Black Rose

12. The Covenant

   We’ve been in the Philippines for three weeks now but today’s the first time Kellan and I went to see the beauty of the place. He told me that we were in a region named Bicol.

Albay is the name of the province we’re in. It was a magnificent place and the sceneries were lovely.

What I loved the most about the place is the cone-shaped volcano they call Mayon.

I’ve read articles about this nature’s beauty before but pictures never gave justice to the original one. It’s more enthralling when I’m looking at it, up close and personal.

“Are you having fun?.” Kellan asked when he stood beside me looking at the volcano. The eyeglasses he wore makes him more handsome than before. We were in a place they call Cagsawa Ruins.

“Yeah, absolutely. It’s great here.”

“Such a magnificent beauty but also a malevolent one. Do you see that bell tower?” he asked pointing at the ruins in front of us. I gave him a simple nod.

”Years ago, Mayon Volcano erupted, devastating the land surrounding it. Lava flowed along with the boulders rolling down from the mouth of the volcano. That bell tower is one of the reminders of that day. People in that church died and was buried along with the whole structure. Only that tower remained. Beauty indeed can deceive human eyes.”

That story sent goose bumps all over my body. I pity those people who died when the volcano erupted but what disturbs me most was Kellan’s words.

“Such a magnificent beauty but also a malevolent one.. Beauty indeed can deceive human eyes..”

What does he mean? I really can’t understand him. Is he trying to tell me that he’s also dangerous despite of his goodness.

I know he’s a vampire but I believed he’s an exemption to those monsters.

We had sightseeing all day but Kellan seemed to be preoccupied with something else. Something that he won’t care to tell me. And I didn’t hover because I know I don’t have the right.

+                             +                                +

“Kellan!,” exclaimed a lovely lady as she met Kellan, halfway, with a hug.

She’s beautiful with long black hair, oval face and pointed nose, thin lips and long eyelashes which makes her eyes more divine.

I stood at the corner as the two had their moment. When Kellan finally let go, he stood beside me and introduced me to her.

“Kara, this is Sophia. She’s the friend I’ve been telling you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sophia.” I held out my hand for a shake.

“Same here,” she smiled and took my hand. I was confused when her warm flesh touched mine.

“Let’s not talk here. Come to my office.” Then led the way.

“She’s…. She is human.” I whispered to Kellan.

“Indeed she is. Her family’s been helping me for centuries now.” He said then let me pass through the door of Sophia’s office.

It was a neat place. Furniture were made of Narra and there are also antiques displayed on a shelf.

Sophia’s preparing coffee and motioned us to sit down.

"Looks like, business is doing good," said Kellan.

"Thanks to you. Without your investments this business would've been bankrupt for years now."

"Still don't have the belief in your self, eh? My investments are nothing. You're an inborn business woman."

"Thank You." she smiled and set the tray of coffee and biscuits on the table. Then she sat on the single sofa beside us. "Well, what's the real business Kellan?".

Kellan shifted to his seat so that he'll be facing Sophia.

"I want to know about Stellan's coven. Haven't you heard of their plans yet? Are there any member of his coven who were already here?".

"According to our intelligence's report, there were two who arrived at NAIA, today, 6 o'clock in thr morning. They are said to be staying now at the Manila Hotel. Their purpose is still unknown.

Our guards have been alarmed by this. The same with the Chosen One's presence here." She said and looked at me.

"Don't worry we were already in Code Black." she smiled. I had the feeling, she said that to reassure me not Kellan.