni Tiffon at ang sitwasyon ng iba pang Gazellian na ipinangako kong hindi ko kailanman kikilalanin.

Buong akala ko'y hindi ko magagawang magtagal sa mundong iyon dahil naroon ang isa na namang pamilyang maaaring magtulak sa akin palayo, ngunit nang sandaling isa-isa kong masaksihan ang bawat pagtutulungan nila at kung paano nila saluhin ang bawat isa, hindi ko na namalayan ang panahon ng panunuod at pagmamatiyag sa kanila.

The moment I accepted to trace the reading of that odd priestess, I had an inkling that I might have this connection with the woman named, Callista, she might be that mate. But not until my attention was caught, not by that bloke with gray hair, but by that woman. 

By that fiercely beautiful white werewolf named Iris.

"Until when?"

Ilang beses akong napatalon palayo nang marinig ang boses ng isang lalaki sa likuran ko. Kasalukuyan silang nasa isang misyon at natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili kong nakasunod sa kanila.

It was that vampire with my same hair.

"Aren't you going to show yourself to everyone? Are you here to help us?"

"Huh? I don't know what you're talking about. Just show me the way to Fevia Attero. I have my own business," iyon agad ang mga salitang lumabas sa bibig ko upang itago ang katotohanang higit akong nagtagal sa mundong iyon sa panunuod sa kaganapan ng kanilang pamilya.

"Fevia Attero?"

"I am not here to play with you. Sabihin mo sa akin kung saan o paano."

"My father told me that there will be a time that someone who has the same hair will find me, akala ko noon ay si Desmond. So, it's you. And I guess you're a late bloomer as well?"

Kumunot ang noo ko sa naririnig sa kanya. "What are you talking about?"

Huminga nang malalim ang bampirang nasa harapan ko. "Right now, we're facing the toughest time of Nemetio Spiran. I don't think King Dastan can handle another long-lost Gazellian. If you don't have a plan to show yourself to us, your family, at least, show yourself to her."

Hindi ko naintindihan ang ibig sabihin niya nang mga oras na iyon, ngunit agad niya rin akong iniwanan. But right after that conversation, as I followed their trails, I realized what his deal was.

I thought everything about that white werewolf was a mere infatuation or admiration for being that brazenly beautiful and fearless, but every time that bloke tries his way to get closer to my white wolf, I had to urge to rip his throat savagely.

That's why when I had that opportunity to come closer to her that night, cloaked with shadows, bright moonlight that almost blind her, and that grayish hair, I took the opportunity and kissed her. Without even thinking about that farce prophecy that I made to escape the world I once saved.

And the moment I tasted her lips, all I knew was that I'd find every kind of excuse to be with her. 

At ang gabing iyon na rin ang siyang nagkumbinsi sa akin na ipakilala ang sarili sa kanya.

In the middle of Nemetio Spiran's chaos between Deeseyadah, I started to flirt with Iris Evangeline Daverionne, and the whole Gazellian family can curse me for that, but I know that I'd never regret it.

And what's my favorite? It's every time she tries to hit me and pinned me on the ground with his four legs with her beautiful form as a huge werewolf. Every time we had that sparring together with her crossed brows, and her annoyed pretty face.

Every time she irritatingly calls my name. . .

The war between Nemetio Spiran and Deeseyadah made me stay in this world and be fascinated on how Queen Leticia and King Dastan fought and protected this world, together with the other Gazellians, bigla kong naisip ang panahong ipinaglaban ko ang mundong iniwan sa akin ni ina.

I might have my half-siblings but they never fought like that beside me.

But what made me stay more, specifically inside their forest was Iris. I might be wondering about how Callista was mentioned in my palm, but I know to my heart that it's always Iris.

When I met her inside the forest and told her the news about Caleb who went missing, that convinced her that we have a mission to be together, and the unexpected appearance of the Earth Train proved it more.

And as I spent more days and journey with Iris, I slowly realized that the prophecy was just a key for us to be together— for me to have a reason to come here in Fevia Attero with Iris. Dahil sa sandaling wala sa isip ko ang Fevia Attero, nasisiguro kong tinangay ko na sa mundong alam kong higit kong makakasama si Iris nang walang makakaistorbo sa amin.

I would have brought her into the human world, where we could live peacefully together, I could bring her to the Kingdom of Athens, and there we would live like normal citizens without any complications. But that prophecy made sure that I'll be there with Iris to help her fulfill her responsibilities.

From the very beginning, the moment her lips touched mine, all I did was follow Iris' path, dahil alam kong ang babaeng siyang itinakda sa akin ay may malaking responsibilidad na hinahangaan ng lahat.

Iris was born as a gift to unite the three worlds. She's the emblem, that blazing fire that would pull the three worlds together, and the map that will lead these three worlds to be as one.

Sino ako para agawin siya sa responsibilidad niya? If it is her will, the only thing I can do is to be there and fight by her side.

As the dragons around her and the huge form of the biggest white werewolf I'd ever seen in my whole life advanced together, all I did was nod and smile the moment she looked at me.

A woman's beauty ignites when she's doing what she loves the most. 

"I love you. . ."  bulong ko sa isipan niya.

Iris landed first on the bodied old giant ruin, her four legs clamped strongly on its body, and she bared her sharpest fangs as she ripped its head and crashed it to her mouth. She howled loudly under the full moon as the dragons around her brutally attacked the body of the old ruin with the glittering dust of their mana.

All I did was manipulate all the monsters around the ruin who tried to escape to protect the Atteros who were watching the scene. I suddenly remembered how Iris led the way to the Deeseyadah during that war. Iris, my beautiful white werewolf has been a warrior of every biggest war. And I couldn't be prouder.

I can't help but ask this lifetime if I deserve a powerful woman like her.

When I landed on the ground as I looked up, with the dragons still around Iris, with the millions of eyes watching her from different worlds, all I did was smile.

"She's beautiful, right?"

Sabay tumango sina Alarik at ang Head Wizard na kapwa rin nakatingala kay Iris. "A strong soul."

"No wonder she was sent here in this world," dagdag ni Alarik.

"Thank you for protecting her in this journey," mahinang sabi ng Head Wizard.

"Thank you for listening to her fake prophecy," sabi ni Rosh.

Napalingon ako kay Rosh sa sinabi niyang iyon. "Do you know her?"

"Should I know her?" tanong niya pabalik sa akin.

It's a kind of answer that would make a bigger complication. Kung nasa ibang sitwasyon lang kami ni Rosh, nagawa ko nang hawakan ang kuwelyo niya at iangat siya sa ere. But should I be surprised? In a short period of time, I'm already familiar about this ways.

"You're aware that this will happen, right? That everything will start first in Fevia Attero," nagkibit balikat lang si Rosh.

"I am always going with the flow, Tavion. If I know everything, life might be easier for me," ilang beses niyang tinapik ang balikat ko.

Bago pa man tupukin nang iba't ibang klase ng kapangyarihan ng mga dragon ang lugar kung saan nakatayo ang lumang gusaling iyon, sumabog nang sabay-sabay ang iba't ibang kulay ng mahika ng mga iyon.

It was like everyone witnessed the colorful fireworks of the ending.

The dragons didn't stay, they all just flew right in front of Iris, looked into her eyes in a moment before they nodded at her. It was just Howl who turned into human and deciced to stay. Saglit din lumapit ang mga dragon kay Rosh, ngunit walang namagitang mga salita sa kanila.

"Tavion!"

All I did was open my arms for Iris. At nang abot kamay ko na siya, ang tanging nagawa ko'y yakapin siya nang mahigpit na tila hindi ko na siya nais pakawalan pa.

I carried her with her legs wrapped around my waist and her arms around my shoulders. "Thank you for fighting for me. . . to the white werewolves, for this freedom, hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng ito, Tavion, kung wala ka. Kayong lahat. . ." isa-isa niyang nilingon sina Howl, Rosh, Alarik at ang Head Wizard.

Umiling ako sa kanya. "This is because you want to end these cruel sacrifices.  You start to light this fire and it will keep burning, Iris."

She smiled and buried her face in my neck as she tightened her embrace. "I am so happy, Tavion."

Hinayaan ko si Iris na yumakap sa akin habang nanunuod ang lahat sa amin. It's rare to find Iris in this state, she's always this cold and reserved, but maybe this ending made her quite vulnerable, na ang tanging nasa isip niya ng mga oras na ito ay yakapin ako at hindi opinyon ng mga matang nakatitig sa amin.

"Would you like me to steal you away right now? We can find a place hidden in the forest, Iris."

"Huh?"

Doon lang siya natauhan at nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makitang maraming nanunuod sa amin. Agad siyang bumaba mula sa akin at iritado niyang hinampas ang braso ko. "Tavion!"

"It's okay."

Huminga siya nang malalim at hinarap ang lahat. She was about to say something, but the Attero, Alarik, Howl, and the Head Wizard cut her off. Sabay-sabay ang mga iyong yumuko sa kanya, ngumiti, at nagbigay ng pasasalamat.

I slowly held Iris' hands. Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin at ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay ngumiti sa kanya.

She bit her lower lip. "B-But I destroyed the map."

"I think the map will be born again. Maybe another white werewolf?" sagot ni Rosh na may halong biro.

I chuckled. "We can talk about it later, Iris."

Nagtawanan ang lahat habang naniningkit ang mga mata ni Iris kay Rosh at sa akin.

"Maraming salamat sa lahat, Iris, Tavion, Rosh. . ." panimula ng Head Wizard.

"As much as we want to hold you and prepare a banquet for this success, alam naming may mga nilalang na higit na naghihintay sa inyo. I can lead you the way. Your queen, Queen Leticia will coordinate with me," sabi ni Howl.

Dumiin ang titig ko sa likuran ni Iris nang isa-isang humalik sa kamay niya sina Alarik, ang Head Wizard, at maging si Howl bilang pamamaalam.

"Sana'y muli kayong matungo sa mundong ito," tipid na sabi ng Head Wizard.

"I am planning to travel the different worlds. If I can't have the map as a relic, my new goal while waiting for that goddess is to create my own map. I can't wait for that powerful goddess without doing anything," sumulyap ako kay Rosh nang sabihin iyon ni Iris, I saw how he stopped a little while crossing the portal, he placed his hands inside his pocket and gave his usual laughter.

Naglalakad na kami ni Iris patungo sa lagusan habang nakasunod sa amin sina Alarik at ang Head Wizard. Ngunit ang higit na nakaagaw ng atensyon ko ay ang paghawak ni Iris ng kamay ko habang hinihila niya na ako pabalik sa Parsua Sartorias.

"Let's go home, Tavion."

When I nodded with her, she smiled wider and almost melted my heart. Because Iris, didn't just give me love, a home, but a family I never thought I'd have.

At nang sandaling nagmulat ang aking mga mata at tumigil ang aking mga hakbang, hindi ko akalaing muli kong makikita ang mga pamilyar na pigura na akala ko'y tanging sa pagitan ko lang nang mahika makikitang muli.

Because I never wished to cross those portals to meet them again, but Iris made me want to see them, to hope, and ask for the third time. That maybe. . . I deserve this warmth that I've been praying for since I was a child.

Anna quickly ran towards Iris. Mahigpit niya itong niyakap. Halos humagulhol si Anna habang hinahagod ni Iris ang kanyang likuran. Hindi rin nagtagal ay sumunod na rin ang iba pang kababaihan kay Anna, at maging ang kanilang reyna.

I stood awkwardly in front of them while the women were crying beside me. The men were just staring at me and at the women alternately.

Tumikhim si Caleb. "Tavion, hi?"

"Come on!" iritadong sabi ng isang babaeng bampira na kumawala sa yakap ng mga kababaihan. Matalim niyang tiningnan ang mga lalaking hindi man lang gumagalaw sa kanilang posisyon.

May sumunod pang babae sa kanya na umalis na rin sa grupo ng nagyayakapan at nasisiguro kong sila ang dalawang prinsesang Gazellian. Both of them threw themselves on me. I was hesitant to move my hands to support them, but they were not bothered even with our bodies that were about to fall.

"Welcome home, Tavion!"

Tuluyan na kaming tumumbang tatlo dahil sa biglang pagyakap nilang dalawa sa akin. Umiikot ang paningin ko habang pilit akong bumabangon habang silang dalawa'y nakasalampak na sa sahig at hinihintay akong makaupo.

They were both grinning in front of me. "I am the eldest princess, Lily. And she is Harper. I know that you're already familiar with us, but let's make an introduction," nakangiting sabi ni Lily.

When we had a conversation with them through the queen's power, I am already aware that this Lily has power above everyone else, isa pa iyon din ang laging sinasabi sa akin nina Caleb at Rosh.

Harper gently touched my hair. "You're also a gray- haired and a very handsome one," ilang beses siyang tumango sa sarili niyang sinabi.

"Of course, he has our genes," sagot ni Lily.

As these two princesses casullay talked with me, the other Gazellians moved closer and watched us with smiles on their faces. Hindi ko na magawang mag-angat ng tingin dahil nakakaramdam na ako ng kaba at hiya sa aking sitwasyon.

Why am I being surrounded? Ganito ba talaga ang pagtanggap sa mundong ito? Iris should help me here.

Gusto ko nang mag-angat ng tingin para humingi ng tulong kay Iris, ngunit napakarami na nilang nakatungo sa aming tatlo. And I am not used with this kind of attention.

"I'm okay. Thank you for this welcome. You can all move away, if you may—" but I was cut off.

Muli akong niyakap nina Lily at Harper, both of their arms were around my neck and they made me feel secure.

Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko habang nararamdam ko ang yakap ng dalawang babae sa akin. They might be relatives that I haven't known for years, but the familiarity and the warm welcome they gave me, didn't feel suffocating. 

I thought I can handle this. Buong akala ko'y magagawa ko silang harapin at salubungin ang mga mata gaya nang kung paano ko inihanda ang sarili ko. That they would see me as this usual emotionless prince, gaya ng kung paano ako humarap sa mga maharlika noon.

But when I heard Lily's soft whisper, for the very first time, I allowed myself to look vulnerable in front of a number of eyes— those I knew would never judge me. "Welcome home, Tavion."

"We're happy that you're here," malambing na sabi ni Harper.

Ang tanging nagawa ko nang mga oras na iyon ay yumuko at mag-angat ng aking mga palad dahil sa hindi mapigilang mga luhang nagmumula sa aking mga mata. "M-Maraming salamat. . ."

Until I finally moved my arms and wrapped them around Lily and Harper, and buried my face on Lily's shoulder.

"I am happy for you, Tavion," bulong ni Iris sa aking isipan.

"We are so proud of you, Tavion, Iris. . ." huling sabi ni Haring Dastan.

***

"Are you sure that I have to do this? I am just your cousin," tanong ko kay Dastan.

"You are one of my father's sons. You might be a cousin, but you are a brother to us. I am even asking you if you want to be the King of Parsua Sartorias, because technically it's your throne," paliwanag ni Dastan.

Hindi iilang beses sinabi sa akin nila ni Reyna Leticia ang tungkol sa trono, ngunit ilang beses din akong tumangi.

"Hindi ako kailangan ng Parsua Sartorias, ang pamamahala mo ay sapat na."

"Ngunit kailangan pa rin ng opisyal na hari," giit ni Dastan.

"You can ask your brothers. You can even ask Lily."

"No one wants the position."

Muli akong umiling. "I don't think I can have the throne. I am sorry.  You can ask Caleb." Dumiin lang ang titig sa akin ni Dastan.

"Which seed?" tanong ni Dastan.

Itinuro ko ang nasa dulo. In Parsua Sartorias there is this called tree of symbolism, ang bawat Gazellian ay may nakatindig na puno sa palibot ng Sartorias kung saan may kani-kanila itong kapangyarihan.

"We'll have the ceremony by next week, Tavion."

Tumango ako bago ako nagpaalam sa hari't reyna. Nang gabi ring iyon ay nagkasama-sama kaming mga lalaking Gazellian, kasama sina Adam, Rosh, Tobias, at ang iba pang mga bampira na hindi ko pa agad mapangalanan.

I never thought that I'd have this kind of conversation with these vampires and other creatures since I never had a friend or even a family before. I isolated myself for years, at nagsimula lang magbago ang lahat ng iyon nang makilala ko si Iris. She welcomed me to many things— at isa ito sa pinaka pinagpapasalamat ko.

"So, what is your plan? Dito ba kayo maninirahan ni Iris?" tanong ni Finn.

"I don't think she'll love the castle. We will live in the forest," sagot ko.

"I am sure about that," dagdag ni Adam.

"But you are always welcome in this castle," saad ni Dastan.

"The twins are still eager to play with you. You don't have to leave quickly, I am still having my break," naiiling na sabi ni Casper.

When I first met those twins, tuwang-tuwa sila nang makita ako. And of course, their aunt Iris na lagi nilang hinahanap nang maraming kuwento mula sa aming paglalakbay.

"I heard that you and Iris are planning to travel the different worlds," ani ni Caleb.

"Everything she wants. I am going to live following and loving her," ngiting sabi ko bago ako sumandal sa upuan at tumanaw sa kisame. Sabay-sabay silang natawa sa sinabi ko.

"You and Iris can travel the different worlds. Just leave my niece or nephew in the castle," pormal na saad ni Haring Dastan.

Nasamid si Caleb sa sinabi niya. "Is that an order King Dastan?"

Mas lalong nabalot ng tawanan ang silid dahil tipid na tumango si Haring Dastan na tila hindi talaga papayag na aalis kami ni Iris na walang iniiwang panibagong munting Gazellian.

Sa kabila nang aming biruan at tawanan, sa sulok ng aking mga mata'y may nananatili sa may bintana habang hawak ang kanyang pulang rosas.

***

The night after the ceremony of the tree of symbolism, Iris and I left the castle to have our night walk inside one of Sartorias' enormous forests. But that walk ended up sitting on one of the branches of the oldest trees of the middle forest.

Iris was cradling on my lap as I leaned my back on the trunk of the old tree. We've been kissing each other as if it was the only thing that matters between us that night.

Kapwa namin habol ang aming paghinga nang naghiwalay ang aming mga labi. Her forehead was leaning against mine. "I love you every time you fight brazenly in front of me, but nothing compares when you kiss me. Can we do it again?"

Tumawa siya sa sinabi ko. "You don't need to ask, Prince Tavion. If you feel like it. Do it."

Ngayon naman ay ako ang tumawa sa kanya. "But I feel like doing more than kissing."

"That is something we should talk about. Not on this branch, mahal na prinsipe."

Ngunit hindi na ako muling nagsalita. All I did was hug her tight as my tongue gently touched her neck, with my glowing red eyes, and my bared fangs, I allowed her skin to feel my thirst and every bit of her to feel my cravings for her blood. She moaned as she brushed my silver-grayish hair, offering her surrendered body.

I felt a gentle kiss on the side of my head. "I love you, Tavion."

Nang humiwalay ako sa kanya at muli akong sumandal sa puno, Iris's thumb finger lovingly wiped the remaining blood on the side of my lips, and she let me lick it with our eyes igniting in two different colors.

"I know that when we first met, I always deny the royal name of Gazellian. I hate it, but you're the one who made me love it, Iris. And now that I am happy claiming this name, I want to share it with you— the reason why I saw a different light in this name. If Fevia Attero has their heart and blood oath, every prince of Parsua Sartorias has their traditional vow."

Habang sinasabi ko ang mga salitang ito, nagsisimula nang lumuha sa harapan ko si Iris. I flicked my finger, showing that ring with the mixture of diamond and small gray stones.

"Kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataong bigkasin ang pangalang ito at magbibigay ng isang pangako bilang prinsipe, sa 'yo ko ito unang iparirinig, Iris."

I didn't wait for her answer, I slid the ring on his finger with my eyes lovingly staring at her.

"I, Prince Tavion Lanceot Gazellian of Parsua Sartorias, will forever love you, and not even death will make us apart."