Chapter 21 TWENTY

MORGIANA'S POV The charity event is not something I look forward to. It's been three days since we stole blood bags from the hospital. Three days since I started my one glass of blood per day. And of course, it wasn't well accepted by others at the camp. Making me drink blood was a way to make me act more like a vampire and kill them all in their sleep. Talk about how the tables have turned. Now they know what it feels like to be worrying about being murdered while sleeping. Of course, Alaris assured me it won't happen but I was worried I might go into a vampire rampage and kill everyone. Even though I was confident in myself that I wouldn't go down that road, things these days have been too sudden and unpredictable that I couldn't help but worry. Thankfully, I found out I was excellent at self-control. I wasn't able to showcase that when I was being bullied but I managed not to kill them. That's all that matters. And hey, I just became a hybrid. I was allowed to be sloppy just being existing. That is the reason why I am not looking forward to this charity event. What if someone trips and gets wounded? "You've been feeding a glass a day so that should be fine," said Nico as he was sharpening his knife. We are currently at the camp and school was suspended because of this event. The founding families are going to parade themselves down the streets, while people sing, dance, and enjoy the festivities. At night, the people continue to feast and crowd the streets but the founding families and the supernaturals stay in the main hall for this event. "Did you know a lot of vampires?" "I've met a few but we were not close enough to know each other's diets. Vampires can survive years or even decades without drinking blood. Although they get weaker and weaker. And too hungry to control." Just like what Alaris said, suppressing my natural instincts is not a good idea. So drinking a glass of blood every day should be enough. I think it's enough. But the worry was still gnawing and I suppose it's normal. I let out a sigh and muttered a curse when I realized I am late for what I had to do today. I need to be in the city hall before the event. "Careful, Morgiana," said Laurent the moment he arrived. The wolves are busy watching over the town. Alaris believed the rogue wolves are going to use this opportunity to cause trouble. "I've drunk a glass today, don't worry," I answered because I knew they were worried about me losing control over my impulses over blood. "Alaris will be around the city hall so you'll be fine," Laurent added and I just waved a dismissive hand before I went with Nico. Alaris gave them orders not to leave me alone, especially since some of the wolves are still not fond of me. I mean, those three that tried to kill me were still giving me death glares whenever they get a chance but I just ignored them. Now, Nico is going with me to the town. Unlike Alaris, Nico, Laurent, and the rest couldn't transform into their wolf forms unless it was the full moon. As for me, I still don't know. Alaris said it takes concentration for him to be able to transform and I don't think I could do that yet. And I don't know if I am like Alaris who could transform in his own will or like the other wolves. Nevertheless, we chose to go to the town center by car and we arrived ten minutes later. The streets were full of decorations-flags, banners, and posters. Bundles of blue paper flowers were tied on the posts. There were stalls that were busy preparing for tonight's festivities. I never get to enjoy this celebration before and if I want to, I had to sneak out of the house and pray my aunt or my uncle won't decide to check my room that night. Now, I can not only enjoy the street festivities but also the charity event. Nico stopped a few meters away from the gate of the city hall and I just walked inside on my own I saw the decorations on the streets were not even on par with the decorations in the city hall. I wondered why the citizens were not even curious as to what the elites do in the city hall. Tonight, I'm going to find out. I made my way to the back where the kitchen is and I was greeted by a middle-aged woman. She let her eyeglass down to look at me from head to foot. "I'm one of the servers," I said and she narrowed her eyes at me as though wondering if I was telling the truth or not. "I was invited by Mr. Hawthorne personally." Lies, but Mr. Hawthorne's name is powerful. The lady nodded at me and then gestured for me to go to the kitchen. "Hanna, guide her. She's a new one," she called one of the girls inside. The girl named Hanna immediately went to greet me. I haven't seen her at school so she's probably not from her. "Let me show you your uniform," she said and I obliged. We walked towards a room that looks like the maid's quarters. Then Hanna went to the furthest wall to get the hanger that contained the uniform. It was just a simple shirt and slacks. Hanna then looked at the shoes I was wearing and nodded. "You're good to go. Change into this by seven and we are obliged to assemble by the foyer for more instructions." She looked into her watch and then at her. "Oh, it's almost seven. You can change here. I'll just be outside." "Thank you," I said and she just smiled before she left me alone in the room. I looked at the uniform and immediately went to change into it. Alaris have given me instructions and notes on what should I do while I am here and I am thinking of how to do it. If I could just avoid Arleigh and her league of mean girls, I would be fine. I would be able to execute the task I was supposed to do. Being a server...I don't think it would be easy for me to avoid them. I'll just worry about it later. I looked at the wall clock and it was indeed almost seven. I started to change my clothes but then the window suddenly opened and I whirled to see. But then I saw Alaris standing by the window pane I almost screamed in surprise. He landed soundlessly on the floor and closed the window. Then I realized I was only wearing my bra and I immediately covered it with the shirt I was holding. "What the hell, Alaris?" He turned to look at me and the way his eyes scanned me did not escape my eyes. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked with a knotted forehead. "I'm supposed to be the one asking that question. What the hell are you doing barging into somebody's window? I was changing, for gods' sake." He cleared his throat and turned to look away before he said, "I just wanted to warn you that there are witches here and they sense you if you're not careful." I immediately wore the shirt while he was looking away. "Yeah? How am I supposed to avoid them?" "Don't talk to them." "How should I know if they're a witch-Oh." I suddenly remembered what he said about supernaturals sensing other supernaturals. "The witches will sense you're a whole since it's your dominant. Avoid drinking blood while you're at work." I gave him an incredulous look. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to drink blood while I was here?" I hissed as Hanna was just outside. He turned to look at me and he looks like he was close to shouting too but he stopped himself. "Just...Just avoid the witches and close the window while changing. People could see you outside." "Tsk. Take their eyes out instead." I immediately went to change the pants the moment he turned around and then I went out of the room. Hanna was indeed standing there but she was talking to some guy. Probably one of the servers too. They both turned to look at me. "We should go to the foyer. By the way, Morgiana, this is Adrian. Adrian, this is Morgiana." This guy has a charming smile. He turned towards me and flashed a dashing smile before he extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Morgiana." He then planted a kiss on the back of my hand and I couldn't help but be flustered. He then looked up at me before he winked. When I looked at Hanna, she was just looking at the man as though she was completely smitten by him. I couldn't blame her, this man looked like a beautiful sin. "Shall we?" he gestured to the hallway and I nodded. I had to nudge Hanna to start walking.