"The four Elder Elf families broke apart. The Thindrel family ruled over El Laurel, the Heisenberg family in El Mojon, and the Bonavich family in El Malefico. Their castles was then shrouded in mist to keep their enemies away. To keep the King of El He Chizo away. After the death of the King Acel Adair, his adoptive daughter wed with a human and ruled over El He Chizo. His true heir was grief stricken with love and didn't want to take part on the throne. A wealthy human traveler and businessman crowned himself King of El Suelo not long after. He made a pack of friendship to the new crowned King Dreiden in El He Chizo and together they marched against El Malefico." His eyes shone hate that it glowed pitch black against the sunlight.

"Akala nila ay natalo na nila kami. And that witches no longer exist. Both Kings are humans, imbecility wasn't new to them. Our Queen protected us. When the walls came crumbling down, and soldiers killed most of our people, she used her own power to create an illusion for us to escape. She even saved Ad when the humans came for her Kingdom too. She made the mountains sore up so we may be able to hide our Kingdom from the vengeful mundane eyes." There was something in his expression that made me feel uncomfortable. Something that pointed out, 'You are one of them although you are protected by our Prince, but you are a human nonetheless.'

I shivered at the memory. The story sounded frightening that it made the hair on my nape stir. The history of this country seemed to be so dark and complicated. Magsulat kaya sila ng libro tungkol rito? I bet it'll be a hard work. With all the names and places and the time. Especially the time. 

Covering my body with a robe, I combed my hair with my fingers and stepped out of the room. The house is warm —thanks to the candles that burned with the scent of jasmine— and quiet. I looked around for Night or Vesna pero hindi ko sila makita. I walked towards the kitchen and found a breakfast tray. I guess they probably left to go to the town or the Palace or somewhere else. 

A glass of warm milk, a piece of garlic bread, and a slice of blueberry cheesecake. I drank the milk first and saw a small piece of parchment underneath the glass as I lifted it. 

One of three. Of blood we shall take upon. It said.

A frown formed my lips. What does that supposed to mean? Placing the parchment back on the tray, I carried it to the countertop. I finished the milk in three long slurps and started with the cheesecake. The rich flavour of blueberry and cream filled my mouth. 

I heard the door open along with the heavy footsteps that raced up to the kitchen. The noise so loud and heavy that I cursed when the glass almost slipped from the countertop. I told them to make certain that their presence can be heard dahil muntik na akong atakihin sa puso as tuwing sumisipot sila kung saan saan. I couldn't hear any of their footsteps! But right now, I don't know if they're trying to play a little game on me or that's just how they are. 

Vesna emerges with two baskets at hand, each filled with different sorts of herbs and vegetables. There's no eatable meat in the Kingdom, in this country to be exact. They say that the Elder Elves (the ones that ruled in the not-so-ancient times) were vegan and that eating meat of any sort was a sin. That's why Aiken buys meat from the outside world and stores it in a storage pit underneath the ground. Besides, wala rin namang nabubuhay na hayop dito. Summoning the magical horses are only possible through magic. And such strong magic can only be summoned by those who bore the blood of the Elder Elves and those who gave up their elfish blood to be a witch.

"Saan kayo galing?" I asked Vesna as she placed the four baskets on the table with a loud thump. She's wearing a cotton long sleeves in a color of moss tucked in her leather pants and her usual black combat boots, her long black hair braided.

"Town. The supplies are running out. What do you want me to cook for lunch Phine? Tanghali ka na nagising ah." I smiled sheepishly and thought of what I would like for lunch. The cheesecake is sweet so I want something savoury. 

Before I could even answer her question, Night came in with a smile on his face. So wide that I slightly worried his face might rip apart. Someone's in a good mood. He's dressed in all black, making his golden hair stand out. On his right hand he carried a small brown paper bag.

"What's with that creepy smile?" I asked making Vesna roar in laughter. 

"He's going to tag along with Ad. Like the lovesick puppy he is." Nalaman kong may crush siya kay Ad dahil sa mga pinaggagawa niya. And the way he looks at her too. It's obvious that he's crazy over Ad.

"No wonder. How old are you? Parang bata lang." I teased. He chuckled and mocked me with a smile.

"Coming from the one who has been sulking these past few days because she misses her Prince." 

"I wasn't sulking." I denied. Shaking my head in opposition.

"You were." 

"I wasn't. Whatever. What's in the bag?" I gripped at the edge of the countertop tightly when my eyesight swam. My feet are like dangling stones and my body feels so heavy. Perhaps I slept too much? 

"Your breakfast. Pwede mo ring e brunch dahil tanghali na." He said and placed the contents of the paper bag at the top of the table. Small paper boxes and bowls filled the table. 

"I'm full. Kumain ako ng cheesecake. The milk was still warm too." Both frowned and looked at me suspiciously.I closed my eyes once more when the room seemed to have been swinging. I opened them again and breathed out a deep sigh when my eyes became unsteady. 

"What cheesecake?..." I heard Night say but I wasn't sure of the words that followed when my strength left my body and everything goes black.