John exited Reina's room, a renewed resolve lifting his spirits as he started walking down the hall. Just then, he saw his grandfather, Leonidas, approaching from the opposite direction. Leonidas didn't say a word. He simply ignored John completely, walking straight past him as if he were a ghost. John stood still for a second, grinding his teeth in silence, but he didn't let himself speak. He turned and kept walking toward his room, determined not to let the old man's contempt stop him.
While John was walking, someone suddenly appeared beside him. A warm, heavy arm was slung around his neck, and John looked up to see his cousin, Richard.
"Hello, cousin," Richard said, giving him an easy smile.
"Richard, howzit going?" John replied.
"The drama in the dining room was awfully strange the other night," Richard said, shaking his head. "I am wondering why Grandfather hates you so much. You are one of us, and I can't understand it. You are also his only daughter's child."
John knew the true reason was his werewolf heritage, but he wasn't ready to share that secret yet. "I do not know why Grandfather hates me. You should ask him," John said. He lifted Richard's arm off his neck and started walking again.
"Wait, John. I am willing to help you become stronger," Richard called out, catching up. "I heard Grandfather say that you are weak. I can teach you some advanced techniques if you are interested."
"I am, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I am still building on my foundation," John replied honestly. "But I'll come find you when I am ready. Thanks, cuz."
John waved his hand as he walked away. As he passed a large window, he saw the outside world bathed in the bright light of a full moon. The sight was beautiful and calming. He decided to head outside for a while to sit and watch the stars.
Walking outside, John found a quiet spot on the grounds. Vampire guards walked by every now and then as they patrolled the area, but they left him to his thoughts. John sat for about forty-five minutes, just looking up at the stars and the moon, when he heard a soft voice from behind him.
"May I join you, Young Master?"
He turned around and saw Elena standing there. "Sure, be my guest."
Elena took a seat beside John and looked up at the dark, starry sky. "So... how was your day, Elena?" John asked, his eyes still fixed on the expanse above.
"It is the same as always, Young Master. How was Young Master's day?" Elena asked, turning to look at him.
"You know, even though I feel better, I still get flashbacks of how those guys almost killed me. I remember how you chopped that one guy's head off with no difficulty. I have never seen anything like it except for in the movies. I can't believe my life changed so much since I became a vampire."
For a short moment, there was silence between them as the cool night air drifted past.
"Elena, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, Young Master," Elena replied.
"Was it my grandmother who sent you the other night?"
While Elena and John were talking far out on the castle grounds, two figures was present high in the castle tower. One of them was occupied with other matters, but the other stood perfectly still by the narrow window, closely observing the pair in the moonlight.
"Those two seem quite close, would you say, brother?" Richard asked while stirring a glass of blood.
Thomas was in the room busy doing push ups. "Yes, brother," Thomas replied without stopping. After a few more reps, Thomas got up and also started to drink blood from a glass.
"Hmm, do you think he is sleeping with her?" Richard said. Thomas almost choked on his drink because of his brother's crude comment.
Thomas quickly recovered and composed himself. "Brother, please don't say random stuff like that."
Richard smiled. "It was just a joke, little brother."
Thomas became slightly annoyed. "No, you must stop talking nonsense, brother. Even if he does, it's none of our business."
"Calm down, little brother. But keep an eye on our cousin." Richard gave a knowing smile and left the room. Thomas didn't say anything else and simply went back to his strenuous training.
Back on the grounds, Elena looked at John. She knew he was still waiting for her answer. "Yes, Lady Anna did send me to talk to Young Master. But Lady Anna was truly worried about you."
"Yeah, I know," John said. "By the way, Elena, when are you getting time off again? I was thinking that we can go out. Maybe do some hiking since we live near the forest. But only if you want to, of course." John was visibly nervous as he spoke.
Elena looked at him and smiled. "Yes, Master, I would like to go out."
John looked at Elena and gave a bright smile. "Good, then let me know when you get off. I have to go. I have to train tomorrow with Aunt Reina. Enjoy your evening."
As John was walking away, Elena stood up quickly. "Wait, Young Master."
John came to a stop and turned around.
"Why does Young Master like me so much?" Elena asked quietly.
John thought for a moment, searching for the right words. "I don't know. Maybe because of the energy you give off. I just like you; it's hard to explain. I can sense that you have a gentle soul even though you are a vampire. Is it a problem?"
"No, Young Master," Elena replied.
"Great, see ya." John turned around and started walking to his room with a lighter step.
Elena stayed in the same spot, watching him go. A soft, gentle smile spread across her face.