"What do you think of conquering the world?"

Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat at his unexpected response. It was a proposition she hadn't anticipated. Curiosity filled her as she sought to understand his motives. With a hint of hesitancy, she asked, "Yule, why conquer the world? Shouldn't our priority be reviving the 25 girls?"

Yule's gaze remained fixed on her, his stoic demeanor unwavering. He paused, contemplating his response. Finally, he replied with his characteristic brevity, "Knowledge. Resources. Protection."

Her brows furrowed, trying to grasp the significance of his words. "But is conquering the world necessary for our research?"

Yule's expression softened slightly as he met her gaze. "Securing success. Ensuring revival."

She nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his intentions. Uncertain of the scope of his plan, she recognized the conviction in Yule's eyes. Her own determination grew as she realized that supporting him in this grand endeavor might be the key to fulfilling their shared purpose.

"Very well," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and resolve. "If conquering the world aids our research, I will stand by your side."

Yule's piercing gaze held steady as he listened to her words. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion, "Marrying you would serve a strategic purpose in my quest to conquer the world. It would provide stability and support. However, I want you to understand that I can never offer you emotional love."

Her eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of emotions flooding her heart. She had anticipated his determination and commitment to his research, but the idea of a marriage devoid of emotional connection caught her off guard. Conflicting thoughts raced through her mind, but deep down, she knew her feelings for him were unwavering.

In a soft yet resolute voice, she replied, "Yule, I understand the sacrifice you are making. While emotional love may not be within our grasp, I am willing to stand by your side. Together, we can conquer the world and fulfill our shared purpose."

Yule's stoic expression remained unchanged, but a glimmer of admiration flickered in his eyes. With a nod, he extended his hand towards her, a silent gesture that spoke volumes. Surprised yet determined, she reached out, accepting his proposal, knowing that their union would be forged not by romantic love, but by a profound understanding and unwavering dedication to their goals.

***

"How romantic, don't you think?" Skadiel asked the girls as she clasped her hands together.

"Stop telling us how the two of you got married and get to the point," Rona told Skadiel.

"Well, I just had to—" Skadiel replied before cutting herself off in realization. "Wait, you're not supposed to know that yet," Skadiel stated. The girls stared at her with mixed reactions.

"Girl, please!" Alvishia interjected. "It's obvious that the girl in your story is you," she glared at Skadiel.

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"So, get to the point," Nikola added.

"B-but aren't you interested in further details?" Skadiel panicked. The girls continued staring at her. "Like why I still married him even though he does not love me? Or why he's incapable of it?"

"You were madly in love," Drea replied.

"And he was aromantic as hell," Nikola added.

Skadiel let out a frustrated sigh, her enthusiasm deflating. "I guess I'll just have to tell you."

The girls eagerly awaited her answer.

"I actually don't know how he did it," Skadiel matter-of-factly stated.

A collective, loud "WHAT?!" reverberated in the room.

"Well, he kept it a secret," Skadiel added.

Nikola was still confused. "Well, you could've tried to find out! He's yoir husband for fuck's sake!" she exclaimed.

Skadiel simply said, "Well, he was good at keeping his secrets."

Rona sighed in disappointment. "Well, at least tell us what happened before and after it happened."

Skadiel took a deep breath before responding. "Well, as a matter of fact, it all happened within just two days," Skadiel replied.

Visible confusion is among the girls faces.

***

Years had passed since their marriage, and the weight of time bore down upon Yule's shoulders. He had come to terms with the realization that his research of reviving the girls would not be completed within his lifetime. Faced with this daunting truth, Yule's mind raced, searching for a way to extend his lifespan.

In the midst of his contemplation, Skadiel, ever loyal and devoted, approached him with a suggestion. "Yule," she began tentatively, "what if... what if I turn you into a vampire? It would grant you a very long life, and we could continue our work together."

Yule's stern expression softened for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing his face. He looked at Skadiel, his voice firm and resolute, "No, not an option, unfortunately."

Skadiel's confusion was evident, her brow furrowed as she tried to comprehend Yule's refusal. She respected his decision, but her heart ached at the thought of losing him to the ravages of time.

That night, Yule quietly slipped away from the laboratory and the hidden city of Vyrethas, leaving Skadiel and their companions unaware of his destination. The news of his sudden departure sent shockwaves through the team, leaving them bewildered and uncertain.

Yule's departure had been shrouded in mystery, leaving Skadiel and their companions bewildered and uncertain. Yet, to their surprise, he returned the next day as if he had never disappeared. His presence was as enigmatic as ever, his stoic demeanor unchanged.

***

Skadiel went silent, leaving the girls confused and eager for more answers.

"Wait, that's it? Why did you stop?" Rona questioned Skadiel, her tone filled with confusion.

Skadiel replied, "Because that's it."

"What do you mean, 'that's it'?" Bianka asked, frustration evident in her voice. "You haven't told us about Yule's lifespan yet!"

Skadiel, uncharacteristically frustrated, responded, "Like I told you, I don't know what happened!"

"Then why the sudden stop?" Alvishia questioned.

"Because that's it. When he returned, he already had a longer lifespan!" Skadiel exclaimed.

"You do realize that is all you needed to tell us, right?" Nikola interjected.

Skadiel realized her frustrations and took a moment to calm herself down. "I sincerely apologize for snapping at you," she bowed.

"So, how did you find out that he already had a long lifespan?" Rona asked, curiosity still lingering.

"Oh, well..." Skadiel returned to her enthusiastic self. "When he reached the age where humans normally shrivel up and die," she energetically explained, "he was still alive and kicking."

"Questions answered, but there are still some gaps," Nikola replied.

"If you're talking about his methods," Skadiel answered, "I have some clues, but I don't have proof yet."

"And what are these clues?" Rona inquired.

Skadiel pointed at Pola, who was standing on the side of the room. "Her DNA," she said.

"Huh, so she's Yule's daughter with you after all," Drea mused.

Alvishia, still confused, asked, "And what does Pola's DNA add to all this?"

"Well, yes, she is half vampire," Skadiel revealed, "but she's not half human."

*Chapter end*