In the realm of choices, where good and bad often dance in shades of gray, remember that even the smallest decision can ripple into a sea of consequences. So, instead of being bothered by the choice itself, focus on becoming the compass that guides you towards a path of integrity and kindness. Let your heart be the beacon that illuminates the path of compassion and courage. For it is in the darkest times that the light of our choices shines the brightest, casting away the shadows of regret.

"Nand'yan ba sila sa loob?" tanong ko sa tagasunod nang makapasok ako sa palasyo.

Umiling naman kaagad siya. "Wala po, mahal na prinsesa. Pinatawag ang lahat ng namumuno sa tatlong kaharian para sa malaking pagpupulong kasama ang councilors. Kahit ang mga prinsipe ay wala rin dito."

"Mabuti naman. Makakaalis ka na."

I came back to the palace to get the book I haven't finished reading. Sa dami ng pages nito hindi ko agad ito matatapos basahin ng ilang araw lang. There's something important I should know and maybe this could help me resolve my confusions.

Sinubukan akong pigilan ng mga kawal na umalis ulit dahil ilang araw na akong hinahanap nila. I just told them a lie. Sinabi kong doon ang punta ko kaya hindi na sila dapat mag-alala pa. Wala rin naman akong kailangang sabihin sa kanila dahil baka pagkukunwari lang din ang lahat ng galaw nila. I don't know whom to trust anymore.

"Niane, bukas pa naman babalik ang pasukan. Why are you already here?" headmistress Yhue asked.

"May alam ka po ba tungkol sa silver cross?" I asked her back.

Bakas naman ang gulat sa mukha niya nang banggitin ko ito. "What about that? Paanong alam mo ang tungkol dito?"

"There's always way to know everything. Gusto kong itanong kung may nalalaman ka po rito. Did you even know that its here in the school?"

"What did you say? I-Impossible." Agad siyang napatayo sa sinabi ko. "Kanino mo ba 'yan nalaman? That cross was secretly hidden by the vampire ancestors years ago. Paanong nandito 'yon sa Academy?"

"Just, nevermind. Sorry for wasting your time."

Alam kong walang maniniwala sa'kin kapag sinabi ko 'yon. Why would they believe someone like me? I'm still doubting the trust they have given to me. Parang lahat ng tungkol sa'kin hindi naman talaga kapani-paniwala.

"Niane, stop. Don't go deeper than what you know. Mapapahamak ka lang sa ginagawa mo," she warned me.

"Ilang beses ko nang narinig 'yan, headmistress. Wala namang bago."

Halos wala pa ring tao rito sa school dahil bukas pa naman ng gabi ang simula ng pasukan. They might be enjoying their last day of freedom. Naiinggit tuloy ako. Kailan ba ako makakapagpahinga ng maayos?

I went to visit the library where I usually stand by most of the time. Ganoon pa rin naman, walang pumupunta dahil sembreak pa. I hid the book under my coat as I went to the counter to find the librarian. Nagbabakasakali lang naman akong nandito siya kahit na wala namang pasok.

"Do you need anything? Princess Niane?"

Napaatras ako ng konti sa biglaang pagsulpot niya. "Just drop the princess, I don't like being called one. Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"There's one thing called silver cross that is feared by everyone. Is there any book here that gives information about it?"

Tinuro niya naman ang gitnang section ng mga libro. "Hindi mo na kailangan akyatin dahil nasa baba lang naman. Just find the C section and get the book that you want."

"Thanks."

Agad kong nilapag ang librong nahanap ko at umupo. Masyadong manipis ang libro kaya halatang konting impormasyon lang ang nakasulat dito. The Cross of Death.

Wooden Cross

Its is a kind of simple cross that any vampires have known the spell to avoid getting wounded whenever its being used to them. It couldn't kill a vampire but can cause a wound or bruise if not being able to say the spell.

Sun Cross

It can only be seen in places where its being protected by an organization or those who belongs to the higher positions. Well-protected because only vampires with the powerful positions have known the spell. This is much dangerous knowing that it can give a serious impact to a body causing a near death if the spell won't be casted against it.

Silver Cross

The rarest cross above them all that no vampire would dare to find. The deadliest weapon that even the most powerful vampire couldn't resist. No spell. No escape. It was purposely made by a witch that sacrificed her entire life to success the mission. Annihilate the vampires.

Ang ibang mga nakasulat sa libro ay tungkol sa kung paano nito nagagawang makapagpinsala sa mga bampira. Some are possible outcomes and others exactly happened. 'Yon lang naman ang mga importanteng bagay na kailangan kong malaman sa libro.

Paano ko naman magagawang hanapin ito kung ganito naman pala ka delikado? Lola's book did not even state that silver cross couldn't kill me. Kaya malaki ang posibilidad na baka mamatay ako kung sakali mang nahanap ko 'yon. It has no spell unlike those two. Nakasulat din sa German ang spell kaya sigurado naman akong maiintindihan ng lahat. Though, almost all of them doesn't read books.

Libro. Libro na lang ba ang makakapagligtas sa buhay ng kahit sino? Oh sa akin lang?

"It says there's no spell, right?" tanong niya nang makabalik ako sa counter. "Ipagpapatuloy mo pa ba ang paghahanap?"

"How did you know I was about to do that? Hindi ba pwedeng curious lang?"

"You shouldn't unlock things on your own. Kailangan mong ingatan ang sarili mo," hindi niya sinagot ang tanong ko.

I raised a brow. "Dahil ba ako ang babae sa propesiya? To save everyone from their bad doings?"

Sarili ko nga hindi ko mailigtas, silang lahat pa kaya? How could I save everyone when I'm also drowned into hopelessness?

"K-Kung gano'n alam mo na. Alam na rin ba nila?" she asked nervously.

"No. I don't have plans on telling them. Para saan pa? Anyways, you told me to find it out by myself. Bakit parang binabawi mo na?" tanong ko pa.

She was the one who gave me advices when I was a newcomer. Palagi niya akong sinasagot na dapat ako mismo ang makaalam. That's what I'm doing right now. Ngayon malapit na akong magsisi na mas pinalalim ko pa ang nalalaman ko sa mga bagay. Its kinda nerve wracking.

Napaupo ako sa ilalim ng malaking puno na palagi kong pinupuntahan noon para magpahinga. I still remembered the crime in this place, the reason why I stopped coming here. I sighed. Just a few months ago I witnessed killings for many times and now its me who's gonna kill. Ni hindi sumagi sa isip kong papatay ako kahit pa na masasama sila. I've always believed that doing bad things makes you go to hell. Now there's no need. Hindi pa nga ako patay impyerno na ang buhay ko.

"You came back. Palagi ka na lang umaalis tapos babalik bigla."

Mabilis kong idinilat ang mga mata ko at tumayo. "Just tell me if you don't want me here, aalis ako."

"Hindi ko sinabing umalis ka. Kahit kailan hindi kita pinaalis, kusa mo 'yong ginagawa," makahulugan niyang sabi.

"Dahil pakiramdam ko 'yon ang gusto niyong gawin ko! What's the purpose of staying here? Kindly give me a valid reason!" Doon ko na siya tiningnan na may bahid na pagtatanong.

Ilang minuto pa nga lang akong nakakaupo rito. I thought I could rest kahit na sandali lang. I'm so tired wandering myself on the West Wing and just found nothing.

"I-I need you.." nahihirapan niyang sambit. "Palagi kitang kailangan pero ikaw 'yong nang-iiwan. I stayed by your side because I felt guilty for not being able to protect you before. Gusto kong palagi nasa tabi mo dahil napapakalma mo ako kahit na wala kang ginagawa. You're presence is enough, did you know that? I need you just like how Seven needs Eurisse. You're my match, Mali.. And I'm going fucking crazy whenever you're leaving me," he continued without even taking a single breathe.

Ngayon niya lang sinabi sa'kin 'to. And what surprised me the most is the length of his words. Sa lahat ng sinabi niya sa'kin, 'yon ang pinakamatagal.

I pursed my lips, couldn't even form a sentence. "I-I couldn't be your match, Zandrei. Alam mong.. hindi pwede."

"Why not?! Just because you're a half? That's bullshit! Wala akong pakealam." His eyes flickered, getting mad.

"I don't like it when someone wants to put their lives in line to save mine. Ayoko nang may masaktan pa nang dahil sa'kin. Sana naman maintindihan mo," I said in a soft voice.

He walked closer to me, not talking off his eyes on me. "I said what I said, meine liebe. You can't change my words. If protecting you means sacrificing myself, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Your safety is my top priority, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure it."

"H-Hindi mo 'ko naiintindihan—"

"Stop pressuring yourself from things you didn't do. Focus on your own self. 'Wag mong akuin lahat ng kasalanang hindi mo naman ginawa." He looked at me gracefully.

Gumaan ulit ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa kanya. I felt calm and comfortable. Its really because of that matchy thing.

He brought me to their building without asking for my opinion. Pumayag man ako o hindi, alam ko namang ipipilit niyang isama ako ro'n. He said I don't have to worry about the others. Lahat sila may kanya kanyang ginagawa dahil pinatawag ng councils pati mga cena ng school. It wasn't just an ordinary meeting, I suppose.

"Bakit umalis ka sa pagpupulong niyo? I bet its important."

Sinabi niya kase na pumunta siya pero hindi niya naman tinapos. Hindi ba siya papagalitan?

He glanced at me before slicing the meat. He's cooking for our lunch. "They're all talking about you. Pinag-uusapan nila kung anong mangyayari ngayong nandito ka na."

"And? Pinapaalis ba nila ako? I won't be surprised either," nakibit balikat lang ako.

"It won't happen. Seven, Tito Arthemis, and I were defending your name. I belong to the top of most powerful web. They shouldn't mess up with me," he said seriously.

"Oh my gosh! The pan! Zandrei naman!" reklamo ko nang mapansing nasusunog na 'yong pan.

Mukhang wala rin naman siyang pakialam do'n. Grabe. Saan na siya magluluto ngayon?

"Go back to your sit. Ako na."

After eating, he let me stay in his room to rest. May kwarto naman si Kuya pero gusto niyang doon muna ako magpahinga. Ang awkward lang na nakahiga ako sa kama niya habang siya nakatalikod at nakaupo lang sa couch, may ginawa. I couldn't sleep because of curiosity.

"I am having an advance study, Mali. Sleep now. If you want, I can sleep beside you."

"Just continue what you're doing!" I yelled at him and covered myself with the blanket.

Shit. This smells like him. Parang gusto ko nang dalhin to sa'kin kahit saan ako pumunta.

Nagising ako nang may marinig na nagbabangayan sa labas ng kwarto. When I glanced at the window, its already nighttime. Oh shit. Napasapo ako sa noo ko dahil sa tagal kong natulog. May naririnig akong ingay sa labas, nandito kaya sila? Shocks! Nandito pa naman ako sa kwarto niya. Ano na lang ang sasabihin nila?

"Eh bakit tulog pa? Gabi na ah? Umamin ka nga sa'kin, may ginawa ka ba sa pinsan ko?"

That was Kuya Seven! He's really here!

"Wala. Pagod lang siguro siya kaya tulog pa. Just don't disturb her sleep," Zandrei answered calmly.

"Napagod saan? Alam mo ikaw, kahit pa magkaibigan tayo hindi pa rin ako papayag na may gawin ka kay Mali. Ano kayo ba? You didn't asked for my permission!" he was overreacting.

I heard Zandrei sighed. "Calm down, Seven. I didn't do anything. You're suspecting me as if I would do something bad."

Naisipan kong bumangon na lang ang ipakita ang sarili ko sa kanila. Hindi ko na kayang pakinggan pa ang mga sinasabi nila. Bakit ba napunta ang usapan sa gano'n?

"Mali! Princess." Agad na lumapit si Kuya sa'kin para icheck ako. "You look okay. I was so damn worried. Don't disappear like that again! Hindi kami mapakali kakahanap sa'yo."

"I'm fine. I was in Ivoire. Tinulungan ko si Lezonra na ibalik sa dati ang tirahan nila matapos lumusob sa kanila ang dark vampires," I said promptly.

Their expressions were unreadable. Siguro ngayon lang nila ako narinig na nagsabi sa kanila tungkol do'n. I wasn't about to! Ginawa ko lang dahil ayokong mag-alala sila sa'kin ng masyado. Kaya ko naman na ang sarili ko.

"You were there," Zandrei repeated what I said. "Hindi ka ba nila sinaktan? Ivoire is the home of all other creatures except for vampires. Ipinagbabawal ang lugar na 'yon sa lahat," he added.

"Its a long story but they treated me so well. Especially Alexia and Goethe—"

"Goethe?" he raises his eyebrows at me. "A guy? What did he do? Did he touched you? Are you two close?" sunod sunod niyang tanong.

Kuya Seven massaged the bridge of his nose. "Oh man, you're too obvious to get jealous. Patapusin mo kase muna si Mali. Ayan ka na naman sa mga mali mong akala."

"Goethe is Alexia's brother, they're werewolves. A member of grandfather's pack," I cleared.

"How about Lezonra? How did you two know each other?" Zandrei has a lot of questions to ask.

"Siya 'yong babaeng nagbinyag sa'kin no'ng sanggol pa lang ako. She's close with Mama. Nagpatulong ako sa kanyang makausap ang mga magulang ko," I simply answered.

Nagkatinginan naman silang dalawa pero si Kuya na ang nagsalita. "Tapos? Nakausap mo na sila? Anong sabi?"

"Hindi.. Hindi pa," I crossed my arms over my chest. "Their spirits were still wandering in this world. Nimfa told me the last time. Baka subukan ko rin ulit kapay may pagkakataon."

"I heard Brandon saying the same name before. I couldn't remember it clearly," sabi pa ni Zandrei.

I immediately looked away, afraid I might say something about her. We agreed to keep it as a secret. Kailangan kong panindigan ang sinabi ko.

Ipinatawag kami ni headmistress Yhue sa headquarters bandang alas 8 ng gabi. Tomorrow is the schedule of the class for the next semester and we will be the one to manage the rules and regulations strictly. Mas pinahihigpit na ang pagbabantay sa buong lugar para mailigtas ang lahat sa kapahamakan.

Hindi rin nakatakas ang pagkabigla ng iba sa pagbalik ko at naging parte pa ng misyon na pangalagaan ang buong Academy. I am aware that they can do it without my help that's why there's no need to think about it. May mga bagay din akong kailangan gawin na mag-isa kaya hindi ko naman na siguro kailangang sumama sa kanila.

"And about the silver cross," headmistress Yhue glanced at me. "We've confirmed that dark vampires were searching for it too. 'Yon ang kinatatakutan nating lahat kay hindi nila ito dapat mahanap," sabi niya pa na parang pinapahiwatig din sa'kin ang sinabi niya.

"Paano natin sila mapipigilan na hanapin 'yon kung hindi rin naman natin alam kung saan ito tinatago?" Naunahan na ako ni Heaven na magtanong.

"Its a dangerous thing. Hindi dapat 'yon hinahanap pa," Lixe added.

"Dark vampires were also vampires. Sigurado akong maaapektuhan din sila kung sakaling mahanap nila ito," Mavis has a point.

"Besides, it has no spell. Kaya pinapatay nito ang mga bampira dahil walang panlaban mula rito. How can anyone escape from it?" Aiko asked with confusion.

"I'll try. I'm searching for it, anyways." Lahat sila ay ibinaling ng tingin sa'kin.

"Are you cra—I mean, its not like you have unlimited life to do that." Xian stayed still when I gave him a glance.

Hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutan ang sinabi nila sa'kin. I couldn't pretend as if nothing happened. Masyado akong tinamaan sa masasakit na salitang binitawan nila.

"Mali, don't decide things without thinking twice. Alam mong hindi mo pwedeng gawin 'yon. You're going to kill yourself," Kuya Seven sounded a little bit mad.

"He's right. There are still other ways to stop it from happening. We can make a plan," Zandrei seconded.

"Masyadong matagal kung magpa-plano pa tayo. Enemies were fast approaching. Kapag wala tayong ginawa, mauunahan nila tayo," I opposed.

Eurisse raised her hand, asking permission to speak. "Aside from spell, is there any alternative to cancel the curse? Siguro naman may paraan pa para mapahinto ito sa pagpatay ng kung sinong bampira na makakahanap nito."

"That's what we've been discussing earlier. Unfortunately, we haven't think of any possible actions as of now. Siguro kailangan muna nating maghintay sandali," headmistress decided.

Biglang tumayo ang mga balahibo ko nang may kakaibang naramdaman sa labas. It not here inside the Academy. Its outside. May mga pinadala ang councils upang magbantay do'n. They might be in trouble now.

"Nasa labas na sila. We have to catch them," I said as I stood up, about to leave.

"T-Teka lang.. hindi naman namin nararamdaman," pigil pa sa'kin ni Lixe.

"Go out and you'll see."

My instinct was right when I get there and saw only three dark vampires fighting those members of the councils. Nagulat ako nang mapatumba no'ng isa ang dalawang councils kahit na ang lakas naman nila. Their strength is unbelievable! Paano nila nagagawang maging malakas nang malakas sa bawat pagpapakita nila?

"Stop! What do you need?" I faced them seriously, blocking their way to hurt the councils.

I am not protecting them. Ayoko lang na may mapatay na naman sila dahil marami na ang nasasawi sa palagi nilang pagsalakay.

Their black eyes were staring at me intently. Hindi sila gumalaw at gano'n din ako, pinapakiramdaman ang bawat galaw nila.

"Its you, the princess of Alcarmenia. Kailangan mong sumama sa'min. Nakatakas ka no'ng unang beses ka naming mahuli kaya ibabalik ka namin kay master," sambit no'ng nasa gitna.

"She's not coming with you, dumbass." Biglang sumulpot si Zandrei na galit ang mga matang pinatalsik ang tatlong bampira sa harapan namin sa isang iglap lang.

H-He's so strong. Hindi talaga maipagkakaila na nagmula siya sa Vanderhorst. They were born strong.

"I can feel the others coming from the East and West. Maghati kayo sa dalawang grupo at pumunta sa magkabilang direksyon. Do whatever you can to stop them from coming here," I ordered them.

That was the first time they followed me. Kung hindi rin nila gagawin, mas lalo lamang lalaki ang gulo. Nagpaiwan naman si Zandrei kasama ko dahil ayaw niyang maiwan akong mag-isa.

"They're coming from the North," sabi ko sa kanya.

Tiningnan niya ako nang may pagtataka. "How can you detect them? I couldn't feel anything from the surroundings. Bakit sa'ting lahat ikaw lang ang nakakaramdam?"

"You might get mad if I tell you."

Magtatanong pa sana siya nang maramdaman niya ring may papalapit sa direksyon namin. We position ourselves, waiting for their arrival. Biglang nawala sa pandinig ko ang mga yapak ng mga paa nila sa lupa. Maya-maya ay gumalaw ang mga puno sa paligid kaya napatingin kami sa itaas at napagtantong doon sila dumaan sa mga puno.

I used my skills to avoid those flying daggers that has poisons within its sharp edges. Nagkahiwalay kami ni Zandrei sa magkabilang gilid dahil sa gitna sila unang umatake. There were about five of them who attacked us with muscular bodies and has massive strengths.

"Aalis kami kaagad kung sasama ka sa'min."

Napahawak ako sa puno dahil pareho kaming nilipad sa ere nang gamitin namin ang kapangyarihan ng sabay. We have the same level of strength. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko siya matatalo gamit ang lakas.

"Why would I? As far as I remember, you guys kidnapped me before."

My emotionless eyes reflects on him too. Iisa rin kami ng emosyon ngunit kalahati lang sa'kin ang meron sila. Hindi nila kontrolado ang kapangyarihan at katawan ko.

"You are the master's bride. Ikaw ang magiging reyna namin kapag sumama ka," sabi niya pa.

Kumunot at noo ko at bago ko paman siya masuntok ay nagawa na 'yon ni Zandrei. I could feel him raging in anger, his expression changed, and so as the energy flowing in his body. Shit.

"No one could take her away from me. Not even that master you're talking about." Zandrei finished him in just one blow.

He's getting more serious after hearing that 'bride' thing. Pati ako natatakot na sa kanya. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang ganito kagalit. Hindi niya naman siguro sineryoso 'yon sinabi ng dark vampire.. 'di ba?

"H-Hey calm down." Tinapik ko ang balikat niya para pabalikin siya sa dati.

Agad naman siyang napalingon sa'kin kaya napaigtad ako nang makitang gano'n pa rin ang reaction niya. He's getting scary. Muntik ko nang makalimutan na siya ang Zandrei na kilala ko.

He held my hands slowly. "Let's go back inside. Hindi ako kakalma kapag hindi tayo nakapasok sa loob."

"How about them?" I asked, pertaining to our friends.

"They can take care of themselves. If not, the councils will help them," walang pakialam niyang sabi at hinatak na ako palayo ro'n.

Akala ko pauuwiin niya na ako sa dorm ko pero mali ako. Dinala niya pa rin ako sa building nila na siyang ipinagtataka ko. I didn't pay a visit on my own dorm for weeks already. Nakalimutan ko na kung anong pakiramdam ang matulog sa sarili mong kwarto. Kung hindi si Kuya Seven, siya naman ang pinapanatili ako sa building nila.

"Let me go back to my dormitory, Zandrei. This is not my place," I kept on telling him.

Napasigaw ako nang buhatin niya ako papunta sa countertop. "What do you know about their master? Did you two had an encounter?"

"Wala. Hindi ko pa siya nakita. Ibaba mo kase ako!" I complained.

"Stay still," he said with an authority on his voice. "We're not yet done talking."

"Zandrei! This is not a proper way to talk! Ano bang posisyon 'to?" I sulked.

A smirk was formed on his lips. "What kind of position do you want?"

Nag-init bigla ang pisngi ko nang marinig 'yon sa kakaibang tono. Is he teasing me? He seems to enjoy doing it!

"What the hell!" I punched his shoulders lightly. "Umayos ka nga! If you're overthinking about what he said, don't bother. Parang malabo namang mangyari 'yon dahil hindi ko pa naman siya nakikita. And why the hell would I agree to become his bride?!"

"I'm going to clear things here, Mali. You are mine and I am yours. Walang pwedeng lumagpas sa teritoryo ng pagmamay-ari ko," he said sexily.

I bit my lower lip and looked away, couldn't fight with his stares. "W-Why are you suddenly claiming me? We're not even.. together."

"Then let's be together. Simple as that."

Mabilis na bumalik ang mga tingin ko sa kanya, hindi makapaniwalang sinabi niya 'yon nang gano'n gano'n lang. He said complacently like answering a simple damn question. Gosh! Paano niya nagagawang maging kalmado pagdating sa ganitong usapan?

"W-What.. I mean.. You're.." There's no exact words coming from my mouth.

"No pressure, meine liebe. We feel the same way. What's the use of making everything complicated?" His husky voice filled my ear.

I gulped. "Paano si Mavis? She's gonna get hurt."

"Hinayaan ko siyang malapit sa'kin dahil kaibigan ko siya. Now that we're together, she's not going to interfere. The moment she will, its over. I will cut ties with her," kalmado niya pa ring sagot.

Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. He will do it for me. I can see the determination in his eyes and the assurance by his words. Paano ako hihindi sa kanya?

"She's your friend—"

"You're my girlfriend," he cut me off. "Anyone who crosses the line will be punished. If they respected me as their master, they should do the same to you. You're my match and.." he paused for a bit and stared at me for a while.

"And what?"

"I'll mark you mine."

His gray eyes changed again and I could feel his breathe on my neck. Without further ado, his sharp fangs touched my neck as he sucks my blood, making me gasp in pain. Why is my body feeling the heat of needing more from him?

************************