Tessa and Claude looked around the destroyed place . The cries of children echoed in the ruined orphanage, their small hands trembling as they clung to one another. The fire had been extinguished, but fear still lingered in the air like smoke.
" Commander. " , a soldier came and saluted Claude. " The childrens are still afraid.. they are not listening to anyone nor even letting any of us go close.. if this continues... How can we transfer them to the hostage building..."
Claude's face was clearly tensed. "That's a big problem. We need to empty this place as soon as possible. It can collapse at any rate and the smoke is also not friendly for such young kids...."
" I'm sure they are traumatized, Sir Claude. " Tessa said . " I know how they are feeling, after experiencing those brutal fights.... Can you let me handle this situation. I'm positive that I can give a contribution. "
" Lady Tessa, you .... Fine . You have already helped before. But I can't leave you alone, Alex will kill me if something happens to you... Let's go together." He looked at the soldier, " we will manage that side , you go and evacuate all the injured knights . They need treatment too. "
" Yes sir! "
Both of them went to the kids. Their face was clearly indicated towards hatred and fear of dying. Tessa knelt down, her dress brushing the ash-stained floor as she reached out gently.
"Hey… it's alright now," she whispered, brushing tears off a little girl's cheek. "No one will hurt you anymore."
The girl's sobs softened, her fingers clutching at Tessa's sleeve as if afraid she would disappear. One by one, the other children inched closer. Some buried their faces against her side, some just stared with wide eyes, but all of them leaned toward the warmth in her voice.
"You're safe," Tessa continued softly, her own chest tightening at the sight of their tiny, frightened faces. "I'll stay with you until you smile again, alright?"
" Are you sure?" A boy between them asked. " They took away my father like that .. " his eyes were stiff by full of pain . Tessa saw the boy is around 10years of age , close to her brother's back in her home. She put her hand forward saying, "Yes, I swear. "
The little girl from before said , " Ted , she saved the gud badar ( good brother) ! "
Another one also said , " yez , yez.. good brother, he was fighting with evils." Tessa looked at everyone.... All of their age is not more than 7 , 8 .. The boy named Ted must be the oldest here. Their accent, speaking .... Both were so innocent, that anyone's heart would melt . How cruelty those hunters must be to sacrifice them for some mere ritual.... Tessa thought and said, " Ted , you know I also have a brother like you . Thank you for being so brave until now . Sir Claude and I promise, we will protect you all. "
A boy sniffled and whispered, "Big sister… don't leave."
Tessa's throat knotted. She held his small hand. "I won't." She felt someone held her hand and it was none other than Ted . " Please take care of the good brother. He was hurt because of us ."
Tessa understood they were speaking about Jasper. She smiled as she knew Jasper would be a great ruler loved by everyone. He was always like this helping the ones in danger. "The good brother will be fine soon. So let's go from here." Every kid nodded . Claude was happy to see that the matter was solved. For the first time since entering this world, she realized how similar the common problems are. She didn't feel like a stranger anymore. Her heart reached out—protecting, comforting, belonging.
But then, in the corner of her eye, she caught something.Among the staff who were rushing to gather the children, one man's steps faltered. His eyes weren't filled with panic like the others. Tessa saw the black aura , and the unfamiliar feeling she had each time she goes near a hunter. She understood it's the spy left behind to act further after everything is settled.
" Sir Claude . A spi-der is left ... Take care of it. Kids let's goooo. " Claude immediately understood the intonation and left to act.
Claude's eyes flickered toward her as he moved. "Sharp eyes, young lady." His voice carried weight, but also respect.
By evening, the chaos had calmed. The injured were tended to, and wagons were prepared to carry the children to safety. Tessa sat inside one of the wagons, holding a small boy who had cried himself to sleep. As the wheels creaked forward, she lifted her gaze. The sky burned orange with the setting sun.
Claude rode beside the wagon, his posture tall even in exhaustion. His voice reached her. "You did well today. Those children needed someone like you."
Tessa lowered her eyes, brushing the boy's hair softly. "I only did what anyone would."
Claude studied her quietly before speaking again. "True , the crown prince is definitely a kind soul. He is everyone's idol. You're not from around here, are you?"
Her pulse stumbled. She forced a small smile. "I..... " Tessa thought about her conversation with Jasper... Claude definitely won't eat the lie if she says she is from the Seron .... "I'm from Torf. Just a quiet village… far from all this. Your skills of acknowledging the hunters are impressive as in normal sight they look like us ... It's hard to distinguish them for us."
Claude's brow furrowed, as if weighing her words. "Torf, hm… I wouldn't have guessed. You don't carry yourself like a simple villager."
Tessa's lips tightened. She looked away, hiding the unease in her eyes. "Looks can be deceiving." Claude didn't push further, but his silence felt heavier than any question.
---
By the time they returned to the castle, the sun had long dipped, and the sky was dark.
Tessa hurried forward the moment they entered the gates. "Where is Jasper? I need to see him."
The king's voice was firm when he answered. "Ms. Malven.... I want to have a private conversation with her. Other , leave!"
After the room emptied, the king said , " Ms. Malven. I'm James Blackthorn. Curren ruling King of Seron and Jasper's older brother. I don't know what you know or don't but I can't allow you to meet my younger brother. That is not possible."
Her brows knitted. She tried to maintain the composer "It's a pleasure to meet you the sun of the Seron . But ..Not possible? Why? What happened to him?"
James didn't answer. "Ms. Malven, the situation is not as simple as you think. As you know, hunters are powerful... If it was not Jasper... I might not be able to fight the sudden attack... I don't know what they are planning... Jasper told me last time when we talked about you that everyone else except our family knows that you are from my kingdom.... So stay here until things are a bit settled. And No further questions will be entertained, I don't care but don't interfere between this world's affairs. It will bring you harm only. "
Tessa was listening silently . " Everything you said is true , your highness...but if it involves my saviour's life !.... I WILL be involved even if I die . Thank you . I will take my leave. "
Her heart pounded, frustration boiling in her chest, but she bit it back. If they were refusing her, there must be a reason. For now… she had to trust. She was escorted to a room, one prepared for her. The walls were quiet, the bed untouched, but all she could think of was Jasper's face—his drained body collapsing in her arms.
"Stay alive, Jasper… please."
The door creaked later that night, and Alex stepped in, his expression softened by the lamplight.
" Lady Tessa," he greeted quietly.
She rushed toward him. "Sir Alex, Tell me—how is he? Is Jasper…?"
Alex hesitated, then nodded faintly. "He's alive, Thanks to you. That's what matters for now."
" I know you won't tell me what happened.... But I also hope you understand my situation... "
" Lady Tessa, I have no idea , how much , your highness has told you about our world... I mean how our body works or ..."
" He told me quite a bit . That vampire and werewolves are ancient species, have some powers ..... Differs according to person..... Oh.. you guys have something called life exilire..you all eat , drink like us.."
Alex stopped Tessa. " Then my lady ... I'm ordered by the king to not tell you anything but I'm your highness's knight ... All I can say .. his life exilire... Was low.."
" What? Are you kidding me? " Tessa remembered their conversation on the roof of her dorm ... " Then bring him some form of blood . He told me that's how vampires maintain their exilire.! "
" Situation is not as easy as you think my lady ... Anyways don't worry. He is precious to all of us . And I won't let him die like this. He will be fine. "
Tessa went silent. She knew Alex won't tell her anymore... She asked," Thanks Sir Alex.. for trusting me this much at least...How are you ? Are you hurt as you were also fighting for long .. please take some rest. "
Alex nodded and said , " After your highness, you are only one who asked about my well-being.... I heard you also took care of the kids.. My lady , i don't know if someone has told you before but you are somehow very similar to your highness... But yet different... Have a good sleep. "
" Sir Alex, may I ask what you are? I mean... We have talked before but I never asked you. "
" I'm an ordinary vampire My lady . That's it . Farewell. " Alex left the room filling it with silence. " I want to see you Jasper... The person who saved my life ... Is now in danger by himself. I have so many questions to ask ... Please wake up soon. " Tessa missed his presence..his teasing and small laugh after that ... She didn't know why she acted like that but all now she can do ... Is to pray for him .
" You have to come back to me . You promised me that you will ... Teleport me back to my world, you will... Take care of me .... I want to live the upcoming days with you , you idiot! " Her eyes become teary . Before this , she was always nonchalant about death .. as it's unavoidable... But for the first time she wanted to live desparately with someone.