Sulran took Xiran outside for a walk, he showed him different places in the palace, had him meet with different people and explained to him about their heritage and Tromalius.

"There are three regions in our world, The Malias, The Hawsire and The Karltian. The Karltian region belongs to our family and we have ruled it for centuries and people here follow our traditions. The Malias and The Hawsire have their own traditions. The men in our clan who possess markings are known as ’Silver Blood’ like the ones you and I possess. And they are kept in high esteem in our world, almost worshipped by the common people."

Sulran explained with a chuckle, his eyes gleaming. Silver Blood was a trait only common to Karltians and they visited different planets and were renowned to bring along some souvenirs which were relished in their world, especially a colour which didn’t exist in their world.

"Makes sense now and why all those people were eyeing me like that in the market. And why a vendor called me Silver Blood," Xiran recalled his visit to the market and everything began to fall into place.

"You are a royal, Xiran like a Prince who has returned to his kingdom and all this is yours as well. You can also build your own home here in the Karltian region and live with your Sernera once you complete the bonding ritual," Sulran pointed to the vast expanse of land in front of them and this threw Xiran into a deep valley of thoughts.

From the moment he had arrived here, his heart was revelling in the long-sought peace. There were no vampires here or other dangerous species who would hunt down his Leia. They will forever be safe and maybe have a family as well.

But they had left people behind who cared for them and must be worried sick by now. And he needed to consider Aselia’s views too. He needed to know where she wanted to live.

"It’s a tempting offer but I have a whole city back home and people who love us. We can’t abandon all that," Xiran heavily sighed, his heart so conflicted. The wind blew through his luscious hair and he took a deep breath.

"I understand Xiran, it’s not an easy decision and I won’t force anything on you. But I want you to consider it and take your time before drawing a conclusion," he patted Xiran’s strong shoulder and offered him a reassuring smile.

"I will but... there is another problem," the hesitancy in Xiran’s voice didn’t go unnoticed by Sulran.

"Talk to me whatever it is, I will try to find a solution," Sulran’s expression softened for his nephew, he could sense the tension in his body.

"Umm, what if I tell you that I am not only a Malikus but also inherited some dangerous traits from my father," Xiran wrestled to keep his voice steady, he didn’t want to scare Sulran with what he was but he had to confide in someone.

"Xiran! Whatever it is, you can entrust me with it. I won’t judge," Sulran answered in a gentle tone. Xiran took another deep breath, his gaze hardened as he stated:

"My father was someone who needed blood for survival daily. And so do I. I need to drink blood daily, at least one glass to keep functioning. I don’t want to scare anyone with my truth and I promise I will never hurt anyone here but that is who I am."

Xiran’s shoulders sagged after revealing his deepest darkest secret to his uncle and he mentally prepared himself for some terrified look, but instead what he received was a warm hug from him. He remained stiff, still not digesting the idea that he could have a loving family after learning what he was.

"I will arrange it, you don’t have to worry. Explain to me how it works and how you drink it mostly," Sulran still held him close, easing all insecurities that lingered in his heart. And Xiran began explaining how vampires worked. What kind of lifestyle he led and how he finally met Aselia.

Sulran was mildly surprised, this was all new to him but he had begun to understand how dark their world was, the apprehensions Xiran harboured, the fear that lingered in his heart and the trust issues. He was also astounded to learn how brave Aselia was, offering herself up for blood.

"I must say with how bizarre these revelations are, your Sernera is one fearless lady," he crossed his arm across Xiran’s shoulder and stood side by side with him.

"She is one of a kind. I have never met anyone remotely like Aselia, that’s what drew me to her. She offered me to drink from her daily while we are here, not wanting me to feel ill at ease. Not caring about her well-being. She barely survived the crisis we went through a few weeks ago. And almost died due to the loss of blood and yet she offers herself up willingly. That’s who she is," Xiran’s chest swelled with pride and a content smile curved his lips, lighting up his chiselled face.

"This delights me, and no you don’t have to drink from her. I will arrange the blood for you. It might take me a while to convince someone in allowing you to feed off them but I can arrange a glass or two, daily," Sulran reassured him.

"I don’t need anyone. Just some blood will do the job. I don’t drink from people anymore, I only fed from her yesterday after a long time. We were apart for a year," the sadness shrouded him yet again, remembering their ordeal.

"You people are together now and that’s all it matters. I would suggest going through the bonding ritual as soon as possible so you people can become one," Sulran could sense the energy changing around Xiran. The forlorn look in his eyes spoke of some dark secrets.

"I will talk to her and as soon as she gives me her consent we will go through it. She must be all in because we have not been intimate so far and I don’t want to pressure her into this," Sulran’s eyes dilated in amazement but he reassuringly nodded his head before saying:

"Take all the time you need."