Chap 15 – Masquerade Ball

She smelled blood and traces the familiar scent. Staring down at her chest, she found the crimson liquid and confusedly stared at Woo bin. Her eyes widened as she gaze at his face. There was something oddly different from him. She swallowed hard, seeing as how godly handsome he is compared from before. Furrowing her eyebrows, she saw the cunning changes in him. His brown eyes were now golden brown, his reddish brown hair now black, he's more taller and fierce looking. And when she stops at his red lips, she saw a tinged of blood delicately tracing it and with that she wonderingly touches her neck and felt two deep fang mark holes.

"Woo bin, … What's the meaning of this?" She choked; uncertainty filled her voice as she watches him run a hand through his hair.

Woo bin prepared for himself for this moment to come. One or another, he needs to tell her the truth because no matter what happen, she'll eventually finds out. He felt the lump in his throat as his eyes lock with hers. "Jae, I want you to listen very closely. What I am about to reveal to you is only a part of me, please, I only ask that you open your heart and believe on what you truly feel." He thoroughly explains. She didn't move and this gives him the chance to show to her his true identity. Succumbing to his powers, Woo bin hovers up in the air, a blazing red fiery aura surrounds his whole body and drastically the heavy curtains displayed by the bay windows in her room immediately caught in fire. The tables, the books, chairs, everything surrounding them were on fire leaving only the bed where she was situated.

Jae kyung froze, her body felt numb as she clung to the headboard, the look of shock and disbelief portrayed in her face. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Thick veins were rooting to his handsome face, his sharp fangs slowly protruding as he hissed, his lips slightly open, and his eyes turning bright red as he channels all his powers. Her mind running wild as she comprehends what she was witnessing. The man standing in front of her was not the man she had known these past days. He is no human. He was a vampire, a powerful vampire. Judging from his powers, she knew he was no ordinary vampire. A pureblood. And suddenly her heart aches, the intensity of the pressure is so intense she felt her eyes stinging with tears, and then painfully, she sobs.

He didn't expect this type of gestures from her. He expected her to curse at him. To at least try to kill him. To shout at him, to punish him but what he didn't expect was the total opposite and it hurts. It hurts more than anything else in this world. It was like his heart has been stab a thousand times. And as she bows down her head, her shoulders shook from crying. She painfully cries and suddenly as if his powers where responding to his emotions; the fires has gone out and everything was back to normal again. He hesitated; momentarily, channeling his powers to the minimum. His fangs slowly retracted and the veins that were filling up his face were gone. Woo bin clenched his fist as he tries to control himself. He wanted to hold her, to tell her how much he loves her; to fill the void that was in his heart but he knows he can't. She needed to hear the whole truth.

"You are … … a Kang .. Pei?" She stuttered. Part of her wishing, hoping, that he isn't of sort but she knows better and yet she wanted to hear him say it. She wanted him to be the one to say it.

"Yes. I am the second son of Alucard Henry Ladislao III."

By his words, Jae kyung abruptly looks up to him, giving him a mocking glare. She was no dumb. She knows who Alucard Henry is; he is the head of the Kang Pei clan, a powerful vampire whom her father had successfully killed after starting a rebellion against the vampire society. She knew the latter was a monster, a demon who slaughters both humans and vampires. All those years of spending in the library, studying their roots history, she had been aware of how her father ended the clan's masquerades. Her eyes flashes hatred and remorse towards the man she loves as he delivered the devastating news to her. Watching him approaching towards her, she scoots back, feeling the headboard in the bed as she tightens her grip on the silky fabric that was covering herself.

"Jae kyung, please let me explain." Woo bin pleaded.

"You lie …" She managed to speak between sobs.

"I am sorry for deceiving you, for lying to you. But you need to know the truth, your father murdered my parents; he annihilated my whole clan. He betrayed us. I'm sorry for using you, it's our entire plan. The plan to get close to you purebloods, to earn your trust and then take our revenge." He tried to be as brief as possible; there isn't much time left; every second of every minute counts as life depended on it but above all, he needed her to understand.

His declarations made sense as his every words project every image from the days they spend together. She gasps, clutching her heart as he goes on. She was hurting deep inside, not knowing who to believe anymore. The man who deceived her, who she just met a couple days ago and yet she's in love with or her father, flesh and blood who wasn't there for her 500 years ago. She's hurt and confused and yet she hated herself for even considering the fact Woo bin might be telling the truth. She continues to cries as his every tiny detailed was revealed to her. Their accidental meeting during the welcome party, the forest, his apartment, even Jared, the lake house, JiHoo, Ga eul and the plot to kill her father. On that last part, she snaps, conjuring an energy ball that serves as the barrier to prevent him from touching when he tries to reach her.

Woo bin's hand hovers for a moment, his eyes glistening with tears. Right now he didn't care, all he wanted is to embrace her, to feel her body against his, to ease her pain, both their pain. Whether he was trying to redeem himself or hope for the impossible forgiveness, he just wanted to hold her tight. He didn't hesitate as he plunge both his arms through her barrier. He didn't flinch nor winced when the flesh in his arms burn black. The pain he felt in his hands where nothing compares to the ordeal his going through right now.

"Stay … away … "She weakly warns him while he pulls her against his chest and then what happens next truly melted his heart. She clings to him, crying in his arms. "I love you Jae kyung. Everything was all lies except for what I felt about you." He cried. He didn't know how many minutes had passed. He didn't care if anyone was watching them even though he felt Ga eul's presence. All that matters is her. Right now. Right at this moment.

They were caught in each other's arms when she spoke. "If what you say is true, then release me and my sister. End this. .. this right now." She was asking for the impossible but she will at least try.

"That is out of my league. I can only vouch for your safety but your sister and brother's fate will be in the hands of JiHoo and Ga eul." He sadly replied.

"…"

"Then I guess your love isn't good enough." Her words painfully squeezes her heart and it doubles when she saw the pain in his eyes. He momentarily looks down as a sign of defeat and weakness, and then she coldly continues. "Take me to my sister."

"I can't. JiHoo won't allow it; your sister is locked safe in his barrier. In his own world, no one but him can penetrate and wield it that's why you can never see her." He emptily spoke while forcing a sigh. "You'll see her tonight though in a masquerade ball; your brother and Junpyo will be coming too."

There was no need for further explanations; she knows the tonight will be the night her father's reawakening. After 500 years she'll finally see him and then a bloody massacre will happened. The Kang Pei clan will kill her father for revenge and to take what is rightfully theirs. It was the reason why they were here in the first place. She sees him standing up and step out the invisible barrier which she never notice before. He stops on his tracks and painfully spoke. "I wouldn't let anyone harm you. I will keep my promise, So Jae Kyung. The promise that I made to you in the lake house, I will always protect you. ….."

" …. Even if it cost me my life."

-0-

She is drifting into the abyss as the burning, excruciating pain finally subsided. She felt her whole body jerking and pulsating as she her vital organs were slowly being ripped off and then suddenly she felt so cold and light as a feather. It was as if her soul was sucked out from her body, like she was floating. There was an inaudible sound, whispering of some sort, and then she heard a warm voice tenderly, lovingly calling her name. The voice that she's been hearing before, in her dreams, it was so distant now so clear. "Open your eyes." The voice earnestly urged her. "Let me see those beautiful eyes." The yearning voice prompts her to oblige as she slowly and carefully fluttered it open. She blinks a couple of times, her vision slowly adjusting to the surroundings. And when it did, her breathe caught from the vivid sharpness of her sight. Everything looks so magical; the dust that fills the air where sparkling brightly upon her that she couldn't help but unconsciously grasp it. She sighs in awe, while examining the palm of her hand, even by the smallest, micro lines where to clear to see. Somehow, she was lost in a trance of constantly admiring the changes in her vision field when she heard someone take a sharp intake of breath. She whips around and met such a tender meaningful gaze from the figure of a man she felt in her heart she knew."Jandi .. it's been a long time, my love .." He spoke with so much love and admiration towards her. Staring deeply into his lovely eyes, Jandi felt her heart pulsating; her whole body frozen as the memory that was stash in her brain came rushing through her mind. The old memories of her and the man in front of her, caught in each other's arms; kissing and obviously in love with each other play in her mind. Then suddenly, it as if a switch was instantly turn inside her head, all the feelings that was hidden for so long, came back.

"Saemael .. ? …" Her voice full of hesitation and doubts while caressing his face. He eagerly answers her touch while pressing his face. He closes his eyes, missing her gentle touch, the scent of her blood and her beautiful face.

"I've missed you so much. .." He held her against his chest as she launch onto him.

"I've missed you …" She cries whole heartedly, mumbling his name.

"Oh, my love. You've been asleep for so long .. I'm glad you finally came back to me."

"Saemael, what happened? … I … I .. I don't remember .. my head … " She sobs while gasping.

"Shhh .. It's okay .. Give it some time .. My blood is in your system now and that will eventually suffice Woo bin's spell." Saemael gently caress her hair and kisses her passionately. She returns his kisses when a flashback again played her mind. It was an image of her, lovingly kissing a curly haired vampire. She abruptly opens her eyes while still kissing Saemael and was bothered. She squints her eyes shut, forcing to push the odd flashbacks away. Saemael felt her uneasiness and pulled inches to see her face.

"Are you okay my love?"

"Yeah .. just .. tired."

Saemael smiles at her and carefully laid her down beside him in the bed. She inhaled his scent while she fingers the collar of his red shirt. "Rest now my love, for you will need your strength tonight." He sweetly commanded.

"Why?" She queried.

"You'll see. Now close your eyes my queen." He urges while she was already falling asleep.

"My love, I have loved you for so long, waited for so long, watch you in the dark while you cry and fell in love with that bastard. I watch you in agony during those times, the times when you've sacrifice too much even yourself. You were force to forget about me, force to forget about us just so you can move freely, innocently to execute the plan. And I love you more for that! And now after all those years of sacrifices, finally you're in my arms again. I promise you, Geum, Jandi, we will never be apart again. I will love you forever, for all eternity. Thank you for coming back to me, jandi" Saemael lovingly stared at her, his eyes wet with unshed tears.

-0-

Junpyo is clad in a luxurious black suit with red necktie while Yi Jung is wearing a luxury grey suit and a dark grey neck tie. Both of them getting ready for this eventful yet bloody night. Fingering his black and red crystal laced mask that covers his eyes, he thought about her as the excruciating pain squeezes his heart. He had lost her thrice now and for that he deliberately hated himself. For once in his miserable life, he had been bestowed with a glorious blessing; he had been love by an angel, completely accepted him of the monster he truly is. With her, he's been very happy and for the first time in his life, he felt love. But now, everything ends with her death. Just by thinking of all the happiness she'd given him, makes him shed tears, he loves her, he really does love her. "Jandi" He painfully murmured, pressing his eyelids to control his tears. Sighing, he momentarily composes himself and squared his shoulders before facing Yi Jung.

"Yi Jung, are you ready?" He coldly asks while brushing his fingers through his hair.

Yi Jung firmly nods at him. He watches him adjust his tie and puts on his silver mask.

Tonight, all this madness will end. Tonight he will avenge her death.

-0-

It is almost time. Ga eul thought as she checks herself in a full length mirror inside her walk in closet. She is clad in a dazzling red grecian style long dress which hugs her curves and her long legs. She checks her frame and sighs as she desperately tries to hide the puffiness in her eyes. She massages her eyelids and after quite some time decided to head out when she almost bump into JiHoo. She surveys her brother's appearance and lovingly smiles. Her brother is so handsome, his features god-like, clad in a white suit with white bow tie, his all black mask in his hand.

"You look wonderful." He adores her.

"So are you." She slightly bows to her brother while JiHoo envelops her into a hug.

"You … be careful tonight." JiHoo whispered, unable to find the right words to say to his sister. He knew that his sister has always been head strong. She's tough and never showed any signs of weakness. Her determination and will to avenge their parents' death were one of the qualities Jihoo admire the most and also her bravery. And ever since their parents' were murdered, Ga eul had suppressed her feelings deep inside for so long that JiHoo fears the worst for her. He wasn't dumb, nor was he naïve for his sister's feelings to the prince of the So clan. He knew she's fallen in love with So Yi Jung just like he did for Seo Jin and Woo bin with Jae kyung.

"Thank you dear brother, but I can very well take good care of myself." She spoke with utmost confidence and continues. "Do you have anything you wish to speak to me?"

"As a matter of fact I do…"

"What is it?" ..

"Do you love him? . .."

She was taken aback from his forwardness but then again she should have expected this from him, after all, he's just being his typical self. There was no point pretending, so without meeting his eyes, she knowingly nods at him.

"I apologize for putting you in that position. I …"

"There is nothing to apologize brother; I am to be blame for letting my guard down. But I promise you my feelings for So Yi Jung will never hinder our plans. Our family is much more important to me than my pathetic feelings towards the son of the bastard who murdered our parents. I assure you, I will not hesitate to kill him." Ga eul firmly looks at him in the eyes without faltering.

Although JiHoo didn't missed Ga eul clenching her fist, he knows, she's fighting the urge to cry. "Ga eul, ever since I can remember I have always love Seo Jin. And I know you are aware of my feelings for her and I thank you for understanding. But I just want you to know that you have my support on whatever decision you make with regards to him."

He gave him a kiss on a cheek and vanished, leaving her in thoughts.

How can JiHoo say such thing? For goodness sake's she isn't weak, nor dumb to succumb to any human feelings she felt for her enemy. She won't budge no matter what, Darien Cain will pay for the crime he committed and she doesn't care if she kills him in the process, after all, the blood of that monster runs through Yi Jung's veins.

-0-

His arm where loop in her tiny waist as they walk towards the entrance hall. As always his touch sends electrical impulses to her whole body that she felt stiff beside him. The thoughts from earlier keep flashing through her mind as Seo Jin tried her best to forget about effects he's giving her. It was during the time when she was currently dressing up, that he magically appeared in front of her, clad in a white suit and mask. Surprised, she almost fell back on the floor with the urgent haste to cover herself to stop him from seeing her naked. At first she resists succumbing to his request to change but as he pointed out that it would be disgraceful to present herself in front of the clan wearing rag clothes; that alone change her mind. No matter, even though she was held captive of their enemy clan, she will not disgrace her family and her clan. She will die with honor, with pride and dignity fit for a princess. Although JiHoo merely laughs at her antics for throwing him energy balls, he gave her a mocking smile and reminded her that if she ever made one wrong move to sabotage the ceremony, Jae kyung will suffer the consequences. Glaring at Jihoo she held her head up high and change in front of him ignoring his intent gaze. So now, here she is, standing beside him, waiting for the massive doors to open.

As if on cue, it open and suddenly Seo Jin felt the chills in her spine as she was taken aback from what she witness. Every member of the Kang Pei clan must be hundreds of them, were elegantly dress in masquerade ball costumes and masks bowing at them in each time they passed by. JiHoo's hand left her waist and gently held her right hand. Ignoring the wild beating of her heart, she held her head up high, her face emotionless and fearless. Although her eyes momentarily swept the crowd searching for Jae kyung, she heeds no attention to every vampire who's giving her deathly glares especially the women. She finally found Jae kyung, whose eyes where full of concern and questions towards her. She merely answered Jae kyung with an assuring smile to let her know she was okay. Jae kyung was frowning but still looks so ravishing in a knee length burgundy dress, with black stilettos; both of them not wearing masks. Ga eul stands beside Saemael Orfeo, the 4th son whom she meets before Jihoo revealed his true identity. He smirks at her; his eyes playfully gazing at her. They were reaching the front of the hall, where 3 thrones are situated, Jihoo gently assisted her to sit down, while he stands next to her and then the rest of his siblings followed. He signals the orchestra to continue playing the music that was clearly put to halt just to welcome them. The thundering music started, the sound of the violins, classic guitars, and saxophones filled the air as the crowd of vampires started to dance in pairs and in duos. Seo Jin eyed Jae kyung who was seating two seats away from her. She was glaring at the crowd while her lips were moving, clearly, talking to Woo bin that's standing looking down at her. On the corner of her eyes, she saw Ga eul who was seating alone next to her and she found herself wondering where Saemael might be when JiHoo spoke.

"I assume you have come to a decision?"

She knew what he was talking about, last night after hours of crying as soon as she calm down, JiHoo magically appeared in front of her. Gently, brushing the remaining tears in her eyes, she squirmed away from him when he instantly catch her hand and pinned her down in the bed. Surprised, she tries to knee him in the guts and failed when he pressed his body against hers, trapping her legs between his. She gasps and held her breathe, when he crushed his lips against her. Slipping away from reality, she was intoxicated by his heated kisses and kissed him back. Both of them were caught up in each other's arms; caressing each other, their desires and heart beating as one. It was like magic, the pain, the heartaches, that was slowly killing her was suddenly replaced with passionate, love and warm. She was drowning with desires as much as he is to her that she didn't mind when his fangs pierced through her neck. She hissed as he drank her blood, her body reacting to the ecstasy he was giving to her. And when he was done with her, he offered her his neck and without hesitation, she plunged into him, sucking his delicious blood. After making love to him, when she heard his words, it was then that she snapped out of her illusions. "Be my queen" Those were the precise words, he blurted out to her and before she could answer, he vanished again. His voice echoing as he said that during the ball, she will give him her answer.

She deeply sighs and firmly spoke. "If you're willing to end this madness right now, I will consider your propositions."

"You are in no position to make a deal my dear Seo jin. I will get what I want and that is revenge. I will claim what is rightfully mine and what is rightfully ours." " ….. I am giving you the chance to stand beside me and still keep your title as the queen of the vampire society. By that title, you will rule this plane with me and it will also guarantee the safety of your siblings and your best friend Gu, Jun Pyo." Jihoo proudly replied.

Seo Jin scoffs without looking at him. "….. I will never betray my clan .. I will rather die .."

"hmmm .. We shall see." And with that JiHoo tug her hands and ignoring her words as he led her to the dance floor.

-0-

"You look beautiful." Woo bin spoke with a sigh while eyeing Jae kyung, both of them were in the dancing.

"Is that one of your fake lines Woo bin? Am I supposed to be flattered by that?" She answered him sarcastically when she faces him after he twirls her around the dance floor.

"Jae …"

"If you think I would fall for the same tricks twice, you are mistaken!" She smiles bitterly at him as she swings her right leg onto his.

He runs his palm through her slender legs and replied. "What I felt for you was no tricks Jae kyung; it was real and you know it. You've felt it."

"You're right! Maybe I've felt it! And for the moment I actually believe it but maybe … just maybe … I fell in love with that Woo bin… And not the Woo bin in front of me, who is nothing more but a liar!" She spat at him, her eyes were full of hate and remorse.

He stops dancing and so did she. They were just standing there looking at each other as Jae kyung's eyes started to water. She gritted her teeth, to stop herself from crying as she stared at his eyes. It was full of unshed tears and pain, she wanted to run away from him but she just can't. She looks away from him and just as she was about to turn her back, she felt his arms around her and his mouth came to her ears. "Jae .. … i honestly …. love you…" He painfully whispers.

And before she can reply, there was a sudden commotion outside the hall.

-0-

Ga eul knew he had finally arrived. She smelled his scent, his powerful aura and with the shrieking screams from the guard dogs outside. She turns to look at JiHoo who was deviously smiling. As plan, four vampires held Jae kyung while Seo Jin remain seated, her body fighting against the binding spell jiHoo used. Fifty Kang Pei vampires, who were inside the hall earlier where now dispatched outside, set to kill the intruders. Waiting for him, Ga eul is confident that he will manage to get past the obstacle that was set to trap them. After all they weren't purebloods for nothing. Her heart started to beat faster as she felt him closer. Truly they made a connection, that even in a situation like this she can still feel him. She heard awful screaming as if one by one, the vampires were burned alive. Then finally as if on cue, Ga eul vanished.

Within minutes, Yi jung killed half of the vampires including the watch dogs outside the So mansion. He blasted each and every one of them. He was prepared for this fight, he had opted all his energy, gradually increasing his powers to finally face her. He had long to see her. The girl who had played his heart, lied to him and deceived him for what is worth, he doesn't care anymore. All he wanted was to kill her but before that, there is something he wanted to know. He wanted to know the Truth.

"yi jung, let's go!" Junpyo beckoned.

Before they could manage to blast the doors of the great hall, it swung open as if to welcome them. Never hesitating, both Junpyo and Yi Jung confidently went inside the hall. They stop on their tracks when suddenly a familiar force was thrown at Yi Jung who knocked him off his feet. He flew half way across the hall while Junpyo fought with the four vampires who meet them. He groans as he felt his two of his ribs broken. He looks at Junpyo and was surprised to see the rest of the kang peis' stood there watching as if they were waiting for something or rather someone. Another invisible force knocks him twice as he felt his right arm broken. Hissing he focuses all his strength and found the familiar source. This time he was prepared for the third blow and when it came, he manages to catch it within his hands and throws it back to the source. As soon as the force bounces back, the barrier that was keeping the source was gone, revealing the person he longs to see. It was her. Chu Ga eul. She was smirking at him.

"Bravo!" She hissed.

YI Jung's eyes widen in shocked as he saw her true form. Her eyes were now same as his, red, her skin so pale and her hair now dark brown. Her face is covered in black veins, and just like him, she was a truly a vampire. He gapes at her beauty as being a vampire truly suits her. She was perfect.

"You manage to see through my attack!" She bellows, tilting her head to the side. "Impressive …. But not fast enough!" She motions and just like lightning, she attacks him head on, pinning him to the ground. He tried to move as he felt an invisible rope wrap around his body. He felt his lungs constrict as it squeezes his body, breaking all the bones. He groans in pain while she laughs.

"yi jung!" He heard Junpyo screams as his eyes swarm in and out of focus.

-0-

"Hello GU, Junpyo" A voice so distant yet so close stop him from helping Yi Jung. He knew that voice so well that even though it was impossible, he whips around trying to confirm his suspicions. And the moment he did, he was petrified. His heart pumping aggressively, his breathe caught as he stared at the face he never thought he'd seen again. There she was, Geum, Jandi, gliding towards him clad in a strapless long pink ball gown. She's wearing that smile that makes his heart skip a beat. She looks so alive and real that Junpyo couldn't stop himself from launching onto her. He embraced her with all his heart. It doesn't matter where they are. Time and space seems to stop by between them as he pours his heart out. He cried, closing his eyes, oblivious to the fact that every eyes were on them. He didn't care as wanted was to feel her. He missed her warmness, her scent. "Jandi" He murmurs while caressing her hair. "I love you .." He says while sobbing. He felt her arms circles his back as if enveloping him into a tight embrace. He relaxes in her arms, his heart swelling with happiness. When all of a sudden, he felt suffocated; her grip, it was so tight that she was actually crushing him against her body. He couldn't breathe. He tried to pull inches from her but failed. He squirms out of her grasps but the more he moves, the tighter she held him. "Jan … … Di …" He barely whispers. "… I .. can't .. breathe …" He manage to utter a few words as he heard the grating sound of his broken bones. He gritted his teeth, his every veins popping out. "JANDI!" He screams as he threw his head back. She slightly loosens her grip against him and laughs at him.

"hahahahaha" Her laugh is ferocious and malevolent, that it sounded like the devil himself was laughing at him. He abruptly pulls away from her, when he saw her face. She is so white and pale; her face is stoic and lifeless. Black veins were crowning her face, her eyes were fierce black red and a pair of sharp fangs was slowly sliding out as she barely opens her mouth. With her arms outstretched, she instantly attacks him, her hands in his throat choking him as both of flies to the ceiling. He felt the cold ceiling against his back when she he tightly turns his head. With the force so strong, she sank her fangs through his neck and drank his blood, leaving him frozen and numb. She sucks too much blood that Junpyo is instantly weakened. And just when he thought she'll finish him, she deliberately release him, dropping him about 4 story high ceiling. He landed with a loud thud on the ground, smashing every bone in his body. He looks up to her, watching her licks her lips with his blood.

"Well done my love" Saemael stood next to her, his hands around her small frame.

"What .. did .. you .. do to her?" Junpyo painfully spoke.

"I only gave her what you couldn't. Immortality." Saemael stared at him and laughs. "JAndi, my love, bring him up!" He commanded.

She obliged and when he stared into her eyes. His body acted on his on as if she was controlling them for him. He screams as the bones in his body stretches to stand up. On his peripheral vision, he saw Yi Jung who was unconscious, his body hovering in the air as he saw Ga eul maneuvering it. Every vampire inside the hall made way for them and as his vision clouded, he saw Seo jin next to Jihoo and Jae kyung who was held by four vampires screaming his name. And then everything went black.

TO BE CONTINUED …

Thank you everyone for the reviews. Appreciate them. Sorry this chap is so long, i hope you guys are still okay and not suffering from headaches. This is the longest chap ive ever written.. hahaha.. sorry .. anyways next chap is coming up soon.