XXVI

The smoke slowly dispersed. The moment Aurum’s face came into view, a set out of loud shrieks filled the air. It was followed by a series of congratulatory claps and whistles. Aurum strode briskly to the front of the stage, and Sibyl let him take over the microphone with a small dip of her head. At that, the claps, shrieks and whistles slowly died down, and Aurum breathed into the microphone.

“It’s been so long,” he said, gesturing to the crowd. “Seeing your faces, seeing this”—he gestured to everything—“makes me feel whole again. Thank you Ashville for receiving me.”

The crowd clapped and he exhaled gratefully.

“Since I’m a part of this band,” he said with a light shrug. “It’s my duty to entertain you all. So...” He shrugged a shoulder, leaving the last word hanging.

Sibyl walked to the back and returned with an acoustic guitar. Aurum received it with a nod and she walked to the other microphone.

Aurum exhaled slowly, letting his silver eyes study each and every face of the crowd. But he was looking for only Kimi’s. And when he spotted Kimi’s position at the back of the crowd—his face pressed into his palms—Aurum smiled widely, his canines peaking past his top lip. This made deep dimples appear on his cheeks. Photos were taken as he flipped his long, straight bangs off his eyes, causing some people to swoon.

He started playing a smooth yet deep tune, his fingers plucking the guitar’s strings with light strokes. “This is for the fears I’m about to face again,” he said, his deep accented voice calm. “This is for the loss, the fight you all had fought, the pain you had faced.”

The shine in his eyes wavered as he thought, and the pain you’ll face.

Aurum started singing his solo, his song being the only thing that dominated the slightly windy night. As he sang, some parts of the lyrics changed to Latin. And whenever they did, a translation appeared on the gigantic screens that barricaded the fields.

From where Kimi was sat, he could feel the jab and stab of each word that left Aurum’s mouth. Even if the song wasn’t specifically directed at him, he could feel the personal words in it each time Aurum sang “I’m sorry,” “I care,” and “Don’t hate me.” With the amount of times those words were sang, Kimi finally concluded that the song was for him—or about him—and that Aurum wasn’t letting him go.

He banged his fist on a lap, his jaw set tightly. You freaking jerk, he thought, his face warming up in embarrassment. Still the same dumb old idiot that acts like he’s a freaking teenager with a crush.

The audience silently listened through the song, and when Aurum played the last note, they applauded him.

“Thank you,” Aurum said. He looked up to the sky and said, “dreams are like stars. They flicker and glow.” He looked back to the crowd. “When I was away I’d thought I’ll never come back. But... there was one dream that had always filled my mind. Even if it’d flickered, it still came back, shining brighter than ever before.”

An upbeat tune started playing and the crowd danced to the music. Couko and Sibyl moved forward with their individual instruments, playing in line with the beat.

Aurum soon joined them, the tune he was playing a kind of dampener to the beat. “This is for all our dreams. Let’s shine bright, and never flicker ever again.”

And that was how the night went by. More songs were played, new music was performed, and everyone was still energetic. But by the time the last song ended, some of them were dozing on their chairs, struggling to hold up their phones.

“Goodnight Ashville!” the members of Qulture said in unison, taking a bow, their hands locked together.

The moment they walked backstage, a woman—who had a tall, fruit-like headgear sitting on her head—walked from backstage, smiling brightly.

“Thank you all for attending this concert,” she said, her accent similar to Neeva’s. “But before you all retire for the night, please have our complementary packs. It contains food, drink and water.” She bowed lowly, and when she straightened her back, she stepped down the stage.

People stiffly dragged themselves out of their chair and shuffled to the exit. Sure enough, they took a pack—their eyes clearly not seeing what they were taking—and they retired to their bedrooms, yawning like tired hippopotamus. Most people hadn’t the speckle of strength to do anything, and the moment they walked into their bedrooms, they buried their faces in a pillow, their packs still gripped in their hands.

“I think I just fucking died and got resurrected in a span of one second,” Raja tiredly droned as he dragged his heavy feet to his bed, his eyes aching. He landed on the bed and sluggishly drew his legs onto it. “That was fucking... worth it...”

Dae-yang yawned loudly and sat on her bed, rubbing her eyes with loose fists. “Dreams... Dreams... are...” She yawned loudly, trying to recall the lyrics of one the songs that was performed. “Uh... flip.” She dropped onto her back, laughing like a crazy comedian. “That was... definitely worth—” Her words were immediately replaced with soft snores, her mind already in the possession of sleep.

Silver stifled a yawn and shuffled to the bathroom, wanting to wash his face. But he didn’t return to the room, finding solace against the bathtub.

Being familiar with sleepless nights, Kimi merely dropped the pack onto his bed and sat beside it. He lazily kicked off his sandals, not caring if the buckles were to tear off. He pulled off his hoodie and threw it to the side. The sound of a crinkle made him look down at his hoodie. He had thrown his hoodie on the pack. He raised an eyebrow at it, remembering the text his mother had given him before they had left.

Kimi exhaled silently and pulled the pack closer to himself. “I’m freaking hungry,” he whispered, slowly picking at the knot that the handles of the waterproof bag had been tied into.

A sudden knock on the door made Kimi snap his head up, his wide gaze on the door. He stayed glued on the bed, the dimness of the room swirling around his vision. Another set of light knocks sounded again and he jerked, shooting to his feet with a light gasp.

“Who... W-Who could it be?” he whispered to himself as he slowly moved to the door, his shoulders bunched in alert. When another set of knocks sounded, he tripped and dropped to the floor with a loud thud.

“Shhh,” Raja mumbled in his sleep.

“Hello?” came a baritone voice from the other side of the door.

Kimi swallowed loudly and reached out to the handle of the door, his hands shaking. “Who... Who i-is it?”

“I’m Caim Saorsa,” the person quietly said. “Lord Caedis sent me.”

Kimi raised a brow, fidgeting against the door. Lord Caed—Oh! Aurum?!

His breath hitched, his heartbeat quickening as he asked, “why?”

“He sent me to fetch someone named Kimi Mikaelis.”

His words made Kimi jump away from the door. Kimi took careful steps backwards, his eyes wide in trepidation.

Why does Aurum want to see me? Have I done something wrong? Why— He looked down at his cloth, and frowned at the long-aged stain that had dried up on his grey top. Am I dressed decently?

“The door?” the person asked quietly.

“Oh... Um...” Ah shit, Kimi thought as he held the door’s handle and turned it, opening the door.

Except for the sound of the others who were fast asleep, the room was deathly silent. Kimi’s eyes slowly widened as the door moved open. The face of the person came into view in the dimly lit hallway. Kimi raised his head, and his breath hitched when he saw the face of the man.

Dark red, thin, wavy lines were on his cheeks. They looked like snaky whiskers on his extremely, almost-white face. But the most unsettling feature of his were his bright, red slitted eyes that shone from under his long, thick, black bangs that fell over his eyes. His eyes made Kimi take a large step backwards, his breath frozen.

“Hello,” Caim said slowly, his voice holding a careful tone. “I deeply apologize if my face scares you. I can’t undo what’s been done.” A tight-lipped smile flickered across his face before he stepped backwards, making way for Kimi to move out of the bedroom.

Kimi swallowed noisily, his eyes widening at the sudden realization that Caim was a cadaver. “Y-You’re a—”

“A cadaver. Yes, and I care less about what in the name of Lord Caedis you think.” He clasped his hands behind his back, raising a thin, black brow. “You can do yourself good by putting your scattered senses back together and follow me right now. Or I can simply throw you over my shoulder, and we’re there in mere seconds.”

Kimi’s coffee skin flushed at Caim’s words. He swallowed bitterly as he shuffled forward, his wide eyes glued to Caim’s emotionless eyes. He slowly stepped out of the room, dragging his bare feet across the tiles.

When Caim raised a hand, he flinched, bringing up his quivering hands to shield himself.

“Don’t—”

“I’m just shutting the door,” he sighed, reaching to the side to pull the door shut. He mumbled something in Gaelic before he turned around, motioning for Kimi to follow him.

Kimi blinked rapidly as he watched Caim walk away, not looking back to check if Kimi was following or not. The moment Caim stopped, a good distance between the two of them, he peered over his shoulder.

Caim narrowed his eyes and said, “is the space enough? I don’t want you to die from close proximity.” Without looking back again, he continued his walk down the hallway, only pausing once he stepped up the stairs. “Come. Now.”

Kimi flinched at the sharpness of his voice. He puffed out a stagnant breath, his chest squeezing in pain. Suffocated with nothing more than his fright and flustered emotions, Kimi cussed lightly under his breath, willing his legs to take him forward. The tiles were warm under his feet, clearly not aiding his condition. When Caim heard him move, he rolled his eyes, continuing his walk up the straight stairs.

The hallway was painstakingly silent as Caim led Kimi up different floors, the stairs never-ending. With each floor they passed, Kimi noticed that the higher the floor, the more expensive and detailed the wall paintings and the interiors were.

These people sure are traditional, he thought with a light frown, his eyes trailing the various, gigantic, clay vases that lined the entire hallway. Kimi silently marvelled at their deep, intricate designs.

“We’re here,” Caim mumbled, causing Kimi to freeze on the spot. He raised a fist and knocked three times on the door that was in front of him. “Lord Caedis I’ve brought Kimi Mikaelis. May I come in?”

“Come in,” came Aurum’s light voice from the other side of the door.

Caim exhaled through his nostrils and slowly smoothened out his short, trench coat. After that he reached out, gripped the door’s handle, and pulled the door open. He motioned for Kimi to follow him as he walked into the room.

Kimi breathed heavily, his breathing quickening. It’s only Aurum. It’s not like he’s going to—

“Agh! Where’s Kimi? Did you spook his soul out of him?” Aurum said lightheartedly.

“No,” Caim simply said, walking out of the room. The moment he spotted Kimi’s stiffened figure, he sped to him with vampiric speed.

Kimi jolted and raised a hand, blocking his face from Caim’s narrowed eyes. “I-I—”

“Come with,” Caim said, gripping onto Kimi’s wrist. He felt Kimi’s pulse quicken under the tips of his fingers as he dragged him to the bedroom with an unearthly speed. “Here.” He pushed Kimi’s vibrating body to stand in front of him.

Aurum’s eyes widened in panic at Kimi’s state. “I told you he hates—”

“Sorry.” Caim gently pushed Kimi forward, and the boy tumbled forward in fright. Kimi landed on his knees and hands.

Aurum rushed forward, his wet hair clinging to his forehead. “Kimi? Are you alright?” He crouched before Kimi and slowly reached out a hand. He placed his hand on Kimi’s bent head.

Kimi gasped as he looked up, his eyes wide at the feeling of Aurum’s hand on his head. He looked at Aurum’s face, but he averted his gaze, blushing at the warm look that Aurum was giving him. His breath stuttered as he noticed Aurum’s bare torso, blushing at the sight of his firm chest and abs.

“Oh fuck!” Kimi screamed as he moved back, slapping Aurum’s hand away.

Aurum raised a brow. He sighed tiredly, reaching up a hand to brush back his wet bangs. He slowly stood up and sighed, “Kimi why do you always—”

“Can I kill him now?” Caim asked lightly, causing both Kimi and Aurum to whip their heads towards him.

Aurum’s words piled in his throat, his face twisting in confusion. “Are you for real?”

“Yes.”

Kimi jumped to his feet in fright, pointing a shaking finger at Caim. “Y-You... w-want to...”

“Are you serious?”

Caim raised a brow and said, “no. I’d just wanted to see if he’d poop his pants in fright. Clearly that’s what happens, naturally.” He looked at Kimi and mumbled, “and he didn’t.”

Aurum grunted lightly, palming his face. “You still suck at dry humour.”

“Thank you,” Caim said lightly, turning around to leave. “I’ll be leaving now Lord Caedis. Make sure to stay safe.”

“Wait!” Aurum said, halting him.

Caim looked over his shoulder and watched as Aurum sped to the table that was in the middle of the room and picked up a bottle. Aurum sped back to him and held up the bottle. Caim stared blankly at the bottle of juice that was in his hand.

“Here.” Aurum shook the bottle from side to side, the contents in it making a sloshing sound. “For you. Don’t reject it.”

Caim simply made an inconspicuous lip movement and turned to collect the bottle. “Thank—”

“That’s my boy,” Aurum said, reaching out to ruffle Caim’s hair that looked brown under the bright light.

Kimi watched them, confused about the way Aurum related with Caim, who clearly looked older than him, and who was also a good head taller than him.

Does cadaverism eat away at someone’s sense of reasoning? Kimi thought, watching Aurum push Caim out of the room with a small smirk.

“Right,” Aurum said as he shut the door. A muscle in his shoulder twitched as he turned around. He awkwardly cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes at Kimi.

Kimi averted his gaze, the weight of Aurum’s look making him uncomfortable. ‘What now?’ he thought, puffing a cheek, his eyebrows creasing lightly.

The seconds stretched, taughtening with each breath Kimi struggled to exhale. Cool breeze danced in through the open window and chilled the silence, making it almost unbearable. When Aurum felt that the silence was becoming irksome, he passed his slim fingers through his almost-dry hair, letting out a deep sigh.

“I’m sorry,” Aurum finally said, the unnecessary heart in his chest stuttering.

Kimi looked up but immediately dropped his eyes as Aurum looked into his eyes with a piercing gaze. “For what? Leaving?” he said, his voice small and panicked.

“Yes... for leaving.” He stepped forward, his footsteps slow and silent. “Kimi I’m sorry for just leaving without a word. Without anything.” He stopped when there was a good distance between the two of them.

Kimi released a small snort, the corners of his mouth raising into a slight smirk. “Actually, you left me with your scent.”

“Really? I thought that I’d done better to leave you with nothing... Amica mea?” Aurum smirked when Kimi flinched at the mention of his nickname.

Kimi clenched his fingers into loose fists, his breath moving out of his parted lips with a slow pace. “Don’t call me that,” he whispered.

Autumn quirked a brow with an amused smirk. “Why... Amica mea?” He moved into Kimi’s personal space and leaned forward, inclining his face towards Kimi’s ear. “Is it because it means what it is My Love?” his said huskily.

An involuntary shudder shook Kimi, his breath seizing in embarrassment. “N-no,” Kimi said in a small voice, his cheeks warm.

“Then why Kimi?” He raised a hand and lightly held Kimi’s chin with a loose grip. “Look at me Amica mea.”

Kimi shut his eyes tightly, the feeling of Aurum’s hot breath against his skin making him shudder. He shook his head, his eyes twitching. “No, I don’t want to,” he said weakly.

What am I doing? What the heck am I doing?! Kimi thought, tightening his shaking fists, his face flushed in embarrassment. What am I freaking doing? Aurum’s the enemy. He’s a cadaver.

Aurum leaned back and looked at Kimi. He looked from Kimi’s thick lips that were parted, to his shut eyes that twitched anytime he breathed out. He smirked slightly, an uncanny feeling swirling in his chest, making it tight.

“Kimi...” He cupped Kimi’s cheek, passing his tongue across his lips, his fangs elongating unconsciously. “Look at me, Kimi.”

Kimi shook his head, swallowing thickly. “No. I don’t want to.” He raised his hands and pushed at Aurum bare chest. His fingers twitched at the feeling of wet skin and hard muscles. “Aurum... let go of my face.”

Something snapped in Aurum, eating up his rationality and sanity. An uncontrolled anger suddenly sparked in Aurum’s chest and he gritted his teeth, his fangs digging into his lip. “Kimi look at me,” he said deeply, his voice breathy and light. When Kimi shook his head again, this time pushing at his chest, Aurum frowned deeply and hissed, “Kimi look at me!”

The atmosphere in the room swiftly shifted from light and emotional, to dark and dangerous. Kimi jerked in fear as Aurum angrily pressed his hands into his cheeks, squishing them together. Aurum’s fingernails grew and dug themselves in Kimi’s flesh. Kimi’s hands flew up and he held Aurum’s wrists with a tight grip. He hissed as Aurum’s claws sank into his flesh, drawing blood. His heartbeat quickened immediately, his breathing becoming thinned by fear.

“A-Aurum?” he stuttered, whimpering as Aurum tilted his head to the side, exposing his neck. “Aurum l-let go!” he said, tugging at Aurum’s hands.

Aurum didn’t budge and merely stared at Kimi’s blood that was painting his fingers red. His eyes flickered into a lustrous silver and he smirked. He stuck out his tongue to lick his lips. He inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes as he groaned at the smell of Kimi’s intoxicating blood. Then he slurped like a hungry canine, leaning forward to lick Kimi’s sweaty cheek.

“Aurum what are you doing?!” Kimi shrieked as Aurum swiftly wrapped his arms around him, caging him like a prey. “Aurum?! AURUM STOP!” Kimi’s eyes flew open and he started beating Aurum’s chest with his fists, his heartbeat an irregular rhythm of fear.

Aurum hissed at him ferally and dug his face into the crook of Kimi’s neck.

“AURUM! STOP!”

It was like a fearful race, Kimi’s heart beating so hard that it felt like it was in his throat, unable to find its way to his chest. He struggled in Aurum’s hold, strong images of his past flashing before his eyes. Tears rushed down his face and he whimpered like a beaten wolf as Aurum lapped at his skin.

“AURUUUUM!” Kimi screamed loudly, his voice cracking as Aurum made to bite him.

Luck was on their side as the door was thrown open, Caim flashing into the room.

“Lord Caedis!” Caim yelled as he wrapped his fingers around Aurum’s neck and pulled him away from Kimi. “Lord Caedis stop! Why are trying to drink his blood?!” He wrapped his arms around Aurum, keeping him away from a shaken up Kimi.

Aurum snarled and hissed at Kimi. He thrashed in Caim’s arms, watching Kimi as he slowly squatted. He growled and tried to reach for him, his arms outstretched. As soon as he saw the blood that coated the tips of his fingers and his extended claws, he stopped abruptly, his senses coming back like a crashing wave.

“Lord Caedis are you alright?” Caim asked the moment he felt Aurum freeze in his arms.

What have I done? Aurum thought as his senses finally cleared. His eyes shook as he looked down at Kimi’s trembling form.

Author’s Note: Hello! How are you all? How was this chapter? I know during this period we are all scared and afraid. But we are not alone, we have our family and virtual friends. Please stay safe and adhere to the laws. Now is not the time to act tough and rebellious. #StaySafe #WashYourHands