Chapter 21

Zander's Point of view

17-01-1999. Carlislean kingdom.

As the years went by, I found myself grappling with the harsh reality of loneliness. The struggle to make choices, to open my heart to love, and to find someone who truly captivated my soul became a daunting task. But amidst it all, the greatest challenge I faced was falling for someone who could never be mine. The ache of longing for her, the desire to hold her close, to feel her lips against mine, or simply catch a glimpse of her smile haunted me relentlessly. She had slipped away, beyond my reach, leaving me to grapple with the agony of a love that could never be.

The knock on the door jolted me out of my daze. I turned my attention to the door. "Come in," I said as the door was pushed open and a man in his early thirties entered the cabin. He was the principal of the college, and I was the owner of the school. I had spent 50 years of my life doing meaningless things. Living in the Carlislean kingdom was nothing short of a nightmare for everyone who resided in it, but I paid little attention to its rules as I went against them every day. As a result, my entire family perished, but I remained indifferent to it all. I abdicated the throne and allowed him to rule, but that wasn't enough. No one was permitted to leave Carlislean without his permission; people could only enter but not depart.

It wasn't that I was afraid of him; I simply didn't care about anything else. I tried to make peace with everything for my own peace of mind.

"Sir, I have gone through the list of students who joined the Carlislean Academy this month, but we have not yet come across the girl you described. I have also checked students from neighbouring towns, but she has not been found," the Principal informed me. I had been hearing him say this for the past 50 years, and I was growing weary of it. Perhaps what I had been hoping for would never come to pass.

"But..." he continued, causing me to raise my eyebrows in surprise. "A snake was discovered on the school premises. It was a small snake and did not resemble a typical snake at all. The students had caught it and were planning to present it to King Zakaria, but the snake suddenly vanished," the Principal explained. My breath caught for a moment before resuming. How could a snake appear in the Carlislean Kingdom when King Zakaria had ensured that no snakes were allowed? The fact that it disappeared added to the mystery. Maybe it was just a snake.

"Forget about the snakes and focus on your duties. You may leave now," I instructed him. The Principal stood up from his chair and exited the room. I took a deep breath, running my hand through my hair. That night still haunts me, guilt gnawing at me every day. I wish I had options, I wish I had found other ways to protect her, I wish I had tried harder, but I failed. I failed her. She was already broken, and I shattered her even more.

The knock on the door jolted me out of my daze, and I took a deep breath.

"Come in," I said as the door swung open and the Principal reentered the room. I narrowed my eyes, curious about what he had to say.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but I almost forgot to inform you that we are expecting new students from the City. The orphanage there is sending a group of students to live and study in our kingdom. They may be unfamiliar with this place, but the emperor has agreed to their arrival because he wants to take advantage of them," the Principal explained. I sighed heavily, feeling a surge of bitterness at the mention of Zakaria's name. I despised that vampire and wished nothing more than to defeat him.

"When they arrive, send them to me before sending them to Zakaria," I instructed him. He nodded and finally left my cabin.

I took a deep breath before standing up from the chair and making my way out of my office. I still held onto hope that she would return, and I was determined to find her no matter what it took.

Upon arriving at my apartment after driving, I reflected on how it was the first one built on Carlislean, despite Zakaria's disapproval. I knew he was still upset about it, but I didn't let it bother me. Being his grandchild, I inherited his stubbornness. As I entered, I found Nancy sitting on my bed, dressed in a revealing nightgown with heavy makeup. The sight of her disgusted me. I wished Zakaria had killed her instead of my son.

"Zander..." she said in a seductive tone, igniting pure anger within me.

"Get out," I said calmly but with a deep undercurrent of anger. Nancy smirked and attempted to approach me, but I grabbed her by the neck, causing her to fall to the ground.

"Zander, why are you so heartless and devoid of any emotion? I have done my best to love you and support you, but you treat me like garbage. Do you think I deserve this treatment?" Nancy questioned, to which I scoffed.

"I told you to get out before I completely lose it," I said firmly. Nancy quickly got up from the floor and left my room. She can try as much as she wants, but I simply don't care. I only care about her and no one else. She is the only woman I desire, the only woman I want, and there is no one else.