John exited Reina's room, a renewed resolve lifting his spirits as he started walking down the hall. Just then, he saw his grandfather, Leonidas, approaching. Leonidas did not say anything; he just ignored John completely by walking straight past him. John stood still, grinding his teeth, but did not allow himself to speak. He turned and started walking to his room, determined not to let the contempt deter him.
While John was walking, a person suddenly appeared beside him. A warm, heavy arm was slung around John's neck, and he looked up to see it was his cousin, Richard.
"Hello, cousin," Richard said, smiling easily at John.
"Richard, howzit going?" John replied.
"The drama in the dining room was awfully strange the other night. I am wondering why Grandfather hates you so much. You are one of us, and I can't understand it—you are also his only daughter's child."
John knew the true reason was his werewolf heritage, but he wasn't ready to share that vulnerability. "I do not know why Grandfather hates me. You should ask him," John said, lifting Richard's arm off his neck and resuming his walk.
"Wait, John. I am willing to help you become stronger. I heard Grandfather say that you are weak. I can teach you some advanced techniques if you are interested."
"I am, but I don't think I'm ready for that. I am still building on my foundation," John replied honestly. "But I'll come find you when I am ready... Thanks, cuz."
John waved his hand as he walked toward his room. As he passed a window, he saw the outside bathed in the light of a full moon. He decided to sit outside for a while and watch the stars.
Walking outside, John found a quiet spot on the grounds, though the vampire guards often walked by as they patrolled the area. John sat for about forty-five minutes, just looking up at the stars and the moon, when he heard a soft voice.
"May I join you, Young Master?"
He turned around and saw it was Elena standing behind him. "Sure, be my guest."
Elena took a seat beside John and looked up at the dark, starry sky. "So... how was your day, Elena?" John asked, still looking at the expanse above.
"It is the same as always, Young Master. How was Young Master's day?" Elena then looked at John.
"You know, even though I feel better, I still get flashbacks of how those guys almost killed me. I remember how you chopped that one guy's head off with no difficulty. I have never seen anything like it except for in the movies. I can't believe my life changed so much since I became a vampire."
For a short moment, there was silence between John and Elena.
"Elena, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, Young Master," Elena replied.
"Was it my grandmother who sent you the other night?"
While Elena and John were in conversation far out on the castle grounds, two figures in a castle tower were looking down at them sitting together. These two figures were the brothers Richard and Thomas.
"Those two seem quite close, would you say, brother?" Richard said this while stirring a glass of blood.
Thomas was in the room busy doing push-ups. "Yes, brother," Thomas replied without stopping. Thomas then got up and also started to drink blood from a glass.
"Hmm, do you think he is f**king her?" Richard said this, and Thomas almost choked on the blood he was drinking because of his brother's crude comment.
Thomas quickly recovered and composed himself. "Brother, please don't say random stuff like that."
Richard smiled. "It was just a joke, little brother."
Thomas then became slightly annoyed. "No, you must stop talking nonsense, brother, and even if he does it, it's none of our business."
"Calm down, little brother... but keep an eye on our cousin." Richard gave a knowing smile and left the room. Thomas then continued doing his strenuous training.
Elena then looked at John, who was waiting for her answer. "Yes, Lady Anna did send me to talk to Young Master... but Lady Anna was truly worried about Young Master."
"Yeah, I know. By the way, Elena, when are you getting time off again? I was thinking that we can go out, maybe do some hiking since we live near the forest... but only if you want to, of course." John was visibly nervous to ask Elena.
"Yes, Master, this one would like to go out."
John looked at Elena and gave a bright smile. "Good, then let me know when you get off. I have to go—gotta train tomorrow with Aunt Reina. Enjoy your evening."
As John was walking away, Elena also stood up. "Wait, Young Master."
John came to a stop and turned around. "Why does Young Master like me so much?"
John then thought for a moment, searching for the right words. "I don't know... maybe because of the energy you give off. I just like you; it's hard to explain. I can sense that you have a gentle soul even though you are a vampire. Is it a problem?"
"No, Young Master."
"Great, see ya." John then turned around and started walking to his room. Elena, who was still standing in the same spot, had a soft, gentle smile on her face.