Zeidan has just picked a black belt with a golden design at the center to wrap up his dressing. His mind wandered back to what had ensued between him and Lyne and he asked himself if that isn't what he has always wished for.  A woman who is after his peace.

Luana strode in and he noticed how she slowed her pace as if to assess the new look of the room. He looked back at her and he couldn't miss the pain she forcefully swallowed before saying anything.

"So, she was right?" She muttered.

"You were saying?"

"Nothing." She looked up at him and forced a wry smile. "I was just wondering what's up with the change all around. I mean, first, the King was covered in dust, and now he's the all-caring that isn't even bothered by his room being tampered by someone who isn't worthy." There was a tone of disdain in her voice that he couldn't miss.

"I think we have a more important thing to discuss other than Lyne. Let's get to it, shall we?" He waved her off and slipped into his coat while leading Luana out.

"What have you got?" She asked.

"I found out Wikh has been on medication for many years, for the last time. He never told me about it."

He tried to explain in a hushed voice.

"Why did he make that a secret?" 

"I don't know. I wonder if my father even knew."

"About the pills, do you think he must be the owner?" 

"I don't think so." Zeidan rubbed his face with his hands as he exhaled as if exhausted.

"I know so. I just need to gather plenty of evidence against him."

Luana paused in her tracks and turned to look at him. 

"What other evidence is required?" 

"Many more. This..." He held up the bottle. "This isn't enough to prove him guilty. For all we know, he could deny it."

"Right. But he cannot deny the fact that he does have a sickness that he treats, can he?"

"That's the point. We have to prove that he does use medications by finding out what he uses them for. But before then, I'll go to a very trustworthy pharmacist in Los Angeles and ask him about these pills. I'm sure we can get his ailment from that."

"That's impressive but what if he finds out and runs away?" She mused almost to herself but it got Zeidan thinking too.

"You're right. And he likely knows we are suspecting him because Lyne might tell him. She thinks he's honest."

"What?! That strange girl." She spat.

"This means we have little time to act."

"Then, let's arrest him," Luana remarked as she made to move but was held back when Zeidan pulled her back, causing her to fall on his chest. He held her waist so she wouldn't fall but he was too slow as they both fell on each other.

Zeidan looked into her eyes, wondering what sets her apart from Lyne but the difference was miles apart. Her beauty wasn't as striking as the woman who has captured his heart. The warmth he feels when with Lyne is something he couldn't find in Luana. 

God! What is going on with him? 

Still in that position, he averted his gaze into space, and who he saw next shocked him to the bones. He immediately felt guilty as he pushed Luana off him and stood up. 

The clouds danced solemnly around the beautiful ruler of the sky in the vast night. Happy with the moment, the moon smiled beautifully to the ground and right in the middle of the Werecat's territory, armed with strong-looking guards with stripes drawn on their faces. 

Right in the middle, a building is erected, and inside, Shelbrooke sat down before his partner who was dressed in a black and golden suit jacket and a black hat, big enough to conceal his blonde hair and face.

"I must say I'm quite honored to have you here as my guest, Prince." Shelbrooke started, crossing one leg over the other as he spoke.

"It's no big deal and there's no mutual interest especially in helping you. I only need you to help me with something different."

"And what might that be?" He asked, slightly disappointed that he might part away with something as well.

"You'll get to know as time goes by. For now, let's talk about helping you infiltrate the Vampire city."

Silence took over and the usual fire by the fireplace in the office crackled. The crickets interrupted the silence and the soft wind entered the room. 

"What do you propose we do?" Shelbrooke asked his secret guest who sat up and leaned forward.

"Be patient." As short as his words were, they sent a pang of anger and more disappointment through his veins.

"What do you mean by being patient? I've waited all my life to achieve this. Is this your big strategy for me?" He flared up but the other man didn't flinch one bit. He has the calmness of a dove.

He spoke up again, his deep voice filling the room.

"Trust me. Being patient will save you money and energy. The only thing you're likely to be pained to lose is time. But it will be worth it. King Zeidan won't know what hit him at the end of the day."

Shelbrooke leaned back, placing his arms on the armrest. He is indeed right. Sometimes, patience pays. Whatever it is, he just can't wait to lay a hand on the Onyx. He decided to show his acquaintance where he has always dreamed of putting the beautiful treasure. 

"Come on now, Prince. I've got something to show you."

Rising from his seat, he moved towards a bookshelf and removed some books to reveal a vault that requires an entry password. He punched in some numbers and the shelf like a door moved away to reveal a very large and dark room.

They walked in and one by one, the lamps were ignited without anyone striking a match. Shelbrooke laughed at the other man who was startled a bit. Walking further in, it looked like a cave with overhead sharp rocks that were shaped like it was made to serve as a chandelier. 

Going further into the cave-like room, he gasped at the numerous dangerous weapon stocked there.

"You are indeed a man of war." 

Shelbrooke laughed at his comment and patting his back, he faced him.

"This is why I have no patience."

"But you will need to be patient. The Vampire city has a very calculative leader. They won't give in too easily."

"And I'm ready to give it to them the way they want it. I've never been this eager for war." He sighed, his eyes dreamy. 

"I can't wait to lay my hands in that Onyx and with you by my side, I'm certain, I'll achieve my aim."

His guest nodded, face thoughtful. 

"Zeidan!" She called out in the middle of the deserted land that was engulfed in darkness and only a tiny reflection of the moon made her see through.

There was total silence and the land spread out without an iota of living being visible. She clenched her fists as she felt pounding inside her head and heart. Her heart kept skipping a beat and her body was already drenched in sweat. She knew this feeling. It has always enveloped her in her nightmares. Fear.

She gripped her hair tighter and kept shooting his name, till she lost her voice and a storm picked up from afar. She managed to see it although she was already getting dizzy and her eyelids were shutting. 

Soon, she saw a man come out of the wind. He was wearing hunting gear and he looked familiar. She managed to stand up as she wheezed, her breath seizing.

"Who are you?" 

The figure stopped walking and started laughing at her. The mockery in that voice wasn't something she could ever miss. 

"Charles?!" She exclaimed and scrambled to move backward but he kept coming closer, his teeth visible in the dark.

"Don't come any closer!" She tried yelling but her voice was lost. She struggled to stand up but it was as if her legs were tied.

It was as if some people were playing suspense music and her heart was following the melody as well. The noise of the wind as it sped forward, the clouds overshadowing the moon now putting everywhere in total darkness, she cried hard and tried yelling.

"Zeidaaaan!"