Goodbye, Celestine.

Clark was furious with Stefan for what had happened the night before, even after I explained to him that Stefan had been injected with something by Jonas, which is why he was acting so strangely, but he was still upset. I begged my cousin not to inform Aunt Anna and Faira on the way home because I knew how they would respond. I was glad that I had been able to persuade Clark to keep it a secret.

Today I stayed home to rest because Stefan’s bite still stings and while Faira and Aunt Anna was still here at home I would stay in bed and pretend that I was sick. Now that they were gone because they need to work and go to school, I was left all alone here. When I got bored watching movies, I took my camera that was found by Stefan.

“August 18, 2017. 4:00 pm"

I start while positioning my video cam placed on its stand. I stepped back and sat in the chair in front of the camera.

"The content of this video will be different because it is about the hidden truth of the history of Madiville. An unbelievable story that was told to me by a man who was here when this town was founded. This isn't your typical story, so it's difficult to accept, but given what's happened to me recently, I'm beginning to believe it."

I adjusted my mirror. I can't believe I'm saying this but his secrets became my truth.

"I don't have solid proof or anything, so if one day you watch this video, try to find out the truth."

I looked at the camera as I took a deep breath.

"1898-1933, the year when the Spanish-American war broke out and the Spaniards sold the Philippines to the Americans. This was also the year when a wealthy American doctor bought this town. I still can't believe that the town where I was born, and where I practically grew up, has a dark secret that Madiville isn't the ordinary village we thought it was. History is indeed a mystery. "

I paused for a moment and thought about all the things that the man had told me about Madville, because there is a part of me that is in denial.

"A wealthy American bought a small town in Baguio and he named it after his eldest daughter who died due to a serious illness. That's the story that normal people knew but someone opened my eyes to another possibility "

I clung to the hem of my dress. I glance at the floor and then looked at the camera again.

"When Dr. Steven Pearce bought this town, he moved his two daughters, Madelaine and Josephine Pearce, immediately but his eldest daughter Madelaine, was gravely ill and despite their father's best efforts, he was unable to help her. While their father was busy looking for a cure, they met a friend, Amelia, the daughter of their helper Susana. Years passed, Madelaine's illness worsened then Dr. Steven told them the truth that her eldest daughter only have a few more days or months to live. Amelia was devasted she didn't want to lose Madelaine because she isn't just her friend but she is also like a sister to her, so is Josephine. Amelia was determined to save her friend, and because she's a witch she tried to look for another way to save Madelaine using her grandmother's ritual book. During her search, she found a spell that can make a person immortal. She immediately informed Dr. Steven about it, but the doctor refused because he insists that only science can cure his daughter. However, Josephine's great love for her sister pushed her to agree and secretly perform the ritual. Madelaine didn't want to be immortal by herself, so the three of them agreed to go through the spell together. The three of them became the first vampires in Madiville and were called the Maidens. Madelaine, Josephine, and Amelia had a difficult time transitioning from humans to vampires. They had a hard time controlling their hunger because they were beginners, which resulted in many people dying. The royal realm's council, which is consists of powerful vampires who are responsible for upholding the peace between demon-blooded and mundane, was alarmed, therefore, royals were dispatched to capture the maidens. Madiville was enveloped in terror because of the war between the Maidens and the Royals, during the fight, Josephine was the only one who was captured while Madelaine and Amelia were able to escape. When the vampires vanished and the massacre ended, people thought that it is Madelaine who saved their town, they assumed that she courageously fought the vampires because she was the president of the Madiville council and pretended to lead the people in fighting, which is why they named the town after her. But, in reality, she is the mastermind behind everything. She even murdered her father to hide her actual identity."

Madelaine is a horrible person, and it scares me to think that she might be alive and roaming around here.

I straightened up and fixed my gaze on the camera.

"As I already mentioned, I do not have ——"

My bedroom window suddenly opened so, I quickly stood up and turned my video camera toward myself.

"I'm Celine Salvador, signing off."

I turned off my video camera and put it away in a drawer. A few moments later, a man entered my bedroom window. My eyes widened when I saw who it is and my heart started beating fast because of fear.

"What are you doing here?"

What's the matter with me? Why am I stuttering! I'm making it too obvious that I'm scared. He took a couple of steps closer to me, and I moved back with each step he took.

"Stop!! Stay right there! or I'll scream!"

I tried to stop him, but it didn't seem to work because his blue eyes stayed fixed on me as he continue to walk towards me.

When he stopped, he looked at my neck that was wrapped in a bandage. He sighed as he looked me in the eye and I can’t help but be scared because what happened that day is still vivid to me.

“I’m sorry”

We were silent for a moment and I was expecting that he will say something more but he just left.

---

We went to Madforest to train again yesterday, with Chase as my trainer. I expected it to be awkward, but he was so professional that it was as if nothing had happened. Chase explained the various weapons I may use, including the gun, dagger, sword, and even the crossbow. He emphasized the importance of aiming for the heart where they can be killed quickly. He also warned me to be cautious of royals and other ancient vampires, as some of those weapons are ineffective against them. I discovered that royal vampires are very different from normal vampires; they are stronger and have their Realm that only royals or guests with invitations are allowed to enter.

“Hey aren’t you going home?”

I stopped as I met Faira at the entrance of our building.

“I still need to submit this”

I showed her the papers that I need to submit to Paul since I was gone for too long. Good thing Paul didn’t get angry, maybe Faira said a good excuse.

“Okay, you can wait for Clark if you need a ride”

She waved at me as she leaves then I entered our building. Since it’s already seven in the evening, some of the lights are already off and I can see no students wandering around the hallway. I entered our journalism room and saw two students they're using the computer probably writing articles. I quietly put my paper at Paul’s table and left a note.

I can’t wait for Clark anymore because his class will end at eight, so I will just go home on my own. I decided to walk at the fields since this way is closer to the gate.

"There you are little bitch"

When Brandon stood in the way, I came to a halt. Instead of responding, I chose to avoid him and passed by him, but he grabbed me and shoved me to the ground.

"What do you want?"

I hissed, shocked at what he did to me. Why does everyone want to hurt me?

"You evil bitch, I thought you're absent for a month because you left for good, but you're just planning a scheme to get revenge on me!"

He's enraged as if he's about to punch me, while I stare at him, perplexed because I have no idea what he's talking about. As much as I wanted to have revenge on him but that would be the least of my concern right now because I’m too busy finding ways to save my mother.

"Weren’t you satisfied when you ruined Kenneth Romero’s life? Now you want to do the same to Stephanie?”

I got up and straightened my clothes; I guess the benefit of being exposed to supernatural beings is that I'm no longer easily intimidated by gazes like these.

"Just go straight to the point"

I looked at him coldly because I feel like I’m being blamed unfairly.

"Stephanie broke up with me because her video with that nerd has spread and until now she can't be found."

I take a deep breath and sigh as I regain my composure. How can I release a video if I don't have a video of it, to begin with?

"Brandon I have nothing to do with that"

I took a step back, but he grabbed me swiftly.

"I'll kill you"

He's gone mad! I fought back and when I let go of his grip. I ran away but Brandon is a fast runner he caught up with me and I felt him hit me in the back, knocking me to the ground.

"You bitch, you shouldn't come back yet"

His eyes were full of anger. He was about to stab me with an ice pick but I tried my best to stop him while he is above me.

"I didn’t do it, I swear!"

He’s too strong. I kicked him where it hurts the most and he sat down in pain, the icepick flew away as well.

"Help !!!!"

I shouted as I tried to escape from him.

"I don't believe you"

Brandon growled at me, slapped me in the face, and choked me. I attempted to pull his hand away from my neck, but he was just too powerful.

"I didn't do it. Please !!!"

I struggled to scream for help between gasps and wheezes. I'm on the verge of passing out, but I'm determined not to because if I'm going to die, it won't be today since I still have my mother to save.

I gathered all my strength but before I could move someone struck Brandon in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. When I was finally free of Brandon's grip, I let out a sigh of relief. When I looked up, I saw Stefan standing right in front of me.

"Stefan"

I said in a wobbly voice. He extended his hand to assist me, but just as I was about to hold his hand, an arrow hit his back and right foot making him almost fall to his knees.

My eyes widened when he removed the arrows that hit him as if nothing happened but you can see he was a bit hurt. I immediately stood up in fear even though I was still weak.

"Leave her alone."

A familiar voice said. A man holding a crossbow came out hiding in the darkness.

Chase?

He was about to hit Stefan again when I blocked in front of him.

"Stop it"

Chase looked at me confused.

"He helped me, it's Brandon who wanted to hurt me"

I pointed to the unconscious body of Brandon didn't seem convinced by what I said.

"He's a friend"

I said calmly but still, he eyed Stefan suspiciously.

"Let's go, I'll take you home"

I shuddered as Chase's forehead twitched.

"I'll go with Stefan"

"So the vampire has a name"

Chase said coldly and Stefan just looked at him expressionlessly.

"Suit yourself"

And Chase walked away.

"You okay?"

I asked Stefan anxiously, he nodded in response.

"Let's go, we need to talk."

We walked to the parking lot and got in his car.

He groaned as he sat down and he removed his jacket.

"What are you doing here?"

I'm actually glad that he is here, if he didn't come I might have died at Brandon's hands.

"I have something to tell you"

This seems like an important thing because the tone of his speech is serious and he bothered to go here.

"Celine, do you trust me?"

I stared at him. The truth is yes, but there's a part of me that thinks I shouldn't trust him completely since I don't know him well enough yet. I'm not sure I can trust anyone anymore because it appears like everyone is concealing something from me.

Should I trust Stefan?

He drew a bit closer to me while staring at my eyes.

"Tell me the truth"

I stared at him, mesmerized by his ocean eyes.

“Do you trust me?”

This time I nodded without a second thought. Why do I see, sadness in his eyes?

“Why do you trust me?”

“because I feel that down there you’re a good person”

I honestly said without even giving a thought about it, I feel like my mouth voluntarily moved.

“Now, I’m going to remove your memory. You need to forget me for your safety because remember I’m not a good person…..

Good bye Celestine”

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