Dawn Of The Dual Apex: The Second Chronicle

By Oz Mari G.

Yuana and Roald’s passionate relationship survived the devastating revelation of her beastly Viscerebus nature, but challenges remain.

Roald’s phobia of her kind forces Yuana to keep one more secret from him: that she is more Viscerebus than most. She is an Apex, a rare shapeshifter revered by her species for millennia. As Roald struggles to deal with his paralyzing fear, he becomes a target of an anonymous Viscerebus.

Yuana, preoccupied with her love and relationships, remains unaware that her loyalty and responsibility to her kind is about to be tested. Unbeknownst to her and their Tribunal, an evil scheme engineered by one mysterious Viscerebus is underway - one that will upend the world order between humans and Viscerebus.

The centuries of peace between these lifelong enemies, built on the basis of their hidden existence, is now under threat. Soon, Yuana will have to choose between her heart and her sense of duty, and Roald will have to decide to stake his claim or let her go.

This book contains adult content and is not recommended for readers under the age of 18.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Oct 14, 2022

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Tomio Mori got off the elevator to the lobby of the six-star hotel he was staying in. He carried a small titanium case. Inside was a selection of the highest quality gemstones from his recent procurement trip. But the stones were not for selling, they were his tools for this meeting.

He saw her immediately as she entered the coffee shop. She was sophisticated in a crisp white shirt and dark blue pencil skirt. The patent leather shoes are the exact colour of her jewellery. A set of blood red ruby earrings and a necklace framed her beautiful, unlined face; pieces that most women wear on special occasions, she wore daily. It was the day’s end, but she looked as fresh as if it was morning.

Renata Esqueraas’ glamorous persona suited her as the owner and editor of Deesee, a prominent lifestyle magazine. No sign of her sad childhood about her. She was the only daughter of a former naval officer and a nurse, both Viscerebus. Her mother died young. And her father remarried to an Erdia. When Renata was fifteen, her father sank with the ship he captained when it was torpedoed by an enemy vessel during the war.

Renata’s elegant form as she walked towards him would have set her stepmother’s teeth on edge. Vinezza was a social climber who craved to be accepted into their kind’s Alta. When her marriage to Renata’s father did not achieve her entry into the high society, she became resentful. Vinezza, envious of her stepdaughter’s Viscerebus blood, had placed the teenager in the care of a boarding school and refused to have a relationship with her.

Until Renata became a successful, influential adult through Deesee, which became a global number one. The place in the Alta that Vinezza coveted became possible with her association with Renata, and by extension, to Deesee.

Deesee’s rise to prominence happened through his company’s support. The patronage of a renowned luxury brand gave her publication credibility and attracted other affluent brands and readers, both human and Viscerebus.

This one-on-one meeting, the second since she became a cog in his Grand Plan, was crucial. The reason he invested in her and her publication boiled down to this moment.

Ms Esqueraas… He greeted her with a smile. Her citrusy perfume scented the area.

Mr Mori… She inclined her head in greeting. Her smile beamed. Her eyes assessed him; the appreciation in them showed she did not miss the image he presented – a successful investor and entrepreneur in custom Italian suit. Her interest in him was more than professional, but he would not reciprocate. It would complicate his plans.

They shook hands. In this guise, he did not follow the Japanese custom of bowing, as it attracts unnecessary attention from the people around them. He preferred to be unobtrusive at all times.

Shall we move to the room I reserved for us? He offered her his arm. She inclined her head in concurrence and looped her hand through.

The small private room was in a corner. The service staff closed the sliding glass door to keep the outside noise out and their conversation secure. Mori opened the case he carried and placed it between them. The gemstones were visible to anyone curious enough to look through the glass.

Renata picked up a ten-carat Morganite and made a show of admiring the princess cut and its pink radiance. Her face appeared pleasant and interested. That was not a pretense; jewellery was her weakness.

So, have you thought about what we discussed? His questions had nothing to do with gemstones.

She nodded and replaced the stone in its velvet bed and picked up a cushion-cut Alexandrite. Yes. We have the same goals, she replied, her tone light, a small pout on her lips.

He expected the response. He knew her motivation. When will you start? His tone was even, but he gave her an answering smile of satisfaction. He picked up an emerald-cut Heliodor and handed it to her.

I will send my plans to you in a few days. Then you can send me the buyers. She turned the yellow-green stone this way and that, holding it up against the light. She was not talking about gemstone enthusiasts, either.

I have the list now. He fished out a slim catalogue of gemstones from his inside pocket and handed it to her together with a loupe.

She took them, flipped open the booklet, and trained the loupe into the stunning emerald on the first page.

At the edge of each stone, in the tiniest of font, hidden in the shadow cast by the shot, were the names of their target politicians of the pre-selected countries. Even with her keen Viscerebus’ eyesight, she needed the custom loupe to read it.

How many? she asked as she leafed through the list.

Twenty-three, to start with, he replied.

And the individual casebook? she asked.

He pushed a long and slim, black velvet jewellery box to her. Your username and password are at the end of the last page. He said as she opened the box and took out a pendant designed like a pencil, made of titanium and black diamonds.

The exquisitely crafted pendant brought a smile to her face. He took it from her and pushed at the side of the pendant, revealing a well-concealed flash drive. Her eyebrows quirked in surprise, smile widening.

She replaced it in the velvet box and dropped the box into her bag with the buyers’ list.

So, have you made a choice? he asked. Their business talk concluded. Her eyes glittered in anticipation.

I’m partial to blue stones, she replied.

He smiled back and handed her a brilliant, oval cut dark blue stone. This reminded me of you…

Thank you. This is beautiful. What is it? she asked, amazement in her eyes when they met his.

Tanzanite, twelve carats, he replied, handing her a small velvet gem pouch to safeguard the stone.

He gestured to the service staff hovering outside to summon him into the room. For now, business talk was done. Establishing a deeper bond was important. So far, she behaved exactly as he expected her to. Her agreement to be part of his plan was even ahead of schedule.

Later that evening, Tomio Mori lounged in his hotel room, satisfied with the outcome of his meeting with Renata.

She had proven herself to be a perfect Zuriajah, a formidable one among his White Generals. Her solid position within the human society ensured her strategic placement.

Within a few months, she would deploy her chief asset, a network of painlokaas – young, teenage-looking female and male Viscerebus. They would be the baits for the human politicians they wanted under their control.

His White Generals had been steadily penetrating various human governments throughout the years, through the corruptible elected officials. His Zuriajahs were experts at bribery, blackmail, and various other means. All these strategies were part of the Grand Plan, the full extent of which he had not divulged to anyone.

It was multi-layered to assure success. Secrecy was imperative in every facet of it.

14

THREE MEN AND AN ERDIA

Ximena and Emme sat across from each other, their wine glasses untouched. Rays of the midday sun glinted against the amber liquid, the room humid despite the air conditioning.

The awkwardness of their fractured friendship was as substantial as the day it was destroyed by the act they collaborated on decades ago. A mistake both their consciences had borne and suffered from ever since.

The tension broke when Emme laid a thick folder on the table. Martin Bell's file. Ximena leafed idly through the worn pages without looking. The sensation on her fingertips, familiar. They had kept Martin Bell’s file manual; it was personal to her. And to Emme.

Ximena’s thoughts were not on the pages, her fingers still touching the edges of the age-softened paper. The visions of the day Martin spoke her name for the first time in fifty years still shook her.

He called out my name, Emme, she said.

What? How? When? Emme’s mouth dropped in astonishment, awkwardness forgotten.

During my last visit. Ximena’s heart tightened at the memory and the need to talk about it. She took a sip from her wineglass to ease the pressure a little.

Are you sure, Mena? There was a hitch in Emme's voice.

She nodded. Perhaps Emme was as hopeful as her to find redemption from what they did to Martin. It did not matter their intention was good; the outcome did not justify the means.

Ximena handed her phone to Emme. On it was a photo of what looked like a painting of a stormy night. Emme did not understand; the gaze that met Ximena was questioning.

Scroll to the next one. That’s the distant shot of the same painting, she said.

Emme scrutinised the next photo; the emotions and thoughts that chased across her face were identical to Ximena’s when she realised what Martin had painted.

The black, grey, reddish, dark blue blotches and the silver rain streaks created an image of her superimposed on the face of a dark grey wolf. Martin’s plea and anguish melded in his work. His mind may have been gone, but his soul remembered.

Emme swallowed the lump in her throat as she raised her eyes and met Ximena’s.

This was the first time in fifty years Martin had shown any semblance of recognition or remembrance of anyone. He revealed that in the only painting that featured her from almost a thousand artworks he made over those years. Hope bloomed in her chest when she saw it. And the magnitude of it almost stopped her heart then. The heavy sensation had not left her since.

Mena, what do you want us to do? Emme asked, eyeing her.

Try to liberate him out of his own mind, to bring him back, she replied. It was the only option they would consider. Maybe this time, we will make progress.

Yes, of course. Emme’s quick agreement contrasted with the look of doubt in her eyes.

They both did not know how to achieve it, or if it was even possible. Over five decades, they guarded and watched him closely, always looking for a glimmer of entry into his mind. There was still a lot of uncertainty about Martin’s condition, but they were optimistic. It was a rare emotion, and while they did not want to expect too much, it was hard not to.

Silence followed as they sipped their wine in this picturesque bar that should have been a place of casual conversation between friends.

Emme… thank you for coming. She realised she was indeed grateful Emme had not walked away all those years. And was still with her on this journey.

Emme offered a shadow of a smile in her eyes. I have waited for that call for decades, Mena. There is no way I will not come. This could be the brick from which they could rebuild their friendship.

All the past hurts between them began to bleed out of her heart. Soon, they would talk about it and sort it out. But for now, their debt to Martin could be paid, the principal, the corresponding interest, and penalties. And pay they would, Emme and her.

And hopefully, they could forgive each other, and themselves after.

The urgency of Project Chrysalis had doubled. In the past years, despite the hopelessness of Martin’s mental health, Ximena never entertained the thought of giving up. She focused on the experiments and the research for both projects with a manic dedication. With a crack in the impenetrable wall that encased Martin’s mind, they were closer to success than ever before. They could not waste time.

Emme and she were committed to healing Martin’s mind. Their failure on that score, year after year, was disheartening. Seeing all his Aswang paintings was a painful visual reminder of his torment and their incapacity. The Project Chrysalis became her panacea, her focus, her alternative route to make things right.

Martin’s body grew feebler by the day, brought on by age and lack of physical activities apart from painting. The sign of recognition he exhibited buoyed her spirit.

She needed to work on this project more closely, more extensively. Martin and her quest to convert him into a Vis had run its course. Her goal now changed into prolonging his life by adding V Genes. Maybe the added years would allow them to rectify what they did to him.

Would Íñigo agree to it?

This is frustrating, thought Íñigo, as he leafed through the latest laboratory test results. They could not bridge the gap between the human and Aswang genes, even with the use of the Erdia DNA with the highest V gene count.

He looked up to find Ximena entering the lab, her brows knitted. She looked perturbed, her distraction so complete that she did not notice him observing her for a long time. It startled her when he cleared his throat to alert her to his presence. Her smile of apology was weak.

Family issues? He was privy to Ysobella and Yuana’s situation. Ximena shook her head.

The De Vida women have been unlucky in their relationships over the decades. They tended to fall in love with humans, and they paid for it with considerable heartache. None more so than Ximena. Her heart remained locked from him, unable to move on because of what happened to Martin.

Íñigo waited for her to tell him what was bothering her. Ximena seemed unsure. But he could almost guess what was on her mind.

How are the testing coming along? Ximena asked to divert his focus.

For a moment, he was tempted to press her. He pushed the report over to her in response.

Are there any breakthroughs? Ximena asked without looking at it.

He shook his head. None. The FE2-human experiment showed promise in the beginning, but we cannot seem to push it further to a successful result. The specimen genes were not stable enough. We are still missing a link. He riffled through the report and pointed to a diagram to emphasise his point.

"FE2? The offspring of a female Erdia and a male Viscerebus with 9.5 V Genes. She frowned. Is this the highest we could get?"

Yes.

Ximena sighed. Would we ever find the closest source? It is looking impossible. She rubbed her temples, an action that screamed despondency. With a deep breath, she straightened. Inner grit bolstered her determination.

Well, our other option is to find a process that would augment what we are missing… he said.

"You’re right. We have been doing this for over fifteen years now, and we have progressed quite a lot. The final breakthrough may just be around the corner. Synthesising the cure for VM may have been elusive for now, but the Altera Project is far from over," she said.

That pulled a smile from him. He could not help it. "Yes. And our goal is as noble today as when we first secured the approval from the Tribunal. Let us focus on finding that missing link. I believe we are close to finding that cure."

Ximena’s nod of acknowledgement was incongruent with the flash of panic in her eyes. He knew, by gutfeel, it had to do with the Project Chrysalis – her goal to convert humans into Aswang. One human. Martin Bell.

While it pained him to join her in the project, he could not find it in himself to deny her plea for help. Their undercover collaboration had been a secret to everyone, including her powerful family. And he suspected her inner panic earlier had something to do with Martin Bell.

Something had happened to his rival.

I am in the house of creatures that eat raw human organs.

The thought of Aswang and their human viscera-eating nature made Roald’s heart quicken, and panic rose in him again. His eyes closed as he breathed deep to quell his gut reaction. He found if he focused on his feelings for Yuana, he could dissociate her from this debilitating fear of the creature.

Roald shook his head to cast his anxiety away. He was here to win Yuana back. With determination, he looked around him, to find a more mundane focus to drown out his more unpleasant thoughts.

The house was old, but very well maintained, and judging from the furnishing in the room and the bathroom fittings, it had been judiciously renovated and outfitted with the latest convenience.

His room was beautiful in dark wood accents that matched the big, comfortable-looking bed at its center and the wide windows. The front garden was visible beyond it.

The swish of the leaves in the nearby forest and the chirping of birds accompanied the breeze that swept into the room. It kept the surroundings cool enough, with no need for air-conditioning.The place had the romantic and sensual charm of a honeymoon getaway.

Yuana was a mere three doors away, but her parents’ room was in between theirs. This meant he would not be tiptoeing to her room in the middle of the night. Roald could only shake his head ruefully. For such a modern family, they seemed so traditional.

He peeled off his shirt to take a shower. When he came here, he was not sure how long he would be staying, or if he was even going to be welcomed. He did not want to presume. Now, he wanted to present his best self to her parents.

This felt like his first dinner with Yuana’s family, even though he had dined with them multiple times over the years. Yuana’s revelation shifted everything, and tonight would be the first since he had accepted the truth that Yuana, her mother and the entire De Vida clan were… not human.

Under the shower, the white noise of the water spray provided a calming medium for his thoughts. It would be hurtful to Yuana if he reacted in fear of her kind every time. He had to find a way to deal with it.

Perhaps talking to Galen would help. Yuana’s father, a human like him, was in the same boat. Yuana’s mother left Galen all those years ago for the same reason Yuana hid the truth from him. Now, both of them would have to deal and live with their women’s beastly nature.

Refreshed and galvanised by a new purpose, Roald went to the living room in search of Yuana’s parents. He found Galen and Ysobella by the verandah, enjoying a drink before dinner. The couple did not see him as they both gazed at the vast lawn and the imposing mountain on the horizon. They were holding hands – a relaxed resting of Ysobella’s palm into Galen’s, their fingers loosely interlocked – and the sight bolstered the hope in his heart.

Both turned towards him as he approached, a slight smile on Ysobella’s face and a calm inquiry on Galen’s.

Can I join you, Tito, Tita?

He glanced at an empty chair beside theirs. Galen inclined his head in permission, the older man’s gaze assessing.

Roald sat down and faced the couple. He took a deep breath and decided to be direct in his approach.

Tita, I would like to ask for help… some guidance on how to live in your world… Her silence compelled him to add, I want to do this very much, but I do not know how to go about it.

Ysobella stared at Roald, gauging the sincerity in the boy’s eyes. He looked haggard, despite having showered already. The emotions within the depths of Roald’s eyes echoed the pleading in his voice. His vulnerability and courage were commendable, and promising.

Ysobella nodded.

We will help you as much as we can. She spoke for Galen and her. She knows Galen would do everything to help their daughter.

What kind of help do you need? Galen asked.

The slight softening in his eyes showed his approval of Roald’s decision to seek their assistance. A problem would be easier to solve when laid out in the open.

There was a lengthy pause. They waited in patience for Roald to continue.

I… have deep fears… And it makes me recoil… I do not want to hurt Yuana’s feelings every time it happens… he began.

Roald sounded unsure and helpless in his inability to explain his difficulties. There was a slight tremor on the young man’s hands, and he looked crestfallen. The sight made her stomach tighten.

How would Roald handle the truth if he is this terrorized by it?

What is it about us that scares you? Ysobella asked. Her parents informed her Roald may have had a traumatic Vis encounter in his childhood, but she could not tell Roald what she knew. She was not supposed to be privy to it.

I am not sure… Roald faltered, unable to verbalise where the fear was coming from, to share the details.

What do you see when you look at Yuana, when you think of her? she asked. Her intent gaze on him tightened his jaw, but he did not look away. Deep in his eyes, she glimpsed the depth of his boyhood fear.

"I see her… as her… my Yuana. But I have nightmares now… and it includes visions of her as an Aswang…" His voice was a raw whisper, like it passed through a shredder.

What are those visions? Galen interjected; his eyes narrowed in keen interest.

"I am not sure… it is usually a confused jumble of terrifying images, of Yuana, of blood, of human internal organs… It made little sense, but it is clear to me when I wake up that I am petrified of Aswangs." Roald’s pained expression underscored his tone.

You would need to figure out what scares you, Roald. It will be difficult to overcome something you do not understand. You would not know how to fight it, or conquer it, Galen said.

Like her, he recognised the boy’s torment. Roald had a lot to conquer before he could fully accept Yuana and their family’s nature.

"I know, Tito. That is why I am asking for your help. I can do this in small doses," Roald said.

She glanced at Galen for confirmation. The flash of agreement in his eyes was all she needed. They both turned to Roald and nodded.

Okay, we will help you, Ysobella replied.

Roald sighed with relief, and the taut line of his jaw eased. His determination to conquer the fear was written in the line of his spine.

And as if it was perfect timing, Yuana came down the stairs, her steps light. The blaze of emotions as the young couple’s eyes met was telling. It seemed Roald would give anything to keep that look in Yuana’s eyes.

It strengthened her maternal resolve to assist Roald through this. For her daughter’s sake. Hopefully, he would give anything and everything to succeed, even his own humanity.

The early morning breeze that lifted the strands of loose hair about her face smelled of damp grass, flowers and fruits that abound the woods at this time of the year. The sun inched above the horizon, brightening the sky.

With hot coffee in hand, Ysobella basked in the calm of her surroundings. An invigorating breath added to her contentment, the primary source of which was the slumbering man in her bed.

The bedsheet rustled as Galen stirred. He lay on his side now, facing her, peaceful and boyish. She allowed him to sleep longer; he needed all the rest he could get. His energy was not as high as hers, being what she was. And his malady handicapped him. She was tempted to go back to bed and cuddle with Galen, when her phone vibrated.

Her mother called.

She walked out to the verandah so the conversation would not disturb Galen’s sleep, sliding the glass door closed behind her.

Good morning, Bella, how are things there? Katelin’s usual cheery voice came through.

"Things are great, Mama. I have news to tell you…" She didn’t know how to broach the subject, her heart afire with excitement.

Hmm… what news? Good or bad? her mother asked in a teasing voice. Only her mother would think of being playful this early.

Mama… Galen and I are engaged. Finally. She tried to sound less giddy.

We expected that. I am thrilled for you, Bella. There was a smile in her mother’s voice. So, when is the wedding?

May tenth. It will be a small one, intimate. She expected support from her mother and was not disappointed.

Naturally, but have you decided where the wedding is going to be? Her mother’s delight was unmistakable in the girlish rise of her tone.

No, not yet. I am still savouring this – the reality that Galen and I will finally marry.

You deserve this, my dear…You and Yuana, Katelin said.

The mention of her daughter’s name reminded her. Speaking of Yuana, Roald is here. And they made up.

"Yes, your Papa gave him the address, so we were hoping for this outcome. Has the boy been informed about the Veil of Secrecy? Has he committed to be bound by it?"

"No serious talk about the Veil yet. We will do that later at breakfast. But I am hopeful about him, Mama. He talked to Galen and me yesterday and asked for our help. He mentioned he was scared… but he could not articulate what it was he feared."

"Ah… yes. We have confirmed he had a childhood encounter with a Vis. When he was three or four years old, he saw a male feeding on a woman," her mother said.

Papa mentioned something to that effect, but he did not give details. That explains his fear… Should we tell Roald? Ysobella knew his psychiatrist could not validate that to Roald without exposing Dr Sanchez’s nature.

"Yes, but maybe a little later, when we are completely sure Roald is committed to keep the Veil. He cannot find out how much of his life we infiltrated. He will not take kindly to that. Most humans are prickly about that kind of intrusion."

Okay, Mama. But I will discuss the facts with Yuana. She needs to know. It will help her understand Roald’s reaction. She could almost see her mother nodding on the other side of the line. In the brief silence that followed, she debated whether she should discuss the newly discovered Apex nature of Yuana.

Is there anything else, Bella? Her mother’s instinct kicked in. Katelin’s insight into how her mind worked was as strong as ever.

She braced for her mother’s reaction. "Ma… Yuana is an Apex."

"What? Did I hear you right? Yuana is an Apex?" Her mother’s words escalated in tone.

Yes, she transforms into a black bird. She thinks it was a raven, but she looked more like a cross between a raven and a Haribon to me. She still could not believe it herself. Her daughter, the rare super shapeshifter, one in every two hundred fifty million Viscerebi after every two centuries. It was too mind-boggling to contemplate.

"A Haribon? The Philippine eagle… Oh, blessed Aquila! Her mother’s words came out through her teeth; stunned was too mild to describe her tone. Wow! The only Apex in our lifetime is my granddaughter…" There was awe in Katelin's voice.

I know, Mama. That’s exactly how I reacted when I found out.

When are you coming back here? Katelin’s tone was urgent, as if she planned to throw a grand party.

Yuana wanted to keep it a secret for now, she warned. She has too many things on her plate. Let us keep it within the family for the meantime. Global attention from our kind is the last thing she needs. Let us give her some time.

Of course. It is not our secret to tell, anyway. But I will tell your Abuelo and Abuela. I want to shock them… Her mother’s glee was contagious. I can't wait to see their faces…

Oh, I would love to see that, too. Movements in the kitchen gave her pause. I have to go now; I can hear Yam-Ay getting breakfast ready. Give a kiss to Papa from me, she said.

"Mwah… may abundance stay with you, my dear," her mother said and hung up. Her mother’s well-wishes warmed her heart.

Galen shifted on the bed, drawing her attention back to him. His eyes were still closed, but his hands crept to her side of the bed. His lids opened when he found it empty; his gaze darted around to look for her. Galen’s dark gaze met hers as she opened the verandah door and walked over. She smiled at him, gladness pervaded her heart at the knowledge that he was here, with her.

She leaned over and gave him a quick good morning kiss. Breakfast? she murmured against his lips.

He studied her intently. In a minute… I am still thanking the universe for my luck. His expression conveyed gratefulness. Her heart clenched in response.

Galen made her life worth more than she could ever value it. Abundance stayed, indeed.

Yuana sat in contemplation. Her parents advised her about Roald’s request and his childhood trauma. It could aggravate his Aswang phobia if she revealed that her Animus was a winged creature. He might start imagining her as a gorzati, a Manananggal, the most feared, but erroneous image of their kind.

What else can they do to make it easier for Roald?

Like her father, he would not have to see her eat raw human viscera. So that would be half the obstacle removed for him.

How would she conduct her flight lessons? She could not do it during the day, it would be visible, and Roald would find it strange if she disappeared for hours.

Her best option would be very late at night while everyone was asleep. She would need her mother’s help to ensure the Mangyan household remained unaware.

The clanking call of the Pokpok alerted her it was time to go down for breakfast. She waved at the colourful bird perched on the tree outside her window; the creature became her natural alarm clock since she arrived.

She found Roald, coffee in hand, at the ground floor verandah. He heard her footsteps and turned, a welcoming smile on his face. His free arm opened wide as she neared, and enveloped her in a tight one-armed hug, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

Good morning, Yu, he murmured, his breath made warm and fragrant by the coffee.

Good morning, Ro. She smiled up at him. His eyes focused on her lips for a while, undecided what to do. She pulled his head down and gave him a quick kiss.

Roald’s breath hitched in surprise. His eyes glittered in response. He would have kissed her back, but the sounds of Ysobella and Galen’s footsteps halted his intent.

Her parents exchanged kisses as they descended the stairs. Roald shot a glance at her, and his slightly aggravated expression made her laugh.

Good morning, kids, Yuana called out to her parents. They both grinned at her like kids caught doing something naughty.

Shall we breakfast? Galen asked.

They nodded and followed her father and mother towards the morning room, where Roald found her when he arrived at the Villa yesterday. The sunny and airy room had become her favourite in this house.

Breakfast was convivial and relaxed in the bright room that smelled of coffee, cinnamon, and baked bread. A mild, morning breeze blew in through the windows carrying the scent of dewy grass, flowers, and trees.

Roald was aware of his avoidance of the topic that Yuana and her parents anticipated from him. For now, he wanted to ignore it.

"Roald, did Yuana talk to you about the Veil of Secrecy?" Ysobella said out of the blue.

His heart skipped a beat. Veil of what?

"No, Tita." He glanced at Yuana.

"The Veil of Secrecy is the oath that each of us must keep at all times and is the foundation of our laws. We are bound by it from birth. In a nutshell, no one must know the existence of our kind. Our laws require anyone we share the truth about us to be bound by the same Veil. Our lives depend on it." There was a tensed line at the corner of Ysobella’s mouth, and a grim glint in her eyes.

And his heart skipped another beat.

"I understand, Tita. And I… am willing to bind myself to… the Veil. He could not imagine anything that would induce him to reveal that information to anyone, except… Tita, Yu, I… I told my shrink… during my sessions…" His heart had dropped to his gut.

It’s okay, Roald. I am sure your shrink will not divulge your words to anyone because of doctor-patient confidentiality, Ysobella assured him with a smile.

But he could not smile back. He also told someone else. And Daniel… I mentioned to him that Yuana claimed to be an… He was unable to complete his sentence.

"A Viscerebus… or Vis, for short, Yuana suggested, her tone gentle. That is the non-colloquial term, the scientific name, if you will. We refer to ourselves as that, especially here. The word Aswang alarms the humans when they hear it."

Okay… I told Daniel… he repeated, still worried.

It’s alright. He is a good friend to both of us. I am sure Daniel would never repeat it to anyone else, Yuana reassured him.

Yuana was right; it would be in character for Daniel to keep it to himself.

"What happens if someone does not keep to the Veil?" The thought popped in his head, and he was afraid to learn the answer.

"There are measures we implement. I can tell you more about that later if needed. Just keep the Veil intact, and everything will be fine," Yuana replied.

He realised she did not want to give him more reasons to fear their kind. He felt a mixture of relief and anxiety, but he needed to know.

Would I be placing you in mortal danger, Yu, if somebody else finds out? he persisted. Did he inadvertently endanger her?

Yes. And my entire family. Yuana’s brief reply told him the answer he dreaded.

Roald took a deep breath. The knowledge he had placed Yuana and her family at risk did not sit well with him. Maybe I should speak to Daniel, to convince him to