Author's note: this is from Aldus's point of view

- - -

​​

"Can I assume that you didn't expose your abilities?", I asked Serina.

"I didn't."

"Good. We confirmed that we are playing a game with someone from the Council and the less they know about us, the better. As creatures who have a long time to live, no one is in a rush to make a move. This is a game of strategy and patience. If we rush, we might catch a few people, but it's highly likely that we will catch only disposable pawns and miss the big players."

"I understand.", Serina said, but I saw that she was not happy.

"I know that you are thinking how we should make a move against all suspects, but if everyone thinks that way, we will end up in a bloodbath."

"As a vampire, you should approve that.", Serina joked, trying to light up the mood.

"Alright. I know you had a tough day. How can I make it better?"

Serina lowered her head and bit her lower lip. Why did she look guilty?

"Serina? Tell me. If it's in my power, I will do it.", I coaxed her to speak up.

She reluctantly raised her gaze to meet mine. "Can you drop me off to London?"

I felt my lips twitching in annoyance. It's that blasted half-werewolf boy!

I let out a long breath, together with some of my frustration. "Of course…" I took the in-plane phone. "Mitch, take us to London first."

Serina grinned. "Thank you, father."

"Don't thank me but tell me details of what happened while you were out of my sight."

"Sure, sure…", she said excitedly, all her dejection from a minute ago was gone.

That stinky boy is impacting Serina more than I like. Yes, he makes her happy, but he makes her vulnerable and impulsive also. I hope that he will not abuse the power he has over her. For his sake.

Serina told me that she spoke with the guard. "I decided to look at the paintings to keep busy while waiting. Guess whom I saw…" She made a dramatic pause. "There was a portrait with members of the Council and Damiano Testa was there. Alpha Elias was not on that painting."

"Of course, not", I said. "Elias got that position only after Damiano passed and the Main Route was formed."

"I see… Well, I remember looking at that painting, and then…"

- - -

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

Aldus listened to my adventure intently up to the point when Marius and Calista arrived to rescue me. From there, Marius can tell him more than I can.

My father confirmed that there are eleven prisoners for him to interrogate and I was confident that he will make them spill everything they know related to how I found myself there, and they will probably have other secrets as well.

Aldus was pleased to say that kobolds had storage filled with enchanted items and some rare ingredients. Of course, that was all confiscated and is now in Aldus's possession.

He was in such a good mood that he said, "I should let you get kidnapped more often. Even if we don't find out who is behind this, we already made a big profit."

I laughed dryly, knowing that he was joking. He was joking, right?

We were close to landing when I went to change into more comfortable clothes. A shirt and a skirt with a matching blazer. Perfect.

The flashy gown would attract attention.

From the airport, I took a cab to Duke's apartment.

Aldus offered to wait so that Mitch drops me off wherever I want to go, but I told him that's not necessary. My visit to London was completely unplanned and no one expected me.

I was about halfway there when my phone rang. It was Aldus.

I thought he was checking I'm safe, but the first he said was, "Did you adopt someone again?"

I didn't get it. "What?"

"I was on the phone with Cali, and she said that she is babysitting your newest child."

It took me a moment to realize what Aldus was talking about. In my desire to see Duke, I forgot about Zeiroi.

Should I go back? No. I won't stay long in London, and it's not like he needs diaper changes. Aldus and Calista can manage.

"That's not a child. Zeiroi is a grown man."

There was an awkward pause.

"So, you started adopting grownups?"

I was not sure if he was serious. Who adopts grownups? Oh… well… Aldus kind of adopted me.

I realized that Aldus doesn't approve. "Father, Zeiroi didn't have a place to go, and I couldn't leave him in the middle of nowhere.

"I see." He made a dramatic pause. "You couldn't leave him behind, he didn't have a place to go, and no one else wanted him, so you sent him to me? Is he my latest specimen for research?"

"Don't be so dramatic, father. He is a nice guy, you will see. Give him a place to sleep and food, and tell him to stay put. I will be back in a day or two. If he doesn't like that arrangement, he can leave, but don't chase him away."

"Why do I have a feeling that this is a repeat of what happened with Zoe, Luca, and Ash?"

"That's not the same, father.", I assured him.

"Really?"

"Zeiroi is not a child. I'm confident that after a few days of good food and rest, he will figure out what he wants to do and leave."

"Serina, you said the same for those teen werewolves. The only difference is that you gave them a few years, yet they are still sticking to you."

I couldn't deny this. He was right. The only thing I could do was to embrace it. "They are wonderful kids, aren't they?"

"So… you are adopting another one."

Why are we back to adoption?

"Please, father…", I tried to reason with him. "It was a stressful evening, and just by Zeiroi's appearance, you will see that he didn't have an easy life. Give it a few days, and we will figure out a solution that works for everyone. I will make it up to you, I promise."

Aldus grumbled something I didn't understand. "Fine."

He ended the call and I exhaled in relief.

I knew that I was supposed to go home and figure out what to do with Zeiroi, but I was anxious and there was only one man that could comfort me. My Duke.

This night ended well, but I was painfully aware how that was the case only because my kidnappers decided not to harm me.

They wanted to send the message, and I received it loud and clear: I'm weak.

I need to get stronger, smarter, and I promised to focus on practicing my abilities and not do anything reckless.

I will listen to Aldus.

Aldus told me that this was risky and that probably won't yield any results, but he still allowed me to see it for myself. I am grateful for that, but this was the last time that I went against his advice. I know that Aldus has my best interest on his mind.

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.