As the sun descended beyond the horizon shortly after five o'clock, so too did the temperature, signalling the onset of a chilly evening. By eight-thirty, I found myself patiently waiting across the street from the temple, my breath visible in the crisp air.

Nestled in the heart of the Croft community, the grand temple stood tall and proud. Its magnificent size alone was enough to leave one in awe, but what truly set it apart were the intricate divisions that adorned its walls. Despite being constructed with outdated brick, there was a certain regalness about the temple that could not be denied. It was clear that no expense was spared in its construction, as the labor must have been more affordable in those times. The sense of pride and craftsmanship that exuded from every aspect of the temple was a reminder of a bygone era, one that was lacking in modern times.

I caught sight of her standing before the gates, much to my surprise, a twinge of excitement washed over me. The way the streetlight illuminated her face, highlighting her delicate features, left me breathless. If it were even possible, my heart would have raced.

Using my acute sense of hearing, I overheard Aki extend an offer to Willow, to escort her home. Initially, I entertained the thought of refraining from interrupting the group. However, a question crossed my mind: why not? In a reflexive manner, I slipped my hands into my jacket pocket and made my way across the street.

"Hello Willow." I called out as I approached, stepping closer to her on the sidewalk. Their eyes were fixed on me, the two girls and Aki. His expression turning into a scowl.

Much to my dismay, Aki was a young lad of striking features. He had a deep complexion and standing at an impressive height. His physical appearance was just as remarkable, with a lean and defined physique, which was a result of his intense conditioning as a member of the Twilight Guard. His fashion choices also mirrored his confident demeanour, as he often gravitated towards black and white attire that accentuated his sharp features. His hair was always impeccably styled, with short sides and a low fade, highlighted by vibrant teal and black curls on top.

Despite their disdainful expressions, I remained unfazed. The only reaction that carried weight was from Willow, who gazed at me expressionless.

"Who do you think you are, coming to our temple?" Aki spat with disdain.

"Eden!" exclaimed Willow, as if Aki's words had gone unnoticed. "What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"

"I was just passing by the neighbourhood, and I figured I would stop by,” replied casual and friendly.

In a fit of bitter frustration, one lass, named Lily, exclaimed, “At our temple. Gross.”

"By whose authority do you presume to speak to me?" I was truly angered by her audacity. "Address me only when I have acknowledged you. Hypocrite!”

"Me? A hypocrite?" She was shocked. "And what makes you think you have any idea about who I am?!"

"If I were to reveal what I know, Lily, you would be left breathless. It would be wise to remain silent."

“Eden, can you please stop?" Willow pleaded.

I shot her a spiteful look but remained silent.

Myla's voice broke the silence as she spoke up, "I can't help but wonder, what about Willow?" Her question hung in the air, waiting to be answered. But before anyone could protest, she continued, "She's been associating with our enemy. How can you justify that kind of hypocrisy?" The words erupted from her like a firecracker, bursting through the atmosphere.

Willow's reaction to Myla was almost identical to how she would have responded if Myla had accidentally burned down the temple behind us.

“What’s the matter with you?!” Aki asked Myla with a demanding tone.

“I am speaking the truth. She is a vampire! And you, Willow...!” Myla scorned.

Willow responded, avoiding my gaze, "She is not like other vampires."

"Disregarding the rules because of family ties? You clearly have not grasped the lesson.” With a final scowl, the girls stomped off in a huff.

With a heavy breath, Willow turned to Aki. "Please make sure they're alright. I will make it home safely," she said in a resigned tone.

"How can you possibly think we are safe?" He glared at me, his lips forming a tight, disapproving line. "With you vampires lurking around our town, your pathetic faces disturbed me each night. And now, you have the audacity to speak to me?"

I looked at Aki, my fists involuntarily clenched with tension. I stepped forward, but he quickly positioned himself in front of Willow, protecting her from me. 

“You will watch the way you speak to me. It would not be wise to anger me." I cautioned, my tone firm and serious.

He firmly held Willow back while she attempted to sneak a glance at me.

"Release her," I whispered with clenched teeth.

“Why don’t you me!” He exclaimed defiantly.

My body twitched at the sudden challenge. The thought of sending this fool to a place where even angels dare not venture filled me with excitement.

“Don’t tempt me boy.” I said. “There are consequences for crossing me, and I advise against walking on that dangerous path."

"I am not in the least bit afraid of you," his voice rose to a shrill tone. A small group of individuals were loitering nearby, their curious gazes fixed on us.

"If I were in your shoes, I would definitely feel scared."

"But you are not in my shoes.” Aki gaze remained steady and unchanging.

You stupid human, I thought and step towards him. We stood mere inches apart, our bodies almost brushing against each other, and the strong aroma of his cologne engulfed my sense of smell. Every bone in his body tempted me to break them. Starting with his hand, or perhaps I might violently throw him onto the temple grounds.

“You are Willow’s friend so I am giving you a chance to back off,” I said. “If this happens again, I won't be as forgiving.”

“Please stop, both of you!" Willow interjected, moving past Aki. "It is not the appropriate time or place for this. Let's please be civil."

The second Willow fixed her gaze upon me, I felt like a frozen block of ice melting under the scorching sun. The intensity of her stare was almost too much to bear.

“Aki. If I claim to be safe with Eden, then I am.” 

Aki hissed in dissatisfaction and grasped Willow's hand. "I will see you tomorrow. Call me when you are home.” 

I merely smirk when Aki shot me a glance after his words to Willow. "What a fool," I mused while observing his figure walking away.

My goal was clear and resolute: I needed to push Aki to his breaking point. I was tired of living in misery and I knew that he was the only one who could put an end to it. But I couldn't do it alone. I needed someone who could bring out Aki weakness. And that was where Willow came in. She was the key to my plan.

 “I apologise for Aki’s behaviour. He gets irrational with anything vampire related.”

"He is not the apologetic type, and it's even more annoying that you feel the need to apologise for him." I snapped. "Don't ever do it again."

Willow appeared visibly troubled when I stared her down. She tightly pressed her lips together, causing a slight frown to form on her forehead.

"Do you plan on spending the night at the clinic?" My voice still carried a sharp undertone.

Her only response was a nod. Willow refused to make eye contact. I let out a heavy sigh. 

"Have you had a chance to eat anything?" My voice was softer and more understanding this time.

“Not since this afternoon,” she answered.

If it weren't for my extraordinary sense of hearing, I wouldn't have been able to catch a single word she whispered. 

"Willow, would you prefer I leave you alone?"

The mere mention of my query captured her undivided attention. Our gazes collided with a jolt, and the fear evident in her eyes made me immediately rue my choice of words.

“Do you feel upset about what I said?” I asked.

"I am upset with myself," she confessed with a hint of frustration.

"Wait, what?" I couldn't help but say, my voice filled with surprise and disbelief.

"I know. It's quite absurd," she chuckled with a dry tone. "But, it's just... it breaks my heart when Eden expresses disappointment towards me.”

Are you serious? I could not believe Willow just implied that I had such a strong impact on her. 

Why do you always manage to be so charming? I thought to myself.

“Come on. I will treat you to a meal," I said, feeling a bit flustered by her unexpected confession.

"That’s not necessary," she said, shifting her weight between her feet.

“Willow. It is not up for debate.” I said with finality.