Claws of Eternity ✔️

Chapter 40: The dawn of a new era

VLAD

A melancholy tune spread through the great hall of Bran Castle. Soldiers hummed a tune and one of them sang through the hall, his voice soaring through the air, making everyone shiver.

"For the battle,

For the fight,

You, my friend, gave up your heart,

Now you can fly,

Free from life,

You needn't give up,

More of your heart."

Vlad drank his wine, hoping it would mend his soul which cried for all the dead soldiers, for all the dead disciples. Soon, they would celebrate life. Right after they pay their respects to all of those that gave up their life. Vlad spun the glass in his head, throwing a glance in Lerra's direction every now and then.

He didn't know what to make of the entire situation. He didn't trust Maks Adamov and now he realised he made a mistake trusting Lerra. That's what he got for becoming such a coward. He rotted away in this castle, this school he decided he wanted to lead.

But all that was over. A new Vlad sat at his throne as people mourned their loved ones. They didn't even know what happened in his mind during this battle. Vlad noticed Lerra De Noves leaving the room and he dithered about whether he should follow her or not. They had some things to talk about.

"Vlad..." Codrin walked up to the throne. "The Border seems to be up again, at least for now." Vlad's eyes widened in surprise.

"I should congratulate Giselle, then." He said, wondering how powerful she really was when she was able to rebuild the Border herself.

"You could, if she was anywhere to be found. My men said she never returned from the forest." Codrin's brows furrowed.

"Send someone after her." Vlad said immediately and got up. He didn't let worry overcome him, he had no more time to babysit, not even Giselle. He marched out of the great hall, following the direction Lerra went in.

Things have been happening without him knowing. He was fine with it for the past couple of decades, but now he remembered how good it felt to be in charge. When he ruled the Monarchy, nothing happened without him knowing about it. It would be like that again.

He thought he would have to search for Lerra, but he almost bumped into her in the hallways of Bran Castle. She seemed distressed, but Vlad didn't care. He went for her and took her by surprise, he grabbed her by her neck and pushed her against the wall.

"What..." She tried, her eyes wide with shock.

"How did you plan this?!" He shouted in her face.

"What are you talking about?!" She shouted back.

"Don't even pretend you don't know! How did you plan this?" Vlad held her tightly against the wall and he was so close to her he was able to see the spark of anger forming in her eyes. She pushed him away hard and he lost his grip.

"I didn't, you fucking maniac! I knew Maks wanted to rule over the Unknowns, but I had no idea Lucien would attack. I thought it would be an inner thing! Maks was the one that sent me a letter saying Lucien waged a war on you." She spoke fast and Vlad let her go, maybe because her eyes were full of rage. "That's why I came to help."

"I don't believe you." Vlad murmured.

"Believe what you want, but I came here to help. And now Bryce is waging a war on Cardona." Lerra waved with a letter in front of Vlad's eyes. He took the letter and read it.