The Lost Prince's

Chapter 20 Goodbye, Love

"Well, did you cut your hair? Look pretty", though",

arion said as soon as he saw me.

I lifted my face from the book I was reading. As usual

I was spending my rest in the library. I smiled at Arion

he pulled up his chair and sat down next to me.

"You look cheerful today, even binding

your hair. Did something happen?"

"I met my parents yesterday the day after", I said.

"B-meet??"

I laughed seeing Arion's shocked expression. His face is implying

he was imagining me seeing a ghost or something. "someone

witches help me to communicate with their spirits"

Arion magut-magut, his facial muscles began to relax.

"They don't mind reality at all

I'm the vampire"

"They must have said they were proud of you. Right, right?"

I'm nodding. "How's..?"

Arion took a long breath. "You're the hard one

the head all this time. Everyone says you're amazing, Key. Karen, karen,

Shane, Shine, me and Zero. You're the only one who's stubborn and keeps going

blame yourself"

Yes, Arion is right.

"You've done your best, that thing

can't even imagine anyone. There is no reason to punish yourself

by myself"

I nodded in confirming.

"But by the way, it's okay for you

tie your hair up like that? Doesn't anyone mind?"

I lifted both my shoulders. "No. If you mean

Zero, well, he didn't even comment anything. And if it is, I don't

will follow it too"

"He had a reason.."

"Don't defend him, Arion. He always has been, though,

do whatever you like"

Arion laughed a little. "Indeed right. But he stays

have a reason"

Also true. Lately I almost forgot that Zero is a bit of a psychopath. After us

to watch the sun rise in a peaceful silence and to calm it

it's back to my blood to boil.

"A-what?!", asks. As if I couldn't believe my own hearing.

"Use me as an excuse to survive" he said flatly. "Because of that

my orders"

My face is flushed. Wordless. What is this psychopath talking about? It's him

who does he think he is?!

Speaking of Zero, lately he's been really looking

busy. He used to skip school, not even coming home for days. Even if he

coming home, he just spent some time sleeping. Zero never eats either.

We hardly ever talk to him. The last time was when I returned from

cornellius place, about three weeks ago. But today he left

school, I saw it in class. He looks exhausted. As soon as the bell breaks

it reads Zero walks out of class, heading towards the back of the school. Without

I realized I had followed him until he disappeared behind the trees in the garden

backside. I don't understand why I'm following him. I'm standing in the back

the building is located at the back of Humphire. Moments

then I went back to following the unreasonable desire to find out

where Zero went.

It didn't take long for me to find him. I could

recognize the scent of minty Zero from afar. He was lying under a tree

shady, covering his eyes with his arm. Two buttons of his shirt

regardless, it showed his sweaty chest. I didn't know that vampires

you can also get tired like this. I sat beside him, watching the strands

her fallen blonde hair covered her forehead up to her eyes. It seems Zero

I never thought about a haircut either. Ah, right he probably didn't either

in a happy heart. He left his house because he did

something bad. I don't know what happened, but maybe he's just as screwed up

with me all this time. The wind blew slowly bringing some yellow leaves down

with her. My nose suddenly smelled another scent from Zero. Something that is not

realized before. The fragrance of Zero is usually mint-like, cold as the morning dew

in the grass, and the unpleasant smell of bear blood. But this time I kissed

something completely different. Unknowingly, I leaned closer to

her face. Realizing the origin of the scent was right when Zero's eyelids opened. I

retreat instantly.

"Do you want to attack a sleeping person? Really

it's unethical..."

"I don't intend to.."

Zero lowered the hand that covered her eyes, looking at me

distrustful. "You just sniffed me?"

"N-not so. I just saw you, uh. sleeping"

Both of Zero's blue eyes were still glued to me full

inquiringly. His gaze shifted from my eyes a while later, down

my face and I think it stopped at my neck. Why is he looking at my neck like that?

"You shouldn't tie your hair and

show that neck to any vampire"

"And you shouldn't have banned me.."

"And you can't approach just any male vampire

exhausted ones like this" Zero cut my words, this time using

a more serious tone. He also sat facing me.

"W-what...why..?"

Without warning Zero grabbed both of my wrists

and pushed me to fall lying on the ground. His body is above my body.

He leaned over to whisper in my ear. "Because he can

doing this" Zero's face was so close to mine. His breath blows

on my skin, it spread a strange sting sensation all over my body. I tried

moving, but his arm gripped me tighter. I felt Zero's breath

slit my neck. Then something warm and slightly wet kissed my neck.

And without warning two sharp fangs tore at my skin.

"Well.." I grimaced feeling my blood being sucked. "Zero..."

Zero stopped a few gulps later. He has no intention

drinking my blood. But he didn't move from my neck. Then I felt

something cold entered the aorta around my neck. Something that is the origin

that tantalizing aroma. Blood Zero! My body suddenly lost strength

moving for no reason. I am incapable of words. My whole sense

replaced by the scent of Zero's blood.

Zero covered my wound with his spit. He then lifted up

his face, staring into my eyes. "Now you'll be fine

just. And it's time for me to go. For now sleep", he murmured softly.

I didn't know what he was doing but my consciousness was gone

the quiet darkness.

***

I heard a voice. Some people sound like

sparred. Ah, not they're enough. I opened my eyelids, blinked

staring around. I was in a room instead of a back garden. I

I pulled my hair, started to remember. Right, Zero put me to sleep. I

get out of bed, open the door, make the sounds I heard

becoming clearer. I leaned against the fence, looking downstairs. Almost half

vampire disciples in Humphire were in a large room downstairs.

"We didn't believe your previous words" said

Raymond.

"Arion, you can evade, but our vampire instincts

know what we smell..."

"I told you what I know" said Arion.

"The answer to this one question, what was that last afternoon

is that Leith's blood?"

Arion let out a long sigh, nodding. "I didn't

I'll say more than this. So stop whining and go home"

"Arion! You don't think we know what's going on.

We want to help him get back into his position. And you're his closest friend

prince.."

"Enough! I said enough" little Arion

yells. It was obvious that annoyance was beginning to fill his eyes. She looks

angry and impatient, not as usual. Arion turned towards the stairs.

I shuffled back into the room from where I came out. Stand up

lean against the wall next to the door. Arion stepped in, his two eyes

I looked up at the empty bed, and then looked at me.

"Since when..?"

I'm speechless. Not believing in a new consciousness

slapped me.

"Key.", call Arion in doubt. It seems he can

I read my face very well.

"Why are you lying?", I asked. "Aah, uh,

of course I know why. I'm.."

"Listen, I can explain.."

"Don't explain anything to me, Arion. Say

just where is he now?"

Arion looked at me, his eyes filled with guilt and

dreaded. She shook her head. Without waiting for another word, I ran towards

window. Open it wide and jump down. My feet landed

good on the grass. I ran to the highway, hailed a taxi. I gotta

meet her. That's all I have in mind. When I got home, I

he entered and ran up

ladders. Open the first room door on the left. There is no one in

sana. I opened every closet door and window. There aren't. He's not in

here's. The clothes are still in place. But he's gone. Laptops that

he always wore it and a diary under his bed disappeared.

Arion burst in for a while at the helm. It looks

just as confused as I am.

“Where is he?! Tell me, where is he, Arion?!” I don't know

why are two tears rolling from the corner of my eye. I'm quick-depoat

wiped it.

“I also do not know”, said Arion slowly. Her voice

sounds limp. He's not lying.

I dropped myself sitting on the bed, taking a breath

go deep and stop him. Still don't believe in the truth that slaps

my consciousness. We were silent for a long time, busy with each other's thoughts.

“You didn't dodge it.”

“Because I know free. And for some reason you

right to know..” Arion let out a long sigh.Silent for a moment. “What he did

you?”

I held my neck with one hand. Groping part

the one that was bitten. “I also don't know”

“I don't understand at all. I thought I was a friend

nearby. What exactly is he doing?”

I looked up at Arion. Disappointment and annoyance

it was clearly on his face. Now I understand all that to himself,

his disappointment and frustration. “It's precisely because of that he didn't involve you. Because

you're his closest friend, Arion”

“Why-.?”

“Remember how everyone approached you and

showering you with questions? You're a target for everyone because of you

his closest friend, and better not engage”

Arion let out a long sigh, muttering softly, “So.”

I really didn't think it out. I tucked the fingers

between my hair. My head feels heavy. Shane and Shine rush into

room Zero. Maybe they realized the commotion. They ask

the same thing that all vampire disciples ask Arion. “What

happened this afternoon? Whose stench of blood is that? leith is the Lost

prince?” Arion only shook his head weakly this time, instead of lying assented

that blood belongs to Leith.

The blood that all the vampires smelled in Humphire at noon

this was pureblood-owned blood that was truly powerful, which was none other than

the lost pince's. Any vampire could definitely recognize such a strong blood without

debated again. And everyone eats the decoy of the diversion he set up, the,

Leith. The blood belonged to Zero. I was the only person who

figured it out. Besides Arion, of course. Because Zero dripped his blood and

put it in my body.

What did Zero do? What the hell is going on?What has happened all this time

Zero? He who runs away from home for making a mistake is the lost

prince's? If he's really the vampire prince who disappeared then

the mistake he made was....My breath's stuck. Something sharp new slicing

ulu my heart. He's not possible

doing so. Zero is not the one who can do that. Zero can't possibly eat his fiance's heart

by yourself!

Shane stood in front of me, grabbing both of my shoulders. “What are you

alright then? What's up?”

I'm shaking. Karen joined in, too, she sat in

next to me. Silence of a thousand languages. I don't feel like talking to him either.

Karen most likely has seen all of this. And he chose again

be silent. Not even possible from the start, Karen already knew who Zero was.

That's why he trusted her so much.

My chest really hurts. I'm starting to have trouble breathing. Clothesline

hand trembling. A memory passed through my head. Discussions

Arion and Zero that night when Efterpi came, Zero confirmed what he saw

Arion. Could it??

“Arion...do he...do it?”.

Arion looked at me, looking sorry when he

nodding slowly.

“What are you talking about? What happened?”, tanay

Shine doesn't understand.

Arion did not answer, maybe his lips were the same

earlier. That's Zero's blood. She is the lost prince”

Shane and Shine held their breaths together. Really

they don't believe what they hear. Their eyes were filled with hundreds of feelings

which rages.

“Vermillion!”, my guam remembers one strange word from the conversation

arion and Zero the other day. “What is it? you stopped asking so Efterpi

mentioning ricin”

Arion's eyes grew. “You heard it? But

how..?”

“What is vermillion?”

“It was a poison that caused cell death

in body. They found him in Aileen's room and also in her body”, said

Arion. “Princess Aileen is likely already dying when..” Him

stop over. Those words cannot come out of his mouth.

I-i understand. Arion believes the terrible event

with his own eyes. His best friend ate the heart of a pureblood.

I heard that it's a big sin for vampires.

“So, what did he do? Why did he make his blood come out

if she's been hiding herself all this time?”, Shine asked.

Shane gasped, looking back at me. “What he did

something on you?!”

I looked down avoiding Shane's gaze. “No”

“He must have done something! He always has been. Say

just pa-.”

“I said no, Shane. He didn't do

anything!” I had no intention of snapping it, but it came out like a snap.

That's fine. I don't give a shit. Zero did do something. But he didn't

hurt me once. But knowing this truth really makes the whole

body shakes. I started sobbing. My chest really hurts like that

the sword ripped him from within. “I want to be alone”

Arion invites Shine and Shane out. Shane

she refused to leave me alone and she was leaving after Karen convinced her. I think Arion understands my feelings better than

whomever. He probably felt the same way first, when he hurt me

what happened to his own eyes. I really can't believe what

that just happened. All of this truth feels unreal. No, more

to be exact, even though I knew all this was true, my heart would not accept it.

I dropped myself into Zero's bed. Don't understand why

I feel like this. I'm not interested in everything at all

about the vampire prince. Even when questioning Leith and finding

strange reaction. Leith purposely made herself a lost prince. If he

really the prince was at least he would say 'no not me' trying

covered it. If he wasn't he should have said 'not me', too'. But he

choosing silence as if to. From the beginning he was deliberately a diversion

attentiveness. No. gabe. Maybe Zero told him to. Remember that, Leith

into Humphire on the same day as me. Think of how many times the same

there was absolutely no reason for a pureblood to want to hide himself for

come to a school where half of them are vampires. That action really

silly to. Now make sense. Of course, Zero had also refused

coming to Humphire is therefore risky. He only came after there was a diversion

attentiveness. And the reason is me. He went to Humphire to watch over me. Wh why?

"Well...!!" I started to cry and cry more

strenuously. I don't know why my heart really hurts.

Why do I feel broken? I don't care about

vampire prince or whatever. I just can't believe Zero is the one.

But why did it get this sick? Zero is nobody to me. Why would I

should you care about who he is and what happened to him? Why do I feel

sick because? Zero's been protecting and looking after me, and I kept going

constantly hating him who always meddles and regulates me. He apparently suffered

things heavier than me. He was in pain all along. But he still is

take care of me.

 But.no.

hates her? So why do I feel pain? Why does his body smell and

that rarely-seen smile of his continued to fill my head? Maybe I was wrong. I don't hate him. Ah, that

doesn't explain my pounding heart when it's nearby lately. And

also, the smell of his blood. My body froze as a strange feeling appeared so stinky

his blood reached my nose. I want it! More than anything, I

want it! I sniffed the remaining Zero scent left on the bed sheet and

his blanket. Is correct. I wanted. This smell is opium to me. I gotta

search for him!

My crying's subsiding. I rushed towards the door, wiping the rest

tears on my face. Running down the stairs to the living room, where all

people gather.

"Key, what's wrong?", asked Shane who was surprised

saw me.

"I have to go after him"

"What?! Have you gone crazy? Why pursue him?"

"There's something I have to tell him"

"That's not important now, Key. She's already

hiding himself using us as a shield. And if he really

that prince then he is extremely dangerous. He even ate a pureblood heart

another!" Shane raised his tone.

"He won't hurt me"

"We don't know that. We can't

trust him!"

"I knew. I believe it"

"Are you crazy? You can't

chasing-.."

"Shane.".", Shine cuts off Shane's words,

maybe he realized my feelings.

"I'm sorry, Shane. But I'm gonna go. I

must ensure something”

"W-what did you say? Whatdoes thatmean? You're not.."

I wiped the tears that almost rolled out.

"I like it, Shane. I don't know since when and I might even

don't want to admit it. But I want his blood more than anything, I

loved her"

Shane stood up from his chair, walking towards me. Him

grabbing both my shoulders and squeezing them. "You're wrong, Key. You're just getting carried away

ambience. All the vampires in Humphire wanted their blood

kiss. That's normal, because vampire instinct makes you want it. And that

doesn't mean you like it.."

"No, Shane. It's different. I know what

i felt. It's not just his blood or vampire instincts. I'm..."

I don't know how to say it, but it's better for Shane to

knowing what I feel. That way he can erase his feelings

at me. "Just now, he did something... And, uh. the moment.

his face came closer and I could feel his breath, my whole body was stung,

and I think he's gonna kiss me. My mind is completely blank and I can't

movin' in. I lost my strength when her fangs sank inward

my skin..."

Shane sighed, looking disbelieving in

his hearing. "He's really late. You're just nervous

and.."

"Not that! You won't understand because you're not

vampirism. I.i like it. His breath, his scent, and his fangs... I

it hurts so much to know all this because I love it"

Both of Shane's hands were clutching my shoulders

losing strength, falling lunglai hangs under his shoulders. He looked into my two full eyes

inquiringly. Trying to find a glimmer of lie that he did not find. I didn't

lying. I don't want to admit it myself, but I like it.

"You can't" said Shane. "She

dangerous. Even if you like it. He could have done something terrible

another or hurt you.."

"I don't care. Whatever he did and what

all he can do. L like it. I'm sorry"

"He can get you killed!", exclaimed Shane

who are getting angry.

Shane clenched his teeth, completely annoyed and angry.

He looked at me with a look I couldn't translate. Long and sharp, though,

then Shane turned around. Slammed the door behind his back. Shines

choose silence instead of calling. Arion's still sitting on the couch, no

unmoved, staring at the empty table with eyes full of raging emotions.

I looked at Karen. "You can see it, though,

don't you? Where's he gonna show up?"

Karen nodded. I heard him swallow before

speakin. "I've had this vision for a long time. And it was obvious Karen was looking at me deeply.

"Sister chased after him and got hurt.."

"What?", asked Arion and Shine almost simultaneously.

"Sister will be severely wounded.a sword pierces through.

stomach.and blood.much blood..."

"Enough, Karen"

"But ka-.."

"I'm a vampire, remember? I won't die as easily

that's. So it's okay"

"But Key, you could be seriously injured ." said

Arion tried to hold back my intentions. Vain.

"Say where it is"

"I don't want my brother to get hurt"

"I have to go after her, Karen”

Karen took a long breath. "I knew you'd

saying so. Brother is always stubborn.." Karen wiped away the tears

it started flowing from the end of his eyes. "At a masquerade party..."

"Masquerade?", repeated Arion. "Tomorrow nights

there is indeed a masquerade party in Lucania square. All the vampires were in attendance, though,

even the royal family.."

"so... Arion.."

Arion smiled at me. "No need to ask.

I'll be there with you"

"Thank you"

"I'm coming" said Karen.

"What's? Karen, that place is full of vampires.."

"Shine can accompany me. Hunter organizations also need

the vampire prince's return, right?"

Shine nodded. "If not even I will still

accompany you" A smile expands on his face. I didn't before

realize the meaning of such a smile. But it was the best smile that only

given to loved ones.

A flash of memory appeared inside my head, Zero as well

smiling like that when he took me out of the river. Stupid zero! And

there was one more fool who gave me that kind of smile. Persons

the fool now drives his car into the driveway of the vampire town of Lucania. I

squeezing my own fingers. Pray in my heart that my guess is wrong. Unfortunately,

guess right. We rented two hotel rooms once we got to Lucania.

Karen and Shine are allowed in because they came with Arion, who has a permit

special from the queen of the vampire kingdom. Arion asked me to meet on the roof of the hotel

after lunch. There was an artificial garden with fake grass on the roof, and,

several small tables and benches with large umbrellas were stuck in the middle of the table. I

waiting for Arion with mixed feelings. Arion sat in a chair, facing

with me. Her warm smile still faithfully expanded on her face.

"I know maybe it's too late now

to say it, but..."

"Don't. Please, don't say it", please",

my murmurs slowly cut through Arion's words. "I know I'm selfish, but I

don't want to lose you. You're my best friend, Arion. I've never had friends

like you, so..."

"Basic. I will always be your friend, why are you

must lose"

"But.."

"I have to say it. Even if only once, though,

even though I know how you feel. But I just want to

saying so" Arion looked at both of my eyes deeply, making something in the

in my heart it slips. "I like you. I admit, I knew from the beginning

he likes you and I approach you because I want to know what kind of person you are. And

I don't know since when that curiosity turned into like and grew into

love's. I know I shouldn't love the girl my best friend loves.

But my heart hasn't changed the way I want it to. And even though he's my best friend,

I think I'm still gonna try to get you. But then I realized, you

I like it too, even though you are not aware of it. So I decided

harboring this feeling of mine. But I don't seem strong anymore, I have to

tell you that I love you"

A strange stream in my nerves made all over

my body shook for a split second. Arion just declared his love

at me. I don't know what to say. He already knows which

i felt. "Arion's.."

Arion laughed softly. "Haha. No need to tense

i, kan. I'm not okay"

"Sorry.."

"Why are you apologizing? I'm not.."

"You're a really good person, Arion. Sorry for

I can't repay your love. And thanks for everything. You've always been there

for me and make me feel like there is hope. You're a very good friend and

what an amazing man. But I just like you as a friend. I really

apologize.."

Arion's eyes looked wet, he wiped the tip of his eyes

before tears came out. Smiling warmly as usual.

"Thank you for saying it. So, we're still friends, right?"

Both my eyes are growing. "Of course" This time I

who cried.