Chapter 143 A Heartbreaking Message.

Chapter 143 A Heartbreaking Message.
Domenic’s P.O.V

I stood by the kitchen Island in our small house, watching my beautiful wife Kate who was sitting on the rug next to our daughter, Lucia hunched over a large sketchbook, their heads nearly touching. Kate had aged a bit over the years. She's currently in her early thirties, But to me, she was more beautiful than the day we first met.

I can't deny that I'm still scared though. Knowing that I may lose her one day kept me worried most of the time. Kate has slowly become the light in my dark world. I gave up everything for her. My throne, my title as a mafia Lord, and it was worth every second.

If anyone had told the old me who was a cold, arrogant prince who viewed humans as nothing more than food—that he would eventually find my greatest joy in a small home, with a human who mothered my kid, I would have killed them for that insult.

Yet, here I was. A very happy family man, living my best life in the human world.

"Daddy! Come look!" Lucia called out, her voice bright and childlike. She was a really smart kid even at her age and she sure loves her art.

I loved how she inherited my eyes and looks, but everything thing else was gotten from her mother.

I walked over, my heart swelling with. At twelve years old, Lucia was already the center of my universe. She hadn't shown any signs of being a vampire, and I dont know if she ever will, but I'm hoping she will. Because when Kate is no more, at least I will have my daughter by my side.

"Let’s see the masterpiece," I said with a smile, dropping to the floor and pulling them both into a sprawling hug.

Lucia held up the page. It was a messy drawing of the three of us standing in front of a giant tree. My little girl is definitely imporving in her craft.

"It’s us," she explained proudly. "The three musketeers." She pointed at the tallest person obviously a man who was holding one side of a little girl's hand, "That's you Dad." She pointed to the one on the side, a woman who was holding the other hand. "This is mom," then she pointed to the little girl, "and that's me in the middle."

"It’s beautiful, baby," I murmured, kissing the top of her head. "You have a real talent. I'm so proud of you."

"She gets it from me. I used to love art back in my old days even though i wasn't that good at it," Kate said, leaning her head against my shoulder.

"You're not good at it, so that means she didn't get it from you. Because my baby is an expert."

She glared at me, and we laughed, a warm, easy sound that filled the house. This was my life now. This was the peace we had bled for in the war. I have never been more happy about my decision to choose Kate.

The sharp ring of the doorbell shattered the moment. Kate and I looked at ourselves in confusion. We weren't expecting anyone. "Let me get that," I said and stood up, using my vampire speed to blur across the
room, reaching the door in less than a second. Behind me, I heard Lucia’s delighted giggle.

"That’s so cool!" she chirped. She loved it when I used my 'tricks.' She even told all her friends at school and everyone who would care to listen that her dad is a superhero. I always felt a spark of pride when she praises me. My little princess got me wrapped around her fingers.

I opened the door and I was surprised at the face I saw. Standing on the porch was Roman, a man I knew to be Camille’s new right-hand man. He was dressed in traveling black leathers, his face grim and covered in the dust of a long journey.

"Prince Domenic," he said, bowing his head respectfully.

"Roman," I replied, my voice tightening. "What are you doing in the human world? Camille only sent letters once a month and she already did this month."

"I...I have a message your you, your highness." He stuttered in a voice that made me worry if something was wrong.

"What message Roman?" I asked warily. Why was I feeling so cold all of a sudden.

He didn't reply. He simply reached into his vest and pulled out an envelope sealed with the royal crest of the Vampire Nation. I took it, still feeling worried. "The letter will explain everything better, your highness."

I nodded. "Will you like to come in?" I offered, though I already knew the answer. He has never been into my house in all the years he sents me messages.

"I cannot, My Lord. I must return to the border immediately. There are... preparations to be made."

"What preparations?" I asked again.

"I should go," He bowed again and disappeared in a blur down the street.

I stepped back into the house, the weight of the letter feeling like a mountain in my hands. I broke the seal and began to read. My eyes scanned the elegant script, but my brain refused to process the words.

Domenic, Camille is dead. The witches murdered her in cold blood and now preparations are being made for war against the witch Kingdom. Your precense is needed.

The paper slipped from my fingers, fluttering to the hardwood floor.

"Domenic?" Kate’s soft voice called behind me. She appeared behind me, her hand resting on my back. "What did the letter say? Is everything okay?"

I looked at her, my vision blurring. "Camille," I choked out. "My sister... She’s... she’s dead, Kate. Josh says my precense is needed and there’s going to be a war." I ran a shaky hand through my hair. "I have no idea what's going on."

Kate let out a soft gasp, her face turning sorrowful. She looked down at the letter on the floor, then back at me, her eyes reflecting a terrifying realization. "This wasn't an accidental death, is it Domenic?"

I shook my head trying to hold back tears. "Josh said the witches killed her. Kate my sister is..."

She gripped my arms, her voice dropping to a whisper so Lucia wouldn't hear. "It has begun Domenic. The Moon Goddess... she warned me. I saw it in my dreams months ago, but I tried so hard to believe I was just being paranoid. The war I saw, the death, the blood... it’s happening. It’s starting now. We must find a way to stop it."

The grief was a physical weight, a hollow ache in my chest for the sister I had finally learned to love. How would Josh feel now? How will young Lorenzo feel? The woman they love so much has been taken away from them.

"I have to go back," I said, in a voice shaky with urgency. "I have to be there for Josh and Lorenzo."

"I'm coming with you," Kate said firmly.

"No," I countered. "It's too dangerous, Kate. You're the beast's guardian, because youre the sole reason why Helios was killed. If there's a war with the witches, you’ll be a target."

"I am the Guardian, Domenic!" she snapped. "The war that was revealed to me is one that might shake the supernatural world. I might be needed, if Lord Khaos is involved. I can't stay here hiding when I have responsibilities. I’m going."

I looked at her, knowing there was no point in arguing. When Kate made up her mind, no one can convince her otherwise. "Fine. But what about Lucia? We can't bring her into the middle of a war."

"We'll keep her with Quinn," Kate suggested. "She'll be safe there."

I sighed and gave up, "fine. We'll leave at dawn."