Chapter 36. Letter

**36. Letter **
***Rafael's POV:***
Could this day really get any better? I can't control my emotions; my mate wants to be friends with me. Though my inner self urges me to claim her whenever she comes close after having to wait for over a century, I am content with friends for the time being, as long as she is comfortable with me.
She even volunteered to assist me in organizing everything, and I am not a fool to pass up any opportunity that comes my way.
I warned Bryan not to let anyone come in and ruin this little moment I'm having with her, and if he does, I'll make sure to kill him with my own hands.
She then volunteered to assist me with my belongings, which I eagerly accepted; no surprise, she too was infatuated with watches and shoes, and I made a mental note to stock her section with similar things.
Then I spotted one more thing that I was dreading opening. I haven't felt anything related to my mother in a long time. Call me selfish, but I've been avoiding crossing my mother's topic because it would reopen my scars, and once there, it will be difficult to return and accept the truth that she is no longer with me.
After Astrid encouraged me, I realized that I should face this one day and that it would be best if I got it over with as soon as possible. One thing I have learned in my life is that the longer I put something off, the harder it will hit me later.
I nodded, took a deep breath, and opened the letter first, as Mom had mentioned in her last breath.
When I open the envelope, there are only two words written inside: "Azael's blood."
"Rafael, what is written inside?" Astrid asked.
I hand her the letter so she may see it for herself.
"Who is Azael?" she asked, puzzled.
"I don't know, but whoever it is, he might be someone my mother trusted the most, but I'm guessing mom wouldn't do anything important without sealing it with a spell," I murmured.
Mom had a deep relationship with witches, which may have led to her death, but there were some very close friends of hers among the witches, and after that conflict, everyone got their own way, but I still feel that there are good people among them, and perhaps this Azael is one of them.
"Do you know who he is?" Astrid asked.
"No, I don't know who he is, but I have a vague idea, and I am confident I can find him, and whatever it takes, I will bring him to me," I pledged, eager to find whoever it is. My mother would never leave something so important for my father to read and destroy our lives.
"Then I trust you will find him," she said, filling my heart with love I can't describe.
I was still unsure whether I should open the trunk, but I took another big breath and began opening it.
There were some things that made me nostalgic after seeing them after so many years, such as the fact that mom had kept everything first of mine in that trunk, such as my first toy, my centuries-old school bag, and my first degree as an architect I had obtained years ago, as well as the imprints and structures of clay of my tiny fists and legs.
I remember mom being so delighted that I had mastered something other than being reared as a vampire king, but there was something else as well.
Finally, I stumbled upon a tube with a bright red liquid. It didn't take long for me to figure out what it was. I finally let out the tears I'd been keeping back for so long.
"Rafael," Astrid retained a firm grip on my back. "What are you crying about, and what is this tube?"
"Mom's blood; she knew we'd need it," which adds to the litany of unresolved questions. "Did mom know something about my father that we didn't know because she was the one who made me promise not to kill my father no matter what?" I yanked on my hair in irritation.
She pulled the tube from my grasp, and I began to stare. "Rafael, that looks like a pendant to me," Astrid said, and that's when I realized it is, but I can plainly feel that tug towards the liquid inside, which guarantees that it's mom's blood.
"I'm not sure, Astrid; is it just a coincidence that my mother left us this as a gift to have her essence in our lives, or is my first interpretation correct?" I told her what was going through my head.
"I wish I could help you with something, but you know I have no information about any of these things," she continued. "However, I believe there might be something about this in that letter as well."
"You have a point, so before I do anything else, I need to find this Azael." I nodded. I plan to begin as soon as tomorrow.
"Yes, and you..." Astrid was about to say something when I turned around. She pulled her head backwards, and she shook a little, losing her foot.
I swiftly grabbed her hands and squeezed them tightly. "Astrid, are you all right?" I asked.
She had her eyes tightly shut. "No, I'm fine." She shook her head again, but dare I buy her excuse?
"No, you are not; would you like to see a doctor?" I suggested bringing her outdoors and opening the window to let some fresh air in.
"I'm just sleepy; if I get some sleep, I'll be OK," she said, shaking her head.
"Stay here; I'll bring something for you." I asked Bryan to bring our food here, and he did so quickly.
"Are you feeling better?" I asked when she was done eating.
"Yeah, and you don't have to worry too much. Believe me, if I relax a little now, I will be ok." I know my concern was obvious to her, but I couldn't help myself after seeing her in that position.
"Okay, sleep now," I said, putting her on the bed and covering her with a quilt.
When she was completely asleep and snoring quietly, I went outside and took my bed in the adjoining room, but my mind was on high alert, catching every move Astrid made.
I awoke early to ensure that the drapes were closed and that no one disturbed Astrid's sleep.
I was looking forward to this day, and if Astrid's health is good, I would take her to a notable point in this place.
"Good morning," Astrid said, smiling.
"Are you awake?" I approached her and sat in the bed's corner. "How are you feeling right now?" I asked.
"Better than yesterday," she said, rubbing her eyes.
"Good then, come on now, get up, get dressed; I want to take you somewhere," I replied, going on to change into my basketball shorts and t-shirt. I took my time getting ready and making sure my muscles showed properly in the t-shirt I was wearing.
I applied my signature perfume, but I'm sure it will disappear soon because we're going swimming in my favorite nearby waterfall.
"Rafael," Astrid called from within, and I dashed over to her, assuming she was drowsy again. "Yes, little dove, I am here." I am growing fond of calling her by that endearment.
"Can you tell me where we're going so I can plan my outfit?" she asked.
I thought of keeping it a surprise for her, but I think I should inform her so she will be comfortable when we reach, and I will also know if she is okay walking to the waterfall with me.
"Umm.. Actually, we're going to my mother's grave and then to a nearby waterfall; just come out and I'll explain everything," I explained.
I poured a glass of water for myself and was about to guzzle it when the bathroom door opened, and I choked on the water.
Astrid's pupils dilated. "Are you all right?" she asked. She rubbed my back as I couldn't stop coughing, but her proximity made things difficult.
I calmed down after a while, looked at Astrid, and gulped once more.
'Wrong decision.' Rafael, you should not have given her those shorts and the white t-shirt that hinted at what was beneath. Shit! "How am I going to keep myself in check after this?"
I noticed Astrid was a bit uneasy, but not because of her shorts, which she wears all the time, but because of the t-shirt.
I went inside and grabbed a coat for her to cover herself with. I would never let anyone see this beauty.
"Hmm... wear this and grab another pair of clothes in case we decide to go swimming," I smirked at her. Her cheeks flushed, and I laughed at her.
I put on my shades, and we left. I changed my mind and opted to visit the waterfall first because it was closer to the other attractions I had intended to visit. We decided to walk the distance, and soon we found ourselves in front of the falls.
"Wow, this is really beautiful, and there's so much serenity in here," Astrid murmured.
"That's why I used to come here for peace of mind. Do you like seeing birds and butterflies?" I asked, shifting the topic.
Her eyes brightened. "Can we see them?" She asked.
"Of course we can, but we'll have to wait until the afternoon shadows clear, and we might miss the sunset later."
"So, what do we do until then?" she asked.
"You tell me?" I proposed.
"Hmm... the sound of this pounding water is very inviting, but I am afraid I don't know how to swim, so thank you. I am better sitting here." She shook her head.
"Well, you don't have anything to worry about when you have this amazing creature at your disposal." I'm trying to be corny. "You're going to learn to swim, and I'm not going to let a friend leave without teaching them something I'm fully capable of teaching."
"Thank goodness I was looking for an opportunity like this where someone could teach me some skills without having to beg them." She laughed, but the pain in her eyes was obvious.
"All right, what are we waiting for? Let's get started." She caught a glimpse of my exclusive smile.
She turned around to avoid looking me in the eyes. I swallowed as she began to take off her coat and then her t-shirt.
My hands began to sweat, looking at her perfect back.
"She's going to be the death of me," I grumbled to myself.
I gasped when she turned around. If I were human and could breathe, I'm sure I'd quit right now. She was attempting to look confident, but I noticed a crease on her brow, and she was fidgeting with her hands. I didn't take off my sunglasses because I'm afraid the change in my eye color may reveal how I'm feeling right now.
I smirked. I believe I should give her a taste of her own medicine. Let's see how she handles it. I pulled my t-shirt off, exposing the abs I'd worked so hard to achieve. Astrid's eyes widened as she continued to stare at me.
"Like what you see?" I smirked.
Her cheeks reddened, and she averted her gaze from me. I began approaching her, but she kept her attention fixed on the ground. I stood in front of her and turned her around. "Look over there," I said, pointing.
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