Aspen blew out a steady, calming breath as she tried to ignore her hunger pangs. Her stomach has been cramping all day to the point that she couldn't even get up from bed. Nagdahilan na lamang siya sa mga kasama na may mahalaga silang paguusapan ni Xavier kaya naman hindi sila sumama sa plano ng mga itong pag-hunt.

She turned to her side and pulled her knees to her chest. Xavier came back with a basin and some water in it. Idinampi nito sa noo niya ang basang bimpo. "Mainit ka," sinalat nito ang balat niya. "Do vampires even run a fever?"

"N-No." she gritted her teeth and hugged her knees closer. "I might be changing now.. Xav.."

"No. Don't say that. You just need to feed." his eyes were tight and every muscle of his face were taut. "I need to find blood for you but I can't leave you like this."

"You have to.."

"What if someone finds you in this condition?! I need to be here to protect you, Aspen!"

"I'm going to find blood for her."

Sabay na lumipad ang mga mata nila patungo sa pinto ng kwarto. Nakatayo roon si Q na nagtatagis ng bagang. He silently closed the door behind him.

Xavier shot to his feet and moved into a defensive position in front of her. "Stay where you are." she saw the claws on his hands slowly growing as he start to change to his battle form.

"I'm not going to hurt her." he said, glaring at Xav. Sinubukan nitong muling lumapit sa kanya ngunit siya na mismo ang pumigil dito.

"I might hurt you, Q." she had to force those four words out of her mouth. Impit siyang napaungol nang sumalakay muli ang sakit sa tiyan niya.

"Bullshit!" he spat. "I know what's going on. I saw that thing bite you, Aspen!"

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa ni Xavier hanggang sa kusa nang mag-relax ang mate niya at muling umupo sa tabi niya sa kama.

"Like I said, I'm going to find blood for her." deklara ni Q. "Stay here and take care of her. Make sure no one finds out about this. I heard what they did to the other vampire last night."

"How did you even got out?" alam niyang ikinulong ito ng coven ni Tariq dahil sa phasing nito nang nagdaang full moon. Apparently, takot ang mga bampira sa mga werewolf tuwing sumasapit ang kabilugan ng buwan. They are at their strongest during full moon.

He smirked. "It's not like they could keep me inside that cell forever." lumapit ito sa pinto. Hawak na nito ang seradura nang lumingon ito sa kanila. "Alam n'yo naman siguro ang ibig sabihin nito diba? We can't stay here. We need to go. It won't take long before they discovered you were bitten, too."

"I will kill them all first before anyone touches her." Xavier growled under his breath. He was sitting by the end of her bed, his back hunched and his elbows were propped against his knees. Her sensitive eyes could see the black aura around her mate.

"Let's not hope it doesn't come down to that." Q answered, eyeing Xavier warily. "Because we are not sure who's going to be on our side and who's not."

"Leda!"

Kumislot siya at pilit na iminulat ang mga mata. A man with dark hair and golden skin came into her view. He was smiling toothly at her as he waved a bunch of daisies in front of her face. "Magandang umaga, mahal ko."

Kunot noong bumangon siya mula sa hinihigaan. She blinked several times. Who is this man? Why does he look so familiar?

He put down the flowers in a table beside her bed. Nakangiting bumaling itong muli sa kanya sabay kintal ng isang halik sa labi niya. "Kanina pa kita hinihintay na magising. Handa na ang agahan mo."

Hindi siya makapagsalita dahil hindi niya maintindihan ang mga nangyayari. Where is she? She looked down on herself and she wasn't wearing her usual clothing. Nakasuot siya ng isang simpleng bestida at napupuluputan ang mamula mula niyang balat ng puting kumot.

Wait a minute? Why is her skin like this? She touched herself and it was warm. Like she was... Human.

Nanlalaki ang mata na napatingin siya sa lalaking nasa harap niya. He was still smiling and calling her Leda. She is not Leda! "What the fuck is happening?!"

"Aspen!"

Napaigtad siya nang maramdaman ang mainit init na kamay ni Xavier sa pisngi niya. She blinked twice. Mabilis niyang kinapa ang balat at nang matagpuan na malamig iyon at nagbalik na sa maputla nitong kulay ay saka siya nakahinga ng maluwag. She's still a vampire. What the hell was that dream about?!

"Are you okay? You were convulsing." he cradled her face in his hands.

She nodded. She's feeling better now. Now that she knew she was still a vampire and not.. Oh gosh! It's fucking weird to even think about it. Why was she having a freaky dream like that? Not once in her entire two centuries of existence did she dream about being human again. It was weird and kind of scary.

Ipinikit niya ng mariin ang mga mata upang mawala ang alaala ng panaginip na iyon. Kumakabog parin ang dibdib niya. Why was she dreaming of something she doesn't even have any recollection about? Who is Leda? And who is the man calling her mahal? She internally cringed at the thought. She couldn't bear being called by something intimate other than Xavier.

Nang humupa ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso niya dala ng panaginip ay hinawakan niya ang braso ni Xavier na nakayakap parin sa kanya. She assured him that she was fine. Nang pakawalan siya nito ay saka lang niya napansin si Q na nakatayo sa likuran ng mate niya. "You're back?"

Tumango ang lalaki.

"We've already fed you while you were sleeping." sinalat muli ni Xav ang leeg niya. "Nawala na ang lagnat mo."

"This must be hell of an infection to affect vampires like this." she started getting up but Xavier shook his head. She couldn't do anything but to pout at him, but even then, he gestured for her to settle back on her bed.

"What I'm really curious about is why you're still not turning?" Q rubbed his stubbled chin.

"And that's a bad thing, why?" Xavier snapped.

"I'm not saying it's a bad thing, you freak." Q moved to the foot of her bed and sat. "It only raises a lot of question, don't you guys think? I saw it firsthand. In the cabin, the first night we came here in Aslan. The way the man turned not five minutes after he was bitten by the rogue."

"She's a vampire." Xavier deadpanned. "Her vampiric nature is resistant to infections. Her blood might still be fighting the virus, or whatever the fuck this is."

"Then that's a good thing, right? Coz we still have time to figure this thing out. We still have time to find a cure for this."

She looked at Quentin with a grave expression. "I wish I could share your optimism, Q." she said.

Aspen knew Xavier shared her sentiments but chose not to comment. She knew he wanted to believe there's a chance for her, but he saw how this thing unfolded. Their chances were very slim.

"So, what's the plan?"

"First, I need to get her out of here."

"There are too many of them outside." tumingin si Q sa kanya. "We can't sneak her out of here looking like that. She has to feed more."

Xavier looked at her, taking on her pale and weaker physique. He sighed heavily. "You need to feed from a vampire."

She glared at him. "I'm not feeding from anyone and take the risk of infecting them, too."

"There are other ways of feeding, Aspen! You can feed indirectly! You don't need to bite anyone!"

"And you think it would not raise questions? Make them suspicious?"

Xavier fell silent. Halatang nababahala ito sa magiging sitwasyon nila.

"Why don't you just feed her yourself?" takang tanong ni Q matapos marinig ang pagtatalo nilang dalawa.

"She can't feed from me, my blood's poisonous to her." huli niyang natikman ang dugo ni Xavier noong kinumpleto nila ang blood binding. Nang malaman ni Xav ang nangyari sa kanya matapos ang kapahangasang iyon ay isinumpa nitong hindi na siya muli pang makakatikim ng dugo nito.

"What about my blood?"

Nagkatinginan sila ni Xavier. Mabilis na umiling si Aspen. "I haven't tried drinking blood from a were."

Muli silang natahimik. Nagkasya na lamang si Xav sa paghawak sa kamay niya. Nanatili namang nakatitig sa kanya si Q. He had this pained expression on his face. She felt sorry for him. He doesn't have to get involved in this fiasco.

Napakalaki na ng naitulong nito sa kanya. He saved her life thrice. At heto at mailalagay nanaman niya sa kapahamakan ang buhay nito kung sakaling malaman ng kabilang coven ang itinatago nila.

Pinagmasdan niya ito, mula sa mahaba nitong itim na buhok na ngayon ay nakalugay at naglalaro sa mga malalapad nitong balikat. Q has been a good friend to her, she couldn't drag her into this.

"You should go."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Q sabay turo sa sarili. "Ako?"

Umirap si Aspen. "You don't have to be a part of this. Mapapahamak ka pa."

"Don't worry about me." he shrugged. "I can take care of myself. And the more people you have on your side, the better. Gets you more chances of surviving than just having your mate."

Umiling siya. "Hindi mo naiintindihan ang nangyayari, Q. If they execute me, hindi malayong madamay ka rito."

Bumaling si Q kay Xavier. "Can you try put some sense into your mate's mind?"

"I hate to admit this but," Aspen groaned at what Xavier was about to say. "as much as I don't like your friend, we could use some help."

Gustong tumutol ni Aspen ngunit alam niyang tama ang mga ito. Hindi lamang kaya ng konsensya niya na madamay pa si Q sa nangyayaring kamalasan sa kanya.

May ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas mula nang dumating sila sa Aslan. Her coven members were starting to get more agitated having to stay in Tariq's turf longer. Hindi parin nauubos ang mga rogues at dumarami na rin ang mga naiinfect na mula sa kabilang coven. Hindi magtatagal ay maaring makialam na an mga Royals sa problema na siya namang iniiwasan nila. Once the Royals knew Aspen and Xavier were somehow connected to this--although indirectly. Makakahanap nanaman ang mga ito ng dahilan upang subukan muli silang patayin.

Hatinggabi na nang dumating ang mga kasamahan nila mula sa isang hunt. Noong una ay sinubukan nila Aspen at Xavier na sumama sa mga ito ngunit iyon ay upang gamitin ang pagkakataon para makalikom ng sariwang dugo para sa kanya. But time is making Aspen weaker. Xavier knew he had to do something so he could sneak her out but the timing still wasn't right. Lalo na ngayon na mas humihina pa siya.

Q went out to hunt for her again. Thankfully, dahil busog siya sa dugo ay hindi lumalabas ang mga sintomas niya. Ngunit lumalala ang pagkahayok niya sa dugo. She even wanted to bite Xavier earlier. Kung hindi lamang siya nito naagapang bigyan ng isang blood bag ay malamang na kinagat na niya ang mate niya.

Her visible wounds have all cleared up, thanks to the slightly fresh blood Q delivered for her. Hindi na nga lamang siya naglakas ng loob na tanungin ito kung saan nito nakuha ang dugo. Did he really kill someone for her? She winced at the thought.

"You looked better today." puna ni Chapel sa kanya. "Did you hunt while we're away?"

Pinili niyang magsinungaling na lang at tumango.

They were having meeting with regards to the rogue situation. May nakarating sa kanilang balita na may mga namamataan na ring rogues sa karatig na lugar ng Aslan.

"Maybe the only way out of this mess is to eradicate the threats completely." komento ni Thad na nakaupo sa tabi ni Rune. And since when did this idiot become this involved in a vampire issue?

"What do you suggest?" Tariq asked.

"Let's nuke Aslan."

Sari saring pagtutol ang pumailanlang sa paligid ng pahabang mesa na gawa sa marmol.

Tariq raised his hand to silence his coven. "Maraming pwedeng madamay sa isinusuhestyon mo."

Nagkibit balikat si Thad. "Collateral damage."

His words angered the other coven.

"You treat those people as if they have no life! Wala ka man lang bang kaunting konsensya sa balat mo? What kind of animal are you?!"

What Parris said irked Thad to the point that he rudely stood up from his seat and bared his fangs at the other vampire. "And what you did to one of your coven members was considered compassionate?!"

"He was infected! We needed to eliminate potential threats!"

"Then let's eliminate everyone!" hinampas ni Thad ang kamay sa ibabaw ng mesa.

"Thad," tahimik na saway ni Rune na hindi man lang natinag sa kinauupuan nito.

"He's not a threat! We didn't even know if he was really bitten by a rogue!"

"I saw it!" may kasamang gigil na sambit ni Parris.

Thad curled his lips. "Only you saw it."

The argument ensued and was about to become violent when Parris lurched at Thad. If it wasn't for Caden who caught the small vampire by the neck and threw him across the room, he would have seriously injured their friend. Nagkainitan nang husto ang magkabilang panig at napilitan nang makialam ang dalawang pinuno.

"Let's reschedule this meeting until both parties are in a better mood," tiim bagang na sabi ni Rune.

Tariq nodded his head reverently.

Aspen felt Xavier's hand on the small of her back, guiding her out of the room.

Are you feeling better?

Marahan lamang na tumango siya. Ang totoo ay nakakaramdam nanaman siyang muli ng pagkahilo. Her stomach is starting to cramp like crazy and she knew she needed to consume blood again. Like, now.

"Aspen?"

She quickened her pace. Nagiging mas mabilis na ang pagitan ng pangangailangan niya ng dugo. Kung noon una ay umaabot ng isang araw bago siya makaramdaman ng matinding pagkauhaw, ngayon ay oras na lamang. Hindi na magandang sensyales ito.

She felt her fangs elongating and she began to salivate, she can even taste her own vemon in her mouth. Aspen doubled over and good thing Xavier was quick to catch her. "Not here, love." mabilis siya nitong inilayo sa mga kasama patungo sa liblib na parte ng gubat.

Nang masigurong nakalayo na sila ay saka siya napaluhod sa mamasa masang lupa. Clutching her stomach, she heaved.

"F-Find Q.."

"I can't leave you here!" he hissed.

Xavier grabbed her shoulder and she growled at him. He was taken aback with what he saw on her eyes. "W-what?" nauutal na tanong niya.

"Your eyes,"

Napakapit siya sa puno sa tabi niya. "What about my eyes?"

"They're turning white. All white."

Natigilan siya. Kung hindi pa muling umatake ang sakit ng tiyan niya ay hindi pa siya matatauhan. She cried out in agony. Xavier went to her side and held her. "You need.. You.." she was gasping for breath. She knew she was turning now and if her mate doesn't go, she's about to turn him into a salami.

"You need to go!" she screamed at him.

"I am not leaving you, Aspen!" he snarled at her. His eyes were turning red due to anger. Or maybe because he was sensing danger. From her.

"Xav, please!" she gritted her teeth as she felt them elongating. "I don't want to hurt you, please!" she begged. "Ughhhh!"

"No." he said with finality as he held her tighter against him.

Kahit anong palag ang gawin niya ay hindi siya makawala mula rito. He was using his hybrid strength to cage her. He was hugging her from behind and he even buried his face on her neck as he whispered how much he loves her.

She could feel it. With every inch of her being. Every cell of her body is changing, morphing into something sinister.

"Go! Please go!" she could hear her bones cracking as she fought against Xavier's hold. Habang nakayuko ang ulo niya ay may tumulong itim na likido sa lupa mula sa kanyang bibig. "N-No... Xav.. It's happening.."

Napasigaw siya nang muli niyang maramdaman ang sakit mula sa kanyang tiyan. She needed blood. She have to have blood. She will take anyone's blood. Drink everything, up to the last drop.

"Aspen...stay with me. Don't let go, love, please!" she still could here the desperation on Xavier's voice. But it sounded so far away. Until she couldn't understand him no more.

"Aspen? Xav? What's going on?"

Biglang tumaas ang ulo ni Aspen. Blood. She could smell blood. She could hear the blood pumping from her veins. She wanted it.

She snarled as her head flipped towards the direction of the smell. There was someone standing there. She needed to feed from her. Now.

"Aspen don't!" sambit ng isang boses na malapit sa kanya ngunit hindi niya iyon pinansin. Ang tanging nasa isip lang niya ay ang makuha ang dugo ng bampirang nakatayo ilang metro mula sa kanila. All she could think about was the taste of her blood.

"Aspen!" iyon ang huli niyang narinig bago niya atakihin ang nasa harapan niya at walang makakapigil sa kanya.