Over the past 400+ years, he has seen every conflict that this family has faced. Nothing was new to him. The family drama and the conflict they’d face. He witnessed it all. He experienced the darkest times and the good times they spent with each other, and yet, he didn’t feel part of it. Despite being supposed to be dead, he had to protect his family generation after generation against the malevolent group of people haunting them to guard the secrets his family needed to keep.

But five years ago, he made a decision that would save his family that he longed to protect from the people who wanted their secrets. It was something that he will not allow to slip through their hands. That was why he chose to stay and allow the rest of the family to escape.

Gilt inspected the cellar, looking for his favorite wine, and had to run back and forth to find it. He ran to the library before plucking out the wine cork with his bare finger. The bubbles sprayed and he didn’t waste any of it as he reluctantly drank it straight into his mouth.

“You seem to be troubled.” A familiar voice rang out.

Gilt put the wine at once and heard the string loosen and the arrow left the crossbow, back to its quiver.

“I had an epiphany.” Gilt whispered, he looked over his shoulder as he continued to drink his wine. “And it bothers me.”

Rick Mavenhart, his supposed nephew in the papers, put down his crossbow and hung it. A relieving sigh was expelled and left his lungs. He was aware of what was happening in the city. There have been reports of missing students and killings that defy explanations by the police. It appeared that he was ready to fight any monster that enters this mansion.

Rick has sleek black hair and the signature fair skin that a Mavenhart possessed with his masculine cheekbones. His broody dark eyes hint at trouble, but they’re soft, most of the time. His uncanny face was enough to be wary of. He may have an angelic face, but there’s a hint of a devil within his eyes.

He straightened his posture as he sat and picked up a glass. He stole the wine bottle that Gilt held.

“Remind me again why have I not used my mind-compulsion on you?” Gilt asked.

Rick poured his glass of wine. “Because you hate being alone and I need help on keeping the secrets within this mansion.”

“You are right. I hate being alone, but that’s not the reason why you’re so pesky to stay here. Let’s get real here, there’s nothing really you can do if something knocks on the door and try to take the treasure that our family that’s hidden within the chambers of this house. You’re just a human, Rick. You have limitations.”

“Don’t underestimate my capabilities. You remember I’ve killed a vampire once.”

He couldn’t help but throw a grin over his shoulder. “I know and I’ve been telling you since, that’s nothing but luck.”

“I’ve been training.” There was a hint of pride in his voice.

“Uh-huh. Sounds stupid.”

“Or smart.” Rick said it as though it was something that was the biggest accomplishment he had.

Gilt doesn't blame him though. There was nothing he could do to dissuade him from furthering his training given that it was not the first time a vampire tried to murder him. He wished there was something he could do to make things easy. At least, discourage Rick to focus on his studies like any others.

“It is stupid,” Gilt shot back. “You weren’t supposed to do those things yet. In fact, you’re not supposed to act like that.” Gilt continued. “Kid, you’re young. There’s a life waiting for you. Don’t waste it.”

“I am not.”

“You should’ve gone with them.” Gilt’s voice was rough. The wine hit hard on his throat.

“But – But they didn’t treat me like one.”

He hated to admit it, but Rick was right on that one. The reason behind his unfortunate existence was that his parents died early. He only had a nanny who looked after him and guided him to the man he was now. But the preceding event put him into a grave decision. He lost his mother during the Purge and the family didn’t even show any kind of affection over her death.

“So, this is your life plan, eh? Make sure that no one will ever get their hands laid on the treasure this family has hidden for hundreds of years.”

“Or more like a curse, and I doubt that they will come over here anytime soon. Until then.”

“Until then, we must enjoy the time that we had.”

They enjoy each other’s company even though it’s seldom. Gilt was the only one who could bear his sight, but they rarely talked.

“Speaking of which.” Rick broke off the silence. “You seem to be busy nowadays.”

“I’ve been dealing with the monster attacks. You know, the one who’s been munching with kids, like you.”

“Does that involve a witch?”

“Where’d you hear that?”

Gilt raised his brow. Supposedly, the news stated that the witches in this town were down to none – all of them were annihilated during the Purge. Of course, Kate’s and her sister’s abilities have remained secret. He had told them about this and made it his responsibility to keep them in check. He can’t afford another death on his hands.

“A hunch.”

“And do you know who that witch might be?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Don’t worry, I have no intention of getting mixed up in your quarrels either. Just make sure that no one will find out about us.”

Rick’s face was struck. His uptight approach brings an endearing agony to Gilt. Rick has a terrible habit of quickly changing his mood whenever something serious comes up. Gilt may have gotten used to it, but sometimes it can’t help that he might get into his skin.

“You’re just a teenager kid. Loose up.”

“Ah-huh.”

“I’m serious. You’ve been acting like a nagging old man ever since. Don’t you think that you’re missing something?”

“Not really.” He said while observing the wine and drinking it.

“C’mon, I’m pretty sure you have someone that you’re eyeing. Mavenhart’s genes are strong in you. I’m sure you’ll get one.”

“And then what?”

“You would lay on them. You’re a high school student, how come no one thought about you?”

“Because I’m not a perv.”

“When I was your age, I hit all the girls as I saw fit, ‘didn’t even spare the senior girls.”

Rick glanced at him with disgust on his face. The fact that he had gone to school despite his age is what made him detestable.

“You’re disgusting.”

“I know,” he said without a shadow of shame.

***

A shadow fell over the crypt as the hooded man entered and closed it. In his hands, he held the torch that showed him the way through the darkness. He made his way as he cleared away the cobwebs on the path.

He walked inattentively to the right and saw the room illuminated by white light. Cautiously, he opened the door and saw the fellow friars speaking in a drastic tone. The other three hooded figures were chatting about the failures. They kept pointing at each other as if they had done nothing wrong.

They sat crisscrossed at a round table. One of them slammed his hands on the table and yelled at them. He continued to watch them as he sat down at the empty table.

The light emitted by the crystalline sputtered as the witches’ presence grew stronger and they intimidated each other.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Children, please, let us stop bantering. Gibbering nonsense wouldn’t bear a single fruit. Don’t rile up your mana or else this crypt would break down over our head.” Jay’s voice faintly hinted at annoyance, but he did not let his voice wavered and delivered a clarity amidst the soft breeze passing above the glassed rooftop. His porcelain skin, radiating a subtle luminescence. The eyes of a deductive, cold quiet man wearily suspended his gaze down the table, his thoughts navigating the right words. His cold demeanor reminded them of the reasons why he was in that position, except for one.

One of his comrades barked at him. “And you! Where could you have been?! While the monster was on the loose, where were you?!”

“I was busy.” The gentleman said.

“Busy or are you getting comfortable in your new life?!”

“Enrick.” His voice was insistent as he spoke the name. “I have not yet forgotten our cause. We came here to make sure that our power in this city will remain and prepare for the incoming conflict.”

“Then why aren’t you doing something?!”

“I am doing something.” His face looked stricken as he met his gaze. “Must I remind you that we have to fit in this city for us not to become suspicious or does the steak have not melted on your stomach and gravely stuck on your head?”

“You, ingrate!”

His mana began to surge and riled up, but the man at whom intended by the coercion remained unfettered by his threatening expression. He stared at him with a blank expression.

“I suggest you should carefully think about what you should do next. You wouldn’t like the outcome of it.”

His cold gaze sent a shiver down Enrick’s spine. The mana calmed down and the ground stopped shaking. He turned his attention to the floor, intensified. The gentleman’s sullen mood quickly changed. He decided to respond to his comrades’ appeal.

“Very well. What seems to be the problem?” Jay asked.

“While you were away, the monster that you put on the leash, escaped.” The feminine voice echoed throughout the crypt.

“When did this happen?”

“Last month. The monster was busy preying on young kids and the souls of the dead.”

He covered his face with his palm and collected his thoughts before expelling the air.

“Why am I hearing this now?” he asked. “You should have called me the moment this happened.”

The young man next to him said, “Because we have no means of contact.”

“We’re in the 21st century. We lived in an era where a screen can contact people directly. Have you not heard of Messenger?”

“Spare us with the mockery, Jay.” She spoke. “Not all of us are quick learners. Besides, there is a more pressing business that we’ve attended.”

“Like what, Suzy?” Enrick asked.

The chestnut-haired Suzy Megan defiantly gaze at him. Her strict red eyes revealed resilience. She announced, feigning ignorance to his uncanny attitude. “We’re making sure that the Satrican is working properly because the Gap coincidentally has been acting odd these past few months. Mana was oozing out from it and we’re using our power to close it. We had to check it every day just to make sure that it’s not going to cause any kind of aberration.”

Jay understood the reason. The Satrican was a mystical item that can be used to seal and unseal any type of object, including people, objects, or a gateway. Without it, the Gap’s activities wouldn’t be stable and there was a great chance that the monsters would crawl their way out. The usage of the artifact came with a great price with such prestige.

“I understand your reason. I admit the Satrican might be approaching the end of its term – probably this year. Hence, I also took a precaution about this and I brought another Satrican to replace the old one.”

A magenta sphere materialized from his palm and placed it on the table.

“Please, see to it that the problem will be taken care of.”

“You heard the man. It would be better if you’d do it as soon as possible.” Enrick said.

“And what about you Enrick?” Suzy asked. “You seem to be seasoned.”

Enrick gave her a dirty look.

“Don’t spit such blasphemy, Suzy. Our friend here is sensitive when it comes to his age.” Jay said.

“One day, your paltry flesh will spread across the crypt if you don’t shut your smart mouth, Suzy.”

“Oops.” She made a spooked face.

Enrick grunted. “I’ve been eyeing the newly formed council.”

“And what about them? Do they pose a threat?”

“No. I don’t think they will ever harm us.”

“Good. Then I suggest you keep an eye on them.”

“But that’s not all.”

The three of them made grave faces.

“What is it?”

“The Demonic Effigy has taken damage and it seems that the cause of it was from a fight.”

“Oh?” He fell into his thoughts.

“I know. There shouldn’t be anyone capable of facing it, ‘because everyone that belongs in the previous council is dead. We killed all of them during the Purge.”

“We may have killed all of them.” Jay intercepted and added. “But still susceptible to outside interference.”

“What are you implying? Witches from other cities are scared to come here.”

“But not to a certain kind.” Jay rose. His eyes met their questioning face. “I believe there’s a Hunter in the city.”

***

Two weeks passed and Van was able to prove himself and join the track field. Though the instructor gave him a warm welcome the others are awfully distant. He felt no contempt either. There were five members, but there are only three of them who are training so far. The others were seniors that are going to graduate next year. They were given such an exemption to focus on their academics.

The first time Van entered the field he was surprised that Raymond was part of it. He was a 1st year senior high, in other words, he was their senior. The other one was brooding. You may say that his brooding gaze was a plus point to his fair skin and his well-endowed face. His name was Rick Mavenhart.

Rick was also popular in the school, mostly among the girls, but even so, he doesn’t take a liking to women. Perhaps he’s bi? Van thought. Looks can be deceiving sometimes, but in fairness, he was not just all that good-looking but he also excelled in academics.

It was early in the morning when Van woke up. The sun has not risen yet. He immediately went to the bathroom and showered. The splash had woken up Timothy. Timothy went out of his room after he heard the footsteps.

“Dude, what the hell? It’s 4:30 in the morning.”

Van stammered, “Uhm, I have training.”

“Early in the morning? For real?”

“Didn’t I tell you that I joined the sports track?”

“You just told me now,” Timothy grunted and slumped back. “When did this happen?”

“I was invited by mister Spotsman two weeks ago.”

“Ah-huh. Okay. Fine, but you gotta make your own breakfast.” Timothy fell back on his bed.

Van grunted as he went to the kitchen and made his sandwich, before going out and heading to school.

Van wore jogging pants and a white shirt. There, he met Rick who was also ready. The strained face was evident that he had done some exercise in preparations. The toll had him resting.

“I don’t think we have formally met.” Van initiated. “My name is Van.”

“Rick.” He blandly greeted him.

There weren't necessary items he brought, so he started with minor stretches.

“What time did you come here?” Van asked.

“Why do you care?”

“It’s not like I want to stick my nose in, but I’m just curious. You always seem to be always working up, even if it’s too early in the morning.”

“Is there something wrong with it?”

“No. Absolutely no.”

“Aside from school nothing induces my mind to be restless, so yeah, I’m perfectly healthy.”

“Oh, cool.” Van said.

“What about you? You don’t seem to be a morning guy.”

“Kind of.” Van shrugged his shoulders. “These days I have been busy with something else.”

“No wonder you missed some of our routines. I guess it’s related to school projects, isn’t it? You’re in your 4th year now, so the next few days will be tough.”

“Yes, actually it is. I assure you it’s nothing related to dating a girl or a woman.”

Rick shook his head in confusion. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Nothing. As you said, the school is bitchin’.”

Raymond burst through the door. Sweats trickled down to his chin. His nervous face was instilled along his pale lips.

“Hey, guys. I’m sorry, I’m late.” Raymond said.

“Where have you been and what happened to you?” Van asked.

“I was chased by a stray dog.” Raymond huffed. He worked through his locker and started to sort his things before grabbing his clothes and went on to change.

“That’s rough. Does this city have an animal shelter?” Van looked at his senior.

“The shelter here was lacking staff, so sweeping all animals to the shelter is nearly impossible in one year,” Rick explained.

“How can the owners have left them without thinking of any consideration?”

“I would like to think that they’re selfish and ingrate people.”

“May I ask, why did you run? You’re like 5’7 in height. You can just kick it out of the way.” Rick said.

“That is so cruel dude,” Van was stunned and commented on Rick’s statement.

“What’s cruel is getting a bite of something that was dumped by irresponsible owners and having to pay fifty dollars to rinse off the bite.”

When they were about to come out, the instructor walked into the room and whistled out loud.

“What the hell are you slacking off?! Get y’all asses on the field, now!”

“Yes sir!” They said in sync.

And so, they began to run on the track field.

Before going to class after showering, Van noticed that Raymond’s pale lips had not gone yet. He observed him and it gave Raymond a creepy feeling and noticed him.

“Dude,” Raymond backed off. “Just for you to know, I’m not into guys. I’m straight.”

“No, no. That’s not what I’m doing.” Van stammered back to reality. “Have you seen yourself? Your lips are so pale.”

“What?”

Raymond looked at his reflection in the mirror in the hallway.

“Maybe he just needs water,” Jane said. She appeared out of nowhere and startled Van.

“You guys ran like the entire field, you know.” She added.

“Maybe,” Van added.

“You should go and drink a lot of water. You might pass out if you keep yourself dehydrated.” Jane said.

Raymond immediately went outside to buy water at the vending machine.

Van glanced at Jane. She wore a red sleeveless top and cheer briefs.

“Uhm, you’re part of the cheerleader squad?”

“Yes, we will have practice, and then after that, there will be a try-out for the juniors.”

After performing several moves, Jane had to stop and breathed in, then stretched her arms and legs.

“Ok, cool.”

Van turned his back to go to class but Jane held his arm.

“Wait. Actually, uhm.” There was a brief pause but she still queried. “You and Rick, are you guys close?”

“No, I don’t think so. We haven’t talked that much. Why?”

“Nothing.”

Jane immediately took off and turned the other way.

That’s weird. He thought.

After that, nothing extraordinary happened that day. Or so he thought.

Van did not see Raymond until early in the morning. It’s nothing he should worry about, but he couldn’t help being curious about what reason he was not replying to his text. Timothy quickly stole the juice Van had when he was distracted by sunlight. Van glanced at the wall clock and saw that he still has 5 minutes before his next class begins.

“Where’s Raymond?” Van asked Timothy.

“He said that he has urgent things to do today. Family’s business. Anyway, I did not meddle in their mess, so, I keep my nose where it’s supposed to be.”

“Ok.”

Timothy knew that there was something more Van to say. He was just waiting for him to cast the words right out of his mouth.

“So, tonight. I think I’m gonna be late.”

“You have practice.”

“Not actually. With Kate.”

“Oh. Ok. You’ve been going a lot these days. Where have you been taking her? I hope it’s not somewhere shabby. I would be embarrassed as your brother.”

“Uh, no. We often hang out in the mall.”

“Mall? What are you, eight?”

“She said that it’s fine.”

“Oh, boy. When a girl says she was fine, she is not fine. That’s the first rule of having a girl. Next, do something that would be exhilarating.”

“Ok. Any recommendations?”

“I don’t know. Go figure it out yourself. Talk about what she likes and formulate your plan.”

“All right.”

Van went on to his next class.