The Vampire's Mate

Chapter 2

Andrei asked about my company, snapping me back to reality after two months in the mystical realm. I reentered corporate life, away from enchantment. Dalawang buwan na mula nang huli akong magtrabaho sa kompanya na pagmamay-ari ko. "What happened?" I questioned.

"Hinahanap ka na ng mga investors mo and also your employees," Andrei responded, his tone laden with genuine worry. Bigla kong naramdaman ang bigat ng aking trabaho sa mundo ng mga tao.

"I'll visit tomorrow morning," ipinahayag ko, may bago akong pag-asa at dedikasyon.

"That's good. See you tomorrow! Aalis muna ako dahil baka hinahanap na ako ng asawa ko ha. And good luck, sana mahanap mo na kapares mo," he wished, a friendly pat on my back signaling his departure.

As Andrei left, my sister beckoned me over, revealing that she had crucial information to share. "Vladimir, sit down," she instructed, and I complied, eager to unravel the mystery she held.

"Yeah, Grandpa knows where you can find your mate. But, not the specific place or location. He told me to give this to you, put your blood there." She handed me a round stone with my name engraved on it.

"To know if that chosen one is near or not," she explained. The significance of the stone, and the potential it held to guide me to my destined mate, weighed heavily on my mind. Sa isang patak ng dugo, nagliwanag ang bato, at nagpakita ng simbolo na may pangalan ko. My sister and I exchanged glances, both surprised and in disbelief at the unexpected revelation.

"Impossible. You can't be mates with a mortal," she declared, her voice carrying at one of disbelief.

The revelation sank in– I would find her in the mortal realm, in her world. "Its forbidden! Hindi ka pwedeng magpakasal sa isang mortal lang! You are noble; you can't marry that woman!" Mariing sinabi ng kapatid ko, kailangan naming sumunod sa matinding mga patakaran para sa aming lahat.

"But we can't question the prophecy. She's a mortal. Tomorrow, we will find that woman as soon as possible," I asserted, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. The clash between tradition and destiny passed a formidable challenge, yet the undeniable truth remained–the prophecy had set a course that I was compelled to follow.

"But its illegal for us to marry a mortal, Vladimir!"

"Pero nakatakda ng mangyari to! We can't do anything to change it, right?"

Huminga ako ng malalim, kinumpirma ang bigat ng aming sitwasyon. "I'm worried, Vladimir. Alam ba ng tao kung paano lumaban? She's weak!" I sense my sister's concern, witnessing her internal struggle between family duty and the upcoming union that defies our customs.

"I understand the risks, pero may plan o ang tadhana, and we must follow it. Maybe her strength is in places na hindi natin maintindihan. We need to trust the prophecy."

"We can teach her, ate. Think positive. Nakalimutan mo na ba? We can turn humans in yo vampires." I attempted to revive my sister's spirits, but she remained silent, embracing me tightly, her hands gripping mine. "Be careful; humans know about us. They can be dangerous too!" She reminded me.

"I know that. Thank you, ate," I replied with gratitude, understanding the complexities of the situation we were about to enter.

"Kung makikita mo man siya, dalhin mo agad dito so we can start the process of your marriage. But if you can't bring here before your final ritual, magiging parusa ang mangyayari sa ritwal mo, Vladimir."

The gravity of my sister's word hung in the air as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. The intricate dance between tradition and destiny, fraught with dangers and consequences, awaited us.

The tapestry of fate, woven by the threads of our shared lineage, unfolded with each step we took into the uncharted territories of our destiny. It was a narrative intricately intertwined with the echoes of our ancestors and the choices we would make in the present. The quest for identity, honor, and the fulfillment of our legacy hung in the balance, demanding a dance with destiny that would shape the very fabric of our existence.

In this intricate tapestry, the concept of a mate emerged as a pivotal element, a celestial force that wove together the destinies of individuals and families. The pursuit of a mate held within it the promise of continuity, the continuation of bloodlines, and the preservation of ancestral bonds. Yet, beneath the surface of tradition, lay a complexity that echoed the contemporary struggles of individuals caught between the pull of legacy and the yearning for autonomy.

As we ventured forth into the unexplored realms of this journey, the concept of a mate became more than a mere societal expectation; it became a nuanced exploration of personal desires, aspirations, and the delicate balance between self-discovery and the expectations of a heritage steeped in time.

The landscape of our odyssey became a canvas upon which the colors of love, choice, and sacrifice blended in a profound mosaic. The pursuit of a mate, once a mere tradition, evolved into a dynamic force that would shape not only our individual destinies but also the very fabric of our familial tapestry.

In the symphony of life, the quest for a mate echoed as a melodic refrain, guiding us through the chapters of our existence. As we embraced the challenges and blessings that this journey offered, we understood that the dance between tradition and destiny was a rhythm we needed to learn, a dance that demanded both harmony and resilience to navigate the intricate steps that lay ahead.

***
The following morning, I found myself straddling two worlds–the supernatural and the corporate. As I entered the sleek, modern building that no used my company, the responsibilities of the mortal realm beckoned. Employees bustled about, seemingly unaware of the mystical journey I had embarked upon.

Si Zeke, my substitute CEO ay lumapit sakin na puno ng ginhawa at pangangamba. "Vladimir, you're here. The investors have been asking about you, and the employees are anxious. What should I tell them?"

"Tell them I had urgent matters to attend to, but I'm back now."