Episode 4

Boom!

The loud sound of the starting gun echoed across the stadium, and the race began. A blur of movement followed as participants took off with lightning speed especially the vampires, who are known for their ability to run which gave them an undeniable advantage. Cheers erupted from the stands already knowing who the winner will be, but the excitement was not shared by all.

Amanda, burst into laughter as she ran happily being cheered by her friends and boyfriend with his friends.

“Why do we even allow humans to participate in these races?” one of her friends sneered at their seat. “They’re only good for embarrassing themselves.”As many laughed.

But their arrogance was short-lived many starting to get confused and shocked.

As a human girl from the rear of the track had begun to gain ground.It was Sophie, with a focused gaze and pumping legs, she surged forward, by passing other runners after runners Amanda smiled collapsed as she tried to gain ground refusing to be humiliated by a human. Murmurs spread like wildfire through the crowd. The laughter died, One vampire blinked in disbelief,the others gasped.

"What…?" someone whispered as she passed by her.

Sophie didn’t stop, she dashed across the track and crossed the finish line first making history.

The stadium went utterly silent.

The referees, coaches, professors, participants,all stared everyone present were stunned silence as Sophie stood hunched over, panting heavily as she whispered I did it. Then, amidst the silence, claps erupted, they were loud, enthusiastic claps from none other than Erica her dearest friend, the older lady who had always kept her company and many human students. Soon, other humans and even a few supernaturals joined in.

Amanda’s face twisted with rage looking at everyone as she refused to accept what happened.

“She must’ve cheated!” she screamed. “No human is that fast. She must’ve taken a potion or used a spell or something like that, stop acting like fools people have you seen a human that fast or has it ever been recorded!”

Others murmured in agreement, nodding.

Sophie wanted to speak true humans aren't that fast but she had been running since she was a child her parents taught her their lives will always be in danger so even if you can't fight you should be able to run so the trained her to run all day as she improved but even with that she was still a little too fast.

But a tall, stern professor stepped forward, expression unreadable. “That’s impossible,” he said firmly. “She passed all health and magic tests just like the rest of you shes clean.” He turned toward Sophie, narrowing his eyes. “But I’ve never seen a human that fast… I’ll be watching you.”

The tension thickened. More voices rose, demanding a rematch, claiming the result was a fluke. Amid reluctant murmurs, another race was agreed upon as everyone took positions on the track again.

But before the next round could begin, chaos struck.

Screams erupted from the northern entrance as students stormed into the stadium, eyes wide with terror as they ran in trying to get to the other exit as many were confused and some ran without questioning.

Monsters many yelled.

The word spread like wildfire, chilling the crowd’s blood. Suddenly huge, grotesque beasts tore into the stadium, scattering chairs and ripping through the barriers. Panic broke loose. People screamed, tripped, fled for exits that were now blocked by monstrous claws.

Sophie’s eyes widened in horror. Her body froze for a moment before instinct kicked in. She grabbed Erica and the old woman, guiding them to a hidden corner beneath the bleachers.

“Stay here. No matter what happens, don’t come out,” Sophie whispered.

Before either could protest, she dashed back out dodging claws staying hidden, weaving through chaos to pull in other stranded students and some kids from her neighbourhood. She dragged them into her makeshift hiding spot, pushing them into the shadows.

Then she heard a scream sounding like a child she didn't see who it was but it was obvious who ever was trying to dodge a beast. Sophie crawled down trying to get to the child.

Only to realise it was Amanda, the girl who hated and bullied her she wanted to turn around and let her suffer but something kicked in her as she grabbed Amanda’s wrist, and yanked her under a table.

“Stay quiet,” she hissed, leading her toward the others.

Amanda’s expression shifted. From panic to calculation to pure malice.

Amanda spoke as the crawled forward you know you really shouldn't help someone if you can't help yourself suddenly, she shoved Sophie hard, slamming her against the ground with a loud crack. Sophie barely had time to breathe before Amanda yelled, “Over here” drawing the monster’s attention and pushing Sophie forward. Then, like a coward, she fled.

Erica's mouth dropped open in horror as Sophie lay there, dazed. As a creature headed to her and grabbed her by the arm and hurled her across the stadium, smashing her into a wall. Blood painted the floor.

She groaned in agony, coughing blood, vision spinning.

Another monster grabbed her leg.

“No…” Erica whispered. As she tired to run to help Sophie but her brother grabbed her shutting her mouth with his palm and holding her tightly.

Sophie tired to stand up as regret filled her as she felt and saw her own blood pour down her face as she was grabbed again,fear taking over her now , she was scared to die she also worried about her parents and sister.

Then—

Boom!

A blur as someone smashed through the wall running along it like gravity didn’t matter. It was the Prince and soon after knights followed.

Unlike the other vampires that have lost the ability or craving for blood he hasn't cause his a crescent vampire pure blood faster, stronger, deadlier than any other vampire.

He moved Extremely fast, Stabbed the monster with his sword and immediately snatched Sophie mid-air, holding her securely around her waist.Their eyes met for a heartbeat.

As a spark passed through their eyes quickly as thye felt a familiar presence?

As suddenly Jayson's eyes glowed even more crimson than before as he smelt her blood as it was obviously rare.

Sophie’s breath hitched, but then panic returned. She pushed him away as a feeling of caution and danger washed over her, as she trembled. The aura around him, it was terrifying, suffocating.

“Does she want to die?” one knight muttered as she literally was falling down after she pushed him .

Michael, one of Jayson’s trusted aides, caught her gently. “Are you alright, little lady?”

She nodded, unable to speak as shock and fear filled her.

Meanwhile, Jayson’s eyes burned crimson as he let out a demon laugh before smirking as he attacked it countless till he found it's weakness. " Its weakness is the heart,” he said amused.

He moved like a predator, dodging the monster’s wings, leaping onto it, stabbing it repeatedly with his sword as the other knights aimed for the creature's heart as well. Even after the creature fell down, the prince didn’t stop. Blood sprayed. His expression was one of a manic.

Only Michael’s voice broke through.

“Your Highness. It’s dead. Please, calm down.”

Jayson exhaled deeply, his eyes dimming. “Guess I lost control… again.”

He looked around and saw them kill the last creature as he ordered the knights to collect demon parts for study if they could trace it's origins and inspect for magical gems or jewels As he joined the knights check. Students slowly emerged, shaken but alive.

Amanda sauntered over, feigning innocence as she worked to the crowd around Sophie as the medics were helping her “ Your alive Oops, sorry I pushed you earlier. I forgot you’re weak little—”

Slap!

The sound echoed. Amanda fell backward, stunned.

As some knights and students yelled "damnnnn...."

Sophie’s voice trembled with rage. “ I shouldn't have helped u" she groaned "If I ever see you in danger again, I’ll let you die.”

Amanda’s eyes blazed. “Did you just Slapped me!!.”

Erica stepped in. “Shut up you hage. You make me want to commit murder.”

Amanda opened her mouth again—but this time, the old lady stepped forward.

“You foolish girl,” she scolded. “Your behavior will end you someday.”

Amanda scoffed. “And what can a pathetic, wrinkled human like you do as her girls, boyfriend and his friend came to her?”

The woman smirked.

“Jayson!”

Everyone froze.

The prince turned living what he was doing.

“Son, can you believe this girl? She’s bullying me and these sweet children.Can you believe these.”

People stared in disbelief.

Sophie gasped. “Wait, did she just… call the prince…?”.As Sophie moved back in fear as the prince got closer to her and the old lady.

Jayson blinked as he looked at her intensely as if recognising something. His voice softened. “Grandmother?”

The woman huffed. “Finally, you remember me.”

Gasps erupted again. Whispers filled the stadium In confusion as the realised she could be the missing queen mother in disguise because the remembered her being a fairy with tricks she isn't a vampire like the rest of her family.

With a wave of her hand, she dropped the illusion, revealing a stunning woman with silvery hair and a youthful face that glowed with timeless beauty.

The entire stadium dropped to their knees, Amanda included, trembling.

“You’re… the Queen Mother,” one whispered.

She smiled, “You’re forgiven as she smirked. But you will be punished by the school and I would be writing the list of punishment for you to take home to your families as she looked at them your lucky I don't want to show you real punishment.And don’t forget to attend the Phoenix Festival coming soon. Sophie, dear,” she added, turning to her realising the distance between them as Sophie bowed, “you’re like a second daughter to me I don't want to let go of you however. I’ll see you soon, child.”

Jayson stepped forward, his voice colder again. “Grandmother, I must leave. There’s been another breach return to the palace father and mother would be delighted to see you.”

She nodded. “Take care, my boy.”

Then she turned to Erica and Sophie. “Come. Take a walk with me before I return to the palace, guards don't worry no ones hurting me let me walk around for a few minutes.”

ASTERIA

Back in Asteria palace the clang of swords echoed across the royal training grounds as knights sparred beneath the blazing sun. Glistening with sweat and determination, they struck and parried with practiced ease. But not all were focused solely on the drills.

Among them, Kael still disguised as the ever curious “John” tightened his grip on a wooden sword, ears perked as he overheard a nearby conversation.

“I’m telling you,” one knight said, wiping his brow, “even the life of royals isn’t all it’s made out to be. You think it’s all gold and glory, am starting to like my life better now, look at the pressure on Prince Daniel lately.”

Another knight scoffed, twirling his practice blade."Especially his decision to strike a trade agreement with that kingdom? The one our ancestors hated the most ?”

Kael’s eyes narrowed subtly. He stepped closer, pretending to stretch, then asked casually, “Why would he do that? Isn’t there bad blood between Asteria and lunaria?”

The first knight exchanged a look with the others, then sighed. “You don't know, huh? Alright, I’ll explain. A few days ago, some of our citizens and knights were attacked near one of our borders. The survivors swore it was monsters… savage ones. No one’s seen anything like them before.”

“Prince Daniel,” the second knight cut in, “thinks someone’s using those monsters as weapons or something like that. He believes forming an alliance with our old rivals might help… And would further ensure long lasting peace and change .”

“Hah,” another scoffed. “Or maybe it’s a trick. Maybe that kingdom called lunaria sent the monsters and now he’s welcoming them to our doorstep. I say he's trying to gain their trust just so we can invade later!”

Thunk!

A wooden sword knocked him sharply on the head. “Not everything is about war, you fool,” the senior knight growled. “Asteria has had peace for decades. We don’t need hotheads making things worse.”

Kael blinked, absorbing every word. Monsters. Border attacks. Political maneuvering.

“You guys sure about all this?” he asked.

Another knight shrugged. “Not really. Only the royal family and the King’s advisor know the full truth. But either way, it’s above our rank. Now come on, back to training.”

As the group dispersed, Kael’s expression hardened. He knew Kiara needed to hear this.

Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince's Chambers

Prince Daniel sat hunched over a stack of papers in his lavish study, the light from a floating crystal globe casting gentle shadows across his sharp features. Tall, handsome, with emerald-green hair that shimmered slightly in the light, he was every bit the image of a future king.

A soft ding! chimed, and a beautifully wrapped magic box on his desk sprang open, emitting a catchy tune with flowers 🌺popping out. Daniel groaned, rubbing his temples.

“Why does she keep sending these?”

The door burst open as a cheerful voice called out, “Big bro! Still buried in work, huh?”

Daniel glanced up, his expression softening slightly at the sight of his younger brother Austine who sparkled of mischief in his eyes.

Austine pointed to the singing box. “Ah, Ruth sent this, didn’t she? She really does care, you know. Sister-in-law material if you ask me.”

Daniel's brows furrowed. “She’s not your sister-in-law. Our relationship is political. It’ll be dissolved soon.”

Austine rolled his eyes. “Not if I can help it. Ruth is sweet. You’ll understand one day.”

Daniel stood, arms crossed. “Shouldn’t you be at training, Mr. General or should I give you some of my paperwork to keep you busy?”

“Oopsy,” Austine chuckled. “I’m going, I’m going. But first I have to ask, are you sure working with Lunaria is a good idea? We haven’t had contact with that kingdom in, like, a century and remember we've got bad blood with them.”

Daniel turned to the window, watching the wind stir the garden trees below.

“I’m sure,” he said quietly. “I have to be. If we don’t act now, we might regret it later.”

Austine gave him a knowing look. “Well, you’re the boss. Oh, and mum wants to see you.” He winked and dashed out, leaving Daniel alone once more.

Daniel looked out across the horizon,as he sighed”

Later, in the Courtyard

Kael strolled into the courtyard where Kiara sat beneath a tree, pretending to read a book. He narrowed his eyes at her and called out sternly, “lily! What are you doing here ?

She grinned, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Aw, don’t be such a grump, John.”

To everyone else watching, it seemed like a knight scolding a lazy girl. But as he sat beside her and leaned close, his tone dropped.

“I've gotten info.”

He quickly relayed what he’d heard—about the monster attacks, the prince’s alliance with their kingdom, and the rising suspicions.

Kiara’s playful demeanor faded into seriousness. “So he’s trying to gain their trust… or maybe pretending to.hmmmmm interesting.”

She stood, brushing her gown .“Well then, guess I’m sinking into the crown prince’s work office. Let’s see what his highness is really planning.”

Kael nodded . “Be careful not to get caught.”

As she replied don't worry about that

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