Chapter 6: A Count's Vow (Ion's POV)

I had decided that waiting for the Duchess of Milan's permission to follow Abel was a bit overrated so I decided to go on ahead. Of course, Father Tres had to follow orders so the overgrown tin can stayed behind. Besides, the Empire was my home so I really didn't need permission to head back. It was like asking if you could go to the bathroom! So I followed Abel at a safe distance and made sure that my cabin wasn't too close to Abel's (or he'd sniff me out). Soon I was bored out of my mind and went out to see the view. Something didn't feel right so I made my way back to the main waiting area of the train and my eyes widened. I saw Abel sitting down reading, that was normal, but who was sitting with him and rubbing Abel's stomach was what had me reaching for my blade. It was the Contra Mundi himself!

"Father Nightroad run!" I shouted as I attacked with my sword. What happened next was a complete blur. I attacked; saw a flash of white and red, felt claws at my throat and a saw a snow white feather fluttering to the floor. I looked up into opaque blood-red eyes, white face and fangs bared and a blood lance in his free hand! It was official; I was going to die…

"Cain, put him down." I heard Abel say. The man holding me dropped me but kept me in place with the lance pointed at my throat.

"You know this rogue?" He asked, his cold yet deep voice sent chills up and down my spine and froze my blood. It was like ice!

"His name is Ion and he's a good friend of mine. He probably thought you were attacking me. He doesn't know yet."

"Know what?" I asked. Abel looked at me and blushed. The man in white didn't let me up. "Father Nightroad…"

"Cain, let him go."

"Like hell I will." The enraged man said. "He could have…"

"He didn't though."

"Because I grabbed him…" The man said. "Abel this is why I don't trust anyone. You CAN NOT be so naïve."

"Cain please…" Abel pleaded. "This is not the time or the place for that."

"I should kill him now!" The man in white, Cain said. "I wont allow him to become a threat. Not to you or..." I watched him look at Abel's stomach for a moment and I was stunned. His eyes, showed compassion. They even looked sad. In that instant, I understood why he reacted the way he did…

"Sir I had no intention of hurting Father Nightroad or the younglings." I said. "I thought he was in danger. I only wanted to protect him."

"That is no longer your duty." Cain said. "You can return to the Vatican. Abel, give him your letter." I bristled at that last one.

"Hey do I look like a Page boy to you?" I fumed. Cain tilted his head and tapped his chin with a clawed finger. Abel hid his face behind his book but I saw his shoulders shake a bit. I huffed but walked to the table where a single letter lay innocent and snatched it up. I stuffed it into my pocket and glared at the blond Crusnik.

"I'll deliver your message but if you EVER harm Abel, I'll have your dick in my pocket!" I smirked as I watched the proud Contra Mundi winced at that and walked proudly out of the room, the last thing I heard was- "'Abel, are all of your friends that crass?'" and Abel's laughter.

I entered my room and took the letter out of my pocket. I turned it and saw it wasn't sealed. I was curious…one peek wont hurt me. I thought as I slipped the note out. I mean how bad can it be? I unfolded the letter and read.

Dear Ion,

I know that you would follow me and read my letter so here's the news, the man with me, is my older twin brother, Cain and yes I know he's the leader… the Orden. He has surrendered to me and after we have attended Seth's Valentine's Day Ball, he has agreed to come to the Vatican and surrender himself officially. His Orden doesn't know it yet.

What's more, he's asked me to marry him. I've accepted and like you sensed, I am indeed carrying younglings. I can't forget what he has done but I am wiling to forgive him. Besides, don't we all deserve a second chance?

Abel

I refolded up the note and sat on my bed thinking, hugging my knees. Abel's question had me at a loss. Yes everyone deserves a second chance but what if people were too evil and can't, or won't change? Abel was always trusting and this...wasn't just anyone; this was his brother…What if this was another trap? Father Watteau died at the hands of this said brother's order. There was just too much at stake… I couldn't deliver this letter to the Vatican. They will turn on Abel as fast as the tide. I couldn't let the Empress see it; it would break her immortal heart. I had to find out what was the real deal. I promised to protect Abel and no Contra Mundi was going to stop me...

Abel. I thought as I crumpled the letter. I swear, by the Empress and God, I will protect you and the young ones. Amen.

Are Cain's affections real or are they an illusion? Or is there another player to the board? Stay tuned to find out.