Chapter 95

\*\*AXEL'S POV\*\*



I sat alone in my study, surrounded by so many history books, covering the happenings throughout my century-long slumber.



Just when will I be done with all these books?



I have to read through all of them before meeting with Prince Caspian and Duncan.



What lies ahead is more than what a single race can handle alone.



I sighed, rubbing my tired eyes. 



Should I just take a break and return when my concentration level is heightened?



I was just about to close the book, when my eyes caught something.



"This year?" I gasped, certain I didn't see anything wrong. I checked the page, and the record was exactly the same as the first time.



There was a small knock on the door, and after I grunted a and went in, Vlad entered.



"I don't recall sending it to you," I said, not taking my confused eyes off the book.



"I just felt like you'd need my presence." He said with a respectful gesture; a bow. "You've been in here for days already."



"For how long?" I asked, still not taking my eyes off the book. 



"You've been here for seven days already," he replied. "You've not even had anything to eat."



I sighed and closed the book, finally turning to him. "Studying these books is very necessary. How's training going?" I asked, raising a brow.



"Well enough, prince Axel." He replied. "Everyone seems so ready for battle."



I chuckled at his response, relaxing on my swivel chair. 



Coming from the same person who was trembling before me days ago…



Regardless of what he says, I'd still train him myself. 



There are a lot of things being able to control by the manipulation of the mind does to every warrior, and I am a testament to that.



I'd have been able to do that, and escaped the slumber of centuries.



"How are the new members doing?" I asked with an intriguing smile. 



"They're showing promise, my lord." He replied with a thoughtful expression. "We'd certainly make everyone proud."



"Good," I said, nodding. "You just work on training their physical skills. I'll do the mind stuff; manipulation.



Vlad nodded, although understanding seemed far from him.



"Just ensure they can withstand physical attacks. I'll work on the mental attacks once you're done." I said.



I couldn't help but feel the need to place more emphasis on mental attacks. The last dangerous war I witnessed saw so many mental manipulations... That was literally the enemy's strongest weapon.



This time, however, that's definitely not happening.



"You can leave" I said, dismissing Vlad, but he seemed hesitant.



Taking the cue, I figured he wanted to say something, so I raised a brow. "Anything you want to say?."



He nodded. "The girl...the one whose memory was wiped." He started "she's acting suspicious."



I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"



She's certainly not the first one whose memories have been wiped, so why does her own seem rather complicated?



Vlad hesitated. ''S…she's been in communication with some man, she seems to me like an undercover journalist."



My interest heightened. "Can you perhaps keep a closer watch on her?"



I saw him itch his nape. Sensing nervousness, I decided to figure out a better way. "Just find a way of getting her here"



I've got to ensure her entire memories are wiped. 



Torak and Lenato would find out that the job wasn't properly done, and that might just cause a rift between my race and theirs.



"What do you plan to do with her?" Vlad asked, his curiosity glaring.



I leaned back in my chair. "All of it depends on how much she still knows."



"What if she's more than just a journalist? My intuitions have been telling me so" he added, his mind driving to deep thoughts.



"If she's more than just a journalist" I smiled, a calculated risk. "Then we'll uncover her true purpose.  Whatever that is."



"I shall bring her to you shortly then." He said, and with another bow, he walked out of the study.



...



The sun cast its morning glow into the study through the window blinds, creating awareness that it's morning already.



I yawned tiredly. This is day 8 already, and I've only been able to read over fifty books, there's still so much more to read.



I'll eventually take a break today… Besides, I need to see the girl.



I got off the chair, and closed all the open books on my desk, heading to my bedroom to freshen up.



...



A soft knock sounded on my door and, without waiting for a response, the door gently opened, revealing Vlad, accompanied by Helena.



"Axel" she screamed loudly, rushing to hug me. "I...I thought you were dead"



Okay...this is weird. How does she even know my name, and if I'm dead, how am I still here?



"I always knew you'd survived the attack from the moment dad and I began searching for your corpse."



Okay...what in the universe is she talking about?



I turned to Vlad with a wink, and understanding my gesture, he turned around and walked away. I guess he's just trying to stay out of trouble.



She's human, I'm a vampire, so what's going on?



"Oh shit! Don't tell me you've gone back to your cold self...cold and cranky", she grinned, somehow feeling excited about the whole scenario.



Just what is she?



"Mum is no more, else she'd have scolded you... Anyway, I'll do the scolding, although you're older" she said again, her lips curving into a small smile.



"I don't know you" I huffed, growing bored by her little drama. 



"Axel, please," she begged. "Don't pretend you don't remember. I've been alone since you left alongside mom" 



I could see pain and vulnerability in her eyes, but I couldn't point out what the matter was, and how I was related to it.



Her desperate eyes locked onto mine, already misty, with tears threatening to fall off her eyes.



"Don't do this to me Axel...deep down, you do know who I am."



Her conviction unsettled me...



Was it even possible that I knew her? Probably before I fell asleep.



So why's she crying? Her tears were already starting to make me feel rather weird.



My eyes drifted to hers, and as I searched, I felt a spark ignite, and a knot in my chest.



What's going on?



"Why are your tears affecting me?" I blurted out without a second thought. "Wipe your face, the tears are irritating."



Somehow I just knew I'd face this, but not this soon enough...