Rule of the Night

Chapter 5

V.

Aidan.

"Stay away from her, Genesis." Johan said in a sing-song voice.

"How can I?" Genesis trailed off, sighing deeply. "She smelled so sweet... like flowers. Just like how I want my girls."

"Creep." Johan smirked. Though he was smiling, I know that he really meant it.

My brush stopped midway at the comment, remembering Clarisette's scent. Before I could entertain the thought a bit further, I continued painting again.

Genesis has a reputation of being a gentleman. A man who is really so good with words that he can easily sweep anyone off their feet, be it boys and girls. But it was all a façade. Underneath that mask, the true Genesis is really... unorthodox.

"She's Annika's friend. Which also means she's friends with the Guardian President. Kilala mo naman ang magpinsan na 'yon, likas na ang highblood sa 'tin." Added Johan.

"I know." Said Genesis. "I asked the male what he thought of vampires then he said that they're monsters... right in front of the whole class."

Johan laughed. "The nerve. That guy has some serious anger issues."

“Then Clarisette... oh, sweet Clarisette thought otherwise.”

My brush stopped again.

“What exactly did she say?” Johan cocked a curious brow.

“That there are some humans who are worse...” Genesis trailed off, as if remembering a distant memory. “That whatever horrible things weʼve done, we did it... in order to survive.”

“Thatʼs...” Johan trailed off, rather confused. “new.”

“Indeed.” I nodded in agreement.

“Thatʼs why sheʼs so refreshing, right?” Genesis chuckled. “Ever since then, I always wonder how sheʼd--”

“Oh, Genesis, donʼt even go there.” I smiled at him. He smirked then looked away, then I proceeded back to painting again.

Louis Valderrama, the President of the Guardians. Excels both in academics, extracurriculars and combat, especially with daggers. Quiet, smart and deadly. Very lethal. Annika Valderrama, the cousin of the President, which also means their skills are on par with each other. Unlike her cousin who is skilled in close encounters, she excels in long range battles. Her weapon of choice is a crossbow. Also very lethal.

Genesis grasped my attention when he took one of my brushes and twirled it between his nimble fingers. "What are you painting this time, Aidan?"

"Hmm... I don't know yet. Kinda making this up as I go." I smiled. Napabaling ang atensyon ni Genesis kay Johan nang nagsalita siya.

"I heard rumors that the President and Clarisette used to date.” Johan informed.

“Which means?”

“Which means sheʼs definitely off-limits.” Johan rolled his eyes. “Don't push his buttons too much, Gen. Baka mabalitaan ko na lang bigla na nasaksak ka na no'n."

Genesis rolled his eyes in response. "Yeah, right. Like that will stop me. He's still a mere human."

"A mere human who came from an elite family of hunters." Johan reminded. "Do not underestimate them."

"Still a human." He pressed. Johan sighed.

I zoned out of their conversation because their topic didn't really pique my interest. Genesis left shortly after that because he still has class. Johan went back to practicing Tchaikovsky. I went to the balcony with my sketchpad. Sketching different kinds of scenery I see each day at the courtyard has become my form of therapy whenever I have free time.