Edward returned to Holler Mansion with a wound across his face. He ordered Henry to use his power to erase it without a trace, then carelessly peeled off the bandage. His eyes dimmed, as though he were carrying something alone.
"Young Master, you're back," Ethan said respectfully, bowing slightly.
"Yes. Where is Father?"
"He's in the study, sir."
"Thank you, Uncle…" Edward gave a faint smile, addressing Ethan with familiarity, though fatigue still lingered in his voice.
Ethan smiled gently before advising with concern, "I think you should take a bath first, Young Master, then meet him in the dining room."
Edward nodded softly. Ethan knew well that Hill often spent quiet moments reflecting during dinner before speaking with his son.
Dining Room, Holler Mansion
"So, son. Caused trouble again?" Hill asked calmly as he ladled soup into a bowl.
"You already know, Father. Aren't you going to ask if I was bullied?" Edward's voice carried a trace of hurt.
"Hmph… Then why didn't you fight back? You already have powers. Or should I send you for more training?"
"I don't want my friends to be afraid of me." He lowered his head, avoiding eye contact. Hill gave a faint smile, looking at his son with understanding.
"Including that girl, right?"
Edward nodded quietly.
"Yes. She said our family are monsters…" His voice softened, tinged with pain. A quiet loneliness began to form inside him.
Hill sighed before speaking seriously.
"You should know the truth. Our family has been vampires since your grandfather's generation. But we are not like the Tylers who kill for blood. We are different and we are enemies."
Edward's eyes changed instantly. Anger surged, replacing his vulnerability.
"When will I get to deal with him? He killed my parents right in front of me!"
"Not yet. Your power is still not enough," Hill said firmly, his eyes filled with concern. "I once fought him and barely survived. I don't want to lose you too."
"Where are you going, Father?"
"To the Lonnelland residence. Would you like to come?"
Edward's eyes sparkled immediately. The thought of someone slipped into his mind unexpectedly.
"Yes! Wait for me."
Hill smiled knowingly. "Not in much of a hurry, are you? Ethan, prepare the car. Our son is coming with us today."
"Yes, sir." Ethan stepped back. His shadow rippled and dissolved into black mist, vanishing in an instant. Shortly after, a sleek black car pulled up before the mansion as if he had never left.
The Lonnelland Residence
Alicia, the youngest daughter of the family, sat reading in the pavilion outside. The afternoon sunlight touched her delicate features. When she saw an unfamiliar car drive in, she assumed it was her father's guest and paid little attention.
Ethan parked at the front. Henry had come along as well.
"We've arrived and are waiting, my lord," Ethan communicated telepathically, checking the surroundings for any sign of Tyler.
Edward looked toward Alicia at the pavilion. His eyes softened the moment he saw her.
"I won't go inside," he said quietly.
Hill smirked slightly, following his son's gaze. "She's truly beautiful. I think she suits you. I'll speak with Uncle Alfred."
"Really, Father?" Edward's eyes shone brightly, like a boy receiving a new toy. Hill chuckled affectionately.
"I'll go talk to Uncle first. We'll stay for dinner."
Edward stepped out of the car and walked to the pavilion. Alicia was unaware of his presence until he sat down opposite her quietly.
"What are you reading?" he asked calmly.
She looked up from her book, slightly startled.
"Trey? Why are you here?"
"My father came to see Uncle Alfred."
"To see my father?" Her brows furrowed, her tone stiffening.
"Mm. I didn't ask for details…" He smiled faintly, though his eyes seemed to be quietly reading her thoughts.
"Hey!" She shot to her feet, glaring. "Don't tell me you"
"I only read your thoughts a little," he admitted, guilt flickering in his eyes.
"You have no right!" Her voice sharpened. A force radiated from her body, turning the air cold. The grass around the pavilion trembled.
Edward paused as he felt the pressure the scent of wolf, fierce and unstable. Alicia clenched her fists, her gaze fierce.
"I'm not some prey you can invade so easily!"
He sighed softly and slowly raised his hands, showing no threat.
"I'm not trying to hurt you. I just wanted to know… are you still angry at me?"
"Of course I am! You read my mind and expect me to trust you?"
He gently touched her book and looked into her eyes.
"What are you really angry at me for? I'm not like Tyler. And even if I were, I would never hurt you."
The tremor within her eased slightly. The tension faded for a moment, though her emotions remained unsettled.
"But you're not human," she said quietly but firmly. "How can I trust you?"
Edward fell silent briefly before speaking sincerely.
"Because he my father once risked his life to save me from Tyler. He almost died protecting me. Do you really think someone like that is evil?"
Alicia bit her lower lip, hesitating. Confusion replaced her anger.
Suddenly, the sound of blood bats echoed around the house. The scent of humans drew them lower. Alicia sensed danger and grabbed Edward's hand.
"Inside! Now!"
Moving swiftly, detecting the strange scent of wolf blood in his veins, she pulled him into the house. Henry followed closely. They rushed toward the basement, where a barrier shielded against dark forces. Hill hurried after them, sensing Tyler's energy.
"Father, you can return home first," Edward said.
"And you? You can't stay here. It's too dangerous," Hill argued.
"There's a protective barrier here. It's suitable only for humans. It will protect him. Don't worry, Hill. I'll take care of him," Alfred assured, noticing Hill's concern. If Hill stayed, Alfred's anti-vampire barrier might harm him instead.
"I'll stay with Uncle, Father," Edward insisted. Then he ordered, "Ethan, please take Father home."
The three stopped before a towering mirror in the center of the hall. Its surface trembled like wind over water before transforming into spirals of silver and violet magic.
Edward glanced once more at his father and Henry, strength and worry mingling in his eyes.
"I'll stay here until morning… then return myself."
Henry frowned immediately. "Young Master… promise you won't stubbornly return alone."
Edward nodded reluctantly.
Hill reached out and touched his son's shoulder gently.
"Remember, my son. If anything happens, keep your heart open first. Don't always let your power lead your feelings."
Their eyes met briefly. Hill nodded slowly before stepping into the mirror. The swirling magic swallowed him whole. Henry followed, slightly less hesitant. Ethan stepped in last.
The magical waves gradually calmed. The violet light faded. The mirror became smooth once more, reflecting only emptiness…
As if no one had ever stood there at all.