Serene’s POV

I opened my eyes to a blurry vision. My head hurt and I couldn’t figure out where I was. It took me a few seconds to understand I was back home, in my room, in my bed.

Then the reality of my actions dawned on me and I was blatantly reminded of the heinous crime I had committed. This made me jolt from my bed.

"Serene," I whirled around to see Zian.

"Zian..." I called him in a hoarse voice while choking on emotions. He quickly got up from his chair and enveloped me in his arms. His face was stricken with grief and worry. His green aura engulfed me.

"I am so sorry Serene," he whispered trying to calm my agitated heart.

"I killed him and nobody cared," I bawled and cried my eyes out. His aura radiated and seeped into every cell of my body and I began to feel relaxed and calm. I didn’t let him go.

"I am here for you, just try to stay calm," he stroked my hair and I cried on his shoulder for hours when finally exhausted I fell asleep again because of the soothing effect he provided me.

When I woke again, emptiness filled my heart and I couldn’t get his face out of my mind. Tears singed my eyes and I sat up straight. It was early morning and Zian was sleeping in a chair beside me, his head tilted sideways.

I didn’t know how long I had been unconscious or slept or even what day it was. Just sitting there I tried to make sense of the situation. My brain was still not functioning properly as the aftermath of the bloody war we had fought began to unravel. We lost Arlo and I didn’t know who else.

Remembering him I got up and went to the cupboard, I took out my jewelry box which was made up of violet crystal. Opening it I saw the pin Arlo had given me, laying there. Fresh streams of tears flowed as I reached for it with my trembling hands.

It glittered so beautifully, I had never worn it but saved it. Without thinking much I rubbed my thumb over the intricate design and crystals. I stared at it for so long before finally putting it in my hair.

’Arlo, I am wearing it. I hope wherever you are, you are happy and will forgive me,’ I whispered while placing the jewelry box back.

The commotion woke up Zian as he rubbed his eyes and glanced at me with a little yawn and asked: "Serene, are you alright? What are you doing?"

"Nothing much, how long have I slept?" I inquired while walking towards him.

"Two days, Kilamin brought you back and asked me to stay with you. Your father had been very concerned but they kept you under sedation because of how you would react," Zian explained with concerned-filled eyes.

"I am never going to forgive Kilamin and Zeph," the pain in my voice made Zian get up and approach me and say:

"I understand what you are going through. They were only trying to protect you."

"That was my decision to make, Zian. I killed him. I should have been the one to be able to save him. They took away my freedom, they left me with this guilt that will rid me till the day I die."

"Oh! Serene, you didn’t do it on purpose," Zian replied while placing his hand on my shoulder.

"But I alone will carry the pain of killing a loving heart like his. First I trampled over it and then I stopped it from beating," I hid my face in my hands as my whole body trembled, Zian hugged me, trying to calm me down.

The door opened and father walked inside, looking grim along with Kilamin. I let go of Zian and rushed to my father’s side as he collected me in his arms and whispered:

"It’s alright, my child. It’s over now," I bawled in his chest and he affectionately held me. After a while, he lifted my face and said:

"We have to leave for Wampir Realm in a short while, Arlo’s funeral will be held with the highest respect. Get ready," I simply nodded at him with teary eyes.

"Serene," Kilamin tried to say something but I cut him off.

"Don’t," I glared at him and he pursed his lips. My father watched us awkwardly but didn’t say anything except to pull me close to him again.

"I know you are hurting but time is of the essence," he kissed my forehead before letting me go and walking out of the door. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Kilamin followed his pursuit but lingered on the door as if wanting to say something.

"I don’t want to hear whatever you want to say, please leave my room," he didn’t turn and quietly exited the room making me sigh. My legs had no strength and I wanted to collapse on the floor.

"He told me what he did, as our general he was only following instructions," Zian finally spoke seeing me depressed. I turned my head to face Zian and whispered:

"Kilamin is my step-brother," Zian’s eyes grew to the size of saucers in shock.

"What?" He stepped closer to me and I gave him the short version because of the limited time.

"That’s an interesting turn of events, does that mean he will be king now?" Zian inquired.

"No, he doesn’t want the throne, wants me to ascend it," I filled him in. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I ordered and Agatha stepped inside.

"Princess Serene, it’s good to see you awake. I wanted to inquire about breakfast and would help you get dressed," she said with a slight bow.

"I don’t want breakfast just prepare a red dress for me," my stomach had knots in it and the thought of food repulsed me. Red was the colour vampires wore to their funerals. It was also the colour of his eyes and hair and I wouldn’t wear anything else.