Chapter 33 –
The Vampire Realm
Erin's POV
For the past few days, Theo had been giving me constant updates—mostly about how the witches' realm wanted to kill my Goldrens. According to him, it was the witches who practiced dark magic who hunted them the most.
It was… a lot to take in.
But even with the tension hanging over my head, I was finally growing used to my duties as queen. Surprisingly, it wasn't as overwhelming as I once feared. In fact, I was starting to enjoy it. The power, the responsibility, the connection to my people—it all felt natural.
Ruby helped me with almost everything.
Theo too, even though he expressed himself in the strangest ways possible.
And Mars… well, Mars had been behaving strangely ever since I saw Nicolas' face in that vision. He alternated between acting normal and acting like something was bothering him. I couldn't figure it out.
Seeing Nicolas again—even in a dream—stirred something inside me. Memories I didn't know I still had came flooding back. We were true friends once, In the dream, Nicolas claimed Erin—the Erin from before—was in love with some other man. Some "foreigner." Some "invader.
That was definitely Daniel.
And the dream is part of my memories.
As for my powers… they had grown tremendously. I was no longer the confused girl who barely understood herself. Now, I could do so many things—too many things, honestly. I could monitor my Goldrens no matter where they were. I could manipulate magic like it was second nature. Sometimes I felt like a miniature god.
Everything felt new.
Everything felt possible.
And deep down, I was grateful—grateful to Nicolas for suggesting I come here in the first place. If I hadn't, I might still be powerless, unaware, and vulnerable.
We just had a few barriers left to break, and once that was done…
Boom.
I'd reach my full potential.
I couldn't deny it—I missed the werewolf realm. I missed Micha, and I missed Kate terribly. I was planning to visit them soon, just to let them know I was safe. But of course, I'd have to return to the vampire realm afterward. As queen, I didn't have much freedom anymore.
I was lost in thought when something strange happened.
Right in front of me, a swirling vortex appeared—a portal, shimmering with golden and blue light. A sealed envelope dropped to the floor before the portal vanished.
My heart skipped.
A letter… from another realm?
I picked it up carefully, my curiosity spiking. There was no seal I recognized, yet somehow I knew it was meant for me.
I opened it—and my breath caught.
"Dear Erin,
It's me, your grandfather, Michael."
My chest tightened at the familiar name.
Michael.
My grandfather.
"How have you been, dear? I've missed you. I hope you're gaining your powers and recovering your memories. I know this must be difficult, so I'm only asking this if you want it. If you're not interested, I understand."
I swallowed hard and continued.
"I'm still in the Elven Realm. My friend, King Johnson, recently received a letter from the werewolf realm."
The letter… from the werewolves?
My heart thumped as I read on.
"According to the message, an ancient enemy has awakened, and his primary target is the werewolves. Alpha Levi has asked for our help. Although this enemy has nothing to do with our realms at first glance—we know him. He doesn't stop. If he destroys the werewolves, he may come for the rest."
I blinked.
"Levi… specifically asked for their help?" I murmured.
Interesting.
I continued.
"So that's why I'll be going to war with King Johnson, along with some of the strongest elves. And the king suggested inviting you as well. Your Goldrens would be extremely useful in the fight. I'm only asking—would you like to come with us? Would you be willing to join the battle with your army of Goldrens?"
I didn't hesitate.
"Yes," I said aloud, excitement bubbling in my chest.
Because it wasn't just about the battle. It was about seeing my brother. Seeing Kate. And most importantly…
Seeing Levi.
The letter ended with,
"If you choose to come, send your answer through the portal. We move tomorrow."
I didn't even think twice.
I created a return portal and wrote:
"Yes, Grandfather.
I'll come.
The werewolf realm means a lot to me. I have loved ones there—I can't just sit here while danger approaches them. Also, this will help me gain more battle experience. I'll gather my armies. The Goldrens and I will be ready by tomorrow."
I sealed the letter, cast the spell, and sent it through.
Only when the portal closed did I realize I hadn't told Theo or Ruby yet.
Oops.
Immediately, I summoned Ruby and several Goldrens.
Ruby rushed in first, already grinning. "What happened? Why do you look like you swallowed the sun?"
"I'm going to the werewolf realm tomorrow," I announced. "To fight alongside the elves."
She gasped—then her eyes sparkled with bloodthirsty joy.
"Yes! Finally! A war! I've been craving to spill some blood!" She punched the air. "This is amazing—I'm pumped."
I shook my head, smiling despite myself.
Theo entered quietly. He didn't smile often, but I could see it in his eyes—he was pleased.
"You're happy," I said.
"I'm not happy," he replied immediately. "I'm excited. War isn't 'great,' my queen—it's awesome. The feeling of blood, the thrill of killing enemies, the terror in their eyes—"
"Yes, yes, we get it," Ruby interrupted, rolling her eyes.
I sighed. "Is there really a difference between being happy and being excited?"
Theo shrugged. "One involves more murder."
"…Right."
He straightened. "Should I go gather the rest? You said we're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, Theo. Tomorrow."
"Understood." He turned to leave.
"Oh—wait!" I called after him. "How many Goldrens do we have now?"
He paused and answered calmly, "Ten thousand, my queen."
My jaw dropped. "Ten thousand? But… they don't look that many."
"That's because most of them are still in their small forms," he explained with a rare smile. "Once enlarged, you'll see their true numbers."
I exhaled sharply. Ten thousand Goldrens… That was a terrifying army.
"Alright," I whispered. "Let's prepare."
Theo bowed. "As you command."
Ruby clapped eagerly. "I'm going to get my best weapons and armor. This is going to be fun!"
Both of them hurried out to begin the preparations, leaving me alone to breathe through the rush of emotions swirling in my chest.
I was going back.
Back to Levi.
Back to Micha.
Back to Kate.
Back to where everything started.
And this time, I wasn't returning as some confused girl.
I was returning as a queen.
---
Meanwhile — In the Elven Realm
King Johnson grinned from ear to ear as he read Erin's reply.
"Perfect," he said. "When I sent the letter to the werewolf realm and wrote that three races would come, I trusted Erin wouldn't let me down. And she didn't."
Michael sat beside him, crossing his arms with a mix of pride and worry.
"Argghh… whatever. I'm still worried about her. I just hope everything goes well."
King Johnson chuckled. "Everything will go well. Have faith. How are preparations on your side?"
"Leo said a few of our men will be ready tomorrow," Michael replied. "And Erin will be here too… with her powerful creations."
His expression softened slightly.
"She's stronger than I imagined."
King Johnson nodded, his smile fading into something serious.
"With the power she's awakened… her arrival might just be what decides this war."