Aesop the Exorcist

Do not make any sound, My child. I love you and I will protect you

Those were the last words my mother utter before getting devoured by those monsters called Vampire. I will never forget my family's agony while being slowly killed by them. Sinking their knife like teeth in my family's neck, enjoying them suffer, hearing their cries and begging for their dear lives, these vampires are merciless, heartless and they have no sense of sympathy for us humans. It's like my family's cries are deaf to their ears, until their body goes pale, cold and empty.

I will avenge my family

I'm Aesop Carl, born from a family of Embalmers.
After that traumatizing evening that occurred when I was only seven, I escaped into the woods alone and meander for days until I collapsed from exhaustion and hunger, lying in this cold and muddy ground completely devastated being slowly swallowed by the dark forest. I was half conscious when I saw a pack of wolves, circling around me.

This is it, I'm going to die
I can't avenge my family after all
I feel so hopeless...

I can't stand up or yell for help, I accepted my fate right there. When I was about to shut my eyes, I heard a strong clashing of chains and the wolves whimpered and growled in pain, when I force my eyes to open, I saw the wolves being taken down one by one and there stood a man riding in a beautiful chestnut stallion

I was saved. This man wearing an all black attire, with his silver hair being covered by his homburg hat, engraved with a crimson cross in the middle, wearing dark collared bolero, leatherette gloves, black tight pants and black inner, he's holding a cross like sword whip.

He gently carried me while I stared at him despondently. He gave me a warm smile, covering me with a black cloth,"Rest for now, My child. You are safe" he took me to his stallion while I drift off the distance, feeling the wind brushed through my hair.

I was saved.

When I woke up, I was lying in soft coated wool mattress, I saw the man who saved me sitting by the chair staring at me as he handed me a glass of water, I took it and started drinking it hastily, It's been long since I last drink something decent, The man also offered me various fruits for me to consume, I immediately took them all in my system.

"My child, what happened to you?" The man asked worriedly

"I..." I looked at him and tried my best to speak but to my surprise my words were interrupted by the stream of tears that ran down my sullen cheeks. I remembered what happened to my family. The man patted my back to comfort me while I sobbed silently.

"You must have it rough my child." He said softly,"May I ask for your name?"

"Aesop Carl..." I spoke between my cries, I saw his auburn eyes widened in shock. Why does he look so surprised? He saw my perplexed expression, he shrugged his head and smiled at me

"I'm Kevin Alonso but the people call me by my Alias as Misfit" Mr. Kevin introduced himself, placing a hand on my head, then stood up,"Rest for now child."

Mr. Kevin left the room without ever looking back. What a strange man he is. I wonder why he looked surprised when I introduced myself, I tried to sway those questions and rested, I should be atleast thankful he saved me.

When I was slowly recovering from what happened to me that night, Mr. Kevin took great care of me in my days of stay at his little home. I told him a lot about my life and that I don't have any relatives anymore to take care of me, Mr. Kevin took pity on me and told me he'll be taking care of me from now on which I happily accept, I'm glad someone is willing to adopt me, I know I can't survive on my own.

After that, he asked the local mayor for permission that he will be my guardian from now on, Mr. Kevin explained my situation to which the mayor agreed. When Mr. Kevin registered me as his relative. My last name is changed from Carl to Alfonso, I was quite shocked he wanted to change my last name to his, he didn't explain why but he did warn me to keep my last name as a secret. I was confused but did not question him any further

He must have an important reason doing that, I trust him

~~~~

It's been twelve years since that dreadful night, I was saved and taken into custody by Mr. Kevin. I was living a normal life here at Ever rose but I still can't shake that lingering feeling and thought of that night and my vow to avenge my family.

It's giving me so much nightmare.

I sighed in that thought. As if I can defeat something like that, right?
I was bored after doing my chores and besides Mr. Kevin won't be home until dinner anyways because of his work as our local gatekeeper, I've got nothing else to do. I wander around the town to appease my boredom until something caught my attention, making me stumble in a place where there are no local's seemed to be visiting. I take a small glance at that place, a beautiful pink lake, the trees glistened while being shower by the peeking rays of sun, the flowers even danced by the wind breeze.

Wow this place is gorgeous.

I walk around this magical forest, feeling the wind breeze caressing my cheeks. I should use this place as my personal resting place. My trail of thoughts were interrupted by someone's booming voice and a clanging of chains

HAH!
FLING!
CLANG!

I followed the sound.

I saw a familiar man, swinging his blade back and forth. Looks like he's practicing. His footwork is amazing. It's like he's dancing while moving to the tempo of his blade, I watched the man closely, slashing through the wind with every thrust, twisting and turning. I was so captivated. His last move, he jumped so high in the air and slam his blade to the ground making a vibrating sound, the leaves flutter to the impact

"Wow!" I subconsciously praise. The man instantly turned his head towards me. Yikes. I took a step into the light, revealing my position and bowed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"Aesop, what are you doing here?"

That voice. I raised my head and saw Mr. Kevin, his gaze darting towards me

"I'm--Wait, I didn't know you can wield a sword, Mr. Kevin!" I exclaimed

"...." He just stared at me anxiously.

Why is that? Then again I should forget that expression he's making. His technique and skills, I remember the vow I made, he can be teach me those skills I saw seconds ago

"You can help me, teach me to avenge my--"
"No, Aesop"

I was surprised. Why would he refuse? I've been telling these to him since I was little and why was he hiding all these years he can wield such. I recalled, the night he saved me from those pack of wolves twelve years ago, no normal citizen can fight those fiends all alone without getting a single scratch, one must be a skilled swordsman to do so, I turn to Mr. Kevin with a stern look on my face and continued with questions and request

"Why!?"
"It's too dangerous"
"I know but--"
"This conversation is over!"
"Why!"

I don't understand why he would decline my request, Sure, It's dangerous but with his skills I'm sure we can both defeat or decrease the Vampires numbers right? I still have to try and convince him

"You can't just throw your life because of that silly revenge"

"I won't if you just teach me!"

"It's not easy, Aesop!"

"I know but--"

"Aesop! This is final"

With that Mr. Kevin walked past me. My eyes start welling up my last hope to avenge my family is right in front of me, I can't give up now. I tugged the hem of Mr. Kevin's shirt and kneel before him, I saw Mr. Kevin's expression grim

"Please..." I begged

"Aesop, You don't know what will happen to you if you learn to do something like this."

"Please..." I begged again

"This covenant is sacred, purging these monster isn't easy"

Covenant? What is he saying?

"So, you encountered them too?" I asked, If he did encounter them then surely he have more expertise in defeating them

"Yes." Mr. Kevin sighed, he removed my hand off his shirt and crouched to my level,"Just like you my wife was devour by them and up to this day I couldn't avenge her, It's useless to do so"

Mr. Kevin's wife? It's my first time hearing this, now that I think about it, I saw one of the portraits in his room, beside a beautiful ginger haired woman. They look so happy together, the young man besides that woman must be Mr. Kevin in his youth. I stared back at Mr. Kevin with full of determination in my eyes, I still want to convince him, I won't give for my loved ones

"No. it's not useless, if we do it together"

"Child..."

"You don't have to do this alone, Mr. Kevin. Teach me and I promise I will help you."

I took hold of both of his hands, he sighed exasperatedly.

"I do this to save people. I no longer do this for revenge, my child and you shouldn't too...The dead will never come back but the living, we can still save them" Mr. Kevin smiled sadly. Even so, if the living did not meet justice for their death they won't be at peace but Mr. Kevin has a point, I was still conflicted about what I will do but for now I will have to agree with him so he can teach me somehow and maybe I will reconsider if I will let it go or not.

I let his hand go and hung my head low, "Alright..."

"And you my dear is special" He interjected

I look at him with a perplexed expression,"Special?"

"I haven't told you this yet and I believe it is the right time you know." Mr. Kevin let out a breath before continuing,"On the night of your family's death, I was assigned to protect them"

"Wha...!?"
"...But I failed..."
"......."

I'm so baffled, Why was Mr. Kevin assigned to protect my family. Just who is Mr. Kevin?

"Your family's blood is special, it makes these Vampires stronger, It gave some the power to withstand the light, for some it enhances their special abilities and other much more terrifying things" Mr. Kevin explained, I silently listen to him, "The Carl Household, The family of embalmers and Vampire Clan have a blood contract from a long time ago. The embalmers were blessed, they are sworn protectors between the humans and the vampires because of their existence the Vampires promised they would not harm any humans"

"T-then...why...." My voice stuttered

Mr. Kevin narrowed his eyes and continued,"Until one day their new leader, Count Jack formed a rebellion and massacred all the embalmers, including your family, He did it for his selfish desires, he knew drinking the blood of embalmers will make his clan ten times stronger and will rid of their blood contract, making him the ruler of both humans and vampires."

"I didn't know of this...why didn't you tell me...why did no one told me about this..."

Mr. Kevin sighed "You were far too young to understand, Aesop"

"Well, I'm not now"

"Yes, you're already nineteen and I think it is time you know"

The revelation of my family and the history itself is too much for me to intake, I don't know what to say,"I..."

"Aesop."

"Y-yes?"

"It is time I teach you to protect yourself"

"You will teach me?"

I turn my gaze towards Mr. Kevin, he gave me a smile, placing a hand on my shoulders and nodded

"Thank you, Mr. Kevin" I bowed politely

We both stood up then Mr. Kevin grabbed my arm, "Promise me this before I teach you, Aesop" I titled my head,"Never ever go to the City of Vampires" Mr. Kevin warned

"City of vampires?" I asked confusedly

"Cambion." He replied with a seriousness in his tone,"The pure bloods resides there and is protected by a powerful family that offered themselves as a pawn to the pure bloods and going there is suicide."

"I see..." Cambion, huh? I heard that city is flourished with such a beauty, festivities and bustling with people around the world, A tourist spot I must say but I never expect it to be a nest for the vampires

"If I teach you the ways...You will be an exorcist like me."

"Exorcist?" Another complicated thing, he's informing me

"Take this" Mr. Kevin took out a blade from his side pocket and handed it to me,"The sacred knife, It will save you in danger."

I took the knife and slid my fingers to its tip, reading what's engraved in it, I honestly don't understand these scriptures,"A silver knife? Does this scare the vampires off?"

"It does, It's blessed and it belongs to your family" I looked over to Mr. Kevin, he averted his gaze and smile at the distance, "Guess you could say that it came back to his original owner, perhaps it's your destiny to be an exorcist after all"

Destiny...

"Come now, Aesop. Your training starts now"

I nodded in response. If I were meant to be an exorcist and if I were meant to be the bridge to unify both races or purge the Vampires, then I will do my role to be the protector of both

****

I was trained by Mr. Kevin and his subordinates for two years, to be full-pledged Exorcist, fighting alongside with them, Until I couldn't keep my promise to Mr. Kevin and we have no choice to visit Cambion for something important...something that will change course of my destiny

◇◇◇◇●●●◇◇◇◇

Norton the Prince of Cambion

"Disgusting..."

A lifeless body of a woman lies down in front of me after sucking her blood dry. I slump down the couch lazily. I'm still not full. I never liked sinking my teeth in those loud living beings, their cries annoys me so much and it's making me lose my appetite mid-way so I choose the dead to be offered to me instead. I was going to drift off to my slumber not until I heard loud banging on my door and it swung open, a brunette man wearing a blindfold with a big smile on his face ran towards me

"Norton!"

"Eli, seriously, stop disturbing when I want to rest." I rolled my eyes at the brunette guy, "Aren't you a little bit scared of me?"

"Hm?" Eli blinked profusely, He hung his arm around my shoulders,"I wanted to but compared to all the vampires here, you're the kindness among them ya know!"

"Does THAT make me kind" I pointed to the corpse in front of him

"I-i-i-is she--she d-d-dead!?" Eli jolted as soon as he saw the lifeless body in front of him and hid behind my back as if I'm not the one who drank her blood, while stammering between his words

"Yes, what do you think dimwit?" I replied sarcastically, shaking him off of me

"Well...uh..." Eli kept a tight grip on my shoulder

"Scared now?" I asked, narrowing my gaze towards him

"Norton, knowing you, you don't drink living people unlike your relatives"

"Huh?"

Not drinking living people? Is he literally blind with that blindfold on, there's a corpse in front of us what do he think of that corpse, a doll? I raised a brow at him. Eli gave me a dopey smile and explain further

"I saw you requesting for fresh blood at our local hospitals instead of sinking your teeth in someones neck or people who are terminally ill, drinking their blood not enough to hurt them so they won't have to suffer anymore, you don't even try to devour any living person even if they begged you because they are sacrifice for your clan to consume and you have mercy when they are shaking in fear, I know how kind you are."

Wow, this guy really.

"You're reading too much into it, Eli!" I took defense, I didn't expect he was observing me a lot

"Being your best friend for years has its perks." Eli chuckled,"I hope all the vampires are like you, Norton. Kind, Forgiving and Sympathetic irregardless of their thirst..." Eli looked down sadly

"Weird like me." I replied in a sarcastic remark again

"Not really... As for me, being born in a family of seer and serving as an aid to the Vampires, I'm still scared that someday they will devour me too..."

He's not wrong though, I saw seer's being disposed off after the Vampires have no use of them or being sacrificed if they disobey us. I felt bad for them. They are only loyal to us out of fear of suffering being devour

"I won't let that happen"

Eli turned to me with a bright smile on his face,"Thanks buddy!" I promised, I won't let him get killed by nonsensical things such as Vampire's thirst, Eli is the only friend I ever had and he's not scared of me, he also comforts me when this damned family is causing trouble for others. I turn to Eli with a smirk on my face

"Besides I don't think they will devour you"

"Why is that?"

"Your blood taste yucky"

"Excuse me!?"

"It does, no one will be interested in that blood of yours"

"The hell you know! You haven't tried it!"

"I smell it though"

"You--!"

I tried easing up the tension between us. I'm happy that at least one person understands me. Our banter was halted when a pair of crimson eyes, pale little girl with ash blonde hair called out to us, "Eli, Norton. Time for the morning ceremony" Ah, It's tracy, one of the youngest Vampire in our clan

Eli and I looked at each other and nodded in response, Upon our confirmation the little girl left"Oh, here comes the boring part of the day" Eli remarked

"I feel the same way, Joseph's speech is so boring" I second the notion

"Pfft, Agreed" Eli snickered and then place a hand on my shoulder,"Oh yeah~ Norton, I'm interested in this local priestess in the town"

"Wow, What's she like?" I asked. I never expect this little cherry boy would be interested in someone, I only know his only interest lies within his oath

"Her name is Fiona Gilman" Eli winked,"I'll tell you more about her some other time"

"Sure" I gave him an okay sign and went to the Morning Ceremony by the town's square

****

After the ceremony, Eli and I bid farewell. As for me, I need to attend our usual morning routine of eating breakfast together. There is always this heavy tension in our clan whenever we're gathered together. It's suffocating. Especially when Count Jack is here with us, I know everyone is doing their best faking everything. It's really annoying, I try not to interact with any of them.

Yidra, the leader of Vampire Snakes broke the silence and spoke up to me

"Norton Campbell, I would like to request of you to assist our new family member, Viktor Granz"

I didn't notice the newbie. I turn to him with a blank expression on my face. He looks scared and hungry too. I sighed

Since he's new they probably don't let him drink anything yet as part of the ritual. Upon entering our family, the newest member must travel to the Crimson Forest and drink the blood of our ancestor to be a full fledged Vampire of our clan

"He cannot speak so don't so bother talking to him" Yidhra warned

"Ah." I replied simply, then that's good I don't want to talk to anyone anyways

"If you understand then you may proceed to the Crimson Forest after breakfast"

I don't get why I have to do this but I should be thankful I won't stay home and be bothered by my relatives while resting, I always do my best to avoid any interaction with them, It's too tiring to be honest

****

After breakfast, Viktor and I, travelled to the ridge mountain on foot to reach the Crimson Forest, I was walking ahead of him when I heard a voice inside my head

Thank you for assisting me, Norton.

I was stunned and looked at Viktor so he could talk after all but telepathically. He's a special kind of Vampire too.

Upon reaching the end of the mountain there are locals who are camping by the riverside, one of them accidentally has his hand scratched off by his knife while peeling the oranges he was holding, blood spew from his hand, I felt Viktor growled from beside me

Damn! He hasn't drank any blood yet!

When Viktor was about to attack the humans, I immediately reprimanded him, holding him down on the ground,"V-Viktor! Calm down--! W-we can't--'' Ah!"

Shoot! He's strong for a new vampire!

Those humans need to hurry into their safe haven. Ugh! I can't hold him anymore!

I was about to let Viktor go when we were ambushed by three exorcist,

What freaking perfect timing!

I accidentally released Viktor and he began attacking the exorcists. Dammit! This keeps getting worse by the second! I have no choice, I need to fight alongside Viktor, I need to be careful not to let them hurt Viktor and for them not to hurt us. Calm down Norton. I dodge their attack, sliding from left to right and when I noticed Viktor was about to jump on them, I immediately grab him away and vice versa when they will attack me or Viktor I will try to push them away, not strong enough to send them flying.

AHHH!!!

It didn't take long until Viktor got slashed by the arm because I was so preoccupied by the other exorcist

"Viktor!"

I exclaimed, Viktor whimpered in fear holding his bloody injured arm. I stand between the exorcist and Viktor, I'm sure he will regenerate slowly because of his current state. I whispered to him while I shield him from the Exorcists,"Get the out of here, Viktor...I'll handle this...!"
Viktor came back to his senses, he looked at me apologetically

I'm sorry, Norton, I didn't mean to cause any trouble, I'll get help! I promise!

Viktor immediately fled, One of the exorcists tried to follow him. In an instant, I used my abilities to and turn the whole place into a misty ground, another exorcist tried attacked me which I'm glad I dodged, thankfully my cheeks got scratched lightly and the mist covered Viktor's tracks now, I'm left alone, being targeted by three exorcist and what's worst I haven't have my fill today. They kept on attacking me from left to right but I tried to keep dodging them and also try not hurt them. This is a pain.

"Wait!"

What was--ack!

SLASH

"Sh*t!" I got slashed at the back, I took a step back and ran away while punching the rock wall causing a collision to get some distance. Who was that!? I tried escaping, when my gaze landed on a pair of silver eyes darted towards me, he's an exorcist too and he's holding a golden arrow and bow, is he going to hit me? I'm a goner!

I kept on running while turning my head at the silver haired exorcist, watching out if ever he aimed at me but to my surprise he just stared at me as I ran away

Why didn't he shoot me? It's like he's letting me escape, What an odd fellow.

When I was out of that area, I hid inside a cavern. My wounds are healing rather slowly, I try and modulate my breathing and chuckled

Good job Norton this is your price for being an ass and stubborn not in taking any living human blood.

I groaned in pain resting my bloody back at the wall, closing my eyes.

"Hello?"

I flinched to the sound of the voice that echoed inside the cavern, I hid in the shadows

"You don't have to be afraid"

Don't have to be afraid? I'm damn injured, The exorcists are chasing me and...that smell...I pinched my nose hard. That human scent is so sweet, I'm being intoxicated.

"Where are you?"

Get the f*ck out of here, human! I don't want to hurt you!

I can feel him, he's getting closer, his scent is muddling my mind, my fangs are starting to surface while I grit my teeth hard, my nails are digging deeper to the ground, Im grunting hungrily

I won't be able to quench my thirst, my senses are numbing

I growled and jumped at that human, pinning him down on the ground, I was about to sink my teeth in his neck and was stopped when I was met by his pair of silver eyes. What a gorgeous human. He has silky silver hair, his mouth is covered by a scarlet mask, he's also wearing that exorcist uniform pretty much like those exorcists who're pursuing me a while ago. I was scanning him carefully, trying to snap back to my senses as well and then he raised his hand, I was about to swat it away when he immediately slid down his mask revealing those pink moist lips

"You're injured"

His voice brought me back to my consciousness, I instantly back down and ran behind the rocks once again, peeking from behind. That human sat up and stared at me with a perplexed expression and smiled

"Don't be scared I wont hurt you"
"Huh?"

What a weirdo, What's he saying? Isn't he an exorcist? Why is he saying he won't hurt me? I'm so confused

"I saw you a while ago" He spoked,"I saw how you're trying your best not to attack my comrades"

"......."

"Thank you for that"

He's thanking me for not attacking his comrades. He was watching from that height the whole time, I just continued to listen to him

"I also saw you from afar when there are locals who are travelling, you defended them too, right?" The silver haired guy clarified,"I was about to shoot you and your friend but then I saw you reprimanding him from devouring those people and I wanted to know why would you do that, protect those humans"

Wow, he saw everything and chose not to kill us, what a strange human but I'm thankful for what he did, I didn't even notice his presence, I was fixated on that newbie and if he didn't hesitate for a second there Viktor and I could be dead.

He sat down and kept his eyes fixated in my position, I was about to reveal myself to him, when a sharp pain sting my back and was about to fall when that silver hair guy shot up from his position and catched me

"Are you okay?"

"N-no...what do you think, idiot"

"......."

"Your little exorcist friends slashed my back...see?" I showed him my injury, he looked at me worriedly, I slide off of him, breathing heavily

"Sorry about that, don't vampires heal fast?"

"Well not if you get wounded by a holy relic"

"I see."

He's so odd caring for Vampire like me, what's up with this guy?

"Nevermind that, I will recover, I just need rest"

"Okay"

I sighed and groaned painfully. He slowly assisted me while he placed me to the nearby cavern walls. I'm so exhausted, I'm also hungry. I slowly closed my eyes but I noticed his eyes fixed on me. It's making me uncomfortable being stared at like that. I raised a brow at him

"What?" I asked sarcastically

"What's your name?" He leaned closer and smiled

"Why are you asking that? Are you stupid?" I rolled my eyes at him

"Why is asking someone's name stupid?"

"We're enemies isn't that obvious"

"We are?"

"Wha--Aren't you an exorcist!?"

"Yes I am"

"That's why!"

"Hm?"

"Unbelievable"

I think this guy's got some screw loose. I shook my head in disbelief and tried to ignore him and just rest

"What's your name?" He asked again, I darted my eyes at him and sighed exasperatedly

"I won't tell..."

"I'm Aesop Carl"

"Why are you giving your name so easily to your enemy!?"

"What's your name?"

"You're so freaking persistent!"

"Hm?"

Goodness, he's annoying me...

"Ugh. Whatever. Norton Campbell"

"Nice to meet you, Norton"

"So were first name basis now?"

"What do you want me to call you? Campbell?"

"Call me whatever, You're such a weirdo"

"You seemed to be in pain, Norton"

"I am, I'm not healing that fast right now cause I need to consume human blood, I haven't had anything decent since this morning..." That will scare him off right?

"Oh..."

There was a silence between us and then I saw him taking out a knife. I was in shock, It scared me so I backed out and growled at him. I f*cking knew it! He's gonna kill me. I take my defensive stance, I need to prepare for the worst, I'm not in my best state but I can still fight somehow, He look at me with a blank expression and he surprised me for what he did, he slashed his hand making his blood dripped from it

"What the hell are you--!"

"You said you haven't drank anything yet"

"That's not--!"

"Drink just a little, if it will help you recover"

"No way!"

I stubbornly decline, I don't want to drink his blood! I might lose myself in the process, I might hurt him and I never wanted that, He let out a breath and extended his bleeding hand to me

"Trust me, one drink from my blood you will be filled"

"Are you insane!? Didn't you hear what I just said!? I'm hungry and if vampires are hungry we won't think twice in devouring you!"

"I know but I trust you"

"T-trust me!? You just met me! That's not how trust works!"

"I know that but I have this feeling I can trust you." He gave me a confident smile. I gritted my teeth to control my thirst but his scent and his voice is so inviting,"Go on, Norton"

His blood smells so sweet, I am getting drawn in it. I slowly inch towards him. When I finally reached him, he opened his palm and showed me his wound, his blood dripping from it, I was drooling just by staring at it. I am really hungry. I immediately grabbed him by the waist. This guy seemed to be shocked by my action, I looked at him deep in his silver eyes. It was strange, his eyes did not show any fear. What's with this guy? I took hold of his and started licking his bleeding hand, when I touch that wound of his, I felt a sudden surge of power inside of me

What the hell is up with his blood!?

I gulped as hard as I could before I continued sucking his hand, he flinched with every brush of my tongue, salivating his flesh. I was losing my senses because of this sweet dessert being laid out for me, I'm feeling so much ecstasy. I was being engulfed by my raging desire to sink my fangs in his pale flesh

I'm losing control over my body

I was about to bite his hand off but I stopped when he ran his fingers through my hair. It brought me back my sanity. I hastily looked at him, his brows are knitted together and I can feel his heart thumping violently in his chest. I think I scared him with the hungry sounds I'm making. It made me realize I was about to devour him if I continued any further. I immediately let him go

"I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, how's your injury?" He smiled, wiping his injured hand and wrapping a bandage around it

"O-oh...uhm..." I looked at my back and it was healed in an instant and my whole body felt light too. His blood did a number on me. I feel like I've drank a gallon of blood just by intaking that small portion of his. Is this the taste of the blood of an Etoile?

"Good, you seemed okay now." Aesop stood up dusting himself,"I should be going now"

"W-wait...!" I was about to grab him and stop him from leaving, when he nonchalantly cut me off

"Just go north from here and follow the riverside, you will reach your city without any of the Exorcist hunting you."

This guy sure know his way around here, He's not even a local of Cambion, As far as I know Exorcist won't last a day staying in a city ruled by Vampires since they have the urge to purge us and will be killed in an instant if they try to attack my Clan but still I don't want to be indebted to this silver haired exorcist

"I want to repay your kindness!"

"No need, Just stay away from us"

"What?"

"Who knows next time we meet we might be enemies"

"Just a second ago you seemed like declining that were enemies and even helped me and now you're saying that we will be enemies the next time we meet, I'm confused, what's your motive anyway?"

"Nothing"

"The f*ck"

"In any case, I don't need you to repay me for my help. My subordinates might come looking for me, You should go"

"Okay, I will still find a way to repay you"

"Suit yourself" Aesop shrugged his shoulders "It was nice meeting you, Norton"

"Likewise, Aesop"

With that silver haired exorcist left.

I went back to the Oletus Manor, I still have my mind preoccupied by that silver hair exorcist, Why is he so damn confusing I dont get him, not at all. My trail of thoughts were stopped when Eli came running and gave me a quick hug

"Buddy, I was so damned scared! I thought you were dead!"

"Why would you think I'm dead, Eli!?"

"I have a vision earlier this morning!"

"You do?"

"Yes, you were attacked by three exorcist! I was so scared I called the Count for help!"

"You did what!?"

"Viktor came back in one piece and he told the Count as well so I back him up with my visions and the count...well...he..."

"Yes?"

"He didn't kinda care..."

"That's the Count for you, he doesn't give a damn"

"He told us he trust your abilities and he wont send any help for you"

"Wow."

"I trust you too but I can't help but to be scared"

"It's okay, Eli."

"How did you escape!?"

Wow, Eli kept on bombarding me with questions, he must have seen something awful with his visions of me and what's worse is that both Eli and Viktor told Count Jack about it. At least the Count will somehow praise me for staying alive after that ambush

"I was rescued..."

"You were? By who?"

"Someone..."

"Whoooooo? Tell me!"

"Maybe tomorrow, I'm tired"
"Okay..."

When I turned my back, Eli saw my ripped shirt, he shrieked. Goodness, Eli. You panic a lot!

"You're injured!"

"I'm not, I've recovered already"

"Oh...Just rest for now, Okay? We'll talk tomorrow"

"Yea, thanks for worrying though"
"Don't mention it buddy"

After that I plopped to my bed still have the events from earlier run through my mind. Aesop Carl. for some reason I want to see him again. Why does he have Etoile Blood? I thought those kinds of blood were extinct years ago? Why did he also become an exorcist if he's gonna aid vampires like me? Why does he say we're gonna be enemies after saving me? So many questions whirling inside my head, I need to stop thinking about it, I should really rest, I'm too tired, so many things happened today, I sighed and turn in for the night

****

Tomorrow Morning, We are all summoned to gather at the round table by Count Jack. On my way, I saw my relatives heading the same way.

"Wow, It's been a decade since we have an audience and not only that, we're gathered in the round table for that matter, this meeting must be important" Emily spoke with a smile on her face

"Yeah" I replied simply

"It's exciting though! The whole family is here!" Naib exclaimed happily

"Truly" Vera agreed

It really is strange, we're being summoned all together. I wonder what's going on

We entered the room only to see four humans sitting across the table, Shocking enough it's not the desaulniers whom Count Jack turned into Vampire to be our pawn, those uniforms-- they are exorcist. I was petrified and by the middle of the table Count Jack sitting with the intimidating smile. Ancient Vampires, sure are terrifying creatures.

"Greetings, My children" Count Jack welcomed gesturing all of us to sit, I kept my gaze towards the group of Exorcists in front of me. What are they doing here? Not to mentioned Count Jack invited them, he never ever accept any invitation unless you're from a higher ranking or someone will negotiate with a high price that will be beneficial for our clan

When Count Jack was about to speak, the door swung open, we all turned to look at the person who entered the room and to my surprise a silver hair with a pair of beautiful silver eyes entered the room. His eyes met mine and smiled at me.

It's him Aesop Carl. I watched him as he sat down on the side of the table facing me

"Forgive me. I lost my way here" Aesop bowed apologetically

"It is alright my little lamb, Let us begin" Count Jack grinned

What is this gathering all about? Another round of question bombarded me while I fixed my gaze towards Aesop, he looked anxious for some reason and trying to calm down

"Let us begin our negotiation" Count Jack offered

"I, Misfit, S Tier Ranking Exorcist..." The old exorcist introduced him and exhaled deeply,"...Would like to offer my apprentice, Aesop Carl to keep the vow of our ancestors"

Offer?! I saw Count Jack smiling in a sinister manner. Why is he being offered!?

"Very well then. On the Blood Sabbath day he will be offered as a sacrificial lamb, 40 days from now."

I have my eyes on Aesop, he's not showing any emotions towards the Count and the Exorcist's exchange. He must be crazy letting all these happen before his eyes, not to mention allow himself to be the Count or our Clan's food. He's nuts! He will be tortured before being devoured.

"In your time here, we will keep you safe and shower you with all the things you desire" Count Jack smiled at Aesop to which he just gave him a polite nod

"Thank you..." This Kevin guy looked like he was in pain. He must not have wanted this. I felt a strong tug in my heart. Am I just going to watch this person who saved me get sacrificed in front of me?

I have to do something

This is my chance to repay your for your kindness

It must be our destiny to meet

I will protect you with my life

I will make you mine, Aesop Carl

END OF CHAPTER