Primrose opens the door and enters the vash whiteness space with Lumera and Marlin behind. It is an empty void, the purest form of white she has ever seen. It feels cold and eerie, like a world that is separated from the reality she comes from. Where are they? And why she can not feel Edward's energy anymore?

"Marlin, this doesn't feel right…" Lumera turns to her husband "This is supposed to be the final phase of his spell, right?"

"It is. Stay sharp, both of you. Something tells me that we're in big trouble now…"

The three of them continue to move forward, walking to an unknown location. The further they get in, headaches arise and their eyes strain at the bright white color. It hurts their eyes a lot looking at the void space.

"I don't feel my Dad's energy anymore." Primrose begins to panic "D-Did I do something wrong?"

"No, nothing is wrong. Even I can not sense anything but your and Lumera's energy."

"Are we trapped?" his wife asks "This space is too ominous, I don't like what I am feeling right now."

Resting his chin on top of his palm, Marlin ponders his thoughts. What is the meaning of this place? Why are they here? Why he can not feel anything besides their energy? Are they trapped in a different dimension within the power of Edward? So many questions and yet, very few answers.

Primrose squints her eyes at the faint figure she sees from afar and points toward them before making a run. Marlin tries to stop his pupil but she is faster, running toward the figure with the hope that they can ask for help. Lumera follows them, calling out to her pupil that she can not act rashly like this.

When the raven head stops, she blinks a few times, staring at the familiar blond in front of her. Fixing his glasses, the man no longer leans against an invisible object and stands up straight, looking at her with a warm yet eerie smile. His blue eyes are as bright as the clear blue sky, staring through her soul and for a moment, Primrose takes a step back, almost fumbling onto the ground.

"D-dad?"

"Primrose!" Marlin reaches her and is shocked to see the man here "Edward Emberlynn? But how?"

"Marlin, Lumera…" still the soulless smile, Edward greets them "And Primrose, you're all here…"

"Stand back, Primrose!" Lumera steps up, glaring at the older blond "Who are you?"

Edward looks at the trio, the grin on his face becomes more disturbing to look at. Marlin stands in front of Lumera and Primrose, raising a brow at the older blond. This man may have the same appearance, but he is not Edward Emberlynn. Primrose finds her anxiety rises, that eerie beaming face of him looks almost too perfect, as if this void scares him. But why wear her father's appearance?

"I am Edward Emberlynn, or at least, I am the suppressed part inside his heart."

"Suppressed part?" his answer doesn't make any sense as the raven head raises a brow.

"Edward separates his heart into two parts. The one where you all see is the goodness he harnesses in his heart, as for me…" checking the fingers of his body, he continues "I am the part that he chooses to let go. That man put me in this realm, one that stands between reality and distortion."

The more he speaks, the more confused Primrose becomes. Reality and distortion? What is this person talking about?

He continues by pointing out that the amulet she uses to get in here is connected to the study room of her father, that this realm, along with many others, is just one little universe created by Edward Emberlynn himself. This place serves as the intermediate that connects two spaces in her reality, from the back side of the Emberlynn residence to his study room.

"I don't understand, I was able to transport directly to Forgotten Hollow without going through all of this."

"Of course, you could. Because only when you choose to come to his study room that you have to go through this realm." the older blond smirks "Edward Emberlynn has a lot of secrets hidden in that room, especially the escape passage behind the bookcase."

"We need to get there!" Primrose exclaims "How can we to his study room?"

Edward raises his hand, a wooden door appears in front of them. The door that bears the crest of the Emberlynn family.

"This door links to the hidden passage that leads to the study room. This is what you want right?"

Primrose nods firmly, her face beams up when she sees the door. But Marlin is skeptical about this. For the final phase of Edward's three-phase spell, to get to their destination that easily is too good to be true. There has to be a catch here…

"Of course, you will have to go through me first."

His announcement surprises her as the water mage stares at him, baffled at what he just said. This man who resembles her father wants them to fight him? But why?

"He is the guardian, Primrose. The protector of this realm." Marlin looks at her "The hidden passage within the study room is a secret escape route reserved for dire situations. Only Edward can get you in and out through it, the rest who find out and enter will be sent to this distorted realm and face his three-phase magic spell."

"H-how did you know, Marlin?"

"It is quite easy to figure out, but now it's not the time to explain." a fireball forms on his palm as the blond mage shouts "Get ready, Primrose. This will be a hard fight."

"What are you suggesting, Kian?" Inna Cents glares at Lilith's husband, her voice is venomous as she cracks her knuckles.

"You heard me, Lady Cents. It is too ominous that Seraphina Bloodhaven here chooses to be Caleb's second choice. No noblewoman would allow themselves to be treated like that and yet, here she is, asking to stay by his side without a title." Kian straightens his posture as he addresses the obvious issue.

Inna scoffs at his doubts, stating that even if Seraphina was planning something, it would not be as bad as him being a spy. The brunette begins to berate him, calling him a Straud and that he will meet the same fate as his father, Vladislaus Straud. She mocks him for being a henpecked husband who says and does nothing but hide behind Lilith's back, saying that if it is not for House Vatore to take him in, they would have eliminated him alongside his father.

Her foul words anger Lilith as she retorts back, telling the Head of House Cents to watch her place, that she is not as kind as Caleb and will rip her off her head if Inna continues to assault Kian with those insults.

"You will address him with respect, Inna Cents! He is a Vatore and you will call him Kian Vatore!" Lilith spats at the brunette angrily, no one can be that disrespectful to her husband.

"You just prove my point, Lilith Vatore. That your husband is nothing more than a coward. Besides, unlike Caleb, you choose an enemy to be your mate, knowing full well how this union can incite an insurrection among Vladislaus's loyalists." she smirks cockingly "You are all nothing but fools!"

"Inna!" Caleb's expression darkens at the woman's foul words "You are in the Vatore estate. Need I remind you that Lilith is my younger sister and Kian is my brother-in-law?"

His question hangs in the air, a warning for Inna Cents to be mindful of her antics. His words whole such weight that the brunette is pressured to keep her mouth shut and Seraphina stares at him in awe and admiration. Such a beautiful and majestic man, this is why she wants him more than anyone else.

"Lord Vatore, please accept my apology on behalf of Lady Cents. Her words may sound harsh but she only wishes to help." Seraphina looks at him with her bright green eyes, mesmerized by the young lord "We all want to see your family and Forgotten Hollow thrive under your leadership."

"And you're meant to say that it won't thrive because I choose Primrose as my mate?"

The blond vampire shakes her head immediately, she never wants to provoke the young lord. Inna once again steps in, asking Caleb about his future offspring and how he can guarantee a pureblood child if his mate is a human. She reinstates that unless he has a legitimate, full-blood heir to House Vatore, Lilith and Kian can not take over that duty.

"The loyalists of Vladislaus Straud are still eyeing on him, Caleb. The moment their child is born, they either can manipulate them from inside or kidnap and brainwash them to worship Vladisluas Straud." Inna crosses her arms, hanging on the mount of her anger and frustration "You need to understand how dire the situation is. We have lost so much during the war, we can not afford another one to happen just because you are too stubborn to settle down with a vampire."

Nathaniel stands outside the living room, flinching at the change of air. The moment Inna Cents finishes her little lecture, he can feel the pressure increase, the tension hangs tight and threatens to break anything or anyone who dares to utter a single word.

Caleb's bright silver orbs turn into a deep red color, a murderous glint shining at the corner of his eyes. With both of his hands resting on the knee of his crossing legs, he stares at the two women sitting across the coffee table. The audacity of them to come and lecture him about his duty as the Head of House Vatore and the leader of Forgotten Hollow. Their worst crime, however, is the fact that they look down on his beloved raven head. The sheer impudence and arrogance of their words have pushed him beyond his breaking point.

Inna and Seraphina jump in their seat when the stillness of the room gets to them, sending chills down their spine. In front of them is not the gentleman lord but a vampire who is holding on to every last bit of his self-control. At that moment, the Head of House Cents realizes she has provoked the beast within him. Despite them putting on a brave face, Caleb can sense their fear.

Good…Fear me…

While Caleb prefers diplomacy above all else, he is not afraid to kill, Inna as his friend must have known this side of him by now, this dark and bloodlust beast resides within the depths of his heart. That beast, although tamed, will release itself when someone dares to provoke him. And here they are, Inna Cents and Seraphina Bloodhaven, they have poked the bear…

"Brother, please…" Lilith speaks up, her usual brown orbs are red and pale skin turns a dark shade of grey "You don't need to dirty your hands."

"Allow me to do this in your stead, Caleb." Kian cracks his knuckles, lilac orbs turning into a bright yet soulless cyan blue, and his skin is now a sickening ashy grey "I will make sure their deaths are insufferable."

Butler Richard stays by his lord's side. From the beginning, his air of authority has filled the room, a warning to those who dare to provoke the beast.

Nathaniel swallows a big lump in his throat, cold sweat running down his forehead. He has never witnessed this side of the Vatore before, are they going to eliminate Inna Cents and Seraphina Bloodhaven? Does Primrose know about this darkness within Caleb's heart?

No, I can not let them do this for my sister's sake…

Gathering his guts, the blond knocks on the door and opens it. He shivers at his first step, feeling the deathly air exuding from the members of the Vatore family. Caleb notices him and at that moment, he thinks that he sees Primrose walking in. Flinching at the thought, the young lord brings a hand up his face, taking in a few deep breaths.

No…Primrose can not see me like this…She can't…

His beloved raven head is too precious to witness this beast within him.

"Wrong timing?"

His words somehow ease the tension in the room, Lilith and Kian close their eyes, reverting back to their normal selves. That's right, Nathaniel Emberlynn is still here and they can not scare their guest like that.

"This will be the last time I say this, Primrose is the only woman in my heart, I will not betray her love and trust, no matter how much you wish to offer yourself to me." Caleb stands up and fixes his suit jacket "If this conversation keeps going, I will not hesitate to send you both out of here. Richard, escort them out."

With that, he takes his leave, ignoring Inna's frustrated call and Seraphina's ominous glance. The moment the door slams close behind him, Caleb runs his hand through his raven locks, breathing heavily. He is going to release the beast inside him, the one that he had tamed over the past years, the one that he could never let Primrose see. Staring at his shaking hands, his mind wanders back to her beaming face, that sweet and loving smile grazes her lips.

"Damnit…"

His pretty little gem, his lovely raven head…

He wants to see her…

He wants to see Primrose…

Marlin pants heavily, wincing at the pain shooting through his arms, Edward just nails his lightning attack on him. Looking at his side, Primrose and Lumera are not looking good either. Their body is covered in bruises and all three of them have been fighting for at least an hour. Edward is still standing tall, electric balls form in his hands as he fires them at the trio, forcing everyone to move. The more they move around, the more tired they become, thus making their movement sloppier.

"Damn it, Primrose! Is your father actually on steroids? He's way too tanky for a man his age!"

"I don't know!" the raven head whines "His lightning shot hurts!"

"We must fight smarter, not harder." Lumera pulls out a vial tube with green liquid and throws it at Edward, surprising him "Now, Primrose, Marlin!"

The green substance glues his feet on the ground as Primrose and Marlin fire their attack at him. The older blond smirks and forms a sign with his hand, a portal opens up and absorbs the attacks. With a snap of his fingers, two other portals appear, hitting the raven head with the fireball and the fire mage with waves of water blades.

Lumera calls out their name as her husband and pupil fall onto the ground, grunting in pain. Primrose has it worse as she can feel burnt on her skin, wincing at the angry red spot. Marlin has difficulty standing up, but he manages to support himself with his knees. They are not going to win if they just keep charging at him blindly.

Think Marlin, think!

If they can just have him paralyzed, then maybe…

"Primrose, Lumera! Listen to this…"

Edward still wears an arrogant smile, another bolting shot fires at them. No matter what plans they have, none of them can stand a chance against him. The green substance slowly dissolves and the older blond is able to move freely again.

Lumera looks at Marlin and nods, a bright light flashes in the air, blinding the man. She then throws two vial tubes at him with the same green substance, stopping the man dead in his tracks. Marlin sends another wave of fire shot at Edward, but he easily changes the direction of the attack with his space manipulation spell. The fire mage is smarter this time, dodging them easily but it is not over yet.

A bolt of lightning is shot at him but to Edward's surprise, Marlin breaks a tube with a pure white substance, and a mirror-like object appears, reflecting the attack. Primrose acts on it immediately, creating a big body of water under Edward's feet, catching him off guard so he can not make another portal to divert the attack. When that lightning strikes, with the help of water, it intensifies and the older blond is paralyzed by his own spell.

Edward grunts and slumps onto the floor, eyebrow twitching when he feels the electricity running through his body.

"Well, that is ashamed…A lightning magic user is struck down by his own magic…" Marlin wipes the sweat running down his chin, the victorious look on his face adds another insult to Edward.

"Dad, we win! Show us the door!" Primrose exclaims "We don't have much time!"

The older blond glares at them, annoyed at the sarcastic fire mage and how the raven head is addressing him as Dad. He is not this little girl's dad, he is just a mere soul that resides in the depths of the real Edward's heart, guarding this realm and testing those who dare to step in here.

She steps closer, crunching down and looking at him with big onyx eyes, one that shines brightly like the stars in a dark, velvety sky. The man knits his brows at first, not used to seeing such expressions. But the more she does her puppy eyes, the dreadier he becomes. Is this one of her plans to force him to admit defeat? He is not going to fall for that…

"Please?"

Edward flinches at the sweet, honeyed voice. Lumera giggles at the sight, no one has been able to escape Primrose's puppy dog eyes and she admires how the older blond is trying to resist it.

"Fine, fine!" he grumbles angrily at her and the wooden door appears behind him "There is the door. Leave this place already, goddamnit!"

"Thank you, Dad!"

Her face beams up brightly as she embraces him in a tight, loving hug, making the man shift uncomfortable at the display of affection.

"And don't ever step your foot back in here again!" he calls out to them as the door closes in front of him "Hm, silly little girl…"

The trio makes their escape through the wooden door and they are welcomed in a room filled with treasures and artifacts. Blinking a few times, Primrose stares at the scene in front of her. Bookcases run from the floor to the ceiling, statues, and artifacts are displayed around, oozing an air of antiquity and history. There is a study desk in the middle of the room and Primrose walks to it, smiling when she sees a picture frame on the wooden surface.

"We're here…" Marlin speaks up, emerald eyes gluing on the artwork.

It is a picture of the Emberlynn household - Edward, Rosalina, Primrose, and Nathaniel - smiling happily at the camera. Lumera observes the places, noticing how all of these artifacts are connected to the magical heritage of the Emberlynn family. Marlin pulls out the drawers and opens the display stand, checking the relics that Edward has collected over the years. A smirk forms on his lips, since the man is not here, Marlin can take a few items, marking them as his reward for helping Primrose with her rescue mission. But before he can lay his hand on them, the door opens, startling all of them.

"You would not take that without asking first, right Marlin?"

"Geh! Edward Emberlynn!"

The older blond walks in with an amused expression as he catches the fire mage red-handed. Behind him is Rosalina whose face is beaming when she sees her daughter again.

"Mom! Dad!" Primrose runs to them, earning her a warm hug from her mother as she looks at them, tears starting to well up in her eyes "You're safe!"

"Of course we are, sweet one." Rosalina kisses her daughter on her forehead "No one dares to do anything when your father is here."

"B-but where are all the guards? Aren't they supposed to…?"

But Rosalina raises a finger on her lips, playfully winking at them. Edward chuckles at his wife's antic and informs them that she knocks the guards down with her concoction, however, there are still guards outside along with the elder who has beef with him. But that is not the only thing that he is paying attention to. Glancing at his daughter, he notices the pendant she is wearing, one that bears the crest of House Vatore. Looking at Marlin for an answer, the fire mage nods, confirming what he believes to be true.

So that is how it is…

Before he can continue to inform them of the next step of his grand scheme, there is a surge of energy pouring into this house, catching everyone's attention. They can hear loud voices outside, the elder is ordering the guards to surround the house and ready to fight them.

"Uh oh…" Rosalina hums "That does not sound good."

"Well, we don't need a plan anymore." cracking his knuckles, Edward smiles amusingly "Just fight our way out of here."

"What? You can not just transport us to somewhere safe?" Marlin exclaims "Fighting your shadow is already taking a toll on my stamina."

"Now where is the fun in that?" the older blond's face is beaming "Besides, I must settle this little disagreement with him once and for all, that old geezer…"

Primrose stares at her dad, wondering what he will do. Reckless has never been a word in his dictionary, but to see that expression on his face, dreaded and ready to kill, she is almost taken aback at the sight of her father. Rosaline puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder, smiling kindly as she is holding a spear in her hands. No matter what happens, she wants her daughter to know that nothing can stand in their way if they work together.

"We are the Emberlynns after all…" she leans against her husband's tall frame, looking at Primrose with a prideful face "There is no obstacle we can not get through if we stay together, sweet one."

Primrose looks at everyone around her, they all wear the same look, to kill or to be killed. And all of them choose the former. Sighing, she wishes that this would be the last fight, she wants nothing more than just to disappear from here and bring her parents back to Forgotten Hollow safely.

"Alright, let's end this once and for all," Edward smirks, standing in front of the entrance with everyone "Let's go, everyone. We're getting the hell out of here!"