Chapter 75

Chapter 75
I had no idea how long she had lived or if this day ever crossed her mind even once—but one thing was certain: Albina Montereal’s death had deeply shaken the cause we’ve been fighting for.

It left a hole. A space.

Aside from the heavy drips of rain, exasperated breaths, and the clashing sound of metallic swords—there was only silence. A moment of silence for our fallen friend.

I remained seated, using my sword for support, when a memory suddenly crossed my mind—our first meeting. She had the most ridiculous, yet hilarious, ideas. She was one of the few non-Nightfall vampires I had ever spoken with.

I knew well enough that surviving this war without one of us breaking would be impractical, illogical, and nearly impossible—but I still hoped.

I still hoped that everyone who fought from the beginning would make it to the end. To taste victory. To live. To witness how the world changed. To feel proud for being part of it.

“We have no time to mourn!” Nathalia’s voice boomed. She was still carrying Albina in her arms. “The war doesn’t end here. Get up and get a hold of yourself!”

If we were in a different situation, I would’ve stood up immediately and fixed myself. Her words were sharp and heavy. I still couldn’t move on from Albina’s death... but she was right—we didn’t have time for this.

Albina wasn’t the first one we lost. Somewhere out there, someone else is grieving too—but they have no choice but to keep fighting.

“I know we’re all in pain and shocked but…” Randolf looked at each of us, as if hoping he could pass on some of his strength. “We can’t let Albina’s death be in vain. We have to win—for her, for all who have fallen, and for the future.”

“Let this fuel our hope for the future,” Celeste added. “Don’t forget how, with her final breath, she asked us to win this war. Let that memory live in you—keep it burning.”

Erikson walked toward me. He hadn't fully recovered from the loss of our friend, but he still managed to offer me his hand. I couldn’t bear to look into his eyes too long, so I just took his hand immediately.

He looked shattered… lost.

My gaze dropped to our hands when I noticed he didn’t let go. Instead, he held on even tighter—like he was afraid something would pull me away.

“I—I’m sorry—”

I was caught off guard when he suddenly turned to stare at me. “Keep your eyes open. Always watch your back. You got too lost earlier—you fell out of step with us.”

I swallowed all the words I was about to say. All I could do was nod.

Lady Celeste took my other hand.

Nath led the way. Amid all the chaos, the spreading flames, and the agonized screams of our allies falling one by one, we managed to walk calmly. My head was bowed, because every time I looked straight ahead, all I could see was Albina’s lifeless body.

Erikson gave my hand a squeeze. It felt like a signal.

I inhaled deeply and lifted my head. Seeing Albina’s lifeless hands wrapped in black veins, I didn’t feel sorrow anymore—I only felt more driven to end this.

We finally reached the castle. Hezueras greeted us. In one corner, the bodies of fallen comrades were gathered, surrounded by torches.

“Guys! We’ve been waiting for you!” Nigel greeted us.

But the relief on his face vanished the moment he saw Lady Nathalia. His lips parted slightly, as if to say something, but he decided against it.

“I need a safe place for her,” Lady Nath said. Her voice was as cold as the weather and as dry as the sky.

“Y-yeah. Of course.” Nigel signaled one of the guards. “He will guide you, Milady.”

Lady Nath followed the guard.

“What happened here? Witches?” Erikson asked.

Nigel shook his head. “Some elders attacked us. We managed to defeat two in exchange for…” his voice dropped as he looked at the fallen allies. “S and the other leaders are still fighting the rest of the elders.”

“Where?” I asked.

Nigel’s gaze dropped to my chest. “You’re bleeding…”

“It’s nothing. It’ll heal soon.”

“Out back,” he replied. “We’re guarding the front, but the real bloody battle is happening behind the castle. The healers haven’t made it through yet.”

I nodded. “I need to find Lord Vienzara.”

“Why?” Nigel backed away slightly when Lord Vienzara suddenly appeared.

He walked toward me, his shield and sword already drawn but resting. “Where is my daughter?”

I stammered. “S-she’s fighting one of the elders.”

His shoulders relaxed at the news. “I trained her well. I’m sure she’s already defeated him and on her way here.”

“She’s fighting Lord Viero…” I clarified.

The relief instantly vanished from his face. That’s when I truly understood—Lord Viero was no ordinary opponent. Lord Vienzara knew that more than anyone.

“That’s why…” A faint smile crossed his face—not one of comfort, but of knowing. He turned to Nigel. “Command the remaining army to march and assist the rest of the leaders.”

“But they need us out front—”

“No. That was only a distraction—to divide our forces. The true target has always been Brixton Wenz Cardinal.” He started to walk away, then paused. “Just do what I said. I’ll follow shortly.”

He left as swiftly as he came.

In the back of my mind, I prayed Lady Vienzara would be okay. I knew she was a skilled vampire, but we couldn’t underestimate Lord Viero’s power. Her father was on the way now. I hoped that would help.

“You stay here,” Randolf told Celeste. “Don’t come with us. It’s more dangerous there. We’re not even sure what’s happening.”

But Celeste stood her ground. “No. I will come with you.”

“No. Please, listen—”

“Why do you always leave me behind?” Her voice broke, bitterness seeping in. “Do you even care about me? Or do you think I’m useless? That I’m just a burden?”

“What? No!”

“I—I want to be brave. Just once. I want to fight. Let me fight.”

Randolf closed his eyes, unsure of what to do.

“Fine!” he gave in.

Celeste hugged him tightly.

I turned to Erikson. He stood a short distance away, letting the rain fall into his palm, lost in thought.

I moved closer and stood beside him in silence.

“She wanted to return to Nightfall after this,” he mumbled. “She called it home. She planned to finally go home…”

I looked down. I didn’t know what to say.

Damn. Why am I so bad at this? Why can’t I comfort him? I wish I knew how—just like he always does for me. It’s frustrating.

“But I guess she’s really home now…” Erikson chuckled.

“Do you need a hug?”

“Please?”

From behind, I hugged him tightly. I rested my head on his back. He gently placed his hand over my arm wrapped around him.

We stayed like that for a moment.

“We need to join Brix now…” he whispered. “The real war is there.”

I let him go.

He turned to me with a faint smile.

“I’m glad you’re okay. Damn. You scared me again, Astra.”

“Did you know someone impersonated you?” I asked.

His mouth dropped open. “I would honestly be offended if he tricked you. Tell me he didn’t…”

“Well…” I shrugged.

He groaned. “Really, Astra?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Just almost…”

“What did you do?”

“Killed him.” I smiled.

He gulped. “Y-you did that while he still looked like me?”

“Uhm. No. I didn’t kill him.”

He looked relieved. “I knew it. You couldn’t hurt someone who looked like me. You killed him after he showed his real face, right? Not when he still looked like me?”

I shook my head. “He still looked like you. I beheaded him.”

“Holy shit.” He touched his neck. “Thank God that wasn’t actually me…”

“Guys!” someone called out to us.

I held Erikson’s hand. “Don’t get killed.”

“I won’t.”

“Ever.”

He nodded. “Ever.”

We returned to the group. Lady Nath was back, too. Unlike earlier, she looked better. She even complained about her muddy legs.

Lady Nath looked at me. “Is your lipstick waterproof, Astra?”

“I didn’t even wear one.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, you should have.”

“Listen up, guys!” Nigel stepped forward and cleared his throat like he was about to give a heartfelt speech. “Before we proceed, I just want you to know—”

Nathalia walked past him and started moving ahead.

Nigel frowned. “I just wanted to say ‘be careful’…”

Randolf patted his shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re just unlucky that you’re with a Cardinal who doesn’t know how to listen!” He laughed, which made Nigel scowl even more.

“We’ll be careful!” Lady Celeste gave him a warm smile. “Thanks for caring.”

That lifted Nigel’s spirits.

“Oh, enough of that!” Randolf slung an arm around Celeste.

Nigel raised his sword. “Go! Go! Go! Fight! Fight! Fight! Win! Win! Win!”

“Damn!” Erikson laughed. “The idiot turned into a cheerleader!”

“Wait—that’s a chant!” Nigel defended himself, blushing.

“Are you coming or not?” Nathalia shouted from ahead.

“Go! Fight! Win!” Celeste echoed with a wide grin.

“Ugh.” Randolf scratched his head. “Go! Fight! Win!”

“You’re so corny! Let’s go, Astra!” Erikson pulled me along.

As we headed toward the leaders’ battlefield, a thought plagued my mind. According to Erikson, the entrances were guarded. If anyone attempted to enter, we’d be alerted immediately. So how did they get in?

“Can witches teleport?” I asked Lady Nath.

She stared at me. “Yes.”

“That’s it. Maybe they teleported in.”

“I don’t think so…” she replied. “Witches managed to get in back when Elder Entiango was alive. He was protecting this place from any intruders—especially his kind.”

“So… after they killed him?” I asked.

“Maybe?”

“Why did even the healers join in?” Randolf asked. “Sure, they hate us. But I thought they’d know better than to get involved in vampire matters. So… how come?”

I fell silent. That’s when I realized—only a few of us knew Brix had attacked the world of the healers. Maybe that’s why they wanted him taken down too.

“Maybe they’re threatened too?” Nigel offered. “I mean… he’s that powerful.” He sounded proud.

We all froze when we heard a deep rumble. It didn’t sound like an explosion—no, it felt deeper, like it came from the heavens and drove itself into the ground.

“Witches have already arrived. Let’s go!” Lady Nath shouted and began to run.