King Aaron was consumed with worry, his restless pacing outside Esmeralda's room betraying his unease. His worst fears had become a reality, and the entire council now knew the dark secret he had kept hidden for over 18 years.
"Your Grace, she's finally awake," Cilia announced as she emerged from the room, sensing King Aaron's anxiety.
"How is she?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.
"Not very well, Your Grace," Cilia responded, her face displaying a deep sense of worry.
Aaron approached the door to Esmeralda's room and hesitated, his hand hovering before the handle. Taking a deep breath, he mustered the courage to open the door.
She lay on her bed, her face turned away from the door, staring out the window.
"Baby girl, can we talk?"
Esmeralda turned to him as he spoke and nodded approvingly. He stepped closer and sat on the edge of her bed.
"I'm so sorry about what happened to you. I had no idea that would happen."
Esmeralda looked at him silently as he spoke, observing him. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind. She wanted to hear him out and understand his explanation. She pushed those images of him killing her mother away from her mind, but they aggressively fought their way to the forefront.
"What am I, father?" she finally spoke.
"My princess."
"Please, father, do not treat me as a child any longer. What am I?"
"You are a werewolf and a vampire," he murmured through his lips.
Esmeralda let out a sharp gasp as realization hit her.
"How is that possible?" she asked, utterly confused and terrified at the possibility.
Aaron remained silent, gazing into her bed sheets as though lost in thought. He wasn't even able to make eye contact with her.
"Father!"
"Your mother was a vampire."
"What?"
"I didn't know at first, but she was the vampire princess from Vestería."
"And you killed her! I saw your memories when I drank the blood," said Esmeralda angrily as her wolf flashed its fangs. Aaron sprang to his feet, putting space between them.
He remained silent, not denying the accusation. Realization dawned on her as her eyes widened in horror.
"She whispered once more to herself.
"You killed her."
"Esmeralda, please calm down." She sprung from her bed.
"You killed her, you monster!"
"Esmeralda, calm down. I can explain." As Esmeralda charged at him, Aaron pleaded with her to stop. He deftly dodged her blow, swiftly moving to the other side of the room, distancing himself from her.
"That's enough! Your lies have gone on for too long, father. What possible reason could you have to justify killing my mother? You took her away from me and for years, you pretended and lied! You made me believe the vampires killed her, but it was you," she exclaimed. Claws sprouted from her fingers and fangs emerged from her mouth as her breathing became rapid. Her wolf was struggling to break through.
"I loved your mother, but she lied and deceived me for years. She was a vampire masquerading as a human. I loved her, and she betrayed me. It was a full moon that night, and I couldn't control my wolf. It broke through and killed her. I never wanted to hurt her; I only wanted answers. I know you must hate me, but I never meant to hurt her. She was taking a concoction given to her by the witch Rhea, which allowed her to go undetected for years. But she didn't take it that night, and it was a full moon. I had hidden all the potions; I didn't know I would discover her true nature. Imagine my horror when my love smelled like the enemy. That foul stench of the vampire filled my nostrils, and my wolf went mad and broke through," tears streamed down Esmeralda's face as he spoke.
"So, you sent me away because I am an abomination, I am your greatest shame. How could you ever love a wolf-vampire hybrid child? You knew what I was this whole time and lied to me. That's why those vampires who tried to kidnap me used Wolf Bane and vampire Lilac to subdue me. They knew what I was. How do they know, Father?" Esmeralda questioned.
"They work for your mother's brother, prince Antonio. That much I know I have no idea what else they could possibly have wanted with you. Esmeralda you are my daughter, and I don't care that you are half vampire. You are my princess," he responded.
"I knew something was off, but you made me believe I was paranoid and crazy for even entertaining the idea. Father, you are cruel and a liar, and I want nothing to do with you," she declared.
"You are the princess of the Effiong wolves. We can survive this; I just need you to calm down so we can revisit this conversation more amicably," he pleaded.
"Are you in utter disconnect father? The entire council knows I am a vampire they will never accept me as their princess or future queen."
"They do not have a choice in the matter, you are my daughter and my heir."
"You don't get it, Father. I'm leaving. I can't stand to be near you. I feel nothing but hate towards you. I need to get away to clear my mind," she stated.
"Where would you go? I am all you have in this world," he asked. Esmeralda scoffed as her claws and fangs retracted. She returned to her normal state.
"What I do from now on is none of your business. As far as you're concerned, you no longer have a daughter,"
She shut the door behind her. Aaron's heart shattered as he stood amidst the wreckage. Just outside her door, she saw Ezra, fear and worry evident in his eyes. Overwhelmed with emotions, she ran into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. In a tender embrace, he held her tightly, offering solace as she released her tears.
Damian walked down the hall and came upon the sight of Ezra holding a distraught Esmeralda in a tender embrace. He suppressed the overwhelming waves of jealousy that washed over him.
"Esmeralda?" he said, making his presence known. Ezra cleared his throat and stepped back, releasing her from his grasp.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't understand what happened," he said, concern evident in his voice as he continued to hold her. Esmeralda appeared deeply saddened, her eyes red from crying.
"If you need anything, just know that I am here," Damian offered gently, his hand softly caressing her. Ezra stood there rigidly, unable to ignore the entire display between them. He felt consumed by envy, hating the thought of any other man comforting Esmeralda. He knew Damian was going to be a formidable competition in regards to Esmeralda. But he knew this moment wasn't about him or his feelings. He had overheard the shocking revelation between her and King Aaron, learning that the late queen had been a vampire and that King Aaron had killed her upon discovering the truth. Esmeralda world had forever been altered by this revelation.