Lethal Beauty

XIV - Possessive

"Wow, Abel...this is more than what I've expected," Judiel couldn't help saying as she glanced at the digital form and list of the coat of arms of every clan that belongs to the House of Elders. "I couldn't believe you've gotten a hold of this information. I've searched the national library for this and couldn't find any."

"It's a rare piece of information and not everyone is interested in it," Abel was massaging his temple, trying to review a thick book about the Philosophy of History. "I hope it helps. By the way, would you be able to check on my grandma? I've been sending her messages but she hasn't responded."

"How long has it been?"

"It's only been a day. Maybe I ought to wait. It's just that, I'm not used to not getting a reply from her even through text."

"I'll go ahead and check her. Not to worry."

"Thanks, Judy."

"By the way, how did you get a hold of the coat of arms?"

Abel stiffened. "An accident."

"An accident?"

"Yes. I need to get back to my homework. Is there something else?"

Judiel studied the tone of his voice, but apart from the urgency, she couldn't discern any. If it was only for pretense, then Abel should win an award for being a good actor. "I understand. I'll keep in touch and let you know about your grandma. Thank you again, Abel."

He slowly disconnected the call on the palm tablet and stared at the gadget for a short moment. These white lies were becoming more frequent. As if it was natural and expected. But he couldn't tell Judy how he acquired the information since it was connected to his recent fight with Iris. Speaking of the man, he had never spoken to him for days and though it was over, he still couldn't help clicking his tongue as he remembered how it all started and how it made him feel so irritated...

⛧☾༺♰༻☽⛧

"Can I ask you a question?"

Sven, who was with him in the library that day, cramming to do his homework, looked at Abel. "Just ask away. You know I never rejected any of your questions."

This statement left Abel a bit flustered. "How come I've never seen Iris study? And don't get me started about him being an Elder, blah, blah. Because I've seen Lex and Milo reviewing their notes. Sometimes, I even reviewed it with them."

"The man is a genius, what can I say?"

"Do you know that he's only 25 years old? Which means you're technically older than him."

Sven chuckled. "I may be older than him but he is still an Elder. My turn to ask, how is he treating you?"

The question wasn't expected and Abel was understandably disconcerted. "He gave me protection. That's all I needed."

"That's good to know," Sven studied his expression. "Although a warning wouldn't hurt, and I hope you can forgive me for being meddlesome."

"What do you mean?"

"As a friend and a classmate, I'm worried. These Elders, they're much more complex than the usual vampires. They're the original bloodlines. They can set the rules and break them. I don't want to see you hurt, Abel."

"You suspect he's only using me?"

"It wouldn't hurt to be cautious."

Abel snorted. "You always say that. Be cautious. Don't be too complacent. Stay alert," he looked at him. "What if I'm also using him?"