"Demetrio," Ezekiel snapped, locking eyes with him. "What do you think you're doing?"
Damoness only grinned from where she stood.
"This is the power of love, Ezekiel. Go and fall in love, and then you'll understand what this means," she said with a wicked smile.
Ezekiel glared coldly at her, unmoved.
Damoness turned her attention to Demetrio, but her smile faded when she saw the intensity in his gaze, fixed on the book in her hands.
"Demetrio…" she whispered but the book suddenly leapt from her grasp and landed in Demetrio's hands.
"Never thought you'd be foolish enough to believe I'd follow you to the underworld," Demetrio said, grinning.
Damoness boiled with rage, ready to unleash her powers.
"Don't even try it, bitch!" Ezekiel snapped.
"Language, Ezekiel! You don't speak to a queen like that!" Damoness retorted sharply.
He chuckled darkly. "Queen? Remember, you're in our territory now. Challenge us here, and you'll regret it." His fangs protruded as he transformed instantly into a vampire.
Damoness froze, recognizing the danger.She was in their domain and any misstep would cost her dearly. Her eyes darted to Demetrio, whose calm grin radiated silent power.
"This isn't over yet!" She hissed, then vanished.
Ezekiel reverted to his human form and looked at Demetrio.
"That was smart, Demetrio. Well… I shouldn't be surprised—you are Demetrio," he said, grinning.
Demetrio ignored him, walking to the table and placing the book down. Slowly, he opened it.
"What the…?" Ezekiel gasped.
"Blank," he muttered, eyes widening.
"As expected," Demetrio murmured. "She wanted to trick me. I never expected to find answers in this book."
Ezekiel flipped through the pages, pausing suddenly. "Look… Demetrio."
Demetrio glanced up.
"Dario," Ezekiel said, pointing.
"How… Dario's name is here?" Demetrio asked. On one of the blank pages, Dario's name appeared boldly, etched as if by destiny.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Ezekiel asked.
"That Dario is the only solution to wake Arianna?" Demetrio said, questioning more than stating.
"Exactly. Everything is connected to him. You have to meet him," Ezekiel said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Demetrio sighed, rubbing his face. He had reasons for avoiding this meeting.
"What if this is another trap from Damoness? I never expected the Book of Mormon to be blank," he said.
"Then we seek answers," Ezekiel said.
"No. I'm not involving a witch in this," Demetrio shook his head firmly.
"This is the only solution," Ezekiel muttered.
"Those creatures are… creepy," Demetrio added, facepalming.
***
Dario jolted upright in bed. The wet towel on his head slipped off.
"Are you okay?" Thana asked, reaching to touch his forehead.
His eyes widened, and he shifted away, almost falling.
"Oh goodness, Prince Dario!" Thana crouched beside him. "Are you okay?"
He scrambled back, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Don't touch me," he warned, moving to the other side of the bed.
It was still vivid in his mind—the dream, or was it a memory? He had sunk his fangs into her neck. It felt real, too real. Why does she keep coming into his chamber?
"Prince Dario, calm down. Let me check your temperature," Thana said, moving onto the bed.
"Don't! Why are you here? What do you want?" He demanded, keeping his distance.
"You returned from the Majesty's chamber looking unwell," she replied.
"Now you are a royal physician?" Dario furrowed his brows.
"I guess I am… for now. Let me check your temperature," Thana pouted, trying to act serious.
He wanted to laugh at her childishness, but he held it in—he couldn't risk letting the dream take over reality.
"No," he shook his head firmly.
Thana grinned, mischievous. "Guess I've been too soft on you… acting all royal and calm."
"What?" Dario stepped back, confused.
"I'm about to show you the real me," she muttered.
"What?"
"The crazy Thana!" She raked her fingers through her hair and, before Dario could react, she jumped on him, both of them falling to the ground.
"No! Get off!" He tried to push her away, but she clung tightly. She reached for his forehead, and he jerked back.
"Pablo! Pablo!" Dario shouted.
The guard rushed in, froze at the scene, smiled awkwardly, and quickly bowed before retreating, closing the door behind him.
"What…?" Dario gasped, eyes now fixed on Thana.
She leaned closer, grinning. "This is the crazy Thana," she said, her eyes locked with his.
For a moment, His panic faded as he stared into her daring, fearless gaze.
Slowly, she brought her face closer… until their cheeks were inches apart.Then, she pecked his cheek softly.
"I like you, Prince Dario," she whispered, voice gentle yet bold.