-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 20-

Eric's POV

As Alora and Alaric had their little discussion about no more secrets, Fiorella and I couldn't resist chiming in with our smartass comments. Yes, we were eavesdropping. 

"Oi, lovebirds! Everything all sorted out now?" I couldn't help but tease with a cocky grin on my face.

"Eric, just focus on your own business, alright?" Alaric shot me a glare and spoke up.

Despite Alaric shooting me a deadly look that screamed 'fuck off,' I never could resist pushing his buttons. "Ease up, bro," I chuckled, pretending to be unbothered by his glare. "Just trying to lighten the mood a bit. No need to get all serious."

"Go inform your parents about the trip and all the plans you've been making." Alaric reminded me. 

"Sure, Alaric. But hey, are you okay with your father being there?" I asked being considerate. He nodded.

"Alright! Just focus on getting Alora and Fiorella safely to the portal, alright?" He nodded again. 

Fiorella and Alora bid me goodbyes and Alaric guided Alora and Fiorella towards the portal, while I took went back to earth to tell our parents a lie. Now, hear me out, I am not at all encouraging anyone to lie to there parents alright.

Alaric's POV

As we journeyed towards the portal, Alora, Fiorella, and I found ourselves face to face with Asher, another vampire in the land of Eternals. 

As Fiorella bravely questioned Asher about his identity, his condescending attitude deepened. His lips curled into a sneer as he peered down upon Alora and Fiorella, thinking he held all the power in his hands. Well, he's in for a rude awakening.

"Who am I?" Asher chuckled dismissively. "I am Asher, a vampire renowned in these desolate lands. And as for you two, consider yourselves lucky to be in the presence of greatness. Even though you're nothing but amateurs who haven't even earned your fangs yet."

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I looked down upon Asher with a mix of amusement and superiority. "Ah, Asher, you never disappoint at showcasing your ignorance. It appears the centuries you've spent here have blinded you to the fact that you stand before royalty."

Asher's arrogance wavered ever so slightly, his self-assured countenance replaced with a flicker of uncertainty. He quickly swallowed his pride, his voice shaking as he stammered, "My apologies, Alaric. I... I wasn't aware..."

"Save your breath, Asher. Remember this lesson well. Never underestimate those who walk beside me." I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

"Look, Alaric, I got nothin' against you personally. I respect your power and position, but let's face it, these two... they ain't cutting it. Their incompetence might just be the downfall of my team, and that's a fact."

I crossed my arms, a mocking smile playing on my lips. "Oh, Asher, your concern for your team, it's touching. But let me clue you in on something, my friend. They're stronger than you think. Alora and Fiorella may not fit your definition of seasoned warriors, but they possess a resilience and determination that cannot be measured just by what meets the eye."

"Listen closely, Asher. You may think less of us, but mark my words, we won't be your team's downfall." Fiorella spoke calmly and I couldn't help but wonder is she this nice all the time? Doesn't she ever get mad at even those who look down on her?

"I must say, your confidence is truly admirable. But let's not forget that big egos often topple over like a house of cards." Alora said sassily.

Asher, his face contorted with a mix of annoyance and bravado, retorted, "And what would someone like you know about real power and skill?"

Alora's laughter filled the air as she snapped back with biting wit, "Oh, sweetheart, I may not possess your years of experience in brooding and arrogance, but what I lack in age, I make up for in sheer awesomeness. While you're busy talking yourself up, I'll be busy showing you how it's done." That's my girl. I just stood there with my arms folded across my chest and a proud smile on my face.

I watched as Fiorella subtly guided Alora back, calming the fiery spark within her. Fiorella, ever the voice of reason, sighed softly. "Be nice, Alora," she whispered, her gaze filled with a mix of concern and understanding. 

"Listen, Asher, we all understand the importance of teamwork and dedication. You may have your doubts about us, but trust me we'll work hard together."

Asher, visibly perturbed but desperately clinging to his macho act, muttered "A bunch of amateurs... they won't last a day" under his breath, rolled his eyes with an exaggerated flair, and turned to walk away.

A smirk played upon my lips as I watched Asher walk away, oblivious to the storm that brewed in his wake.

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-we look at the same moon and say different things-

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