Elaire's POV

Irvina is the largest kingdom in the world. It is an entire continent ruled by six living royals.

The oldest is the Queen Mother, Queen Aronette, who is the mother of the current king, King Asthor.

King Asthor has ruled Irvina for centuries, along with his only wife, Queen Seraphine, who unfortunately died during her fourth childbirth.

Panganay nila si Princess Nefertir. Because of her magic that is related to the spirits and the dead, they call her the 'Princess of Whispers'. She's said to be cold and creepy, but some say she's just distant and that the princess was gentle and soft-spoken like her mother.

Princess Nefertir is followed by Prince Mirev— the first son, the heir to the throne. He's called the 'Prince of Dreams' because the darkness blessed him with dream magic, a very rare ability. And so I've heard na kaya ito rin ang tawag ng mga taga-Irvina sa kanya, lalong-lalo ng mga kababaihan, ay dahil mala-panaginip din ang kanyang dating.

The third child is Prince Inouen, the 'Prince of Frost'. The prince who I met in the arenas and almost killed. I almost committed treason because of him. I would've been Irvina's most wanted.

And last but not the least, Princess Feyren...

Tinapik-tapik ko ang aking hintuturo sa mesa habang nakadungaw sa bintana.

Princess Feyren of Irvina, the 'Cursed Princess'. She's called that because apparently, everything she touches deteriorates. Her cursed touch is the reason why she's always seen wearing gloves, and her cursedness is the reason why the queen died giving birth to her.

No'ng narinig ko 'yong kwento niya dati, napaisip ako kung gaano kalungkot ito. Para naman kasing parusa 'yong buong buhay niya, kahit wala naman siyang ginawa maliban ang maisilang.

The princess didn't ask to be born and even if she did, she didn't ask to be born with a curse.

Malakas na bumukas 'yong pinto. Lumingon ako rito at napatigil nang makita si Misa na suot ang uniporme ng Academia— it was a layered white dress underneath a blue blazer. May leathered details 'yong top at skirt nito at mayroong mamahaling bato sa gitna ng kanyang kwelyo.

Umikot-ikot si Misa. "Hmm?"

Napangiti ako. "Bagay."

"Ate Elle!" Halatang hindi niya ito tanggap. "Wala ka na bang ibang masabi? 'Yan din 'yong sinabi mo no'ng birthday ko, eh!"

I chuckled lightly. "Maganda, Misa."

Kasunod siyang tumili at kumaripas ng takbo pababa ng attic.

Unti-unting naglaho ang aking ngiti nang mapaisip kung anong naghihintay sa'kin sa Lumien— kung anong nag-aabang sa'kin sa likod ng matatayog na mga pader ng palasyo.

I honestly didn't like how the palace felt like another city of its own. It reminded me of how sheltered the most privileged are. Sa sobrang taas ng kanilang mga pader, kadalasan ng mayayaman ay walang alam sa tunay na anyo ng realidad.

Muli akong humarap sa labas ng bintana.

Prince Inouen had offered me his role as his brother's guard and I accepted.

His brother...

I don't know much about the first prince except the basics— his name, his title, and his magic. Hindi ako kasing-interesado ng iba sa pamilya nila kaya si Prince Inouen pa lang ang unang royal na nasilayan ko.

And why would I care about the royals in the first place? When I was busy suffering? I lost everything under their reign, so I had less than zero reasons to be interested about them.

Tumayo na ako at bumaba sa tavern upang ipagpatuloy ang aking trabaho.

Saktong kapapasok lang ng isang grupo ng bagong customers— no, they're returning customers. Agad kong nakilala ang mga lalaki na dumiretso sa isang bakanteng mesa.

I remember them. Sila 'yong customers na nagsisigaw at nanghahampas ng mesa habang tumatawa.

Sumunod ako sa kanila.

"Still no seafood?" I asked.

Hindi katulad ng dati, tahimik na sila ngayon. Wala na ring kasigla-sigla ang hanging umaaligid sa kanila.

The largest of the group grunted. His thick beard was disheveled and disappointment was written all over his face. "Alak. Para sa bawat isa sa'min."

Tumungo ako sa bar counter at habang hinahanda ni Robin 'yong mga alak nila, sadyang hinagip ng aking tenga ang kanilang seryosong usapan.

All of them came from the coastal town of Asure. 'Yong pinakamalaki nila ay ang pinuno ng kanilang bayan na tinatawag nilang Chief Gilrod. Napag-alaman ko ring pumunta sila sa palasyo para humingi ng tulong sa hari laban sa mga piratang nagnakaw ng kanilang mga bangka at nangdukot ng iilang mangingisda. It's a hostage situation, I think, and they're all disappointed because the king just told them to come back after a week. By that time, the pirates would've already killed the fishermen.

But... Asure... I think I've heard of that place before...

Kinuha ko ang tray ng mga inumin at bumalik sa kanilang mesa kung saan nagpatuloy sila sa pag-uusap habang naglalapag ako ng mga baso nila.

"Hindi sinasagot ng duke 'yong mga sulat natin, tapos binalewala pa tayo ng hari," dismayadong sabi ng isa sa kanila. "Ano nang gagawin natin, chief?"

"Hindi madaling sakupin ang Asure," sagot ng pinuno nila. "Maghahanda tayo pagbalik natin."

"Asure?" I acted as if I didn't eavesdrop earlier. "Isn't that the place where King Oceanus' came from?"

King Oceanus was the first king of Irvina. Mahalaga siyang bampira, pero hindi siya 'yong pakay ko kundi 'yong asawa niyang kauna-unahang reyna ng kaharian. I needed to know more about Queen Emnestra because we both have the same kind of magic. Wala akong ibang kilalang bampira na may kapangyarihang katulad ko. Siya lang.

"Galing kaming Asure," the chief said. "Kung balak mong bumisita, payo ko sa'yo na ipagpaliban mo muna ito." He proceeded to tell me about their situation that I knew already, with the additional information that the pirates were asking for the town's wealth in exchange of the fishermen. But the chief didn't want to give what the pirates were asking for. Para sa kanya, masasayang lang ito kapag bumalik na naman sila sa kabayanan. He said he'd rather use the large amount of money to permanently keep the pirates away from their town.

"How much will you give me if I offer you my help?" tanong ko, pero itinawa niya lang ito.

"Bakit mo naman kami gustong tulungan?" aniya.

"Sa pagkakatanda ko, may itinukod na palasyo si King Oceanus sa nayon na pinanggalingan niya. The king came from Asure, right?" If I say this right and he accepts my suggestion, then I can be a step closer to learning more about my power. "Gusto ko sanang puntahan 'yong palasyo niya. Wala naman akong kailangan pero interesado kasi ako sa kasaysayan kaya..."

"Hmm..." Hinimas-himas ng chief ang kanyang balbas. "Kung tutulungan mo kami, bibigyan kita ng pahintulot na iuwi ang kung ano mang makuha mo sa palasyo. Hindi nga lang ako sigurado kung may makukuha ka pa do'n. Mga haligi nalang kasi ng palasyo ang natitirang nakatayo."

I nodded. "That's okay. I'll still try to salvage whatever I can."

The chief took a moment to seriously consider. "May matutuluyan ba kami rito? Dito nalang kami magpapalipas ng gabi at bukas, pwede kang sumama sa'min pabalik sa Asure. May sobra kaming kabayo na pwede mong gamitin."

Iniyuko ko ng konti ang aking ulo bilang pasasalamat. "There's an inn above this floor," nagagalak kong sabi. "I'll prepare rooms for you."

Aalis na sana ako nang tanungin niya ako kung ano ang pangalan ko.

"Elle," sagot ko.

"Elle," he repeated, his tone agreeing. "Naranasan mo na bang makipaglaban sa mga pirata?"

"No." But I needed to assure him that I can fight. "But I have fought against water monsters."

"Gano'n ba..." Madalang siyang tumango-tango. "Sige, Elle, pwede ka ngang sumama sa'min."

Giving him one last grateful nod, I glanced at the rest of the men on the table before walking away. Pagkatapos ilapag ang tray sa bar counter, dumiretso ako sa kusina para kausapin si Evelyn.

"You're going on another adventure?" She roamed around the table— plating bread, seaweed, and other side dishes. "Kailan ka babalik?"

"Three days, if that's okay," tugon ko.

"That's three days off your salary. You know that, right?" she reminded.

"Of course." I was determined to go and she already knew this.

Mula sa pagkakayuko sa mesa, tumuwid ang kanyang likod at nginitian niya ako. "Have fun, then," aniya. "At huwag mong kalimutang bumili ng pasalubong para sa'min, ah?"

Later that afternoon, just before nightfall, I led the Asure chief and his men to their rooms where they settled. I prepared my own things in the attic afterwards.

"Ate Elle, magbabakasyon ka ba sa Asure?" Misa was seated in front of her desk while she watched me pack a set of dresses good for three days. "Kasi diba maganda 'yong dagat nila d'on?"

"No, Misa." I put my things inside a leathered satchel— isang one-strap bag na karaniwang ginagamit ng mga manlalakbay para sa pag-iimbak ng mas marami at mas malalaking bagay. "May kailangan lang akong tignan do'n. Tutulungan ko rin 'yong chief nila sa pagpaalis ng mga pirata."

Lumiwanag ang mga mata ni Misa sabay singhap. "Sama ako!"

"You musn't." I locked my things inside the bag. "You need to study and prepare for school."

Isang beses siyang nagdabog bago umikot paharap sa mesa. "Gusto ko, eh..."

Sighing, I looked at her wearily. "Misa, you can't bring that attitude to Academia."

"Sabi ko nga..." Her voice softened. "Sorry, ate."

Matagal-tagal akong napatitig sa kanya.

She wants to go on vacation, I realized. Even just for a short while, bago ang pasukan.

She didn't say it but I know that's what she meant. And I couldn't help but smile at the times she would throw tantrums as a child because she couldn't express her needs clearly. But Misa wasn't a child anymore and I didn't need to scold her for the way she acted. She just needs to be reassured that she's understood.

"We can go on vacation before we leave for Lumien," mahinahon kong sabi sa kanya. "I'll ask Evelyn."

Mabilis ang ginawa niyang paglingon sa'kin. "Talaga?!" nananabik niyang tanong.

"Mmm," sang-ayon ko.

"Yes!" Nag-fist bump siya sa ere at nagpipigil ng tili. "Thank you, Ate Elle—" Bigla siyang tumigil.

May inilabas siyang sulat mula sa bulsa ng kanyang palda at binigay ito sa'kin. "Muntik ko nang makalimutan, ate, may sulat nga pala na dumating. Para sa'yo daw."

Tinanggap ko ito at unang napansin ang pulang wax stamp sa envelope.

It's the first time I've seen such a crest. It wasn't the royal family's, so maybe it was just Prince Inouen's personal symbol.

Inside the envelope was another folded paper. Binuksan ko ito.

'Elle,

Reply with the exact date of when you're traveling and tell me if you need a carriage. I can send a very nice one to fetch you, and don't bring a lot of things. Just your personal belongings. You'll find everything you need already prepared for you once you arrive. See you soon.

Handsomely, Ice.'

Binalik ko ang sulat sa envelope at mayamaya'y pinalitan si Misa sa harap ng mesa. The prince didn't write his real name. Maybe because he didn't want to let anyone know his identity. So I addressed him casually.

'Ice,

I am arriving in Lumien the day before the first day of Academia. No need for a carriage. I already asked a merchant friend to stop by our place. Everything in the letter's duly noted.

Elle.'

Tomorrow came and before leaving Evelyn's, I gave my letter to the vampire courier. Chief Gilrod and his men were already waiting for me on their own horses when the courier left.

Tumungo ako sa kanila at sumakay sa kabayong sinama lang nila sa paglakbay para may magdala ng kanilang mga gamit.

Sion waved at me. "Have a safe trip, Elle."

Sinulyapan ko siya bago tanguan 'yong chief. He signaled the rest of the group to move and we started our journey on the same hour the sun broke through the early morning sky.

"Isa ka lang lingkod sa taberna at bahay-panuluyan pero nakasuot ka ng mamahaling kapa," puna ng chief. His voice was still big and rugged when he asked, "May kapangyarihan din 'yan, hindi ba?"

I looked down on the black cape that draped over me like a robe. "Yes. It was gifted."

"Makapangyarihan ka ba?" kasunod niyang tanong. "Naalala ko, sinabi mong hindi ka pa nakikipaglaban sa mga pirata pero nakipagsapalaran ka na sa mga halimaw." He looked at me curiously. "Nagawa mo bang talunin 'yong mga halimaw?"

"Mmm," I answered.

Umangat ang kanyang magkabilang kilay sa gulat at tumango-tango siya, namamangha. "Anong balak mong gawin sa mga pirata?"

It took me a while to reply. "I don't actually plan to scare them away. But I know of a spell that can summon a barrier and protect your shores."

The chief chuckled. "Ikaw nga siguro 'yong kailangan namin..."

We journeyed for a whole day. Stopping twice so we could feed the horses and the men could relieve themselves. And at night, with the stars illuminating our path, we climbed down a mountain and Asure finally revealed itself.

The town ended up bigger than I thought— it looked like a coastal city and overlooking it from the slope of a hill was the ruins of a castle.

"Yang mga barkong nasa unahan. Nandyan ang mga pirata," sabi ni Chief Gilrod.

Napatingin ako sa tinutukoy niya at sa malayo, nahagilap ko ang mga anino ng dalawang malalaking barko. Lumulutang lang ang mga ito sa gitna ng dagat, hindi gumagalaw.

"Ilang araw na ba silang nandito?" usisa ko.

"Mag-iisang linggo na rin," sagot ng chief.

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagbaba ng bundok. Dumaan kami sa paanan nito at ilang sandali pa'y sinalubong kami ng maaliwalas na hangin mula sa karagatan. Pumasok kami sa nayon kung saan dinismiss ng chief 'yong mga tauhan niyang kasama namin. Samantalang, pinasunod niya ako sa kanya at tumungo kami sa gitna ng lokalidad, sa harap ng isang gusali na may dalawang palapag.

After getting off our horses, the chief guided me in the building and I found out that he has led me into an inn that had a drinking or dining area on the first floor, just like a tavern but smaller.

Chief Gilrod spoke to the old woman behind the counter while I looked around. There were a couple of customers and the place was decorated with shells, corals, and fishnets.

"Elle." Tinawag ako ng chief. "Sumunod ka lang kay Aling Hera dahil dadalhin ka niya sa kwarto mo. Gabi na at ayokong mahuli sa hapunan ng pamilya ko." Mabigat na bumagsak ang kanyang kamay sa isang balikat ko. "Babalik ako rito bukas nang umaga."

Hinatid ko ng tingin 'yong chief habang papalabas siya ng gusali. At kagaya ng tugon niya, sinundan ko ang matandang babae na gumiya sa'kin patungo sa pangalawang palapag at sa harap ng isa sa mga kwarto.

"Sinabi sa'kin ni Gilrod na andito ka para tulungan kami sa mga pirata." Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto. "Kapag may kailangan ka, hija, hanapin mo lang ako sa ibaba." A relieved smile formed on the old woman's face. "Huwag kang mahiya."

Tumango ako bago tumuloy sa kwarto. Sapat lang ang laki nito para sa isang higaan at isang mesang nakadungaw sa bintana. Narinig ko ang pagsarado ng pinto nang makarating ako sa gitna ng silid. Sandali kong sinulyapan ang labas ng bintana bago ibaba ang mga gamit ko.

After settling in, I decided to come down for dinner and just before midnight, I left the inn to walk around town. I noticed that there were less vampires on the streets and I had a hunch that most of the locals are hiding in their homes in case the pirates suddenly attack.

Napadpad ako sa dalampasigan ng Asure. Mag-isa lang ako habang nakatanaw sa mga barkong nasa malayo at mula sa dagat, dahan-dahang umangat ang aking tingin sa napakalinaw na langit.

The moon and stars were brighter in Asure, and the sky was so clear that I could see every twinkle of the stars from here. Nakatingala pa rin ako sa langit nang damhin ang malamig at mahinang hangin ng baybayin. Nakakagaan din ang tunog ng pagdapo ng alon sa buhanging marahang humagishis.

My head lowered the moment I started hearing whispers. Nanatili akong nakatuon sa dagat habang pinapakinggan ito. Sa sobrang hina ng mga bulong, wala akong nahagip ni isang salita.

The faint whispers continued to brush against my ears, like distant echoes of a forgotten time. Kung ano man ang gustong sabihin ng mahihinang bulong ay hindi umaabot sa aking pang-unawa. Humahapit lang ito sa gilid ng aking magkabilang tenga, nagpaparinig, nagpaparamdam, pero hindi nagpapaintindi.

Slowly, I turned to the direction where the whispers seemed to come from— King Oceanus' castle.

Nagsimulang magparinig ang mga bulong na ito pagkatapos kong madiskubreng may kapangyarihan ako. I thought I was losing my mind until I noticed that the whispers only appear to help me. It leads me to safety, or to a place where I am meant to be.

No'ng bago pa lang ako sa underground arenas at naligaw ako, it was the whispers that led me out of the caves. It was also the whispers that led me to the arenas when I was desperately looking for it. The whispers helped me come out of the shadows when a mage trapped me inside it and I almost died. And the whispers led me to Misa, no'ng nagkaroon kami ng malaking away at lumayas siya.

Wala akong marinig na salita mula sa mga bulong sa sobrang hina nito. Pero sapat lang ang lakas nito upang mahinuha kong iisa lang ang boses nito. The whispers, though many, came from the same vampire— a woman. Hindi ko pa nakumpirma pero may kutob na ako kung sino ang babaeng ito.

And maybe I was right, because her whispers want me to go to King Oceanus' castle.

Ang babaeng kinutuban kong may-ari ng mga bulong ay walang iba kundi ang unang reyna ng Irvina na si Queen Emnestra. She lived a tragic life but it was her that introduced magic to the world.

Kaya ako narito dahil sa kanya. The Queen and I have the same magic and in order for me to unlock its full potential, I need to get to know her. Especially now that I have to work at the royal palace.

Napahugot ako ng malalim na hininga nang unti-unti kong madama ang bigat ng responsibilidad na tinanggap ko para sa ikagagaan ng buhay ni Misa.

I have to protect the future king. Mapanganib ang trabahong papasukan ko kaya dapat kong paghandaan ito. I have to train my body and study my magic in order to fulfill my duty. Noon ko pa binuwis ang sarili kong buhay para sa kinabukasan ni Misa. Pero ngayon, itataya ko na ito para sa kinabukasan ng buong kaharian.

The palace is a lion's den. It is where the strongest and most powerful play their games and I must be able to survive it no matter what happens.

"I will go tomorrow," I replied to the whispers that immediately stopped.