Xiran reached Rivan’s mansion very late in the night. His butler let him in and as he was about to head to his room, his eyes fell on the sofa and saw Rivan sitting there waiting for him, wearing a glum expression.

Xiran casually crossed the distance between them and slumped on the sofa beside his friend and questioned:

"Why are you still awake?"

"I was waiting for you, I am worried about you," Rivan’s voice was mild and gentle. Like a big brother conversing with his younger one who came home late.

"You worry too much, I am fine," Xiran replied trying to hide the anger and frustration he had been feeling lately which seemed to have taken new heights since his father’s call.

"I beg to differ. Talk to me, you seemed off on the phone. Irlana was with me at that time so I didn’t ask."

Xiran took a deep breath and closed his eyes, hiding away all the pain, all suffering he had been going through. When he opened them again, there was this bleakness in them that Rivan couldn’t help but stare at him; who focused away from his friend.

"He wants Irlana back, he knows I killed Hudias, and he has perceived that I have someone in my life, someone who means more to me than any ordinary girl. And I have this wretched feeling in the pit of my stomach that he is going to take away every person I hold dear. I want him dead, Rivan," Xiran unburdened in one go, his heart drowning in the dreariness of the situation he was in.

"He called you?" Rivan asked grimly, his heart skipped a beat when Xiran told him that Irlana would be returning.

"We need a few more ancient vampires on our side along with Aldridge to stand a chance against him and we need a weapon strong enough to pierce his skin," Rivan suggested, his own heart brimming with hate and becoming agitated.

"No, Rivan. I am going to lure him here and utilizing the power subduing serum hunters use, I will immobilize him. Then I am going to take away all his memories, leaving him in a void before torturing him to death," Xiran explained the plan he has been concocting for a while now. There was this new determination dawning in his eyes, to end his father once and for all.

Rivan turned to his friend and gave him his full attention, his eyes had enlarged in bewilderment.

"Tell me you are not planning to do this all alone. You can’t Xiran, your father is too powerful. It will not be that easy, let’s plan it together."

"No, I will not endanger any of you. I know he won’t kill me even if I fail but anyone else involved he will not even bat an eye. This is my mission and mine alone," Xiran met his friend’s eyes and could see the astonishment he held, his mouth was a little agape.

"Xi....," Rivan tried to say something but he cut him off.

"He is my father and this is something I should have done a long long time ago. Let me do this and let me do it alone. I am so sick of seeing him hurt people around me," Xiran’s voice got raised and his fists clenched so tightly. The door to Irlana’s room opened and she rushed outside, hearing his voice.

"Is everything alright?" she stared at them with bewildered eyes, while trying to wake up her sleepy mind.

"Yes," Xiran’s tone softened seeing her and he got up. Approaching her, Xiran gave her a warm hug and planted a small kiss on her temple.

"Sorry, I woke you," he mumbled still holding her close, not wanting to let go.

"No apology required, I was just worried."

"Don’t worry, everything is going to be alright soon," he whispered and turned his attention back to Rivan who was sitting as stiff as a tree trunk. Although he was maintaining a calm demeanour, Xiran knew he was fuming inside.

"I am going out of town tomorrow, I will be back in two days, everything will be in your capable hands. Hunters are coming tomorrow, accommodate them, I have already allotted them a place. Take care of the city and my sister," there was a sense of pleading in his voice.

"Where are you going?" Rivan asked quietly.

"I will tell you on my return," Xiran gave Irlana one last kiss on her head and mumbled a good night to them before heading to his room and shutting the door behind him. Leaving Irlana and Rivan in a bewildered state.

She stood there watching the shut door, knowing something was off with her brother, something was bothering him, but what?

"Is he ok? What’s wrong?" she finally turned toward Rivan and inquired, anguish filling her whole being.

"Your wretched father is what’s wrong with him," Rivan spat out and she flinched at his upset tone and frenzied eyes. Unknowingly she took a step back.

"I am sorry," she whispered not knowing what else to say for Rivan seemed upset with her too. Seeing her reaction Rivan’s face fell and he knew he had upset her. The revelation that she might be leaving was gnawing at him.

He moved at his vampiric speed and stopped inches from her. "I apologise, I didn’t mean to yell," he couldn’t refrain himself and cupped her beautiful face in that instant and she stared at him with her innocent eyes.

"My father wants me back, isn’t it?" she questioned him, in a voice that was barely a whisper. Placing her hands on top of his making Rivan take a deep breath.

"Yes," he breathed out with difficulty, his face showed the anguish this revelation had brought him. Her heart picked up the pace at his words and he could see the panic settle on her beautiful face. He couldn’t see her in that state and pulled her close to hug her. She hugged him back with a need of not letting go and pleaded:

"Rivan, I don’t want to be alone tonight, please stay with me."