-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 17-

Fiorella, Eric, and Alora are in the dorms. Eric reminds them that they need to visit Lord Abchanchu so Fiorella and Alora can transform into vampires. As they leave the dorms, they notice Alaric approaching. He seems angry and bothered. Alora attempts to talk to him and clear things out.

Alaric's POV

I walked briskly towards the dorms, my mind clouded with frustration and irritation. I heard that the Zenith festival was about to begin in a few days. As I approached, I noticed Fiorella, Eric, and Alora standing near the entrance. Alora tried to catch my attention by calling out to me.

"Hey," she said, her voice filled with concern. I ignored her and turned my gaze towards Eric, who stood beside her. I spoke, my tone laced with annoyance, "I heard the festival's starting."

Alora's expression fell, and I could sense her disappointment. Eric nodded in response to my statement and informed me that we were not in the same group. I shrugged apathetically and retorted, "It's not as if I wanted to be."

"Listen, we're trying to talk to you, alright?" Alora said, her voice pleading. I could see the anger in her eyes, a reminder of the pain I had caused her. But deep down, I knew attempting to rebuild a bond with her was a foolish endeavor. I had hurt her before and taken away her family.

"Apparently, you're the only one trying to talk but whatever make it quick," I finally relented, my words dripping with bitterness. Eric and Fiorella sensed the brewing tension and decided to give us some space.

Alora began cautiously, "I'm not trying to intrude into your business or anything, but Eric told me you might have fought with your dad. That's the reason why you were—"

I cut her off abruptly, "Whether I fought with my dad or not, you're right, it's not your business; it's mine. And don't you understand? I don't want to talk to you," I snapped. "Firstly, we're not in the same group, and secondly, vampires aren't allowed to be friends."

Alora's eyes widened, hurt etched across her face. I knew my words were harsh, deliberately meant to push her away. But the truth was, I couldn't handle the idea of her growing closer to me, only to discover the horrifying truth. She might despise me now, but if she ever found out that I had killed her father, she would never want to see my face again. I was trapped, caught between my love for her and the fear of losing her forever.

I continued, my voice filled with a mix of frustration and longing. "But why would you understand that? You've always experienced love. We haven't. So don't try to make me used to this connection because I won't. I will push you away again, just like this."

The pain in Alora's eyes intensified, and I could see the tears welling up. I wanted to reach out, to hold her, to tell her that I loved her despite everything. But the truth loomed over me like a specter, reminding me of the darkness within me. I couldn't allow her to find out the truth—I couldn't bear to lose her.

"Oh, now you think you're the only one who has experienced pain? Alaric, you're really wrong about it. I thought of making things clear between us, but now I think it's useless."

Her words pierced through my defenses, and I watched as she turned away, walking towards Eric and Fiorella with tears welling up in her eyes. I wanted to reach out, to call her back, to apologize for my harshness. But I couldn't find the words. I couldn't bear to see her cry, yet I had caused her pain once again. I hated myself for it.

Alora's joined Eric and Fiorella. Fiorella wrapped her arms around her, offering comfort and solace. It was a sight that should have brought me joy, but instead, it only deepened my regret.

I stood there, alone by the gate of the dorms, feeling the weight of my past mistakes bear down on me. Regret gnawed at my insides, and I wished with every fiber of my being that I could turn back time and erase the pain I had inflicted upon Alora.

Her absence left an ache in my chest, and I longed to have her by my side, to witness her smile that had the power to light up a room. But I had extinguished that light with my thoughtless words, and now it felt like an unattainable dream.

I knew deep down that I loved Alora, and the pain of losing her was a burden I couldn't bear. But the fear of losing her forever, the fear of her discovering the darkest parts of me, had clouded my judgment and driven me to hurt her once more.

The weight of my mistakes was suffocating, and I knew that until I found a way to mend what I had broken, I would be trapped in this cycle of regret and longing.

With a heavy heart, I turned away from the dorms, my footsteps heavy and burdened. 

Maybe I could just try hard enough and not tell her anything. But wouldn't that mean I'm betraying her? Maybe keeping things secret would be good. I'll make sure father wouldn't find out anything about Alora and maybe I can apologize to her. Maybe she'll forgive me. 

Right there, I vowed to find a way to make amends, to earn back Alora's trust, and to prove that love could conquer the darkness within me.

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-In the depths of regret, I yearn to undo my actions-

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