All three men were waiting for Demyan to appear, so they could go through the cave to the Waste Lands. Sitting around on the rocks, wooden logs, and grass they noticed a winged creature crossing the dark sky. Luka pointed his nose upwards so he could sniff it out. Of course, it was Demyan in a very bad mood.
He landed in between them. "Did she...?" Mirko stood up questioning him. He nodded. "Yes, she is gone..." Luka was looking in that direction, he came from. In his mind with his closed eyes, he was praying for a safe trip and the last farewell.
He glared at Demyan; the reason, she had to leave... Adrik noticed him. "No, it's not his fault. Petrona said she was planning it for five years, so stop it." Luka sighed. "We should cross the cave. I am curious how the Waste Lands look. I never had been on the other side." Demyan gave him a sarcastic laugh. "Nothing much is there, just empty dead lands full of toxic air and dangerous creatures. Be prepared!"
The other side really looked like Demyan portrayed it. Will Mirko and Luka get used to that sad view? As soon as they emerged from the cave, Adrik gave them his goodbyes. He needed to return to his own part of the country. "I am leaving, we will see each other soon." He jumped up and flew away.
Demyan led them to his castle. Vampire folks began to tailing them, because they could smell the human and werewolf blood. "Food?" Demyan revealed his identity from under the hood. His people were at first surprised and then started to shout out in happiness, that the Prince returned alive.
Demyan did a one hundred eighty. He didn't show any emotion. You couldn't tell if he was sad or angry and his face kept a neutral expression. The news reached his castle and the huge gate opened. Soon King Sava showed his face.
He welcomed his son home together with his wife. Demyan came closer did the vampire gesture and then went down on one knee. Luka and Mirko were stunned. They expected more excitement. The royal family behaved like at a funeral.
They just looked confused at each other. The King pointed at them. Demyan kept his gaze focused on the ground. "Those two became my companions, who joined and helped me in the Forest of Howls and in the Lush Lands."
Sava's eyes widened. Where did he just say he was? Did he waste his precious time, because of that childish dream? The king with a strict frown asked a question. "Stand up my son and look at me!" Demyan like an obedient dog, he was obliged. "Did you join the Festival?"
Mirko enthusiastically opened his mouth. "Your Highness, we were together..." Luka grabbed his jaw with his hand to make him shut up. He could feel, he wasn't an ordinary king. Sava immediately took out a dagger and stabbed it into Demyan's stomach. He didn't even flinch. Demyan was already used by this treatment.
Both Luka and Mirko were left in shock. They did not dare to move nor say anything. This was bad! Sava walked a little behind Demyan with his arms behind his back. "I have to figure out a punishment for you later. For now, you are bound to your quarters. Leave! And dont dare to show your face around the castle for now."
Demyan slightly bowed to show his respect and with his eyes ordered the two to follow him.  At his room, as he closed the door, Mirko fell to the floor and begged him for forgiveness. Demyan without any reaction took out the blade Sava stuck in him.
Luka was pitying him. He realized, why he was so drawn toward Petrona. Her warm, carrying personality was the biggest factor. "Is this, how the King treats you?" Demyan just looked at him. His answer was clear. Luka felt bad for him.
His father is protective and supportive, while Demyan's, is ready to inflict pain. Mirko lifted his face from the ground. "Why didn't you warn us beforehand, that your father is this..." Demyan didn't pay attention to him.
He was searching for something all over the bedroom. He looked around the window, at the table, around the books, and under the bed... Where is it? He grew anxious. Did someone come and steal it? He found it on top of the closet.
It was the lantern Petrona sent to him. While holding it, Demyan asked them to wait in front of the door. He planned to listen to the message Petrona left for him. Demyan sat down at the window and searched the lantern. He found, what he was seeking and took it into his palm, then he activated the stone.

Static was heard at first and then, Petronas's voice followed. "Good afternoon dear friend! I hope you don't mind, me calling you that. I feel this way, since we exchange our secret light messages and gifts. I hope you are safe and sound. Sadly I have to break; may be bad news for you. I will leave the Lush Lands after this Festival, so this lantern is my last.
I wanted to say my goodbyes. Wish you a long and happy life a keep safe! Will you? I know you will. I wish I could show you my gratitude in person, but this should do too. I thank you for saving my life five years ago and also making my days much happier. This is my farewell so take care!"

The stone stopped to glow and the room fell silent again, leaving him in melancholy. Demyan looked at the lantern sitting on his windowsill. Then his eyes wandered the forest, till they reached the bulwark.
Her window was submerged in darkness, like his heart right now. He lowered his head and dipped his face into his palms. He ran his fingers through his hair and then looked at the door to his room.
"You can re-enter!" Luka and Mirko despite being outside, could hear the voice message, but didn't say anything. Demyan decided to reveal to them their new jobs in this castle. "Luka, you will be my knight and Mirko, not only you will serve me, but also be my spy. I desperately need one here. I don't trust my vampire servants. They all swore loyalty toward my father, so you understand. Be aware, the life here is dangerous!"

A servant knocked on the door. King Sava wished him to see... All three men looked at each other. The punishment was decided!