A voice called Xiran as he sat outside the med room. He looked up and saw Rivan making his way toward him. He stood up as Rivan drew closer and gave Xiran a tight hug. A hug reflecting that he was here for him now. Xiran hugged him back, revealing his emotional turmoil in a way he was unable to do with others. His greyish orbs were moist today and he tried to hold back tears.

"How is she?" Rivan inquired while patting his back. He could feel the tumultuous emotions Xiran was bearing only for him. He would never open up like this to anyone else.

"Still under surgery and unconscious. Xifin and Sohlia did a number on her and I was unable to protect her." Xiran gritted his teeth in disgust unable to hold back his anger.

"Don’t beat yourself up. I am sure you did your best. I am here now and I will handle the situation. Tell me what you need." Rivan’s expression was solemn but his tone was soft so his friend won’t feel agitated. He knew he had to calm him down. The raging storm would wreak havoc if he won’t.

They had lived side by side since childhood. Rivan knew of the atrocities Xiran’s father carried out on his son and mother. He would always provide him with a comforting shoulder and a listening ear.

Once Xiran was locked up by his father in an underground room which had no light or window. He didn’t let him go for days and threatened to kill anyone who would let him lose. Rivan would visit Xiran when his father was out, he would sit by the door and sing him songs to keep his spirit intact. He would also sneak in chocolates and cookies from under the door so Xiran won’t go hungry.

Xiran wanted to kill his father but Rivan would negate such notions reminding him that his father was an adult and a fully grown vampire. This would be a suicide mission, instead, they should wait for the right time and opportunity.

There was nothing any of them hid from the other. About 30 years ago when Rivan’s thirst became insatiable and he began to kill humans, it was Xiran who guided him. He locked him up and gave him blood in a glass or bottle. Rivan gradually adapted himself accordingly and stopped drinking directly from humans.

Today Xiran needed his friend more than ever. "Rivan I want you to take over my role for a few days. I have some ongoing investigations, Chief Warise will debrief you on that. Then we have issues with hunters, I want all of them to be tracked and placed under custody. I will give you the number of Mazitine, contact him and he will keep you updated about the usual business around the city."

"Understood, don’t worry I will handle everything. Take as much time as you need and tell me in detail what happened." Xiran explained all the events that had transpired and it infuriated Rivan. He could now understand Xiran’s mental state. He had never talked about any other girl with him the way he did about Aselia.

"Can’t believe they would stoop so low. I have never liked Xifin but I thought he would at least show restraint here. Although Aselia is a tough girl, she will pull through. Just be there for her." Rivan placed his arm around Xiran’s shoulder and squeezed.

"It was her scent that drove them crazy and she fought back and injured them both. I can’t even bear to think what must have been going through her mind when they were assaulting her. She is so pure and they tried to taint her. I wanted to kill them both on the spot, you have no clue how I retrained myself. Their fucking insolence is driving me nuts." Every muscle in Xiran’s body was taut with anger and frustration as he continued to vent:

"I am going to change my lifestyle from now on. I can’t put anyone’s life at risk just to satisfy my pleasures. I should have adopted your ways a long time ago. I had been so delusional, playing with others’ emotions and feelings and then just erasing their memories. It’s time I write a new page on this Chapter of my life." Xiran had a forlorn look in his eyes and Rivan understood he was dead serious. And once he put his mind to something he always achieved it.

"Don’t take any rash decision in the heat of the moment which you will go on to regret in future. You are going through emotional turmoil. Take it easy." Xiran was clutching his head between his hands, the pain and emotions overwhelming him.

Both friends sat outside the room for hours, waiting for any news. Frila and Carios had joined them as well after finishing their assigned tasks. The door finally opened and Dr Wanstine stepped outside. Xiran rushed to her side waiting for a sliver of good news.

"She is stable for now. I have operated on her, the intestines had received damage but it’s not critical. The broken bones will take time to heal. I am hoping she will pull through but she needs to rest." Xiran and others heaved a sigh of relief at her words.

"Thank you so much, doctor. Please, can I see her?" Xiran implored with a heavy heart. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Yes, but don’t disturb her or try to wake her. She is under sedatives and let her remain like that for a while." Xiran nodded and hurried inside.

A nurse was checking her vitals so he stayed at a distance until she was done and moved to the other room. He gradually approached her, his heart screaming in pain at the sight. Her ethereal body was bruised, bandaged, stitched, broken, violated, wounded and damaged. Machines, IV drips, monitors and tubes surrounded her. Her ever-shining mischievous orbs were shut and there was a patch on her head from where hair was missing. She seemed so fragile right now, almost broken like his heart was...