Moon Lovers: Bound by Blood and Revenge

"Aunt Bri, W-Why are you here?" Marceline stuttered a little, trying to hide her embarrassment. They were caught in the act by Aunt Brianna.

Aunt Brianna tried her best to hold her laughter. She didn't want to make this situation so awkward for Marceline. She knew that she felt embarrassed after getting caught while hugging Kira on that sofa.

"Have you forgotten? I am here to deliver your pills. You told me this morning that nothing was left with your meds so I brought you a new one. Besides, you need it as your illness acted out again last night."

Marceline smiled sheepishly, rubbing her fingers together as she tried to fight the awkwardness she felt.

"Thank you, Aunt Bri. Come and join us. Have you eaten your dinner?" Marceline asked her, inviting her to sit down in the space between Kira and her.

Aunt Brianna traced her steps towards the sofa. Her gaze fell on Kira who nodded at her to acknowledge her presence. She greeted him back with a small smile before sitting down in the middle of the two.

"Thanks, dear for asking but I already had my dinner before coming here. Anyway, did I disturb the two of you? It seems like you are talking about some important matters. Sorry for interrupting you." The middle-aged woman apologized to both of them.

"Don't apologize, Aunt Bri. Marceline's medicine and health are much more important here," Kira said, glancing at Marceline.

Marceline just pursed her lips, looking away to hide her blushing face.

"If you don't mind, you can continue your talk while I'm here. Honestly, I overheard some of your conversations. Are you having difficulty? Let me hear it. Who knows I can offer some help." Aunt Brianna urged Kira and Marceline to resume their discussion a while ago.

Marceline and Kira tossed a look at each other meaningfully. She bobbed her head, encouraging Kira to speak up. Aunt Brianna was the person whom she could trust. She was letting Kira know that he could also trust Aunt Brianna.

Kira also informed Aunt Brianna about what happened in the Northleaf Timberland Forest and the demand of Triple W. The lives of his fellow vampires were at stake so he needed to do something to save them before it's too late.

"So you are planning to do a rescue operation alone?" Aunt Brianna asked Kira after hearing his story.

Kira bobbed his head as confirmation. "But I don't know much about the ins and outs of Triple W's Headquarters. And I also heard from Serafino that their headquarters is surrounded by a spell that can detect vampires."

"See! That's why I told you that it's very dangerous!" Marceline reacted exasperatedly, showing concern for Kira.

Aunt Brianna nodded her head. She fell silent for a moment, rubbing her chin as she tried to figure out how she could lend him a hand and help Kira.

"Don't worry too much, my Lady. I am stronger than you think. Nothing will happen to me. Just trust me."

Marceline creased her forehead in a deep frown while pouting her lips, still not convinced by Kira's reassuring words.

Kira and Marceline were still staring at each other when they heard Aunt Brianna's voice.

"Vampira Identitatis Revelio Spell," said she, catching Kira's and Marceline's attention. Both of them were now looking at Aunt Brianna, puzzled and confused.

"What is that, Aunt Bri?" Marceline asked her curiously.

"Vampira Identitatis Revelio Spell. It's a spell used by witches and wizards to detect a vampire or if a person in disguise was a vampire." Aunt Brianna explained to them.

Kira was amused upon hearing that. "Aunt Bri, how do you know that? Why are you familiar with that kind of spell?"

"I read it in an old book of spells that I found in the underground basement of the mansion. It was resting beside the golden casket." Aunt Brianna said nonchalantly as if it was just common knowledge to everyone.

"What? There is a Grimoire beside my casket?" Kira asked her again. Disbelief could be seen in his eyes.

"Yes, there is. I read it and remember this spell. By the way, darling, I already cleaned the underground basement. You can check it. If you want to store some important things there, you can also transfer them starting tomorrow. The casket is also well-maintained. It's still there."

Both Kira and Marceline looked at her with amusement. Aunt Brianna was very organized, efficient, and… Mysterious! Kira couldn't help but suspect if she was not an ordinary human being either.

'Marceline and Aunt Brianna… why do I feel like both of them have hidden identities?'

After a while, Kira shook his head, pushing those thoughts to the back of his head. For now, he needed to think of a way on how he would rescue the twenty vampire prisoners inside the Triple W headquarters.

It did not take long when Aunt Brianna suddenly stood up, saying goodbye to Marceline and Kira.

"Marceline, darling, I have to go back now. I will read more about this spell and try to study how we can counter this. You and Kira can continue discussing this. I will update you by tomorrow if I find the solution to this problem." Aunt Brianna gave them a reassuring smile.

The two people could only nod their heads, watching Aunt Brianna as she walked away, leaving the mansion.

When they were now left alone, Marceline also expressed her intention to help Kira.

"I will also help you. If Aunt Bri can figure out how to counter that spell, we can explore the Triple W together without intruding or breaking inside."

Kira looked at her worriedly. He was hesitant to agree with her suggestion. As much as possible, he didn't want her to be involved. Her safety was one of his priorities.

"I can't let you enter the werewolf's den," Kira objected.

"But I am a human. They won't do anything to harm me. I am a gatekeeper's successor," Marceline said confidently.

"Besides, you are with me. I believe that you will be able to protect me if someone tries to hurt me, am I right?" she further added.

Kira could only sigh in defeat. "Alright! You win."