Just like a river, life is always flowing, and sometimes the most beautiful moments come when we stop resisting the current and allow ourselves to be carried away by the natural flow of life. It is not all about obstacles and trials but moments of pure serenity and the beauty of imperfections. To trust that things will unfold in their own time and way is to find peace and harmony in its rhythm.

"You can heal! Did you even know how interesting is that?"

Kanina niya pa ako kinukulit sa bagong ability na meron ako. I did not expect this to happen! Mas lalong naging malakas ang kutob ko na may kinalaman ang libro na binasa ko. I was right. It wasn't a coincidence.

"Kuya, calm down." Huminto ako sa paglalakad at hinarap siya. "Hindi ako makapag-isip. I'm confused."

"Death Spell and Healing, pros and cons. Just like negative and positive," Zandrei seems to solve a puzzle in his head.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako. "Just don't let anyone know about this. Hindi ko pa alam kung bakit dalawang ability ang meron ako. Of all vampires why me? Having an ability was something new to me. Paano ko gagamitin ang dalawang meron ako?"

"I knew it. Noon pa lang alam na namin ni Seven na espesyal ka sa kahit na sino. Well, except from the fact that you're a half," nakibit balikat lang si Zandrei.

Inalog alog naman ako ni Kuya kaya medyo nahilo pa ako. "Ayaw mo no'n? You can kill and can also heal at the same time. Its a blessing."

"I don't think I can kill someone and revive afterwards. Every action has consequences," I closed my eyes, not able to think properly.

Nagpaiwan na ako sa kanila nang nakapasok ako sa silid dahil hindi ko na lubos maisip lahat nangyayari sa'kin. Palagi lang akong nagugulat sa lahat ng bagay. My life was really full of mystery. Mysteries that either I can solve by myself or with other's help. Hindi ko na alam! Argh.

I tried to open the book again to continue reading the part where I stopped. Maybe there are things written about my abilities and it could help me cope up with it. Hindi pwedeng alamin ko lang ng mag-isa. I still need a guide. Paano kung may mali akong nagawa, magagawa ko bang ibalik?

The girl in the prophecy named Enain, born with a half of a pureblooded vampire, with a flesh of werewolf and hunters blood.

Binasa ko ulit ito ng ilang beses hanggang sa pumasok sa isip ko ang ibig sabihin nito. I accidentally dropped the book out of shock. Enain. If you reverse the word.. it's Niane. It is me. I am the girl in the prophecy.

Huminga ulit ako ng malalim at kinuha ang libro upang ipagpatuloy ang pagbabasa. Kahit na nanginginig ako sa kung ano mang pwede ko pang malaman, hindi na ako aatras pa.

The Death Spell was a formidable power that allowed her to extinguish life with a mere thought. It was a power feared by many, seen as a weapon of destruction and a harbinger of doom. But with her compassionate heart and strong will, the Healing ability was a gift that could mend wounds, cure illnesses, and revive the dying, a power that brought hope and relief to those around her.

Balancing these two contrasting abilities was no easy. It required a deep understanding of the nature of life and death, and a strong sense of responsibility and self-control. She embodied the cycle of life and death, of destruction and renewal. She was a testament to the idea that even in the midst of darkness, there is always a glimmer of light.

It says that I am the key to the peace of the world. Ngunit paano? Is this even a good thing or otherwise? Paano ito.. nangyari sa'kin? Bakit naging ako?

The answer to my questions can be answered in this book. Tanging ito lang ang makapagpalinaw sa lahat ng gulo sa utak ko. Hindi ko inaakalang ganito ang magiging kapalaran ko sa pagbalik dito.

Por la presente invoco el poder del 'Descanso Eterno' para traer todas las almas que caen en la oscuridad al infierno y recibir el castigo.

I hereby invoke the power of 'Eternal Rest' to bring all the souls that fall in the darkness to hell and receive the punishment.

A Spanish incantation. Nakasulat dito na sasabihin lamang ito kapag nararapat sa sino mang gumagamit ng kapangyarihan sa masamang paraan. It is to receive their peaceful death and be punished in the essence of committing a sin.

Akala ko techniques kagaya nila Kuya ang meron ako. That's what the vampires with abilities have. Ako lang ang naiiba sa kanila.

Hindi ko na muna tinuloy pa ang pagbabasa dahil sumasakit lamang ang ulo ko sa mga bagong kaalaman. I don't think that incantation needs a practice. Natatakot akong gamitin 'yon sa kung sino man. Paano kung may ibang maapektuhan? You can't undo mistakes.

Kinabukasan nagising ako ng bandang alas 9 ng umaga. Maybe I was tired reading the book all night. They say that curiosity kills that's why I did not wait for it to happen. I'm going crazy as hell. Ngayong nasa harapan ko na ang mga kasagutan, aayaw pa ba ako? O mas mabuting hindi ko na lang malaman ang totoo?

"Mahal na prinsesa, huwag muna kayong lumabas ng iyong silid. Nandito ang mga miyembro ng councils. Kausap sila ng hari," kinakabahang sabi ng tagasunod na pumasok sa kwarto ko at nagdala ng isang tray ng pagkain.

I pursed my lips and nodded. "How about Tito Art and Kuya Seven?"

"Nasa labas din sila kasama ng hari. Mukhang nakarating na sa councilors na bumalik ka." Hindi pa rin maipinta ang itsura niya nang sabihin 'yon.

Tumango na lang ako at sinabihan siyang pwede nang umalis. I ended up eating my breakfast in bed. I'm afraid, yes. Ngunit hindi pa rin nawala sa isipan kong sila rin ang dahilan ng pagkamatay ng mga magulang ko.

What are they going to do? Papatayin din ba nila ako tulad ng ginawa nila sa kanila?

"Nand'yan ba siya sa loob?"

Napatayo kaagad ako nang marinig ang boses ng hari sa labas ng pintuan.

"Grandpa, she's not ready!" I heard Kuya complained.

"Ama, huwag mo siyang bibiglain. Alam mo kung anong alaala niya sa mga councilors," rinig ko ring sabi ni Tito Art. "Everyone, its not yet the right time to meet her. She hasn't recovered from what happened on her past!" dagdag niya pa.

They were here. Lahat sila. For what?

"Gusto nilang makita ang anak ni Aries at Lemery. Pinapahintulutan ko lang ang ating mga bisita," parang wala lang na sagot ng hari.

Before they could even open the door, I did it for them. Their eyes landed on me, not saying anything and observing the impact of my existence to them. What now?

"I couldn't sense anything on her," sabi ng isang lalaking kung titingnan ko ay kasing edad lang ni Tito.

"Hindi ko rin mabasa ang nasa isipan niya. Something's blocking my ability," sambit naman ng isang babae.

They were six of them and their aura was faniliar to me. Ramdam kong malalakas sila ngunit bakit hindi gumagana ang kapangyarihan nila sa'kin. Some of them have abilities just like my friends. How was that possible? Are they related?

"M-Mali.." Pinukaw ni Kuya ang atensyon ko. "They were Mavis, Lixe, and Heaven's parents. The member of councilors," he explained.

Wala akong reaksyon. Hindi ko alam ang dapat na maging reaksyon ko. Should I be mad? Feel betrayed? Or nothing? Ewan. Nanatiling gano'n ang reaksyon ko na nakatingin sa kanila.

I just nodded, no greetings, no smile in my face, nothing. Why would I? If the King and I weren't in good terms, gano'n din sa kanila.

"What's the purpose of coming here to see me?" The tone of my voice might sound mean but no one could ever blame me for that.

Taas noo akong tiningnan ng isang babae na sa pagkakakilala ko at ina ni Mavis dahil sa parehong wangis ng mukha nila. "You're brave enough, I see. Hindi ka na kagaya no'ng iyaking babae noon."

"Noon. Can't you tell the difference between now and before?" I asked back.

I sounds like Mavis. Nahahawaan na rin siguro ako sa ugali niyang marunong sumagot pabalik o baka ayoko lang talaga silang makita at kausapin.

"You also know how to talk back. Gano'n ba ang itinuro sa'yo ng Lola mo sa mundo ng mga tao? Disrespect and—"

"Shut up!" I gritted my teeth in anger, looking at her with vengeful eyes. "Don't you ever talk to her like that!"

Everyone panicked when Mavis' mother suddenly held her chest. I didn't whispered anything nor ordered something to hurt her. Kusa na lang nangyari nang titigan ko siya na may galit sa mga mata. Galit nga ako. Sobra.

"S-She has the ability!" Lixe's mother uttered.

Kuya blocked my sight to stop me from hurting her and he succeeded. Lumapit din sa'kin si Tito Art para papasukin ako pabalik sa silid ko. They closed the door and looked at me worriedly. Nakita ko pa nga na wala man lang ginawa ang hari para pigilan ako kahit ang councilors. Seriously?! What's his deal?!

"Mali.. Okay ka lang?" mahinahong tanong niya sa'kin habang hawak pa rin ang balikat ko.

I glanced at Tito and then looked away. "P-Pasensya na. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. Are they going to punish me?"

"No they won't! Hindi namin hahayang saktan ka nila. We will protect you no matter what," seryosong sagot ni Kuya.

"Kayong dalawa lang ang kakampi ko rito. If they will spread the news about me all over Hydera Penha, I'm doomed." My hands were shaking in fear, thinking possible things that might happen.

Akala ko kaya ko nang harapin sila. Nakaya ko ngayon pero paano sa susunod na pagkakataon? I just fought back earlier but how about all of the vampires who will come after me? Lahat na lang ba sila kakalabanin ko?

Kuya Seven held my hand, trying to calm me down. Lumabas si Tito para tingnan kung nando'n pa ba sila at pansin kong nag-iba ang enerhiyang nararamdaman ko sa kanya. Is he mad? What if he'll cause a mess because of me?

"Mali? Damn, I knew it," Zandrei's fury eyes met mine.

Akala ko umuwi na siya. Why is he here?

"I encountered them when I was on my way home. They were so fast and I wasn't able to catch up." Nang makita niya ang mga kamay kong nanginginig pa ay lumambot kaagad ang itsura siya. "Anong ginawa nila sa'yo? Tell me and I'll make them pay."

Agad naman akong umiling, natatakot na baka pati siya madamay nang dahil sa'kin. "N-No.. Don't ever do that. Please don't. 'Wag kayong gagawa ng anumang kilos dahil lang sa'kin. You guys were out of it."

"No way. You're a family. Pinsan kita kaya paano ko magagawang hayaan silang saktan ka?!" Kuya was almost losing his temper.

"Same goes to me. Hindi ka namin naprotektahan dati kaya hindi kami papayag na mangyari ulit 'yon. You know we can't lose you." I could see the determination in his eyes. "I can't lose you again. Not anymore."

Kahit anong pilit kong paalisin sila, hindi nila ako sinunod. They were keeping an eye on them and to do that, they stayed in my room until the councilors left. Kuya Seven fell asleep in the couch while Zandrei slept on my bed. Kanila lang nagtatalo kami ngayon tulog na sila.

I went outside the balcony, inhaling the fresh air so I could think properly. Masaya akong kasama sila sa tabi ko kapag may problema ako. Things that I've never experienced before. Well, I have Eurisse too, not just always. Mas marami na siyang inaasikaso ngayong nakabalik na siya dito. Naiintindihan ko naman 'yon.

"What were you thinking? I couldn't read your thoughts."

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang marinig ang boses niya sa likuran ko. So am I. I didn't feel his presence on my back! Tulog pa siya kani-kanina lang ah!

"Wag mo na lang alamin. Sobrang dami, mababaliw ka rin kaiisip," sagot ko na lang.

He leaned on the railings, facing me. "We never had a proper talk since you've turned into a vampire. Ayaw mo pa rin bang.. pag-usapan ang dati?"

"Ano bang gusto mong pag-usapan? I remembered everything," I simply said.

Hindi nakatakas sa'kin ang gulat sa mga mata niya pero bumalik din naman sa dati. "W-Why didn't you.. tell me? Ayaw mo pa rin bang maniwala? Ang tagal kong nagtiis na makita ka, Mali. Did you even.. missed me? Kahit konti lang?"

"Hahayaan ba kitang makalapit sa'kin no'ng una kung hindi?" Pilit kong nilalabanan ang mga titig niya. "Nakalimutan man kita sa isip ko, hindi naman sa puso ko. We've shared lots of moments together before. Kahit sa konting pagkakataon man lang," sabi ko pa.

"If that's it, why do I feel like you're being distance to me?" That caught me off guard.

Doon na ako umiwas ng tingin. "H-Hindi naman 'to gaya ng dati. We're still friends—"

"Friends," ulit niya pa. "Am I only a friend to you, huh, Mali? What about my actions? Isn't it obvious?" Dahan dahan siyang lumapit sa'kin kaya ako naman ngayon ang nakasandal sa railings.

I swallord hard, fighting the urge to look at his flickering eyes. "A-Ang labo mo kase. P-Paano ko malalaman?"

"Why? What makes you confused, meine liebe?" He held my chin and made me look at him.

"You're giving me mixed signals. Hindi ko alam kung ano bang dapat kong isipin. Are you just treating me as a special childhood friend of yours? Or as a girl.." Napalunok ako nang mas lalo siyang lumapit sa'kin.

His skin touching mine feels so warm. I could feel my heart leaping because of him. Kahit anong pigil ko ayaw nitong huminto. Parang kusang nagre-react ang katawan ko kapag malapit siya.

"Hmm? What is it?" His eyes were seductive that I couldn't look away.

Wala na, talo na ako. He really caught me with his stares. Oh God. How could I resist this handsome vampire in front of me? That made me crave more of his blood. Ang tagal pa naman no'ng huli ko siyang natikman. I mean his blood. What the heck?!

"Paano ako makakapagsalita kung ganyan ka kalapit?" nahihirapan kong sambit.

My mind suddenly went blank when he suddenly kissed me. He didn't warned me! Not asking for permission or what! But why is it that I like what he was doing. Oh scratch that—I love it. Nababaliw na yata ako pero hindi ko naman siya magawang itulak.

When he felt like I wasn't responding, he stopped. Hindi na tuloy ako makatingin sa kanya ng diretso. Nag-iinit na ang magkabilang pisngi ko sa halik na 'yon.

"Why? Ayaw mo ba?" he asked worriedly.

Why would he freaking ask if I liked it or now?! Magmumukha namang gusto ko pa kapag tumago ako.

"T-That was.. my first kiss," I stuttered.

I saw the side of his lips rose up. "Really? Its an honor."

Agad ko naman siyang itinulak at sinamaan ng tingin, nang-aasar eh. Mabilis pa naman ako mapikon.

"D'yan ka na nga! Kausapin mong sarili mo!" I rolled my eyes on him.

He chuckled and that sounds music to my ears. "Sorry, meine liebe. Don't ignore me. Hindi ko kayang hindi mo'ko pinapansin."

Nag-aya si Kuya na pumunta sa town hall kaya umalis sila para makapagbihis sa silid niya. Zandrei insisted to stay here for the mean time and he's occupying one of the guest rooms near Kuya's. Wala ba siyang sarili niyang palasyo? I bet its bigger than ours. Sila pa naman ang nangunguna sa powerful web tapos malapit pa siya sa'min.. sa'kin.

Someone knocked on my door while I was wipping my hair. Huminto ako sa pagpupunas ng buhok ko dahil baka 'yon ang tagasunod na tutulong sa'kin sa pagbibihis. I don't know how to wear this outfit. Baka mapunit ko pa kapag pinilit ko.

"Here's a glass—"

"Ah! What the heck, Zandrei!" I immediately closed the door when I realized it was him.

Ano na naman ba?! Nagbibihis ako oh! Did he—D-Did he saw something?! Naisara ko naman siguro kaagad 'di ba? I was only wearing panties and bra for goodness sake!

"I-I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to look at your—"

"Ano bang nakita mo?! And wait, why are you here? Hindi pa nga ako nakakapagbihis," naiinis kong sabi.

"I just wanna give you a glass of blood from me. Matagal ka nang hindi nakainom. This will help you store energy on your body," he explained.

Binuksan ko ng konti ang pinto at nilabas ang kamay ko para lang maibigay niya nang walang nakikita. I closed the door again and put the glass of his blood above the table. I couldn't resist its smell. Takam na takam na ako.

Nagpahatid kami sa isa sa mga kawal ng palasyo papuntang town hall. Lahat ng nando'n kilala silang dalawa at yumuyuko pa kapag nakakasalubong sila. They were the mighty ones in their eyes. Why not? Their bloodline rules the world and as a commoner, obeying them is necessary to live longer.

However, they did the opposite to me. Hindi nila ako kilala at siguro mabuti na rin 'yon upang makaiwas pa sa gulo. Kapag nalaman nila ang buong pagkatao ko, kung sino talaga ako, they won't treat me the same as them. I am not a princess in their eyes but the unwanted one. Kasusuklaman nila ako.

"Hindi pa nila nalalaman ang tungkol sa'yo, Mali," Kuya told me.

Tumango naman ako. "That's good. I don't want them to know either."

Sa ilang buwan ko rito, hindi ko pa nalilibot ang buong town hall. Nagsilbi silang tour guide ko kaya malaya kong napagmamasdan ang bawat sulok dito. We bought a lot of foods just for me to try. Lahat masasarap at bago sa panlasa ko. Galing pa sa mga hayop ang mga pagkain dito kaya no'ng una umayaw ako. Totoo naman palang masarap.

There are also jewelry stores here and we entered one. Namili si Kuya at nagpatulong siya sa'kin para kay Eurisse. He wanted to give her a gift. Zandrei was also looking around the bracelet sections. Umiwas kaagad ako ng tingin nang mahuli niyang nakatingin ako.

Bibilhan niya kaya si Mavis? Tutal siya naman ang close na close niya bukod sa'kin. I even noticed Mavis wearing a gold bracelet, a bit similar to what he gave me. Silver nga lang sa'kin pero halos kapareha ng design. Sa kanya rin ba galing 'yon?

"Mali, naman! Kanina ko pa tinataas 'yong dalawang kamay ko, pinakakita sa'yo kung alin dito ang mas maganda," pagmamaktol naman nitong isa.

"H-Huh? Sorry." I blinked twice and compared the two necklaces. "They're both pretty but this suits Eury better. Nauumay na siya sa mga bulaklak sa palasyo nila kaya bigyan mo naman ng iba."

"Okay, thanks."

"Wala kang gusto?" tanong ko sa kanya nang lumapit siya sa tabi ko.

Kuya left to pay for the necklace. May ipapadagdag daw siyang customize kaya baka matagalan pa ng konti.

"I have." Napatingin naman ako sa kanya na parang pinipigilan ang pagngiti. "May gusto ako."

"Ano nga? Hindi mo ba bibilhin?" nagtatakang tanong ko.

He smirked, looking at me with his playful eyes. "Why? Are you for sale?"

Umawang ang labi ko at bago pa makapagsalita ay tinawanan niya na ako. Ano bang trip niya? Pianglalaruan niya ba ako?

"Don't look for any jewelries here. Mas bagay sa'yo ang bigay ko." He glanced at my bracelet that I never did planned to remove.

Sa kanya galing 'to kaya malamang hindi ko tatanggalin. This made me special, though. Naalala ko lang na may pagkakapareha ang sa'min ni Mavis kaya nainis ulit ako bigla.

"Bagay din naman sa kanya ang bigay mo," I almost whispered it.

"What? Who?"

Agad ko siyang nilampasan dahil tapos na si Kuya na bumili. What's next? Uuwi na ba kami sa palasyo? Its kinda boring to stay there. Akala ko noon masaya kapag nasa palasyo ka nakatira. Wala namang pinagkaiba dahil pakiramdam ko maraming kulang sa'kin. I still felt empty. I always do.

"Ano na namang nangyari sa kanya? Inaway mo?"

Kahit naman ibulong pa ni Kuya rinig na rinig ko. I just pretended that I don't. Nagtingin tingin lang ako sa mga bagay na tinitinda rito sa tabi.

"No. Wala namang akong ginawa. Ganyan ba si Eurisse sa'yo?"

Tinanong niya pa talaga 'yon. Ano? He's going to compare us? Eh girlfriend 'yon ni Kuya tapos hindi naman kami. Aish. Ano bang pinanggagalingan ng galit ko?!

Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin at hinayaan na magbangayan do'n. Kapag sumingit pa ako, baka mas lumala pa.

"Hija, nagbalik ka na. Masyado nang malaki ang pinagbago mo."

Isang matandang babae ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko. I thought she wasn't pertaining to be but I'm the only one standing in front of her. Isang maliit na kubo na gawa sa tela lamang ang kanyang pwesto rito.

"S-Sino ka?" I was trying to remember my encounter with her.

"Hindi mo ba ako naaalala?" Ang pagngiti niya ay nagbigay sa'kin ng isang nakakakilabot na pakiramdam. "Nangyari na ang katotohanan at paghihinagpis. Malapit na ang paghihirap at kamatayan."

I gasped as I was stepping backwards. S-Siya 'yon. The woman who tried to get into my mind and said something about my fate. T-Totoong nangyari ang sinabi niya.

"W-What did you do?! Bakit nangyari ang mga sinabi mo sa'kin noon?!" Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong hindi makapanakit sa kanya.

Instead of answering me directly, she gave me a wicked smile. "Hinuhulaan ko lang ang kapalaran mo. Hindi ako ang may gawa no'n. Mangyayari ang nakatakda, lahat ng nakasulat sa libro, totoo."

"Libro? Anong libro?!" nakakunot noo kong tanong.

"Alam mo kung anong ibig kong sabihin dahil na sa'yo ito. Ikaw. Ikaw ang babaeng itinakda. Ang dapat na magsakripisyo sa lahat ng pagkakamali sa mundong 'to." Tumawa ulit siya na parang baliw kaya ang iba ang napapatingin sa'min.

H-How? Napahawak ako sa ulo ko sa sakit. Anong ginawa niya?! S-Sino ba siya? Ano pang ibang alam niya tungkol sa nangyayari sa'kin?!

"Mali! What happened?" Zandrei asked worriedly.

"Saan ka ba galing? Hindi ka lang namin nabigyan ng pansin nawala ka na agad." Si Kuya na nakasunod at mukhang hinihingal pa.

Nang tingnan ko ulit 'yong babae kanina ay nando'n pa rin siya. Hindi niya ako tinapunan ng tingin dahil dumating na sila. And when they decided that we're leaving, I could feel her stares at me, smiling like a wicked witch. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang kaba sa dibdib ko at tumitindig na rin ang balahibo ko.

Alam niya ang mga bagay na wala akong kamalay-malay. She can also see what could happen against someone. Her ability is just the same as Kuya Seven. Sino ba talaga siya?

"Kuya, lahat ba ng mga manghuhula, totoo ang alam nila sa hinaharap? Just like how you can predict the future."

Kanina pa kase ako hindi mapakali hanggang sa makauwi kami. Palaging bumabagabag sa isipan ko ang babaeng 'yon. Those creepy smiles and there was something in her eyes that I couldn't tell. Parang may kakaiba na pati aura niya masasabi kong kasing lakas ng nararamdaman ko kay Tito Art.

"Ang iba lang sa kanila na mahusay talaga manghula. Pero hindi naman tumutugma lahat ng hula nila sa hinaharap. Its just a special guest. Ang ability kagaya ng sa'kin lang ang may kakayahan na makita ang totoong pangyayari sa hinaharap." Tinitigan niya akong mabuti, tinatantya kung bakit ko tinatanong. "Why? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Marami. Sobra. There are things that I was afraid to tell him.. them. Kahit na magkasama kami palagi hindi pa rin lahat alam niya.

"W-Wala naman. Is there someone you know that has the ability like yours? I mean, just like the councilors. Siguro naman sa kanila namana nila Mavis, Lixe, at Heaven ang abilities nila," I brought them up to cover my true intentions, so he wouldn't ask anymore.

Napaisip naman kaagad siya. "Wala naman akong kilala. If someone has, its a vampire with a strong bloodline. Pili lang ang mga bampirang nagkakaroon ng ability."

Yeah, the chosen ones and I'm one of them. Kaya nga lang, napili rin akong pahirapan ng tadhana.

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