S E V E N T Y-T H R E E

Tears wanted to flood out of Iris's eyes but he didn't even have the energy to conjure up a sob.

"Is it over?" he asked, voice shaking. Beyond them, there was still one or two one-on-one fightings, but the raging madness of yelling, stabbing, blood splashing and tears falling, was over.

Kai smiled at him and nodded. "It's over." He cupped Iris's face. "It's over. So you can let go."

Iris knew he was talking about the dagger. Just being near it made him feel invincible, so letting go was a struggle he didn't know he had to face.

"I..."

Kai gently turned his hand around and rubbed his fingers with his thumb.

"It's okay."

Iris stared at his hand. He swallowed a lump down his throat and inched his hand open, letting the dagger roll out of his grasp. With it gone, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He leaned forward until he fell face-first into Kai's chest. He closed his eyes when arms wrapped around him, warming his freezing body and soothing some of the pain.

"I'm proud of you, Iris."

There were no other words that sounded as comforting as those. Being acknowledged. Making someone happy.

"We did it," Iris croaked.

"We did. Vridora is safe."

Those were also words that made everything feel lighter.

"Good."

Kai started to rub Iris's back but stopped when he felt something jagged and then something wet. He pulled his hand back and examined it.

The palm of his hand was painted a deep red.

"Jesus, Iris!"

The prince widened his eyes when Kai suddenly pushed his back and turned him to the side. He followed Kai's worried gaze and stared at the shard of glass sticking out of the back of his shoulder.

"Oh." Iris shrugged his arm. "That's why it hurts."

Kai sighed. "You're unbelievable."

Iris reached for the piece of glass. "Should I take it out?"

"No-no! Don't touch it." He whipped his head to the side. "Hey! I need bandages, fast!"

Iris watched as a vampire hurried over and deposited a roll of bandages into Kai's hand, then rushed away when Kai thanked him.

"Okay...um..."

Iris raised a brow at Kai's hesitance. "Just pull it out."

Kai gave him a deadpanned expression. "That's not–we should just wrap properly now. Come on." Kai helped Iris to his feet and guided him back into the small house.

"June!"

A black-haired Vamp jogged towards them.

"Cover the door."

The Vamp nodded at Kai and stood in the doorway when they went inside.

They both eyed the dead Vamp while sitting down in the corner on the opposite side of where the body was.

Iris held the bandages while he watched Kai unbutton his shirt for him. He tried to protest and say he could do it himself, but Kai didn't allow him and kept swatting his hands away.

"Okay, once I take it out hand me the bandages," Kai said, making Iris nod. Kai gently gripped the shard of glass and carefully watched Iris's expression as he pulled it out.

He raised an eyebrow at his blank reaction.

"Are you okay?" he asked, lowering Iris's shirt and pressing the bandage against the wound.

The piece of glass wasn't very big, but the wound bled a lot once the glass was removed.

Kai smelt so many different blood scents during the fighting that Iris's scent hardly affected him; even when his hands were covered with blood and the smell danced through his nose.

"I think so," Iris mumbled. "No. Everything hurts."

"I'm sorry." Kai let his gaze wander down Iris's torso. Everywhere he looked, every sneak of tanned skin, there was a bruise or scratch or cut. His eyebrows furrowed, causing a frown to etch on his forehead and on his lips. "I'm sorry."

Iris looked over, his hair falling over his eyes. "Don't be sorry. I decided to do this without your help, there's no reason to be sorry."

Kai leaned down, kissing a part of Iris's shoulder before it was covered with the bandage.

"I'm really proud of you. You did great out there. I won't lie, I tried looking for you every chance I got, I was worried and scared, but once I heard your speech, I knew you would be just fine."

Iris furrowed his eyebrows. "Speech?"

"Your little battle speech. It got a lot of us hyped up, you know."

Iris's confusion multiplied. "What? I didn't say anything."

Kai frowned. "Yes, you did. You were telling of a vampire and it turned out very inspirational. You don't remember."

"Mm, no. What exactly did I say?"

Kai narrowed his eyes before shaking his head. He tugged the bandage a little tighter once he looped it around Iris's chest again.

"Did you hit your head at all?" he asked.

"I did actually."

"How hard?" Kai brushed the back of Iris's head with his hand. He paused when Iris flinched.

"Pretty hard."

"Yeah, there's a bump. No blood, thankfully. Do you feel sick? Dizzy?"

Iris dropped his head forward. "Sleepy."

Kai smiled and shook his head again. "You can sleep all you want after this. But not now." He tapped under Iris's chin, making him raise his head.

Once he was finished wrapping the bandages, which went around Iris's right shoulder, partly down his bicep, and across his chest, he helped him put his shirt back on.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Iris nodded. "I'm fine."

Kai looked down, picking up the excess bandages, then turned his head when a gentle hand cupped his cheek.

It was then that Iris fully took in Kai's appearance. He had small cuts across his face that had long stopped bleeding but were still red and irritated. He had a tired look impressed in his expression even though he smiled. His clothes were dirty with mud and crusted blood, and it was ripped in some areas; like his shoulder. There was a thin, vertical rip in his shirt and it exposed a large cut on his pale shoulder. There were a few smudges on his face, too.

Comparing Kai with the other beaten up vampires, he looked the least harmed. Most of the Vamps got away with only a scratch or three and the humans had the highest injury count, but that didn't come as a surprise.

Still, Kai's ocean eyes were vibrant as ever as he gleamed in Iris's direction. And Iris's smile still exposed his single dimple

"And you okay?" He asked, switching the attention onto the vampire.

Kai chuckled and kisses Iris's hand. "I am now that you are."

"Cheesy."

"But you love it."

"I do." Iris stood on his knees and leaned in for a kiss. "So much."

Kai's smile exposed his fangs as he leaned his forehead onto Iris's.

They both wished they could stay in each other's arm longer, kiss longer, soothe each other's pains longer, but it had to wait.

"Sage and Cyrus should have already gathered the survivors. Your dad-I mean the king-is giving a speech," Kai informed, nodding at the Vamp blocking the doorway. He slipped his arm around Iris's waist, noticing the limp in his step.

"What's the speech about?"

"He's just clarifying a few things, making sure everyone's okay, and providing solace with his words."

"He's good at that."

Kai held Iris tighter when he slumped against him.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Just tired."

Kai patted Iris's hip and led them to a broken piece of stone behind the gathered crowd. Kai helped him sit before plopping down next to him. His own body ached and trembled slightly, but he figured Iris had enough playing the strong one, so it was his turn.

"Iris! Kai!"

The two looked up to see Sage jogging over to them. There was a gash on her left leg that the thin bandage around it barely stopped from bleeding, but that didn't stop her as she threw herself at them and wrapped her arms around the two.

"You guys are okay! I'm so glad!" She was chuckling but there was a happy sadness in her voice as it quivered. She pulled back and quickly rubbed her hand under her eyes.  "I didn't see you at all, my prince. And Kai, I lost sight of you. I was worried."

"I'm alright–we're alright," Kai confirmed, reassuring Sage. "You? That looks terrible."

Sage looked down when Kai gently touched near the cut in her leg. "Oh, I'm fine. Hurts, but nothing I can't handle."

Kai looked up and around them. There were many standing like that too. Their bodies were hurting but they didn't let it stop them from subtly celebrating their victory.

Sage kicked the gravel on the ground next to Kai's feet before sitting down, leaning her back against the stone.

Iris and Kai came to find out that the loud crash they heard prior to joining the battle was due to a church falling down. Rubble trashed the streets, debris and large pieces of gray stone. Stained glass sprinkled over the gravel, catching the moonlight, glistening red, blue, green, and other shades around the color wheel. The once beautiful and elegant fourth village Iris knew was gone.

They all were.

"Is this all?" Kai asked, looking around.

"This is all that could make it," Sage confirmed. "There are many injured humans far west but they are immobile. As well as a few guards and Vamps."

Kai nodded. "Well, I'm applauded that so many could make it."

Sage nodded. "There are a lot more than I expected."

They quieted down when the king stepped onto one of the stones from the church and demanded everyone's attention.

His speech wasn't long, but he made sure to take his time to cover everything he needed to; from the surviving humans, Vamps, and vampire, and who will tend to their injuries. To Annesa's subordinates, the ones they've captured instead of kill. He also took the time to thank everyone, his gratitude trailed every word that left his mouth.

"....Not only do I appreciate the effort and determination put into work here during the fighting, but Vridora as a whole thanks you."

There was a series of clapping and whistling, hands flying in the air, and fangs flashing.

"Let's see..."

"Uh, excuse me, sir?"

The king glanced down at Cyrus, who was politely holding her hand up.

"Yes?"

"I think we should let the future king say a few words."

The crowd burst into murmurs and whispers.

Arlo, along with many turning heads, looked to see Iris lifting his head off Kai's shoulder.

"Recite your speech!" Cyrus yelled from in front of the crowd, so Iris could hear from behind it.

"Yes! Let him speak!"

"I want to hear it again."

"Me too!"

Iris and Kai glance around when different voices started to erupt in the murmuring crowd. The crowd looked towards Arlo, anticipating and hopeful.

"What?" Iris asked.

"Well, you have quite the audience," Arlo chuckled out, loud enough for Iris to hear. "Why don't you say a few words."

Iris glazed over the many eyes staring at him. He expected to see glowing eyes burning through the darkness like wolves creeping out from the shadows, but he only saw curious, blinking eyes gazing at him

He gulped. "Um.."

"Recite your speech," Cyrus blurted out again.

"I don't–" He looked nervously at Kai. "I never–I never said anything, though?"

Kai shot a grin towards Cyrus. "The prince doesn't remember."

"Oh." Cyrus smirked back, quickly catching on. "Should we remind him?"

Arlo arched an eyebrow when Cyrus jumped onto the platform, bowing quickly to apologize, before punching a fist in the air.

"Be confident!" she yelled.

"Be fierce!" Every other Vamp and vampire harmonized. Their voices were strong when put together.

"You fall!" Cyrus was grinning at the two from where she stood.

"You stand back up!" The crowd joined.

"You bleed."

"You shake the pain and get revenge!"

"And for God's sake–"

"You fight!"

Iris looked around in confusion. He didn't remember saying any of that.

"You never back down from protecting your home," Kai said, hushing his voice so only Iris could hear. The prince looked up, confusion tucked inside his eyes, but he smiled at those words as if they meant something to him.

"Maybe I'll remember when I don't feel like passing out."

Kai shook his head and pushed back Iris's hair, exposing his forehead. He leaned and planted a chaste kiss on it.

"Well then, we should get going."

The two slid off the stone and weaved through the crowd to group with Arlo, Sage, and Cyrus. Several hands patted Iris's back as he walked and he almost felt guilty he didn't remember the speech.

"I've sent a few to help the citizens in need," Arlo informed when they stood by him. "Groups of three or four have been sent to search each village for survivors, both humans and Vamps. Two teams are now circling the forests."

Iris nodded. "That's good. I'm sure there are a lot still lingering around."

"Yes. I also–"

"Hey! Guys!"

"We need help!"

Iris and Kai turned when two Vamps rushed up to the crowd, seemingly coming from the other villages.

"What is it?"

"It's Zoe!" The male sputtered out. "She's with Annesa. I was nearby when they started fighting. She needs help. She said someone had a dagger? I can take it to her."

"We have these," one vampire piped in, holding up one of the small silver knives.

"No, take this one," Iris pulled his dagger out.

He knew something was off from the beginning. He didn't see Zoe anywhere during the battle.

"Here."

"Oh good!" The Vamp went to reach for the dagger, but Iris suddenly drew it back. "What is it?"

Iris glanced at the dagger then to the Vamp. Something sour set in the pit of his stomach. The Vamp's aura made him narrow his eyes, hesitate.

Before he or the Vamp could say anything, Kai suddenly tightened his hold around Iris, his voice coming out as a low growl as he said:

"Get him."

"What–" The Vamp froze when two pair of hands grasped onto his arms. He jerked in their hold, but they held onto him strongly.

"Any vampire or Vamp who brings hesitation to my prince will immediately be questioned."

Iris looked over at Kai, who was glaring at the Vamp. When he glanced down, the glare mellowed and his lips curled up.

"I mentioned your little gift to the others. I ask them to capture anyone who you deemed untrustworthy or skeptical."

Iris looked away when something stirred in the pit of his stomach. Now is not the time to get butterflies, he thought, scolding himself.

"Smart," he eventually said, briefly glancing at Kai. "Thanks."

He looked back towards the Vamp, eyes studying him warily. He had the scar on his arm just like the others, but his atmosphere unsettled him. "You're one of Annesa's, aren't you? And you too?" He pointed at the woman who was running with the Vamp.

"N-no! I'm one of Zoe's. I was one of the helpers that were sent to look after the human citizens, but I saw him running, claiming he saw the two fighting. So, I came back with him."

Iris narrowed his sight. He stared into her faded brown eyes, searching, studying.

Unlike the other Vamp's aura, hers had something sweet in it. It was almost as though he could taste their auras. The other's was bitter and sour, but hers wasn't. His judgment trusted her.

"Okay," he said. "She's safe. Question him."

The Vamp and vampire took away the imposter, who started to thrash around. The crowd began to murmur again.

Iris turned in Kai's hold and held up the dagger.

"You go, Kai. I don't think he was lying about Zoe. And I trust you, obviously."

Kai carefully took the dagger from Iris.

"And be careful, please," Iris added before Kai could say anything.

Kai smiled and held up the dagger. "I will. I promise." He contemplating kissing Iris before he left, but they were in the center of an overwhelming amount of attention, and he was sure Iris would fuss about it later. So, he gave him another reassuring smile before running off.

Sage took Kai's place in keeping Iris steady, and they watched the crowd split as Kai ran, and then regroup once he vanished.

***

As he passed by each village, Kai took in the sights: the rundown houses, the burning flags, the bodies, the blood. He also saw the living huddling together, passing blankets and food around, exchanging words, laughter. This was both humans and vampires; occasionally he saw a Vamp or two.

He ran through all four villages before slowing down when the mansion came into view. He narrowed his eyes and raised his guard.

He walked slowly, eyeing every shadow, every crevice where a Vamp could hide and jump out any second. But it was silent. Almost too quiet.

His boots stomped over dead leaves, crunching them. His ears twitched every time.

There were no Vamps in sight while he made his way to the front gate of the mansion. The howl of the wind was hallowed. It was as if even nature was dead around here.

Kai gripped the dagger when he heard a scream and something like wood snapping. His senses spiked as he ran towards the noise, slipping passed the gate and turning to his right.

He stopped dead in his tracks in the front yard, grip shaky on the dagger, breath escaping his lungs, blood running cold.

Annesa was staggering backward with what looked like a piece of wood sticking out of the front of her shoulder.

There was another figure in front of her who fell backward when Kai arrived. They were headless.

She was headless.

Kai tensed when he saw the woman's head roll a few feet from her body. Midnight black hair sprawled across her head, shielding her pale face. But Kai didn't have to see it to know who it was.

"ZOE!"

***

First things first.... please don't hate me!!

Secondly, the final chapters will seem kind of rushed, but that's just because I didn't want to draaag everything out. I wrapped it all up(neatly of course)and tied it with a pretty bow. This is also because I knew I would get too into it and never want to finish the book. But all stories must come to an end!

Thank you sooooo much for reading and putting up with such God-forsaken typos until the bitter end 😂. I appreciate you all!