Disclaimer: I don't own this series, everything except for this particular story itself, is owned by author Darren Shan.

This takes place right after the events of The Vampire Prince. Darren's POV Please review.

I was more than exhausted . There was no word for how tired I was. You would be, too if you had been betrayed by a friend, watched another friend die, get washed down a wicked current down a mountain, hunted with a pack of wolves, lead an army of spiders while playing a flute, fight in a bloody battle, watch yet ANOTHER friend die, go to the traitor's trial, go to a funeral AND end up being dubbed one of the leaders of a clan to avoid shameful death while trying to have a decent childhood. All I wanted at the moment was to have a long, peaceful sleep before I had to wake up to long ceremonies and tedious duties. Just thinking of rest made me half pass-out. The Princes' blood felt odd in me, like an intrusion to my body. Still, it'd felt this way when I was first blooded by Mr. Crepsley. Speaking of which, the vampire was right behind be right now, probably ready to catch me if faint halfway to my cell. Even more, I was lucky to be alive and bestowed with such an honour. This life, though unwelcome and confusing, was much more exciting than my past human life.

After what seemed like the hardest trip I had ever made, I'd finally reach the little room. I looked around. Aahhh…My hammock. I literally fell onto it and readied for some R&R. And guess what? I couldn't sleep! To hell with all the crazy thoughts in my head. It was then that realized that Mr. Crepsley hadn't left yet. Tears shone in his eyes. "Mr. Crepsley…" I didn't know what to say. "A-Arra and G-Gavner are in a better place…"I managed to choke out. Now I started to cry. Minus the tears. I was more weeping silently in my heart. There was an awkward silence. After an eternity, he shook his head. "These are not tears of sadness, son." Son? Did he really think of me that way? He seemed to read my mind. "Yes, you are like a son to me and one of my few comforts in such dark times." I wanted to lighten the mood, but all I could say was something cheesy. "It's night-time, of course it's dark." Mr. Crepsley laughed anyways. "Umm…What were you crying about, if not the deaths…Larten?" I never called by his first name, but it seemed appropriate at the time.

"They are tears of pride, Darren!"

"What have you to be proud of?" I raised one eyebrow. The scarred vampire smiled. "You."

"Why me?" I asked.

"Darren, you…you have done so much for the clan, but you are so young…Everyone needs you Darren. You are a prince! I could not be blessed with anything better than having you as an assistant. I have told you that vampires cannot have children…you fill the void." He seemed at a loss for other words. My face was tomato red. "No, I-I'm not that special, am I?" Tears of happiness flowed freely. "You are more than just special…You are my son. You have my blood, do you not?" he laughed. Oh my gods. I just had to glomp him. In his embrace, I whispered into his ear, "I couldn't have been blessed with anything better than you as a mentor…Dad." We stayed together for a long time, perfectly content in the position we were in.

"Awww…."

My eyes snapped open and saw Harkat Mulds watching us with mocking green eyes. Mr. Crepsley noticed, too. He must have been watching the entire scene. Blush blush.

"GET OUT!"