On the training grounds, while I was checking the wooden swords, I glanced at Sam. He was sulking in the corner, drawing circles with his finger.

I could not help but smile. Sam was not the type of person who would scheme.

His methods were too straightforward. If he kills, he kills with or without an audience. That's why he lost.

He's not the type who planned ahead like the king because he's strong. But because of that, that incident happened.

Though, if that incident didn't happen, we would just blindly step foot in the capital. A land full of vampires — Sam's enemies, at that.

I felt a little guilty for agreeing with his offer, knowing I'm steps away from the starting point. However, I wouldn't have this golden opportunity ever again.

"Get up, my lord." After picking up two wooden swords, I tossed the other one to him.

The wooden sword perfectly landed to his side. Sam gazed at it as dust from the ground took wing.

"You!" I raised my voice, challenging the sulking duke. "Spar with me!"

The side of my lips stretched from ear to ear. Holding a wooden sword as I pointed it at him.

Slowly, Sam raised his head. His lower lip thrust forward as he lazily picked up the wooden sword.

"Lilove," He muttered, dragging the wooden sword up and used it as a cane. "I don't like it when someone is wielding their swords at me. I had this disease getting triggered when someone challenges me. All people who wielded their swords at me… I used their throat as the alternative for their sheath."

He complained with a sigh. By now, I'm used to his words. My brows furrowed.

"But, we're just sparring." I argued, tilting my head.

"I'm not fond of sparring too."

"We had a deal." I muttered. Was he trying to get away from our deal? Not a chance.

"I mean I dislike sparring with wooden swords. There's no thrill." Sam shook his head and raised his hand.

His finger pointing at me. Directly pointing at the necklace around my neck.

"I want you to wield that."

"Huh?" I blinked and gazed down. "Lakresha?"

"Lakresha is not a sword so it won't be pointing at me directly. Also, I want to see it."

Huh? I blinked my eyes. Sam's demeanor suddenly changed as his eyes glinted.

"I want to see you wielding it. So I know if I'll let it stay with you or just break it. I can sell it and make a fortune too."

I studied Sam for a moment. I'm certain Sam was dead serious with everything — as in everything he said just now.

He wanted to see if I could wield Lakresha? Wait… did Sam purposely get defeated?

No. That's not the case. He already thought of seeing me wield lakresha. Was he holding back all this time?

"But…" I trailed off, biting my lip out of habit.

"If you want to spar with me, wooden swords will just break. Also, by this time, you should start taming it." Sam explained in a knowing tone. "I mean, tame lakresha."

"Oh…" I nodded and unconsciously grasped the pendant. I caressed it gently, my eyes fixed on him.

"… but I don't know how."

"Oh…" Sam just realized this dilemma. He rubbed his chin lightly.

"I forgot how she does it."

"I didn't know you're already here, my lord, my lady." Suddenly, Rufus' voice reached our ear.

I immediately turned my head in his direction. Rufus approached us leisurely. His eyes glanced at me and then to Sam.

"Are you here to spar with my lady, my lord?"

"Rufus, I don't like it when you call my love your lady." Sam replied blankly.

"Should I call her by her name then, my lord?" Rufus raised his brows briefly, keeping his usual tone.

Sam blinked his eyes and pondered in silence. "Should I cut his tongue? He's getting on my nerves."

"Have mercy, my lord." Rufus beckoned a neck bow before turning to me.

He eyes gazed at my hand, holding the sword. He then scrutinized me as if checking if I cheated my morning routine.

"She can't just yet, my lord." Out of nowhere, Rufus uttered and faced Sam.

"Why?" Sam cocked his head.

"Lakresha wants her life. Will you risk it?"

What were they talking about? Was wielding lakresha that dangerous? Not that I planned to wield it, I only accepted it because Lara gave it to me.

Also, it's beautiful.

But, if wielding it would help me, I should at least try, right? At the very least, I'd have something hidden in my sleeve as my last resort.

"Risk it?" Sam slowly moved his gaze to me. I nearly jolt upon meeting his gaze.

"Do you think my bride is a feeble woman, Rufus? Now, that's an insult."

I bit my lower lip upon hearing Sam's remarks. Deep down, I knew I am weak.

However, Sam never doubted me. Neither did he get in my way nor did he treat me as an inferior species ever since we left Whistlebird.

"Certainly not." To my surprise, a subtle smile resurfaced on Rufus lips.

That's… new.

"Why don't you try, love?" Sam perked his chin up. "Hold the pendant, and call lakresha to come. Summon it like you mean it."

Sam smiled at me proudly. There was not a single trace of doubt or worry, as if he trusted me with all his heart.

Goodness… my heart felt like it would explode. How could I not love this man?

I held on the pendant lightly. My breathing slower as I gazed at Sam.

"Lakresha…" I called under my breath.

Nothing.

I bit my lower lip in disappointment. I glanced at Sam and he was just staring at me.

He didn't seem disappointed. He looked… puzzled.

"Lakresha… are you there? Can you come?" I whispered, puzzled what I was summoning myself.

Suddenly, Sam appeared beside me. "That's not how you summon it. Don't just knock on the door, kick it open." He leaned in, wrapping his hands around my hand that was holding the pendant.

"Give me your hand." He said, as he guided my hand away gently. My eyes on his solemn side profile.

"This will hurt a little. I think you can't summon it without this."

I winced as I felt a prick on the tip of my finger. I instantly shot my gaze at the drop of blood.

Sam smeared it on the pendant before guiding my finger in his lips. He licked it gently, his eyelids dropped, covering half his eyes.

From this perspective, staring at him made my jaw fall. He's breathtaking. When was the last time I stared at him like this?

"Now, hold lakresha." His breath tickled my ears, snapping me back from my brief impure thoughts.

"Ye— yes, sir." I stammered. He raised his brow, making me gulp. "I mean, Sam."

I shook my head lightly to shrug my thoughts away. Stabilizing my breathing and closing my eyes as I attempted to summon lakresha.

"Lakresha." My voice came out above a whisper.

Suddenly, I felt this strong force wrapped around my hand up to my arm. It snapped my eyes open which made me gasp.

I watched as red mist covered my surrounding before my eyes. The mist slowly took its form into something enormous.

Before I knew it, I held my hand up as I gripped at the gigantic scythe up. My breath hitched as the red mist disappeared into thin air.

It was bigger than me. But it didn't feel that heavy.

"Wha — what…" Even I was scared at the weapon I was holding.

"See, Rufus? My Lilove can —" Before Sam could finish his proud statements, my arms moved on its own.

My arm flung, swinging this gigantic scythe at Sam. Its blade hooked around his neck.

"My lady!" Rufus yelled at my actions.

Help… I whispered internally as I watched its blade approached his neck.