~~~~~~~~

Macabre gritted his teeth, jumping back to dodge a blow from the vampire. Beads of sweat ran down his temple and he couldn't help but slacken. He felt weak, getting weaker with every blow he made and dodge he took. But with every step he took, he took it with pride and new strength. His eyes glowing as he looked up at the enemy with a straight face, his hat angled to the right to cover his eye.

His magic was the music.

And his sword was his dance partner.

Their sword fight was like a waltz. Every movement was a step to the music of iron hitting iron.

Macabre pushed his sword against the others, slamming the sword up, only to be pushed away by a single, effortless nudge.

He loosened a pant.

His legs and arms trembling.

He couldn't go on for much longer... his eyes widened.

Lord Night grinned, he knew. He knew that Macabre was weakening and losing energy. He was only giving small attacks to weaken him and then finally finish him off when he could do nothing but watch the blade strike him down.

The thief tried not to show his shock and true terror. But for Macabre...

Dying.

Was not an option.

He had escaped countless times from the most brutal scenarios. Had escaped his execution. Slipped away from guards who ripped apart a town to try and catch him.

He was a snake.

And the vampire before him was his prey.

He didn't wait for the next attack, he had to use his magic now. Even if it meant losing more energy than he already had.

Like mist, he vanished and appeared in front of the vampire who looked around for him. His sword in his right hand and a dagger in his left he jumped down, slamming his foot on the arm that held Lord Night's sword.

His eyes narrowed and he lunged forward, wasting no time.

He plunged the dagger down with all his might, feeling as it pierced through the Lord's shoulder. Earning a howl of agony and resentment.

Macabre dug the dagger down, twisting it around as much as he could before moving out of the way quickly, dodging a clawed-hand that went to grab him. It only caught air.

Macabre wrapped his legs around Lord Night's neck, dropping his sword which clattered against the floor. He dug his fingers into the vampire's eyes who started to yowl and scrambled around him, trying to regain his balance and rip Macabre off him. The thief stayed on like a leech, his eyes locked on the sword the vampire still held.

The sword flailed around in the Lord's hand.

This was no longer the waltz it once was. More a chaotic, drunken aftermath.

The sword was then gripped by two hands pointed towards Macabre who watched with a calm smile, riddled with death and experience.

He chuckled.

Then the sword shot at him.

His grip loosened before he leapt off. Still in the air, as he watched the vampire stab himself with his sword with such energy the blade shot through. It had missed Lord Night's soul by a few centimetres.

A horrible, aching screech sliced the air as the vampire bent back, the sword still through him before he yanked it out. The sword hit the floor, crimson blood dripping everywhere.

Macabre landed a distance away, watching with slightly-widened eyes. Hoping.

Lord Night fell to his knees with a loud thud.

Macabre sighed, getting his breath back. Holding two daggers just in case. "Suave. Cruzar?" He didn't glance behind him as the door behind him made a small click, the two peeking out before stepping into the hallway. Swallowing at the blood and then the vampire who kneeled there, his back turned to them. The wound visible from where they stood.

The older thief watched, his eyes narrowed. "So. What was your plan, hm?"

Encre glanced to the door where Jasper was, peeking out from behind the door before shutting it, staying inside. Suave watched Lord Night with an angered expression but made no move, his hands gripped into fists. The poker was gone but Macabre handed him a dagger with one movement, giving him a look that read 'just in case'.

Cruzar pulled out his sword, holding it close, close to Macabre's side, still trembling. The tear stains on his cheeks were still visible.

The poor thief had thought Macabre would be beaten and injured by the vampire. But it seemed the opposite happened.

Lord Night stayed where he was, he was breathing but it was hardly noticeable. The wound still oozing with blood, the sword still stuck through him, the blade now dripping with red. The blood vanishing into the red carpet below him.

Macabre gritted his teeth, gripping tighter on his weapons. "Answer me, dammit!?" His eyes glowed darker under his hat.

The vampire angled his head up slightly before moving his hands, his fingers like claws. He wrapped his hands around the hilt of the sword and in one swift but agonizing movement yanked his own blade out from deep within him. Blood splattered on the varnished floor near the others who stepped back with scrunched up faces. At least, Suave did, absolutely mortified.

Cruzar did flinch though, swallowing down what might have been his breakfast.

The sword hit the carpet, even more blood. He panted and then slowly started to get back up, it was slow but surprisingly steady. His wings twitched behind him, blood dripping down his trousers, to be honest, it was everywhere.

Macabre growled lowly. "What the hell do you want, old man."

The vampire looked to him with a straight face, his eyes still glowing dark red that was filled with anger. He turned to face them, slower. Maybe he was struggling, who knew...

His wings spread behind him as he hissed, blood starting to trickle down from the corner of his mouth. "This... This is only the start!?" He yelled with rage, then his eyes locked on Encre and a look of disgust grew on his face.

Encre tried not to show her fear, trying extremely hard to stop her pupils from changing colour and symbol. A hand rested on her stomach.

Cruzar stepped out in front of Encre, a death glare on his face. His red and white eyes glowing under his hood, a shadow cast over the top of his face.

Suave and Macabre both had the same looks that met their eyes.

The vampire snarled then backed away to a nearby window, ripping the curtains out of the way and then slamming the window open. "What a disappointment. If I were that wretched son of mine all of you would be dead," he spat before leaping out, his wings spreading behind him as he vanished into the forest.

The hallway was once again silent, blood everywhere.

Encre stared at the window as if expecting the vampire to shoot back in as a surprise and then attack them.

Nothing of such thing happened.

Suave peeked back into the room before walking over with Jasper who was clinging to one of his legs like a koala.

"So..." Macabre sighed, picking up his bloodied-sword and eying the blade. "Where is Fallacy?"

Everyone looked at each other, Jasper letting out a whimper before they all looked to Suave with raised brows.

The butler swallowed, "I don't know where he went!! When I went to the Great Hall no one was there except Fallacy's father!"

Encre looked down nervously and Cruzar sighed softly, "I'm sure he wouldn't have gone far..."He looked over to the artist. "M-aybe he went out for... a little fly around..?"

It was hard to think Fallacy would do that, especially after Fallacy's father just so happens to appear after Fallacy vanishes out of existence-

Well, not really. Obviously. After all, how on earth could you end a story just like tha-

Suave cleared his throat. "M'Lord has been quite nervous and protective lately, due to... events." He glanced to Jasper who had a nervous look on his face. "So... Taking a break, getting some fresh air would have been an idea that he would have gotten. So he probably did go out for a fly around. You know how he has been lately, "he looked to Encre this time, receiving a nod.

The thieves glanced to each other uncertainly.

Jasper clung to Suave, not showing any signs of letting go anytime soon. His eyes were glowing slightly bright, but not in a happy way. His eyes were filled with fear for his father.

Then there was a loud crash that made everyone jump, including Encre even in her condition. The group turned, met with a hallway and the sudden cold breeze from outside. Then the crunch of glass underfoot. Macabre and Cruzar glanced at each other before walking towards the noise, swallowing.

Encre and Suave followed, the butler glancing around cautiously. Jasper now walked by Encre, still clinging though. Who could blame the boy for being so terrified after getting his home invaded by a horrid murderer?

Every step down the hallway seemed to make every bone in his body stiffen. Dread looming over him and a sudden wash of terror of what could be waiting around the corner.

Encre was terrified, wishing and praying to any damned god or a special star that her husband was alive and safe. Hoping that Lord Night hadn't come back to finally do something. Maybe Fallacy would come back and be fine?

She didn't want to think about what else could happen instead...

Macabre and the others rounded the corner before they stopped. Cruzar when wide-eyed and backed away slightly.

There was glass everywhere, shattered and all over the floor, some pieces having specs of blood on them.

Jasper sniffled slightly, gripping onto Encre tighter.

The window was shattered, the window frame looking battered, pieces of wood were missing and nowhere to be seen. And the curtains looked like they had been ripped up by some beast-

Well not really.

And then.

There was Fallacy. Panting and snarling like an animal, on all fours on the floor. His wings arching over him and flapping threateningly as he stared off towards the end of the hallway. His hands gripped the floor, bleeding and sliced. He didn't wince when he moved on the glass.

It didn't look like he had been in a fight. But his sleeves had a few small rips that were hardly noticeable.

The end of the hallway was dark, the candles were out. But red eyes watched him.

Fallacy hissed an ear-splitting sound that had all the mortals in the hallway wincing.

A few maids ran over and skidded to a halt behind the others, all terrified. Gazelle looked as pale as snow, Mouse trembling and holding Fibi.

Fallacy's father panted, standing at the end of the hallway.

The wound Macabre had given him was still bleeding, not as much as before though. However, his clothes were ripped and there were a few claw marks on him. Not precise or accurate on hitting home, more inflicted as if in a hurry or during a sudden confrontation.

There were also a few leaves on him-

Strange?

Slowly, Fallacy stood up properly. Blood was dripping from his fingers but he didn't even take a single glance at them; simply not caring.

His eyes were glowing brightly with rage, a wild sense lurking within them like a dark shadow.

His wings arched slightly, a wall between the scene and his family who stood behind him, unable to do anything but watch.

"Get out." An order, not from a vampire. But from a powerful, dangerous Lord.

Encre watched with a swallow.

Lord Night did no such thing, his wings only twitching and his chest rising and falling being the only movement he made.

A growl escaped Fallacy, snarling and baring his elongated canines.

"I said. GET OUT!?" He yelled, his voice was low and warped with loathing and resentment. "I don't want you anywhere near me or my family." He spat, his tongue decorated with poisonous words like a snake.

Lord Night narrowed his eyes, glancing over Fallacy's wings to look at Jasper and Encre before his view was blocked by a single movement made by his son.

He opened his mouth, probably about to say something ignorant and utterly stupid. But Fallacy glared, "don't. Even."

The older vampire didn't flinch, his mouth a straight line. Yet his eyes were indistinguishable to Fallacys.

Then he turned to the window, flicking his hand up, mist-like magic surrounding it before the lock of the window made a click, unlocking. It opened widely, letting in more of the ice-cold breeze.

He gripped onto the window-ledge, hauling himself up onto it. One glance at the others was all he did before he spread those mighty yet awful wings and leapt into the night sky. Almost vanishing immediately into the dark forest beyond.

The group watched the window for some time before looking to Fallacy who was snarling at the window, his wings twitching behind him. Then his wings lowered, stumbling a little as if he had lost his balance for a moment before turning to look to those behind him. His eyes were a little wide and his wings folded as he charged at Encre- literally.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close, panting softly and looking her over.

"A-re you alright? Did anything happen!?" He asked desperately, fear swimming in his voice.

Encre smiled nervously, "I-I'm fine..." Fallacy glanced down to her baby bump, then looked to Jasper who nodded as well.

"How about you lot? Macabre, Cruzar?" He asked, looking to the maids, Suave and the thieves who sighed.

The maids were all fine, Suave a little shaken and Cruzar was clinging to Macabre... Macabre.

"Macabre?" Fallacy narrowed his eyes as he took in the thieve's messy and wrinkled shirt under his cloak as well as the fact that his eyes were slightly dim with magic, overall he looked exhausted.

Of course, he had done something. Knowing Macabre, he would always keep himself smart and such.

Macabre glanced over to Cruzar and Suave. "Suave knew that Lord Night was within these walls and came to me and Cruzar for help.

I ended up having to fight your father which resulted in a few bruises to me and the giant wound in his chest as you probably saw."

A blink and sigh from Fallacy. "Okay. I was wondering where that came from."

Cruzar awkwardly cleared his throat, "h-how did you come to know about your father being here?"

Fallacy grumbled, "I was flying around the forest and heading back- until I crashed into him. We immediately started fighting and unfortunately smashed through a window and into the castle."

A sigh from one of the thieves. "I knew he was flying the whole time."

Macabre rolled his eyes, "at least he's finally gone."

Fallacy nodded, still holding Encre close with what seemed to look like a death grip. She looked incredibly comfortable though.

The maids were still tense though, glancing to the window.

The King of Vampires sighed.

"Come on. All of you back to your rooms..." He looked to Suave and the others, "and that's an order. Suave, take Jasper with you alright?"

A nod from the butler who took the Prince's hand and walked off down the hallway.

The maids scurried off quickly as well.

Macabre and Cruzar glanced to each other before the eldest spoke, "we'll be heading to our rooms. And Fallacy?"

The vampire looked to him.

"You should get some guards around." Was all Macabre said until he walked off with Cruzar to their room.

Fallacy frowned and watched the two leave. Encre swallowed, "it's a good idea though.." She shrugged.

Encre nodded and then took Fallacy by the wrist, walking off and leading him down the hallways. "Come on... we need to get your cuts cleaned up.."

She didn't care if Fallacy protested, continuing to lead him to the infirmary.

Fallacy made the safe decision to not get on her bad side, especially since she would easily snap in her condition.

The door of the infirmary opened as they walked in, Encre forcing Fallacy sit down before she grabbed a few bandages and a wet towel which she pulled out of a small sink, washing it before getting as much water out of it as she could. 

Turning back to the vampire she started to clean his hands, earning a hiss of pain.

She mumbled a small apology, sighing and starting to bandage his hands up, being as careful as she could and using some healing magic.

After finding out Encre was pregnant she had been trying to use as little magic as she could to save her energy-

After a few minutes, she was finished, smiling softly as she watched Fallacy flex his fingers.

Fallacy sighed in relief and smiled, looking to Encre, "thanks..."

A nod before she winced, "ow.."

Fallacy frowned and looked to her bump, "is it..?"

"No no, it's fine. Just a little kick. "She chuckled weakly. Now suddenly looking like she was exhausted. 

The vampire king nodded, taking her hand before teleporting them to his room. He laid her down, smiling softly. "Get some rest, love." He kissed her cheek before pulling away.

Encre tilted her head as she snuggled into the blankets, "what are you going to do? Surely not paperwork...?"

"No. Not tonight... I'll just check the castle, you know.. after everything that happened."

Encre watched him, "okay... But please, be careful.."

The vampire gave her a comforting smile before slipping out of the room at an incredible speed, the door closing behind him silently.

He stalked down the hallways, leaving Encre to sleep. He dragged his cape behind him, not caring about the fact that it was no longer clean or neat; now being all ripped up and bloodied. 

Fallacy didn't say anything, his eyes narrowed and locked on ahead. He went to the main hall, sighing softly and heading to the window where he had leapt out of what must have been an hour ago? Or maybe two...

He sat down on the window ledge, his legs dangling down as he watched his forest in silence, breathing in the pine and snow-scented breeze that he had come to love as he grew up.

The stars gazed down at him. Maybe his ancestors were as well..?

His eyes glowed in the darkness, golden and a mix of red and blues. 

This was just peace for him. Sitting alone in the darkness and letting anything happen to him.

He sat there for about 10 minutes until he got up. Wincing and stretching his wings as much as he could between the sides of the window, which wasn't much. Then he stepped forward, his foot resting on nothing.

With nothing to support him, he fell down, freefalling.

But he wasn't scared, of course, he knew what he was doing. He must have done it plenty of times when he was a child. Sneaking out of bed and to the window, unlocking it before leaping out, spreading his wings and flying off into the night just to feel the cold breeze kiss his cheeks.

Fallacy's wings snapped open above him and he suddenly darted up into the sky, racing through the dark clouds of cerulean and violets. He then burst through the clouds, his wings arching over him as he took the moment to admire the view he had loved when he was a child. 

The moon looming over a sky of purple and azure, stars of silver-light lighting up the sky and flickering ever so often while splotches of cloud decorated the sky. Limitless. 

And down below was his ancient home and the forest that held so many memories. The dark spruce and pine trees could be made out clearly, leaving away gaps for sparkling rivers and their meandering shapes. Then Encre's home town, then the snow-peaked mountains that stood tall in the north. 

A smile formed on his face as he inhaled.

There was always peace that could be found, even in any situation.

Maybe he would finally be able to find peace for his family from his father..?

And if he couldn't... He'd just have to do something that would end it all.

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So readers~! What did you think of that??

This took so long to write, as well as the other chapter before. Originally it was going to be one, but then it would have been waaayy too long-

Well, anyway.I hope you enjoyed it!!