Chapter 184 - Can You Keep A Secret?

When everyone finished having their dinner, Roman was called by Castiel to join him along with his nephew to speak to him, leaving Julie by herself. Holding the glass of wine that had been offered to her earlier, which she had barely touched, she stood in one of the first-floor room's patio. Staring at the horizon where the forest's trees and the sky touched. 

The night was cold and breezy, making her pull her jacket closer to her. 

"What are you doing here by yourself?" came the familiar voice, and Julie slightly turned to see it was Olivia who made her way towards her.

"I thought I would take a step outside for some fresh air," replied Julie with a polite smile, and Olivia returned it with a knowing look on her face. 

"I can tell. I do that most of the time when everyone gathers around," said Olivia, who held a glass of wine in her hand, but it was bloody red in colour. She came to stand next to Julie, taking the breathtaking view of the scenery in front of them. "If it weren't for my Elder, I would have easily skipped it, even if Maximus opposed it." 

Julie smiled at Olivia's words, noticing the vampiress' short blonde hair gently move because of the wind. "He seems to be the most sorted one out of the four  Elder vampires." 

"Hm," a smile stretched on the corners of Olivia's lips. "I guess you could tell that, but I think I would personally pick Castiel. Not that my maker is not sensible, but he's a little uptight when it comes to his emotions." 

"I see," murmured Julie, and she saw Olivia give a slight nod. 

"How about you? Will you be turning as Dante's disciple?" inquired Olivia, referring to what was brought up in the dining room. 

"I am not sure how that works," replied Julie, her words softer than the wind itself, and she turned her gaze back to look at the forest that looked quiet and peaceful right now. Her eyes looked at the other side, where Willow Creek was situated. 

"You will have someone to look after you, and who will take responsibility for your actions if something goes wrong. Though I don't think you need it as Rome is very supportive and not to mention now, there is Elder Donovan who seems to have taken your side quite quickly. I wonder if it was Roman, who got Dante to speak about it, because she never wanted to take a disciple in the past," commented Olivia, bringing the glass of wine to her lips and then taking a sip from it. "Castiel let us know what you really are, so that there wouldn't be any confusion if something happens."

He must have told them last week, thought Julie in her mind. 

The vampiress continued to speak, "Neither the night creatures, nor the humans are welcoming when it comes to the existence of the witches. Apart from Luciano, who is still digesting the information, the others here might be accepting, but it isn't the same when it comes outside Veteris. Dante will be more like your guardian in this side of the world."

"I will think about it," said Julie, still unsure about the whole thing. 

Olivia nodded without pushing Julie to make an immediate decision. 

"How did you take it when you came under Elder Remy's wing?" Julie asked curiously, and Olivia leaned forward, placing her forearms to rest on the railings of the patio. 

"The last thing I remembered when I was a human was Roman carrying me out of the manor. There was too much blood, and when I woke up, I was still half breathing and half dying, before Remy came to my side," her gaze constant on the forest. "I didn't know what he was doing, or what was going on because it was a chaotic mess. But I am glad that he was the one who took me in and not Donovan or Luciano, that would have been truly troublesome," her lips quirked up, and Julie smiled. 

Olivia praised her Elder vampire, their aura almost the same and in sync. 

"I am sorry to hear about your aunt. My prayers for her," said the vampiress, and Julie softly nodded. "Are you alright?" 

"Yeah, I am getting there," said Julie, feeling sadder because of the living leaving her than the dead, and she wondered if it was right to feel this way. 

"Death... It changes people. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes, for the worst. But we all come out stronger," Olivia brought her glass back to her lips and downed the entire drink in one gulp. "None of us have fond memories of turning into a vampire, but what made it easier was knowing we had each other," and she shook her head before offering a smile to Julie. 

"How was your vacation?" asked Julie, as she had heard from Roman that Maximus and Olivia had stepped out of Veteris, all by themselves. 

The smile on Olivia's lips widened, "It was the usual. We went to visit an old town, ate, drank, and then returned here."

And as fast as the smile that had widened on Olivia's lips, Julie noticed the subtle changes of how the smile lowered from the vampiress' lips as if she held a deep sadness that she didn't want to let go of. How strange to feel that, thought Julie in her mind. 

"It is a town that comes to the South side from here. Not much has changed, except for the humans we once knew are dead," stated Olivia before asking, "Do you know how a witch's life space works? Else Rome will have to find a way to turn you into a vampire," she joked. 

"Witches stay alive for a long time. Longer than the humans at least." 

"That's good news," and Olivia turned around, leaning her back against the railings this time before she threw her head backwards. "I don't know how Rome is handling it, but I can tell by the slight behavior that the ripper in him continues to lurk behind his eyes. He's lost too many people, and I am not sure how things will turn out if he were to lose you." 

At the same time, footsteps were heard, and Julie turned around to notice Maximus making his way to where they were. "Enjoying some girl's time?" he questioned, with a grin on his face. 

"Did you finish speaking to your uncle?" asked Olivia, and Maximus nodded. 

"He wanted to let us know that they are thinking about shutting down the university after the current batch of the freshmen complete their senior year," he informed, which caught both the girls' attention.

"That's absurd," Olivia frowned, not believing something like this was going to happen. "How are they going to educate the younger vampires or even maintain the possible harmony between the humans and vampires? Wasn't that the reason in the first place? Especially hiding our kind?"

"Dante will need to go into a rest state because of the time she has spent here alive. Remy and Castiel believe no one else will do a better job than her. Also the hunters' situation isn't something that is going to be solved in a year or two. The possibility of them striking back is more and the university will be in constant threat," explained Maximus. "It is still under discussion, nothing is finalized yet. So maybe they will figure out what to do with the matter." 

Julie excused herself by saying, "I will go and see where Roman is right now." 

When she walked a few steps away in the corridor, before she left the place, she turned back to catch sight of Maximus, who had wrapped his arms around Olivia's waist. Not wanting to be a peeping tom, she quickly walked down the dark stairs. When she was still looking for Roman when Julie came to cross paths with Griffin. 

"To think that you were just a mere human, and turned out to be a stinky witch," commented Griffin, his red eyes glaring at the girl. It was because of her that he had lost one of his pals, Mateo Jackson. But only if Mateo had caused some serious damage before dying in Moltenore's hands, the vampire bitterly thought in his head. 

"Looks like staying inside the dungeon didn't do any good to you," retorted Julie. Griffin noticed how the girl had gained more confidence in her since he had last seen her. 

Remembering how he was put in the dungeon and how his reputation had come down with some of the vampires who used to look up at him, he glared at her. 

"Looks like you aren't the scared little girl you used to be. Don't think your neck is safe, most of us don't believe you, and the ones you think who believe in you only do it for their own benefits," warned Griffin, with a smug smile on his lips. 

"I never expected anything. You are the only one who is worried about it here," replied Julie, and she started to walk past him. Griffin brought his hand in front of her, stopping her. 

"I don't think I said I was done talking to you. You don't know how Veteris is for the supernatural beings," pointed Griffin, and he said, "This is a place where everything works on hierarchy of seniority. You should listen to your seniors and oblige to their words." 

"I think you are far more suited to be a junior instead of being a senior, Griffin. If you know I am a witch, you should know better what I am capable of doing to you," warned Julie, and the gaze between them intensified. 

"You have some nerve to refuse and to speak that way to me," glared Griffin. 

"Which I have the right to speak. Don't think I don't know that you were the one who sent Jackson and the others to harm me. And I don't think Roman would be pleased if he sees you anywhere near my breathing space," replied Julie, where she was in no mood to talk to him.

"You think I am scared of him?" Griffin blew air through his nose, "Moltenore knows well to not mess with an Elder vampire's disciple, because things would go out of order and it will lead to chaos in here."

"You must be delusional to think that he would care about something so trivial," stated Julie, and Griffin didn't like the sudden confidence the witch had acquired and was continuously talking him down. "And if he doesn't, don't think I won't respond to what you did. I will send you to a place where you will never be able to get back."

Roman appeared in the corridor, noticing Julie and Griffin glaring at each other. 

Seeing Roman, Griffin dropped his hand, giving one last look at the girl. He started to walk away from there. "I really would like to see you send him back in time," commented Roman, as he continued to walk to where Julie stood, letting her know that he had heard the words that she spoke to the other vampire. But at the same time, he could hear her heart beating slightly faster than usual, "You did well." 

He placed his hand on top of her head, watching her close her eyes and letting out a sigh of relief escape from her lips.

"I heard from Maximus that they are planning to close down Veteris. Is it true?" asked Julie and Roman dropped his hand back to his side. 

"Most of the land here belongs to different vampires. Some who have finished their studies, and some of us who are still here. They worry that the people who have been buried here and the chambers, will be moved to another place by the hunters, if they were to discover and know that these lands are not human grounds. Especially with Willow Creek in picture," replied Roman, slipping his hand into hers and tugging her outside the manor. "Though it would be feasible to keep the place running, Dante wants to leave. This would be her final year. Donovan offered to take the spot of headmaster, but I don't think it would be a good idea. He will turn this place into a complete vampire education system."

"Are we not going to tell them that we are leaving?" asked Julie as they walked away from the manor back into the path of the trees, which was surrounded by trees. 

"They wouldn't even notice with the bickering that is going on in there," said Roman, pulling her closer while he interlocked his fingers with hers. "Are you doing alright?" he asked, noticing Julie looking slightly dazed. 

Her eyes shifted from the trees to look at him, offering him a smile, while his curious eyes looked at her. 

"I was thinking about the viewing and the burial ceremony," murmured Julie.

"Do you want to be there when it takes place?" asked Roman, and Julie wasn't sure how to answer. 

Julie then finally said, "No. I will pray for her soul from here."

"I have asked someone to keep an eye on them. To make sure they are safe and nothing happens to him or your cousin Joel," said Roman, where he had made calls after coming to Veteris. 

"Thank you, Rome. I appreciate it," she said, feeling him squeeze her hand. 

Things had changed too much and too fast, and she wondered how much more it was going to keep changing while knowing change was inevitable, and she could only be part of it. 

Monday was quick to arrive, where most of the vampires who hadn't contacted the Veteris office had arrived safely without ending up in the hunters' hands. And though for most humans and vampires, it was just another day of getting back to their studies and classes, it was different when it came to Melanie and Conner, where Melanie was more affected by the turn of events. 

Julie had spent the previous night at Roman's dorm, making it difficult for Melanie to speak to her while still wrapping her mind about Simon being a vampire here. 

During breakfast, when the three of them met, Julie decided to act as if she hadn't heard anything about Conner's father or them knowing about vampires. "I am going to get my meal. You coming, Mel?" asked Julie, and Melanie smiled. 

"Yeah, I will be there in a minute. You go first," said Melanie and Julie gave her a nod before leaving from there. Conner had placed his hand on Melanie's hand as if quietly asking her to wait. "What is it, Conner?" 

"What are we going to do about the information that we know?" he asked her, his head turning towards her, and while doing so, the curls on his head slightly moved. 

Melanie pursed her lips and then said, "I was thinking of telling Julie about it."

"But our parents made sure that we sign the confidentiality agreement and clearly told us to keep it as a secret," whispered Conner while looking around the lunchroom with doubt in his eyes. "Do you think we have any vampires in here?" he asked her. 

And as he asked, the same time, the famous five students entered the lunchroom, and Melanie's eyes fell on the red-headed vampire, who seemed to be chuckling about something. 

"We won't know about it, unless we test it or someone bares their... fangs," the last word was spoken in the quietest way possible. From what she knows, Simon has been friends with his group since they were children. Was it possible that the other people in the group were vampires, too? "I am worried that she'll think I am crazy for bringing up vampires in here. Not to mention, we don't know what might happen if a possible vampire comes to know that we know." 

"Yes, father said it wouldn't be good to expose ourselves and shout vampires exists," said Conner in a matter of fact tone. 

"I think you should keep your lips closed, more than anyone else in here," pointed Melanie, because out of the three of them, Conner was the blabbermouth in here. 

"Oh hush, I am an excellent secret keeper," said Conner and Melanie stared at him. "I was joking. I will make sure I don't speak about it." 

"That's good," murmured Melanie and then said, "I will see how I can break the news to Julie without her freaking out about it. Unless I feel it is a bad idea to involve her in this mess. Let me go get my meal." 

She made her way to where Julie was standing near the counter, taking her part of the meal. 

"Is everything alright, Mel?"

Julie could sense that Melanie wanted to tell her something, and she gave her best friend the window to speak.

"How did your time go at your uncle's place? Did they accept Roman wholeheartedly?" asked Melanie, unable to bring up the word vampires when there were many people around them. 

At the same time, the man who was serving food at the counter placed a milkshake which was pink in colour. Melanie couldn't help, but for some reason, she stared at it. 

Julie replied to her question, "We had Donovan come to the house." 

Melanie turned to look at Julie, "What was he doing there?" 

" We bumped into him at the amusement park. He wanted a place to spend the night in," said Julie and Melanie's lips turned into an O. "I wouldn't say it went as I expected it to go." 

"Maybe they need to spend some more time with him. I mean, you did take some time to get to know Roman before you both got closer, right?" 

Maybe they were heading in that direction, but before the bridge could be made, it had been broken and set up in flames, thought Julie in her mind. Trying to not think about what happened and pushing it to the back of her mind, she gave a nod. "I guess it will take some time," replied Julie. "How was your time back home?"

"Too many things happened, I will tell you about it later," said Melanie, before the two girls went back to their table and sat down, where Roman and his friends had already joined. 

Once Julie sat down next to Roman, he automatically pulled her seat near him. "How has your morning been?" he asked her. 

"So far quiet," replied Julie with a smile. "I brought your coke." 

"You sure you got the right one?" he asked, one corner of his lips pulling up. 

"I think so," she said, noticing him pull the ring at the top of the can before he brought the can near his lips. She saw him take a sip before pulling away to lick his lips. 

"How did you manage it?" he asked, his eyes curiously looking at her. 

Julie picked up her fork and knife, ready to cut the pancake, "I said Roman Moltenore wanted the coke and that did the trick." 

"How simple," hummed Roman, his eyes falling on Conner, who was looking at the people in the cafeteria with a look of wariness in his eyes. His eyes met Simon's, who turned to Conner and whispered, "Everything good, man?" 

Conner turned to Simon and nodded, "Yeah, I was only wondering if there are any of them in here. Father said to use these ingredients and see if we can weed out possible creatures from here." 

"You mean SW?" questioned Simon, shortening Silverwater. 

"Yeah," said Conner. 

"How about you give them to me, I will make sure it's dissolved well in the back of the kitchen. I know the men in there too," Simon offered to help. 

"You have helped a lot, Simon. I should take some part of the work too," said Conner before he continued to have his meal. 

Roman, who heard this, stared at Conner, and before the human's eyes could take note of who was looking at him, he looked away. Things are going to turn slightly difficult. If the human turned troublesome, it wouldn't be dorm but dungeon time. 

When they finished with their breakfast, Roman kissed Julie's cheek and said, "You go ahead. I will be missing the first few classes." 

"Okay. I will see you later," said Julie, and he saw her walk with her friends. 

While Julie and her friends stepped out of the lunchroom, Conner excused himself to another building. As they continued to walk, Melanie said to her, 

"There is something that I need to talk to you about, or confirm."

"What is it, Mel?" asked Julie, while Melanie looked front and back where they were surrounded by students. 

"Not here," said Melanie, and they walked towards the end of the corridor on the quieter side of the building. Stepping inside the room, Melanie closed the door, and she asked Julie, "Can you keep a secret?"