Chapter 139 - Father
Chapter 139 – Father
When I let go of Toby, the vampires knocked me and Edge out. Yes. Edge was easily knocked out because he was terrified. So, I didn't know how long we were out and how far we had gotten looking around this tiny, windowless room.
"Edge," I called, whistling to wake him up. He was sleeping in front of me, tied up just like me. "Edge, wake up!"
I ground my teeth, slid my body down, and rolled on the old wooden floor. Using my foot, I kicked his chin lightly. With my hands and feet tied together, I knew this light kick wasn't enough. How could he have a nervous breakdown in a situation like this?
I clicked my tongue and kept kicking him while calling his name. He needed to wake up so we could plan to escape. I needed him. If he couldn't fight, then at least he could run fast.
"Ed — " I stopped as soon as I heard the creak of the door. Light from outside the door stretched to me, making me squint my eyes for a little. I gazed up, watching the figure standing by the door vigilantly.
'Why were these vampires so persistent?' I wondered, shrinking back as the vampire clad in a cloak approached me. Noticing he wasn't stopping even when he got closer, I glared at him.
"What now?" I asked sternly, keeping this false bravado. He didn't respond as expected, squatting down in front of me. I could see his face, but I found myself holding my breath as he pulled his hood down. The second he did, my eyes slowly dilated as my mind went blank.
'What…?'
He gazed at me lovingly. "Rinnie," he called, and I nearly choked. "My daughter."
All I could do was look at Father, my father, whom I thought died a long time ago. Myriads of question surged in my head, staring at him blankly. I couldn't even react when he extended his arm to me and cupped my cheek.
This touch and warmth… was something I could recognize. Before I knew it, tears escaped my unblinking eyes.
"Why is my precious daughter on the floor?" he inquired, looking at my pathetic position. "Come, let me help you."
Father examined me for a while before he held my shoulder, sitting me upright. I didn't even retaliate because I could only stare at his face. He was truly my father — there was no doubt. From appearance, voice, warmth, and everything.
"Father…" came out a muffled voice, watching him smile wearily. He cupped my cheek, letting out a deep exhale whilst keeping his smile.
"How are you, my precious daughter?" his eyes scanned me thoroughly. "Forgive me if I took so long to reunite with you. As you know, your father was in a tough situation."
"How… are you alive?"
"It was a long story, but to make it short…" he sighed as he lowered his eyes, smiling bitterly. "… your uncle, my twin brother, took my place and pretended to be me when the rebels arrived in the king's palace. I went to you and your mother, but she… has already fallen victim to those from Hendrik Empire and you already ran away."
His eyes sweltered as he looked at me in the eye. "Forgive me, my beloved daughter. You had suffered because of me. I failed you."
"No." I shook my head, smiling. "It's not your fault, Father. I'm just glad to see you."
"My daughter…" his eyes softened, pulling me into his embrace. He patted my back gently while I rested my chin on his shoulder, tears rolling down my side.
"My precious and kind daughter, I really, really, miss you."
"Mhm. Me too," came out a soft voice, eyes softening as the side of my lips curled up into a bitter smile. "Thank you…"
"No, my daughter. There's nothing to thank me for."
"… for letting me see him," I added in the same soft tone with a touch of bitterness. "Thank you for letting me see my father and embrace him for the last time."
My father didn't move for a split second before he released me from his embrace. When he did, my heart sank deeper, seeing another person's face.
It was an illusion. I knew it. Although I was certain he looked, sounded, and felt like Father, there was this dominant part of me that told me he wasn't. And I was correct. The man's lips slightly hooked up into a vicious smirk. But what caught my attention was his pair of empty eyes, as if he wasn't conscious.
He looked like a marionette being controlled by strings. He could move and sport an impression but his eyes.
"Who are you?" I asked bitterly and calmly.
"Heh… no wonder Ashton died." The man raised his hand, tucking my hair behind my ear. "The little princess in the holy tower of Everfell is quite clever and perceptive. I didn't expect you to figure it out — not that soon."
"What do you want from me?" I narrowed my eyes, keeping eye contact with him. I wasn't staring at the person in front of me, but at the eyes behind those empty ones. The one who was controlling this vampire.
"You. What else?" he snickered, sending a chill down my spine. "My father wants you and everything that my dear father wants… I want them too."
I clenched my teeth, making my jaw tighten. "What will you do to me once you get me?"
"Mhm…" he pressed his lips, humming, eyes scrutinizing me. "If I tell you, you'd be terrified. I didn't mean to scare you than I already did."
"Who said you did?"
His lips stretched into a grin and laughed. "Right!" he wheezed, smacking his lips. "How amusing. Didn't the Everfell raise you, the lamb, to be the purest being close to god?? How can you lead astray in such a short period of sleeping with the dogs?"
That made me froze, wide-eyed. He knew about what Bowie told me? My reaction seemed to please him, rocking his head while resting his arms on his thighs.
"It seems you have heard it. Did those bears tell you? I heard the bears and the werewolves miraculously had agreed to a treaty. There's no other reason for that to happen without the lamb's help." He leaned his face forward with his eyes full of contempt.. "So tell me, little lamb. What did the wolves know?"