Eclipse

Third Person's POV SEVERAL hours had passed, and all the royals were still searching for Kyle within and outside the kingdom. Hiro and Reiri, still arguing like cats and dogs, were currently making their way around the back part of the palace. Vince, on the other hand, was walking seriously and meticulously exploring each room he passed by. Meanwhile, Kira and Miley chose to follow the king and queen, accompanied by the two mortals who brought Nicole to that place. However, as they turned around the corner of the long corridor, they were startled to realize that the ones they were following were no longer there. 'Shit! It seems like they sensed someone following them!" Kira exclaimed, pulling at his hair, while Miley let out a sigh. The two were thinking how they could forget how much more powerful the parents of the latter were and how they thought they could ever outsmart them. 'WHERE is the beloved prince, by the way?" asked the mortal man, and Nicole's father, as he laid his daughter on a long stone table. Only a crimson cloth covered it. 'He is in a room where no one can find him," the king replied confidently, while his wife gazed at the peaceful face of the young lady. Just like their son, there was not a single change in her appearance. It was still the same Jade they had come to know. 'Our children are truly intelligent, Zach. That's why I'm confident that they will fulfill their responsibilities in the future," the queen said, smiling as she turned to her husband. Everyone agreed with her statement. They took one last look at Nicole, who was still sleeping, before leaving her completely. IN AN old and dark palace, the leader of the vampire enemy and his soldiers were preparing for their impending assault to capture the pureblood princess. They only had a few more hours to wait for the imminent arrival of the eclipse, a time when their lost power would be restored, further enhancing their strength. 'Master, how can we attack there? We know that we can't enter their kingdom," Rafael, his right-hand man, asked with concern. He casually looked out the window as if he had no worries, even though their plan might fail tonight. 'Do you think I haven't thought of that? Of course, we won't enter inside," he replied with a sinister grin. His servant raised his gaze in surprise, not understanding the meaning behind his words. 'What do you mean, Master Marcus?" 'We can't enter inside, right? Well, then we'll find a way to make them come out and face us willingly." A devilish smile slowly appeared on his servant's face. He had been preparing for that day for a long time, so he was ready for whatever might happen. 'Because this time, we will bring them down," he assured, before fading into nothingness. NICOLE'S consciousness was now awake, but her eyes remained closed. She had been hearing various voices and strange languages reciting in unison, as if it were a ritual. As time went on, she could feel a powerful energy flowing through her body. It was even stronger than her original power. Until the surroundings fell completely silent, with only the sound of footsteps and the opening and closing of doors reaching her ears. At that moment, she slowly opened her eyes, accompanied by a flood of memories from her past. Since their childhood, Carl and she has known each other because their mothers were close friends. However, when they became enemies, their gradual attraction to each other, her being crowned as their race's princess, and even their failed wedding... Even their deaths. Then during the new life they woke up to in the present. She remembers everything. That's why she feels like something is missing, and there seems to be something peculiar about her. Including the unexplainable connection she had with Kyle. Tears welled up in her eyes. It's as if she felt all the hardships and pain they went through, which were disregarded during those times. She wiped her tears away when she finally decided to stand up. Her eyes roamed all over the unfamiliar room until her gaze stopped at the open window, then looked up at the sky. Eclipse She didn't waste any more time and immediately stood up and went out. She needs to know what really happened and how they were able to come back. KYLE woke up with a feeling that he possessed a strong power. A kind of power he only felt now. He got up and freely surveyed his surroundings. He was sure he was still inside the palace. However, the room he was in now was unfamiliar to him. Many questions are swirling in his mind. Questions he didn't know if he still wanted to know the answers to. Slowly, he stood up. The first thing that caught his attention was the solitary book resting on a tall table. He took it and started reading. Only now did he realize that this was the book he had been searching for a long time. All of the questions that had been bugging his mind before he fell asleep and since he woke up finally got an answer upon reading the book. After finishing, he quickly left the room, carrying the book. He needs to confirm something. *** Miley's POV We have been sitting and staring at the long table for quite some time. I had just received our additional powers, together with Vince and Rei due to the arrival of the eclipse. Earlier, we were all caught by the guards, so we had no choice but to follow Mom's orders and rest in our respective rooms to prepare for tonight. Mom and Dad were seated at opposite ends of the table. I was positioned in the middle, on the right side, facing Reiri. Kira was on my left, facing Hiro. There were two vacant chairs next to me on the right side. In front of those chairs was Vince, with two people sitting on his left whom we found out were Nicole's parents—the ones who brought her here. But that's the only information they shared with us. They told us to wait for the other two to arrive before explaining everything. They didn't even mention where they were. I took a deep breath. I've been anxious and restless in my seat for a while now. We also informed Dad about Rei's vision. They were happy to hear that she discovered her own ability, which we're sure will be a great help to all of us. They said she might have inherited it from Grandpa. That's why they tightened the security inside and outside the palace even more. We don't know when the enemies will attack or what they're planning. The silence surrounding us was shattered when we heard the creaking and slow opening of the two towering doors of the dining hall. I immediately stood up and smiled when I saw Nicole. However, my nervousness doubled because of the strong aura surrounding her. 'Sister!" I was about to approach her when I noticed the man who suddenly appeared behind her. 'Brother!" *** Nicole Jane's POV I continued walking straight through the long hallway, which I believed led to the kingdom of the Clarkson family, when suddenly I felt different kinds of auras converging in one place. So, I followed their source until I stopped in front of two towering doors. I pushed the two wooden doors open, and I was stunned to see the people and vampires that I wanted to talk to. 'Sister!" Miley called me out while smiling. It was only then that I noticed that other royalties were also present here. She was about to approach me when her gaze suddenly shifted beside me. Just by smelling his scent, I already know who it is. 'Brother!" I felt rooted to the spot where I stood. The last time we saw each other, we were Nicole and Kyle. A simple human and vampire couple, with not many complications in our lives. But now... I gasped as I felt his cold hand holding mine. I slowly turned to look at him. His face showed no trace of any emotion. Unlike me, who was clearly still confused by everything that was happening and had happened. Why are we here? Why have our names changed? Our parents? Why have our memories disappeared? Why am I a human now? The most important question of all is why are we alive again? He started walking, and I followed suit. He stopped between an empty chair and Miley's seat before he directly looked at the king. I could also sense that all attention was focused on us. It was evident from our parents' faces that they were delighted to see me. They seemed like they wanted to come to me and embrace me, but they restrained themselves. 'You arrived at just the right time. I know you're starting to remember everything and wondering why—" The king couldn't continue what he was saying as Carl— I mean Kyle suddenly placed a book on the long table. It was open on a particular page. Everyone was taken aback by what he did, but our parents quickly regained composure. 'So, you have already read it," the king stated. Miley took the book. 'Is this the book we've been searching for, Brother?" Kyle nodded and faced her. 'It's probably better if you read it in front of everyone. So, you can understand what's happening now." Miley glanced at the king, seemingly asking for permission. He simply nodded. Even I wanted to know what was contained in that book. It might hold the answers I've been seeking. Miley stood up and began to read it. They died. Not because it was their end, but because it was just the beginning. After a hundred years, the two most powerful beings with matching red marks would be simultaneously reborn into the world on the day of the eclipse. They would bring an end to the conflict between good and evil vampires and spread peace and balance in the world. One of them will be reborn as a vampire, descending from one of the most powerful lineages. On the other hand, the other will return as a human, originating from the lineage of one of the mighty protectors of the long-lost powerful vampire clan in this world. However, despite this, they are still destined to meet and fall in love again to continue their interrupted marriage and unite their forces that were cut short due to their deaths in their past lives. But along with the reappearance of the eclipse in the world comes the resurgence of their memories and powers that were lost. Because of this, a new conflict will begin against an enemy believed to be long gone by everyone. We all fell silent, but astonishment was evident on the faces of the royalties. However, Kira was the first to regain composure and speak. 'Does that mean Nicole and Kyle are the ones referred to in the prophecy?" he hesitantly asked. The king nodded. 'Yes, it's them. And today, the predetermined events have finally taken place. Their memories and powers have returned." 'So, the two of us were really meant to be born again," I muttered. I stared blankly, knowing Kyle felt the same way. It's only now that I fully understand what has happened. It seems that everything was predetermined from the start. I'm not sure if I should be happy or not. But right now, I just can't feel anything. It's still hard to believe it all. There are still questions in my mind that need answers. But before I could ask them, Vince beat me to it. 'I can't believe this. Who would have thought that the two of you had already died? It's like your lives were just a TV show. Now, I already know the reason why you little brat does have the same ability as us," he said, shaking his head. I gave him a glare. Looks like we can't really get along. 'That's why, from the first time I saw the two of you, I immediately felt a spark. Because the two of you are destined for each other from the very start!" Miley sighed dreamily. 'By the way, where are our real parents?" Kyle asked, catching everyone's attention. We had the same thought. To be honest, we've known the Clarkson family for a long time. Our families just weren't very involved with each other. Our attention is currently focused on our parents. They seemed unfazed by that question. The king cleared his throat. He suddenly appeared restless in his seat before averting his gaze to the two of us. He stared into space for a few seconds before finally responding, 'They're already dead." I closed my eyes tightly, and I could feel Kyle's grip on my hand tighten abruptly. 'H-how?" I trailed off. I tried to hold back the threatening tears welling up in my eyes. The king looked into the distance as if he had something on his mind. The queen gently caressed his back. Meanwhile, my parents looked at me with deep concern. 'My father told me that your parents learned about the prophecy after the two of you died. You know that rogue disciples and fledglings of our enemies were rampant back then, and we, purebloods, were their primary targets because of the power we possessed." He let out a deep sigh. 'As a result, your own parents went and sought the white witches, asking them to transfer their powers to you someday. Once that happens, they would become weak and no longer pose a threat to our enemies. So, when the new battle started, they died for good due to their loss of strength to fight." He shook his head and looked down. 'We thought we were destined for defeat. But we never expected the arrival of common vampires and other aristocrats who sided with us. Even the council, including Kira and Hiro's lineage, joined forces to help us. Because of that, we managed to suppress them all." My gaze dropped to his clenched fist resting on the table. 'What we didn't know is that there were survivors from the enemy camp, and they are the ones who continue to fight against us until now. The Foster clan, Nicole's lineage, used to be the true leaders of the entire vampire race. If I'm not mistaken, there were no more than ten pureblood families left at that time. However, only three of them were actively involved. The Foster clan was the strongest among all of us, followed by the Thompson clan, where Kyle came from, and third, our Clarkson clan. The two strongest clans were closer to each other, so we weren't heavily involved with you back then." At this moment, he lifted his gaze towards the two of us. 'But because of the deaths and complete eradication of those two clans, we have taken their place on the vacant thrones," he further explained. Silence once again filled the surroundings. Each one seemed to be lost in deep thought. Once again, the surroundings were filled with silence. Each person appeared to be immersed in deep contemplation. I bit my lower lip. Our parents don't deserve to die just like that. If only everyone had accepted our leadership and not succumbed to the greed for power, things might not have reached this point, and our family would still be alive, for sure. I had hoped Kyle and I would be happy and have our own family by now. 'I understand now why I've been hearing whispers that our lineage shouldn't be in power," Reiri whispered almost inaudibly. 'I apologize for my question, our king. But who wrote that book?" Hiro asked with curiosity. That question caught our attention. The king smiled. 'It's none other than my father. He already had the vision about it even before the wedding. However, he didn't fully comprehend it at first because the scenes he saw were somewhat blurry. Decades later, he had another vision about who would be your new parents. I was still young, but I was already aware of a responsibility I would have to fulfill in the future." He looked at the queen, almost on the verge of tears. 'As the designated time approached, I did everything I could to find your mother, Kyle. And Nicole's future parents as well. When I finally saw them, I explained everything to them. You, Kyle, come from one of the powerful lineages, and they..." He pointed at my parents. 'They come from the lineage of your family's protectors, Nicole." I blinked in surprise. So, my parents are protectors now? 'You heard it right when you were still a child, my dear. Even before you were born, it was already destined that you and Kyle would get married someday. Kyle is your fiancé, Nicole. Whatever it is you two have in the past has to be continued," Mom said with a smile. Back then, whenever I heard about my supposed fiancé, I would feel annoyed even though I hadn't met him yet. But now, I'm happy to know that the only man I have ever loved and continue to love is the one I'm meant to spend my life with. 'I'm sure the entire council and the elders will be delighted to see you again, Nicole. I only saw your picture back then. But I can say that, just like Kyle, you haven't really changed much," the queen said, giving me a faint smile. I just kept smiling at the queen. 'Even though you haven't changed, I still want to see how you both looked before," Reiri chuckled. We just laughed at her antics. 'Now that we're all complete, we can start planning the steps we need to take to protect our people and our clan," Kyle said seriously. I know that he's also angry because of what he found out. But he's not the type to let his emotions control him. 'Kyle has a point. This time, we should put a complete stop to the evil of the Croven clan," the queen said, asserting her authority. My ears perked up when I heard the name of the clan that betrayed us all. I felt a sudden surge of anger within me. In an instant, the memories of the bloodshed on my wedding day because of them came rushing back. 'Nicole! Are you okay? You're shaking," I heard Kyle ask, concern evident in his voice. I noticed Mom and Dad quickly standing up and approaching me. I lowered my gaze and only then realized that I was trembling. I released my grip from Kyle and took a few steps back. 'I-I'm fine. I just want to be alone," I said firmly before turning away from them. 'No! You can't leave, Nics!" Reiri shouted, but I didn't pay attention to her. I could no longer hear what else they were saying because in an instant, I found myself running out of the palace, tears streaming down my face. I noticed the chaos of the soldiers and protectors rushing in, but I just passed by them. What I couldn't fully understand was why there were people blocking my way now. All I wanted was to be alone. What's wrong with that? I easily surpassed them all without difficulty. I wanted to think. I wanted to understand everything, but it's really hard and painful. I thought I could accept what had happened. But apparently, it's not that easy. I'm sorry, Mom and Dad. I couldn't help but get annoyed with myself because I knew I had hurt my parents again. Until I reached and got out of the portal, I kept running. But I stopped when I saw Dad—my biological father from my past life—standing in front of me. I blinked. But he remained standing there in front of me. I bit my lower lip as I slowly walked towards him. 'Dad..." He smiled at me, and I couldn't hold back anymore. I embraced him tightly. 'Dad, you're here," I said through sobs. I really missed him, as well as Mom. He embraced me back. I no longer care if he's just an imagination. What matters is that I saw him again after a long time. 'Nicole! No!" I heard Kyle shout. I was about to turn around to look at him. But I was startled when I felt a cold metal surrounding both my hands. 'What—" My eyes widened as I lifted my gaze, seeing a different man in front of me now. I wanted to attack him. But it seems like the thing surrounding my hands is preventing the release of my powers. I'm just a normal person right now. Shit! How stupid of me! I turn around completely. Royalties appeared before my eyes, my parents, even the king and queen who were about to engage in a battle. Please. Not again. I closed my eyes tightly when suddenly I heard a loud explosion. I could still feel the tight grip of the despicable man in front of me and the swift passing of air around. But as I opened my eyes, we were in a different place already.