The way I see this clearance of the lone vampires disturbing the peace of that old town, I wouldn’t need an army. I just need great fighters and ones that are willing to follow my orders. 

I made sure to have vampires in charge of the melee and long-ranged attacks. Ten, just 10 members of our clan are all I need and that includes me and my siblings. 

Having Subin with us sure is the best asset this team would have, a tracker. Jiyoon on the other hand focuses on protecting everyone and she sure brings a lot of medical necessities, quite a nurse I would say. But she’s smart and her battle skill is not to look down on, she beat both my brothers on their friendly race after all. 

We traveled through deep forests trying to reach the foot of the mountain and it was not an easy path. The town is so hidden from modern living thus having to travel with vehicles isn’t advisable, especially when we’re expecting to be back in 4 days.

“I think we should camp here until the afternoon bites.” Yes afternoon, it’s never ideal for us to be moving in broad daylight. Though sunlight is so much tolerable now that we’re stepping close to winter, I wanted them to have a short rest. “Later tonight, we’ll reach the said town and I’m expecting everyone to give it their best to not just clear the roaming ghouls but find the ones causing this trouble.” For father to receive that letter, it only means that the clan members in charge of that old town are getting overwhelmed by the attacks. And I’m starting to get anxious for not bringing a huge number with me but I do have to trust myself. If I can’t do that, how would I expect them to have the same trust in me?

I walk over to our members to have a little chat with them, mostly to thank them for accepting this invitation to my very first commanding battle. “You’re quite skilled in putting up this tent.” I complimented this new vampire. When she first came up to me and said that she wanted to join, I was hesitant to accept her. But knowing that skills don’t actually equate to your years, I accepted her and now I’m glad I did.

“Thank you, Park Chorong-ssi.”

“Can you help me with mine?”

“Sure! I’d be glad to.” She said with this bright smile. “I can’t wait for the Great Heir to bring victory.” She followed and I think I get what she wanted to say. Success in this mission would boost not just my morale but the trust of our people. All I have to do is bring home the good news.

We’ve spent the next minutes setting up this humble tent of mine, the same ones that I use when I ran from home. “You do know that talking to me is fine right? I won’t kill you for having a conversation with me.” I told her as she’s been really quiet and I don’t like that. If there’s one thing that I wished to have with my people, that is connection. 

“Of course! It’s just that, I- I don’t know what to say. I’m not as interesting as the Great Heir is.”

“Nonsense. Everyone has their own stories, I’d listen. I promise. And also, just Chorong. You can call me by my name.” I said trying to cut the formalities off but the way she reacted to it, I had a feeling that it isn’t a good idea. It’s just that I’m tired of people calling me the Great Heir.

“I’d tell you my story if you’d let me call you the proper way.” She said, “You need to live up to the name, keep the title, let us give respect to you, Park Chorong-ssi.”

Minutes passed and we’re done with the tent, she told me her waking up story which I totally find relatable especially when she started talking about that sudden urge to hunt, unyielding thirst, and overflowing power. The conversation sure went pretty well for us to go our separate ways and have a short rest, go our separate ways until Subin and Jiyoon joined us.

“Setting up tents in travel? And at dawn? I didn’t expect this from you, noona.” Subin joined the conversation and it sure caught the attention of the other member.

“Why? It’s not like all these are heavy to carry. And I made sure to bring just the right amount, enough for everyone to rest into.” I explained because I’m starting to feel like I’m being cornered by this kid. But looking at his expression, I may have read his words wrong.

“What I meant is you, setting up a tent for yourself. Knowing your personality, you’re one who likes to stay up in a tree and be on guard.”

“Isn’t that how you always do when you’re watching over Bomi unnie?” Jiyoon said and I can’t help but watch over our clan member’s reaction to this. By listening to her mind, it’s filled with confirmations of stories she may have heard about me and Bomi. My sister then turns to the new vampire and continues, “She’s really protective of the chosen one but it seems like the tables have turned now.” 

“Speaking of the Bomi noona, she’s here.” Subin said and that’s when I felt her presence greatly, have I been so occupied for me not to feel her? “What are you waiting for? Go get your girl.”

I left the other three as I asked everyone once again to have their short rest. Following the overpowering presence of Bomi, I saw her standing on the nearby cliff. 

Having her here makes me feel the same butterflies I’ve felt whenever I enter that same classroom where we’d start another life together. Given that it's the same season, Fall.

“How long do you plan to stand there and stare?” She finally said breaking my idle thoughts of her.

“I didn’t expect to see you here.” I told her honestly and at the same time reached for both of her hands. As if we’re sharing the same minds, hugging comes naturally. “I missed you.” 

It was quiet, just us two molded in each other’s arms. Enjoying the darkness that’ll soon be meeting the sun. It was a good long minute until Bomi leaned backward to study my face and say, “You seem to be enjoying the company of that girl as you two set up a