Serene’s POV

Artins Sensei finally stepped out of the portal looking as magnificent and graceful as ever. I rushed forward to meet him.

"Hiya! Sensei,"

"Hey, evening Serene. How have you been?" He offered me a polite smile. "A bit scared, father is really angry because I hid the truth from him and I am sensing that this matter is only going to escalate." I filled him in as we started walking followed by Kilamin.

"I will try to handle the situation discreetly. But, he is right Serene. You hid the truth for so long and I am hoping it doesn’t come back to bite us. We need to be prepared for what’s coming." I just bowed my head in silence as we continued walking toward the castle.

We reached the castle and my father was waiting for us inside the main gate. Both men shook hands formally and pleasantries were passed as we made our way inside toward his study.

Once the three of us were seated Artins Sensei began: "I wish I was here under different circumstances but I apologise for being the harbinger of unfortunate news."

"Serene filled me in with some details but she said that you have some news for me as well, something you have discovered." My father’s anger had not subsided and it was quite evident from the way he spoke.

"Indeed," and Artins Sensei revealed all the details to my father with utmost precaution by using words like ’maybe’ or ’it might happen’ to soften the blow. My father’s expression changed with each word, although he was trying to remain calm, his clenched fists and flared nostrils were evidence enough that he wasn’t.

"I have discussed the matter with my father in detail and we have decided to call a meeting of all Realm heads. Since this will affect all the realms we need to caution them as well. I am here to invite you and Serene to the meeting." Artins Sensei completed his narrative rendering my father speechless for a few seconds. He hadn’t interrupted Artins Sensei when he was speaking but I could tell he was boiling inside.

"Remember, one thing Artins. If any of you tried to harm a single hair on my daughter’s head, it will mean war. I would not bring her to be executed faced on some concocted fairytale, and even what you have told me is true. I know all the old leechers that will gather there. They will stop at nothing but to see her die, my only heir, to be gone so they can render me and my realm weak. I knew it was a mistake to send her to a foreign land and look where it has landed her." My father was beyond furious as his voice thundered across his study. I cowered low in my chair not having the courage to say anything. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Eradius I understand your frustration, she is your only child. But, believe me, I am on your side. That’s why I came to you first and didn’t hold the meeting without your consultation. And being her Sensei it’s my utmost duty as well to ensure no harm comes to her. But we cannot delay this matter much further. The threat is real, every realm is noticing that the Dark Realm is becoming more and more active with every passing day. Monsters seem to be more agitated, while its aura is leaking further and further into our lands." Artins Sensei tried to put some sense into my father by trying to explain what was at stake.

"She is my daughter and I will deal with any threat that will come her way. I don’t need anyone else’s assistance."

"You won’t stand a chance if all the other realms joined forces. They will come for her if we don’t negotiate this peacefully. And, once they do it will turn into a bloodbath. You understand how ferocious and bloodthirsty vampires and werewolves can be. Don’t act recklessly, think carefully. Besides, when it comes to Serene I have already given her my word that all of us back at the institute will lay their lives for her if it comes down to that. I have seen how pure her heart is, and I believe she will be our saviour like Sahala was five centuries ago." Artins Sensei was showing why he is considered so patient and calm by everyone. Nothing my father threw at him seemed to rattle his bearings.

"Umm... I agree with Artins Sensei. I don’t want war because of me, we need to attend the meeting and see what everyone decides." I chipped in meekly making my father shoot me an angry look but he didn’t say anything, he was still processing all the information that has been thrown at him in such a limited time.

"Fine, we will attend the meeting but if things won’t go as intended then I hope I can count on your support because no way in hell I will surrender my daughter to anyone." Father finally realized that we couldn’t face the entire world alone.

"You have my word Eradius. I will not let any harm come to Serene but some precautions are needed to be taken. She shouldn’t go anywhere near the Dark Realm and at least one physically strong person needs to be with her at all times, even at night when she is sleeping. I had her friends watch over her back at the institute because that’s less awkward than having a bodyguard at all times."

"I will make sure she is guarded at all times. Her safety is my utmost priority right now." My father replied trying to hold back his emotions.

"Serene is strong and I am certainly positive that she will pull through this hard time and will emerge victorious. Have faith in your daughter." Artins Sensei smiled at me and the expressions on my father’s face suddenly changed.

"I don’t think I wanted to realize she has all grown up now. For me, she will always be my child who needs my protection." Father had a forlorn look on his face as he glanced toward me and I held his gaze with teary eyes.

"It’s understandable, my father still tries to baby me and it’s embarrassing." Artins Sensei face palmed himself and the tension in the room finally broke as the three of us finally smiled.

We continued our conversation for a little while longer. Artins Sensei discussed how much progress I had made making my father proud as he hugged me.

It was time for dinner and we had light conversation throughout. Artins Sensei had the knack to carry out smooth conversations. After dinner we wanted him to stay the night but he said he needed to head back to make arrangements for the upcoming meeting which was scheduled within the next three days. He thanked us for the hospitality and told me to stay safe and listen to my father’s instructions.

Father himself went to see him off while I was instructed to remain in the castle. There went my freedom. When my father returned he summoned me to his study.

"Serene, I realise how hard this time is for you and how much you have suffered and are still suffering. My heart aches to see you like this but now that I know, you won’t have to feel alone. You can always come to me." He was much calmer now.

"I didn’t want to worry you, I had no idea that things will escalate this far," I replied honestly.

"I can understand, it’s our fault as well. We won’t reveal the whole truth to our kids and then expect them to act differently. That’s why I am giving this to you, read it and you will understand a lot better." He handed me a silver-bound diary with special sigils and engravings on it and there was only one word written on the cover ’Sahala’.