CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: XAVIER

Even after eighteen long years, the pain of losing my mother remains as fresh as if it happened just yesterday. She was my entire world, and her death still cuts deeply.

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if I had been older at that time. Could I have done something to save her from those vampires? But I know deep down that it's just wishful thinking. Even if I had been ten, twenty, or thirty, taking on all those vampires that attacked us that day would have been practically impossible alone.

Years later, when I finally uncovered the truth behind the cause of her death, it was a devastating revelation. I couldn't help but place the blame on my father for what happened to her because he was so fucking greedy for power. If only he had made different choices, she might still be alive today.

As I matured in isolation, burdened by the consequences of what happened that day, I found myself longing for her presence, wishing she was still by my side. However, deep down, I couldn't help but also acknowledge that her passing might have brought her some peace.

I chose a sleek black suit with a matching black tie, and to feel close to her, I delicately pinned a modest white rose pin she gave me to my lapel, as white roses had always been her favorite

While waiting for Vee to arrive, I gathered the two wreaths I had made earlier in the week. Both wreaths were made with white roses, like the one on my pin. One was intended for me, and the other for Vee to place on my mother's tomb.

A few minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the room, and I knew it was Venus because I recognized her alluring scent, a delightful combination of honey and lavender that always captivated me. I scolded myself for the way my thoughts wandered, knowing it was inappropriate, but I couldn't help it no matter how I tried.

As I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat as I saw Vee standing there looking absolutely stunning in a knee-length black gown, her beautiful ruby-red eyes filled with concern for me. 

"Hey, Xavier," Vee said softly, and my attention fixed on the silver locket dangling from her neck. The way she held onto it made it clear that it held immense importance to her. Maybe later, after all this, I would ask her about the story behind it.

"Hello Vee, thank you for coming," I said, trying to calm my racing emotions. I was torn between sadness since today brought back awful memories for me and happiness because Venus was by my side.

"Don't mention it, Xavier. I'm glad I could be here for you. How are you holding up?" she asked, genuine concern reflecting in her eyes.

"I'm not sure, to be honest. It's been 18 years, but it still hurts so much. She didn't deserve to die; she was the most caring person I'd ever met," I confessed, the weight of grief resurfacing once again causing my previous happy state to fade.

"I know, Xavier. I'm so sorry," Vee said, stepping inside the cottage and pulling me into a comforting hug.

"I miss her so much," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.

"It's okay to miss her, Xavier, you're human after all," Vee said with a sad smile, holding me close before pulling away to look into my eyes.

"Vee, you don't know how much it means to me that you're here. I've been going alone these past few years," I said with a sad smile.

"Your father never came with you?" She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"He stopped coming four years after she died," I replied, anger seeping into my tone.

"That's horrible," Vee said, her face contorting with disgust, "she was his mate, he should have been here every year to honour her," 

"You will come to learn my father is a heartless bastard that didn't deserve to be called her mate,"

"At least he can't hurt her again," She said with a sad smile as her gaze fell on the wreaths, "they're beautiful, I'm sure she would love them."

"I'm sure she would, white roses were her favorite." I said softly as I glanced at my watch, I realized it was getting late. "Come on, Vee, let's get going. It's getting late."

"Okay," she replied, as she took one of the wreaths from my hands with a smile. Together, we left the cottage and made our way towards the cemetery, a comforting silence enveloping us along the way. It was as if she understood that I wasn't in the mood for conversation and chose not to burden me with unnecessary chatter. 

I was grateful she didn't press me to talk about how i was feeling again. Instead, she walked beside me, providing silent support, hoping it would ease the weight on my mind. And it did.

Arriving at the cemetery, I felt a mix of sadness and anger as I saw my mother's tomb empty once again. It hurt to see her memory seemingly forgotten despite all the good she had done for this realm.

"Hello, mother, it's Xavier," I murmured, my voice quivering with emotion. "I miss you so much. I wish you were still here, but it's better that you're happy up there and not suffering by my side." Then I turned to Vee, who had tears in her eyes, to introduce her to my mother. "Mother, this is my friend Vee. She's a witch, and though she didn't know you, she still came with me," I explained as a sad smile formed on Venus's face.

"Hello, Queen Alison, I wish we had met under different circumstances," Vee said with a sad smile. "From what Xavier told me, you sound like an amazing woman, and I hope your soul continues to find peace."

She, too, placed a wreath beside my mother's portrait, showing her respect and saying a little prayer. As we stood there basking in the silence, the cemetery doors suddenly swung open with a loud crash, and Michael stumbled in, clearly intoxicated. 

As the day began, I held onto the hope of having a peaceful moment with my mother, steering clear of any encounters with the rest of my family. Unfortunately, it seemed that fate had other plans for me.

"Ve..nus, what are y..you doing here? I've been looking every…where for you" Michael slurred, his words laced with drunken hostility. 

I tried to remain composed, addressing as calmly as I could. "Michael, why are you here? This is not the time for your stupid games."

"I'm here to join in on the 'festivities,' brother," he mocked, taking another unsteady step towards us.

"We both know this is not a festive occasion. Please, show some respect and leave," I said sternly, trying to reason with him.

"Respect? She was a worthless queen, so showing her any respect is useless," he sneered, gesturing toward the portrait. "No matter how many years they try to honour her memory, she will always be remembered as the disgraced queen."

As Vee stepped forward, her voice carried a mix of anger and disgust. "Michael, how can you be so mannerless? Did you wake up today with the sole intention of being disrespectful? Regardless of your opinion, she was the queen, and that demands respect."

He waved her off dismissively. "My mother is the queen now, not this... bitch."

"Michael, leave now, or I won't be responsible for my actions," I yelled, my patience wearing thin. I stepped towards him, but Vee held me back, stopping me.

"He's not worth it," Vee said, trying to calm me down.

"He really isn't," I whispered to myself, taking deep breaths to regain my composure. However, Michael's next action pushed me to the edge. He callously knocked over the memorial wreath that Vee had placed on my mother's tomb with a sword case he was holding, crushing the roses with his feet, a cruel grin on his face.

The tension was evident as I battled to keep my rage in check while staring at the trampled flowers. Michael was going too far with his disdain for my mother, and I was on the edge of losing control. But before I could act on my impulses, Vee stepped in, putting herself between us.

"That's enough, Michael," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Leave now, while I can still hold him back. If you continue this stupidity, he'll react to your provocation, and I won't intervene to stop him."

But Michael ignored her warning. His eyes flashing with defiance. "No one tells me what to do, especially not you, bitch." He spat as he looked at her with disgust; the fact that he continued to disrespect not only my mother but Venus was adding to the already burning rage within me.

"I'm going to enjoy knocking some sense into you. If father can't instill basic manners in you, then I will." I said sternly, with anger bubbling within me 

My patience had already worn thin, and maybe giving him a good beating would help channel some of my pent-up emotions.