Lisa made her way toward the vampire capital, the city of *Umbravale*, after a long journey. Leaving the forest behind, she felt a thrill mixed with apprehension as she approached the towering city gates. She had learned much during her week with the old woman, the famous witch who had unknowingly given her valuable insight into the vampire nation. But her true mission lay ahead—she had to find Leo.
Meanwhile, inside Umbravale's *Royal Vampire Academy*, Leo sat in class with Cammy and Terra. Although life in the vampire nation had seemed strange and intimidating at first, he had adapted quickly, immersing himself in his studies and learning about his new surroundings. But suddenly, Terra collapsed, her face turning pale as she fainted to the ground.
"Terra!" Cammy cried, rushing to her side. Leo knelt beside her, shocked. Together, they quickly carried Terra to the academy's medical room, hoping it was just a passing illness. But as time passed and Terra's condition didn't improve, worry settled over them. The medical staff couldn't identify the cause and decided to bring her back to the castle to consult the royal doctor.
The royal doctor examined Terra carefully, frowning as he observed her symptoms. After a long pause, he looked at Cammy and Leo gravely. "This isn't an ordinary illness. This is a curse—someone has cast a powerful curse on her. Terra has only 24 hours to live if we don't find the right remedy."
Leo's heart sank, and Cammy's face went pale. "What kind of remedy?" Cammy asked urgently.
The doctor sighed. "The only cure is a flower called the *Evening Lily.* It grows deep within the dark forest, in a hidden, secret spot. It's incredibly rare, and it only blooms at night. No one has seen it for years."
"I'll go get it!" Cammy said without hesitation.
The doctor raised a hand to stop him. "It's a three-day journey, and the flower's location is unknown. We don't have enough time."
A heavy silence fell over the room, and despair settled over them. Leo clenched his fists, unable to bear the thought of losing Terra.
Then a voice broke the silence. "Why not contact Lord Valentine?" Lisa suggested, stepping into the room unnoticed. Her voice was calm but firm.
Cammy turned to her in surprise. "That's… that's a good idea, but we can't reach him. He's in a meeting with other leaders preparing for the war."
Leo's mind raced. He couldn't wait around while Terra's life hung by a thread. Summoning all his resolve, he declared, "I'll go myself. I'll find that flower."
Cammy and the others looked at him, shocked, but Leo's expression was determined. He refused to let doubt creep in. Without another word, he grabbed a cloak and prepared to leave, his eyes set with fierce resolve. He had no idea where the flower was, but he knew he would do everything in his power to find it.
As Leo left the castle, he saddled a horse, focusing his powers to enhance its speed. With a burst of flame, the horse galloped out of the city and toward the dark forest, leaving a trail of dark energy in its wake. Unknown to him, Lisa had just arrived at the capital gates and saw the fiery figure on horseback flash past her. Her eyes narrowed, intrigued by the strange elemental power she'd sensed. She had never seen anything like it in all her years of training.
Curious, she aimed her bow and released a carefully placed arrow that struck the horse's path. Leo's horse stumbled, and he tumbled from the saddle, landing with a harsh thud.
"Who's there?" Leo shouted, looking around until he spotted a girl with a bow approaching him.
Lisa approached him slowly, her expression calm yet intense. "You have an unusual power. Who are you?"
Leo scowled, irritated at the interruption. "Why did you stop me?"
Ignoring his question, Lisa observed him closely, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Answer my question first."
Frustrated, Leo raised his hand, summoning a small flame that flared around him in a protective shield. In response, Lisa raised her bow, her stance poised for attack. Before Leo could react, she released an arrow, which he barely blocked with his sword, scattering the items from her bag onto the ground in the process.
One item in particular caught Leo's eye—a pendant bearing a familiar mark. It was the symbol of Kim's grandmother, the witch of the dark forest. Recognizing it instantly, he pointed to the pendant. "How did you get this?"
Lisa looked at him with surprise, but quickly regained her composure. "I'm her disciple. She gave it to me as a kind of… graduation gift."
Leo's eyes shifted to the other items scattered around. He noticed a small, dark flower among them. Could it be? He bent down, examining it closely.
Lisa's eyes narrowed as he reached for the flower. "Don't touch my belongings."
"Please," Leo said, a sense of desperation in his voice. "This flower could save someone's life. I was heading to the forest to find one, but it looks like you already have it. Could I borrow just one?"
Lisa hesitated. She wanted to refuse, but something in his tone softened her resolve. After a long pause, she agreed, but only on one condition. "You can have the flower, but you must meet me back here in two days. There's something I need to discuss with you, and you'll have to agree to a condition of my choosing."
Leo didn't hesitate. "Fine. I promise."
With that, he took the flower, mounted his horse, and rode back to the castle, clutching the precious bloom. He delivered it to the doctor, who immediately prepared the medicine. Within hours, Terra's curse began to fade, and she regained consciousness, weak but alive. She thanked Leo, her eyes full of gratitude, and the others looked at him with newfound respect.
Lord Valentine arrived soon after, learning of what had happened. Impressed by Leo's determination and bravery, he praised him for his quick thinking.
---
Two days passed quickly, and the time came for Leo to meet Lisa as he had promised. Lisa arrived at their designated meeting spot early, her senses alert. But as the minutes ticked by, an unsettling feeling grew within her. She sensed that something wasn't right.
As the hour drew closer, Lisa felt a strange, powerful energy approaching. Suddenly, shadowy figures emerged around her, lurking in the surrounding trees and underbrush. She tensed, recognizing them as soldiers, and realized that they had hidden their presence until now. Panic flickered in her eyes as she counted their numbers—they were here for her.
"Did that boy betray me?" she thought, a mixture of fear and anger filling her. Searching for a way out, she spotted a narrow path leading through the woods. But just as she prepared to make her escape, the ground trembled, and a dark portal opened in front of her, blocking her only route. From within the portal stepped a figure cloaked in an aura of power that sent chills down her spine.
The man's presence was overwhelming, his eyes sharp and calculating. He spoke with a deep, commanding voice. "I am Valentine, king of this nation. You are under suspicion for acting against our laws. You're coming with me."
Lisa's heart sank. She had known that Valentine was powerful, but she hadn't expected this. She glanced around, realizing there was no escape. She was surrounded, and Valentine's gaze alone seemed to bind her in place.
"I'm just a traveler," she tried to explain, but her voice wavered.
Valentine's gaze didn't soften. "I know why you're here, human," he said in a low, cold tone. "Your very presence is a threat. Surrender now, or I'll have my guards take you by force."
Lisa bit her lip, feeling the weight of his power pressing down on her. She had never faced an opponent like him before, and the odds of escaping were slim. Trying to steady her nerves, she raised her chin defiantly. "I'm not here to cause harm. I'm just looking for someone."
Valentine raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "Who, exactly?"
She took a deep breath, feeling her resolve harden. "Leo. I'm here to find Leo."
At the mention of Leo's name, Valentine's expression shifted slightly. There was a flash of understanding, but he kept his composure. "You're lying. Leo is under my protection. If you think you can deceive me, you're mistaken."
Lisa knew she had to tread carefully. She had hoped her mission would go unnoticed, but it seemed her cover was blown. Trying to buy herself time, she looked directly at Valentine and said, "I came to protect him. If you truly care for his safety, you'll listen to me."
Valentine's eyes narrowed, but he gestured for the guards to stand down, though they remained close. "Speak, then. But remember—one wrong move, and this conversation ends."
Lisa took a shaky breath, knowing this was her only chance. She began to explain her mission, omitting the parts that would incriminate her further, but it was clear Valentine wasn't easily convinced. She realized that any wrong word could mean her capture or worse.
As she continued, Valentine listened in silence, his expression unreadable. Suspicion lingered in his eyes, but Lisa could see a glint of curiosity as well. It was only a glimmer of
hope, but in that moment, it was enough.