Chapter 133 Rogues’ Invasion

Chapter 133 Rogues’ Invasion
I walked past Yorick, refusing to stay still. I scoured every corner of the village I could think of. I even walked all the way out to the perimeter farms, but there was no sign of him anywhere. Where else was there to look?

Exhausted and overwhelmed, I collapsed onto a wooden bench near the fields. I leaned back, watching the farmers quietly bent over their crops in the early morning mist. Yorick wasn't exaggerating, their land was thriving, every plant vibrant and green.

"Drink this..." A pouch of fresh blood was extended into my view. I looked up to see Yorick standing beside me. "At least take this. You need to boost your energy, you've been running around endlessly."

I took the pouch without a word.

He sat down beside me on the bench. "What happened between you two? Don't tell me it was because of that joke I made last night?"

"Actually..."

"Oh." A look of genuine guilt washed over his face. "Damn. I didn't realize he was that sensitive. It was just light banter, Kina, I assumed you both knew that. I have a son of my own, for goodness' sake. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to cause trouble between you two."

I untied the pouch and drank the blood down to the very last drop before crushing the empty plastic in my fist. Fuck you, Azi. Did you really just abandon me here?

"Papa!"

A little voice called out, and we both looked up to see Gideon running over from the farm plots. He held up the hem of his shirt like a makeshift basket, revealing a heap of fresh strawberries while another was stuffed into his mouth.

He skidded to a stop in front of us, proudly displaying his harvest. "The strawberries are starting to taste really sweet again! Teacher Neera said we can harvest even more next time!"

Yorick laughed, scooping Gideon up and setting him on his lap. "Is that so? Are you sure you weren't being a pest out there?"

Gideon shook his head violently before turning his attention to me. He picked out two of the largest strawberries from his shirt and offered them to me. "Lady Kina... these are for you!"

I managed a soft smile, accepting the sweet fruit. "Thank you, Gideon."

"Papa... isn't she pretty?" Gideon asked casually, taking another bite of his strawberry.

Yorick glanced over at me, his expression softening. "She is..."

"I want a wife just like her when I grow up," Gideon declared proudly. Then he paused, squinting at me. "Why do you look so sad, Lady Kina? Do you not like my strawberries?"

I quickly bit into one to prove him wrong. "Mmm. They really are sweet. You have great taste, Gideon."

He giggled, thoroughly pleased with himself.

"Alright, off you go, Gideon. I bet you ran away from Lady Neera again," Yorick said, gently setting his son back on his feet. "Don't eat all of those by yourself. Go share some with your friends."

Gideon dashed back toward the edge of the farm, waving his arms.

I stood up from the bench, ready to leave. But before I walked away, I turned to look at Yorick, who remained seated, watching me attentively. "Thank you for everything, Yorick. If Max doesn't show up by tonight... I'll probably leave on my own."

"What? Is it really that serious?" The shock in his voice was palpable now. "Damn it... Fine. But I won't let you wander off alone in your state. I'll assign one of my personal guards to escort you safely. That's the only condition under which I'll allow you to leave."

"Okay. Thank you. I'm going back to my room now..."

I turned my back and began walking away.

"You're not actually pregnant, are you?" Yorick asked suddenly from behind me.

I didn't answer. I broke into a near-run all the way back to the lodge. The moment I shut the door behind me, the tears I had been holding back finally overflowed.

Why does this hurt so damn much? I felt utterly defeated, consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread. What was I supposed to do if night fell and Azi was truly gone for good?

I collapsed onto the mat and wept until exhaustion took over, pulling me into a heavy, dreamless sleep.

When I woke up, the warm afternoon sun was already filtering through the wooden slats. I scrambled up, my heart hammering against my ribs as I checked the room.

Nothing. Still no trace of him.

It felt like the entire sky was collapsing on top of me.

Yeah. He left. He actually abandoned the mission, and me.

"Guards! We have an intrusion at the main perimeter!"

Commotion erupted outside. Shouts and heavy footsteps echoed through the village. I whipped on my jacket and threw open the door. Villagers were rushing to shelter while guards sprinted toward the main gates.

"Lady Kina!" Lady Neera came sprinting up to me, her face pale. She grabbed my arm, trying to pull me along. "Come with me! It's not safe out here!"

"Wait!" I pulled back slightly. "What's happening?"

"Word just reached us that Insurgents were spotted right outside the gates! They're rogue vampires who were cast out by the main clans, savage rebels! Please, come with me—"

"Go ahead without me! I have to check something!"

"What?! No, I'm staying with you—"

"Protect Gideon, Lady Neera! He needs you right now! I can take care of myself. Go!"

Without waiting for her reply, I broke away and ran toward the front of the village, following the stream of guards. I scrambled up into the high branches of a massive tree near the perimeter wall to get a clear view of the situation.

Down at the main wooden gates, a thick wall of Vlanchard guards had formed, led directly by Yorick and Leader Austin. Outside the open gates, a cluster of fast-moving figures had gathered.

"What is it that you want?" Leader Austin called out, his voice firm and steady.

The rogue vampires gathered into a central group. Surprisingly, they looked well-kept and dressed in decent attire, you wouldn't suspect at first glance that they were dangerous outcasts.

None of them replied right away.

The Vlanchard guards shifted into defensive stances, ready to throw themselves in front of their Leader if the rogues decided to charge.

"Food?" Yorick offered calmly. "If it's food you need, we will gladly give you supplies. Just do not disturb our peace. Peace is all we seek here."

Still, the rogue vampires remained silent.

"How may we serve you, then?" Leader Austin asked patiently.

"We want half of your land."