Half an hour before Wes went into the human world, he went to a meeting with the king and other high-ranking officials to talk about the growing number of rogue vampires that had escaped the kingdom.Wes found these meetings typically boring. Had he not been born into royalty, he would never see himself ruling a kingdom. It wasn’t his dream and it wasn’t his desire. But as things changed, he craved power. He wanted something that was his, in name only. His father wouldn’t give up his throne just yet. Which is why Wes had to outsmart his predecessor one way or another.He paid attention to these meetings now and kept tabs on the happenings of the kingdom. If he wanted to rule someday, he needed to know his arena and his opponents. The meeting ended. While everyone was dispersing, a cheerful Felix approached the prince."I'm glad you finally decided to settle down. I hope I am not overstepping here, but we are all looking forward to a royal wedding soon," he grinned, showing his teeth

The double doors of Maxon's grand mansion opened, and a man in his mid-fifties walked in. He was pudgy, short, and had a bald spot on his head, dressed in a black suit with glasses in front of his eyes, a cane in his hand, and a cigar in his mouth."Father," Maxon said as he rose from the sofa.Wes remained seated in the massive and luxurious living room, which was decorated in black, white, and gold. The mansion was immaculate from the inside and out, although Wes wasn't fazed by it at all. He was accustomed to such opulence and expected nothing less."This is Wes," Maxon said. "He's new to town and needs a place to stay for the night."Wes had also risen to his feet. The man came to a halt in front of the prince and extended his hand."Cayman Hill," he said, still holding the cigar in his mouth. "So, I take it you saved my son from those thugs?""Yes," Wes replied, shaking his seemingly welcoming hand."Hold up," Maxon said, pulling his phone from his pocket. "I need to take this."

Wes standing so close to her gave her flashbacks of when they were in his room in the palace. She could smell his musky perfume and felt the air around her shift. He had this effect on her that she couldn’t explain, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to understand. He was basically a stranger. And not to mention, a vampire. He was dangerous. She should run but she wouldn’t get far before he catches up to her. Maybe she can outwit him and play the game."Do I look like I have a 'for sale' sign on my forehead?" Willow asked rhetorically."No.""Then I am not something you can have."Wes briefly closed his eyes before stepping out of her personal space."I merely want to talk," he said, resuming his position on the couch.Talking seemed harmless. She had an inkling that he wanted something from her. And if she played her cards right, this might be beneficial for her too. Willow took up her seat too. The background music became less audible.She took a sip of Zack's unfinished drink and said,

The train's horn blared as it zipped through the tunnel, disappearing into the pitch-blackness for a brief moment before emerging into the blinding light.Willow peered out the window and observed the passing view, the dust that briefly flowed and then settled, the trees and their leaves that appeared to be waving goodbye, the farmer's fields, and one or two stray children who appeared small in her view. She observed a man standing in a field, watching the passing train. She would only ever see his silhouette, and never his face.Willow observed the inside of the train. Both her booth and the majority of the train were empty. There weren't many people on board. Once more, she peered out the window to discover a light drizzle. She recalled the discussion she had with Felicity before going out to eat.In the busy café, she and Felicity sat at a corner table for lunch."It's funny," Willow said. "When I see action movies where everyone is fighting, I wonder how they're able to pull it of

"You just had to lie, didn't you?" Willow yelled as she walked on dried leaves and twigs beside Wes in the woods.They had walked from her father's house to a nearby hill and were now ascending a faintly marked path that led to the top."It's better than the truth.""Nope. Absolutely not."He stopped to look at her."What would you rather have me say? Hello, sir. I am a vampire from a hidden kingdom seeking your daughter's aid in killing my father in retaliation for killing my mother."She blinked at him twice."When you put it that way..." She spoke. "Where are we headed? What's the strategy? And you have to tell me or I'm turning around to go back home."Wes relented."If I were to put it in simple words, we have to find a magical herb that grants a wish to whoever consumes it."It seemed something straight out of a fairytale. Willow highly questioned the legitimacy of this."Something like that exists?" she skeptically asked."It has majorly been a myth."That sounds right, she tho