CHAPTER 40: I CAN’T GO WITH YOU

John felt tired because it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to rest tonight. He had just applied medicine to Sylas’s wound and was waiting for it to take effect.

Sylas tensed up from the excruciating pain. His blood felt like it was boiling inside, making his legs ache and feel hot. Grumbling over and over, he endured it. Cold sweat soaked his entire body, and his breathing was uneven. His fingers dug into the mattress, trying to find relief, but none came.

His body trembled as the medicine started working. John watched anxiously, knowing the process was painful but necessary. Sylas clenched his fists, trying to focus on anything other than the burning pain. Slowly, his breathing steadied, and the tension in his body eased. Even so, the soreness lingered like embers beneath the skin.

Alvaro stood nearby, letting Sylas’s claws dig into his arm. John had already told him what medicine he was using—something from the doctor they had seen earlier. Alvaro had experienced it before, so he understood the prince’s pain.

Still, John had warned him this version wasn’t as strong as the one usually used on slaves. The burning was different from Doctor Ibran’s original formula, and the reaction lasted longer. It was harsher in a way that made it feel as though it was cleansing the blood with fire.

Sylas didn’t care if Alvaro or anyone else thought he was weak; the pain was unbearable. Still, he said nothing—just let out small, repeated groans.

Alvaro helped him lie back down, feeling how tense Sylas’s stomach was, his hands stiff and clenched.

"Breathe," Alvaro said, holding Sylas’s hands, trying to help. If he could, he would’ve taken Sylas’s pain on himself. But all he could do was offer comfort.

Sylas tried to breathe, but his hands shook and stayed clenched. His legs were stiff.

"Alvaro, I’m dying..." Sylas’s voice was weak and shaking.

Alvaro watched the healing process in silence. The blood was boiling, then starting to dry. He couldn’t imagine how much it hurt. But he hoped Sylas could hold on. It would be better if the medicine worked and closed the wound since they’d face many challenges that needed them to move fast.

"I have to go. There’s something I need to do," John said, seeing the wound slowly close. He felt a pang of guilt leaving the room while Sylas was still in pain.

Alvaro didn’t respond. Sylas just nodded, too out of it to focus.

John looked at Kai, who was kneeling on the bed, looking confused and worried, his face tired.

"Kai, go to sleep. There’s nothing you can do," John said, knowing the slave wouldn’t sleep unless someone told him to—or he passed out from exhaustion.

Kai bowed his head and nodded slowly. He glanced at Alvaro, then quickly looked down again. He was afraid to meet the knight’s eyes. Afraid the man might toss him off the balcony in his sleep just because he didn’t want him near Sylas. His heart pounded in his chest, anxiety written all over his posture.

John left, needing to bring the slave to Vlad’s room—Vlad hadn’t eaten yet today.

Meanwhile, Sylas was starting to calm down. The pain was fading. His breathing slowly returned to normal. But his throat was dry.

Alvaro grabbed the bottle John had placed in the box and handed it to Sylas. "Drink."

Sylas sat up and took the bottle with trembling hands. He felt drained. Honestly, he’d rather be stabbed with a sword than go through this kind of pain again. He hesitated, then took a small sip. The liquid soothed his throat, so he forced himself to drink more. When he finished, he handed the bottle back and lay down again, hoping the pain would disappear soon.

"Thank you," Sylas said. Then he took a deep breath. "Good, I’m still alive."

Alvaro smiled. "You won’t die that easily."

"I hope so." Sylas wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at his foot.

He was surprised to see the wound had dried. Only a dark mark was left. He moved his leg—it didn’t hurt anymore.

"That medicine is really something. We should get some for the palace," Sylas said.

"You can think about that once we get there. We need to leave right away," Alvaro replied, pulling Sylas’s hand to get them moving.

Sylas resisted. "No, Alvaro. Duke Terion will take us to the palace. That’s better than getting lost and surrounded by my uncle’s troops."

"Did that bastard tell you that?" Alvaro asked.

Sylas nodded. "I don’t know why, but everyone seems afraid of him. Still, I feel like I can trust him. So let’s wait."

Alvaro went quiet. He clenched his fists, still not over what Vlad had done to him. His face turned red just thinking about the vampire’s touch. Ugh! How did he end up in this situation?

Sylas noticed Alvaro was acting strange. He was quieter than usual. Sylas could still smell the sperm. He wanted to ask but held back, afraid to offend him. If Alvaro didn’t want to talk, he wouldn’t bring it up.

"Are you okay?" Sylas asked again.

Alvaro nodded. "I’m fine. I’ll feel better once you’re back at the palace."

"We can do it," Sylas said confidently.

"Duke Terion is powerful and independent. I’m not sure he’ll help. You know he doesn’t get along with General Huron," Alvaro said, sharing his doubts.

"You’re right. He usually doesn’t get involved unless someone asks. But Uncle is trying to take the throne. We both know how much he hates Duke Terion. I’m sure Terion won’t let him take power," Sylas said, clearly confident.

Even though Duke Terion had always claimed he wasn’t after power, Sylas believed that as the head of the family, he wouldn’t sit by and watch his people be destroyed.

"I still can’t believe Uncle started that poison rumor. He’s not afraid to risk everything," Sylas said.

"He didn’t announce it officially. Just spread rumors. You know how nothing official ever comes from the palace. It’s all just whispers. Prince Virouse is the one spreading lies to ruin your name."

Sylas nodded. The palace was very careful about what it made public. But Virouse had secret troops spreading false news, and that was worse than an official accusation.

Still, Sylas felt a bit relieved. If nothing official had come from the palace, that meant his father was still alive.

Alvaro looked at Sylas, who seemed gloomy and tense. He patted him on the shoulder. "Get some sleep. You’ll feel better tomorrow."

Sylas smiled at him. "We’ll be fine."

Alvaro looked serious. "I can’t go with you."

Sylas frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I’m staying here. That bastard agreed to take you to the palace only if I stayed with him."

Sylas fell silent. "What? He can’t do that."

"I made a deal with him."

Sylas shook his head. "No. You have to come with me. What’ll happen if you’re not by my side? Lord Vlad will get in trouble if he keeps a royal knight."

Alvaro took a deep breath. "We’ll see tomorrow. Just rest now."

Sylas held his hand. "What did he do to you? Are you okay?"

Alvaro smiled faintly. "I’m fine. Don’t worry about me."

Just then, Vlad appeared on the balcony and walked over to them.

"You’re not asleep yet, Larue..." Vlad said, looking at Alvaro. His eyes were soft and calm, but to Alvaro, it was disgusting.

"Can I have another room?" Alvaro asked.

Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Why? Isn’t my room big enough for you?"

"I need privacy."

"For what?"

Alvaro looked away, embarrassed.

Sylas looked between them. He could tell they were hiding something. He interrupted, "Lord Vlad."

Vlad turned to him and nodded respectfully. "Forgive me for not greeting you first, Your Highness."

Sylas shook his head. "I’m taking Alvaro with me to the palace, Lord Vlad. He can’t stay here."

Vlad smiled. "That’s not going to happen, Your Highness. He belongs to me and will stay with me."

Sylas sighed. The man had a habit of claiming everything.

"He’s a royal knight. You can’t just take him."

"He agreed to come with me, and that’s what matters."

"Lord Vlad—"

Vlad raised a hand. "He’s staying."

Then, without warning, he moved quickly and picked Alvaro up, making the knight gasp.

"Hey! Put me down! I can walk on my own!" Alvaro shouted.

"No, sweetheart. I’ll take you to bed so you can rest," Vlad said softly, sliding his hand into Alvaro’s nightclothes and rubbing his butt. He chuckled when Alvaro cursed. The moment was so humiliating, Alvaro wanted to punch the vampire across the room.

Sylas stared, speechless. It looked like Vlad had fully claimed Alvaro. What could he do? What if Vlad really wouldn’t let him go?

Sylas turned away and lay down. He needed to rest. He had to figure out how to make Vlad release Alvaro—no matter what it took.

Then he noticed Kai curled up at the edge of the bed, knees pulled to his chest. The slave looked exhausted. Sylas reached out and touched his hand. His skin felt burning hot.

Was the slave in pain?