CHAPTER 25: Lost

**ALICIA**

My feet were glued to the ground while my knees started to break down while facing the man in front of me.

Being the governor of our town, I have seen him several times on certain occasions in our place. I actually admired him yet now all I could feel is the scaredy-cat in my chest.

“Governor!” I tried hard not to stammer. It’s my first time to have a conversation with him. “What are you doing here?” It didn't seem right when I realized that. It sounded like I was afraid, but I am afraid.

He looked at me. Can he read my minds? According to legends, a vampire can yet Akihiro hasn’t shown that ability to me yet. If vampires can read minds, then perhaps the man in front of me will know how I wanted to run right now.

“I mean, I didn’t expect the governor to be here.” I bowed a little. “What can I do for you? Can I help you with something or are you here to visit the night class?”

He smiled a little. “You can say that. I am here to check on my grandson and to enroll my other grandson. Perhaps, you’ve met them already. I heard Andrei wants to join the club. If I am still young, I would probably join, too.” He laughed a little.

His personality is the same based on television and interviews. He likes to joke, but I don’t think I’ll be cracking today as it might be my end.

I smiled slightly, maybe he can feel that I am so tense. “Oh, that would be amazing. So, it means that Akihiro got his acting skills from you.”

I gulped the lump in my throat. “I am pretty sure Andrei will be amazing, too. You should come and watch them in their audition.” I offered, and I realized that’s a mistake now.

“Yes, sweetie.” He smiled with his teeth. I imagined it to be fangs. “Don't worry, I will try my best to watch your film during the festival. I hope you will portray the role in a very good way. It’s about vampires, right?” His face became serious right now.

“Uh, yes.” I replied.

“Then, it’s about us.” He grinned. “Right?”

He knew. I am doomed. And, there is no point in denying the fact.

“Did you send those bullets to kill me and my family?” I directly asked, gathering all my confidence to respond to him. “Are you going to kill me now?“

“I just learned from my grandson that your blood has an amazing element to heal some low-life vampires. I can say in my thousand years, I never heard of it or maybe I did…which means you might be from that bloodline.” He stared at me from head to toe, while I was confused about what he was telling me.

“What are you talking about?” I raised my brow. “I am a human.”

“You aren’t sure of that. I don’t think a human’s blood has the capability to actually make someone heal from our curse which makes you even more valuable for us vampires.” He smiled at me.

“I am sure it's a compliment. Should I be happy that you aren’t going to kill me yet?” I wrinkled my nose. I should learn how to stop myself from speaking because it might cost my life.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I added. “I just want to live a normal life and I promise not to tell anyone about your identity if you will promise that you will not harm me or my family.”

“Unfortunately, Ms. Alicia Reed.” He called me. “Is that even your real name because it looks like you borrowed it?”

I waited for him to say something while hoping that Akihiro would come to save me, but of course, he would not. I don’t think he will come and defy the orders of his grandfather.

“Perhaps, you should ask my father about it as I really don’t know who I am. I don’t even know why my blood is special. Maybe, I did something in my past life for me to be gifted by this ability.” It sounded like mocked, and I wished I hadn’t said that when his eyes darkened.

“I might ask them soon considering that compelling doesn’t even work for you.” He grinned. “I think I need to know about your family tree.”

It made my heart beat. And, he heard that when he smiled at me. He walked closer while I walked backward, holding the sling of my bag and preparing to run any moment. But, I decided not to. This isn’t what Akihiro would want me to do. He wants me to give in to the desire of his grandfather.

Akihiro wanted me to lose my memories. Is that really the best thing to happen? Do I want to forget them?

Alicia, you must decide right now. Your life and the life of your family is at risk.

“What are you going to do with me?” I gathered all my confidence to face him. “I don’t think you are here to just visit. If you have some plans for me, get on with it.”

There’s a slight curve on his lips. “You really are brave for something who knew about our secret. I am not sure what I should do with you. My grandson specifically told me not to harm you and it makes me eager to hurt you even more.” He tightened his grip on my shoulder, making me paralyzed.

“What did you do to my grandson? Did you bewitch him?” He glared at me.

“I am not sure I know what you are talking about. Please, let me go.” I started begging. “I promise not to tell anyone about your secrets. Please…” I almost bent to my knees.

He remained in an authoritative manner. “Alicia, you are such a special girl.” He brushed the end of my hair as he showed his red crimson eyes to me. I could see flames inside it. And, it was too late to break free from his eyes as it was devouring me whole.

He mouthed something that made me fall asleep.