Chapter 566: A Desperate Attempt To Kill
(Author’s POV)
"Stephens, treating his majesty so casually like a literal child, hahhh? You do know, alcohol doesn’t affect us, vampires, right?" Vinicio remarked, his tone friendly. "Do you?"
"Elder Cardamone, with all due respect, too much alcohol consumption isn’t good for either humans or vampires. One should drink in moderation. You~ .... should drink less as well," Fabian advised calmly with a polite smile.
"Alright, alright. I relent," Jacob said. "No more alcohol today."
Fabian wasn’t satisfied. Though Jacob wasn’t sitting directly under the sunlight, the effects of a solstice noon could be seen on his exposed skin. It has turned a tad bit red. He was afraid that it might affect Jacob’s health.
"Chairman, for now, you should return to your chambers and rest," Fabian said.
Before Jacob could reply, Sylvia uttered, "Fabian, I do understand you are very concerned, but it wouldn’t look nice if his majesty leaves the gathering all of a sudden."
"Fabian, Elder Silver is right on this," Jacob sided with Sylvia. If he left so early, there would be gossip amongst clan leaders, and there were too many backstabbers who would take advantage of it.
"For me, your well-being and safety is more important than keeping up appearances, Grandpa," Fabian said honestly.
Hearing Fabian call him grandpa touched a chord inside Jacob’s heart. Fabian always addressed him as Chairman Larson or Mr. Larson, especially in front of others.
Overcome with emotions, he got up from his seat and said, patting Fabian’s shoulder, "Alright, I will do as you say."
Turning towards Chris, he instructed, "Secretary Shadow, I~ ..." he looked at Fabian and continued, "Need to rest now. You take care of the gathering here," A broad smile made its way to his lips.
"Master, but~ ..." Chris muttered, but Jacob cut him off, "Just do as I say," his tone stern.
Biting his lips, Chris relented. He bowed his head and answered, "As you command, master." His hands were clenched on either side. If Fabian left the gathering with Jacob, his well made plan would be completely ruined.
’The foolproof plan to make Fabian drink poisonous wine, which I had carefully concocted, has already gone down the drain. There is no way I am going to let this mutt leave this place alive. Fabian Stephens, you have to die today, no matter what." Chris glared at Fabian’s back with clenched jaw. ’I need to think of something fast,’ his mind raced. Jacob and Fabian had already descended the stairs and were on their way to the mansion. Time was running out, and he was at his wits’ end.
Then he observed the backdrop, and a cruel, malicious smile crept up his lips. ’Why didn’t I notice it earlier? This would be perfect.’
The gathering was taking place in one of the many gardens on the Larson estate, with plants and trees surrounding it on all sides. Many young bougainvillaea plants were growing and supported with wooden stakes: a perfect weapon to kill.
He didn’t lose a second more as his eyes lingered on the crowd to weed out the weakest one present. His senses immediately pointed towards none other than Shaun Hart, who was busy trying to cozy up to Brian and Catherine, asking them for resources for his clan. ’This bait of mine is going to get rid of Fabian for sure,’ he thought, his smile deepened.
He bit his index finger as blood oozed out of it. He then rolled up his sleeve a bit and traced the edges of the Tria Prima tattoo embedded on his forearm with his bloodied finger, in an attempt to summon his power. But strangely, it didn’t react to his calling.
His smile was replaced with a frown as he recalled the neutralizing barrier Jacob had asked to cast on the entire vicinity. He took a quick glance at the grandfather-son duo. Cynthia Taylor had stopped them briefly to talk about something.
For him, failing was not an option, so he made another desperate attempt. Digging his nails, he sank them deep into his forearm, as fresh crimson liquid started to pour out, activating his powers instantly. The Tria Prima sign emanated from black to white, and then to the brightest shade of red.
As soon as the action was complete, Shaun Hart, who was busy currying favour, went as stiff as a cardboard.
His body straightened, his pupils darted from a nearby plant, supported by a stake and then locked onto Jacob, turning completely obsidian. Picking up the weapon, he hid it in his sleeve and walked straight towards his target, his steps calculated, precise and mechanical.
By this time, Jacob and Fabian were nearing the exit gate. They were deep in conversation.
"Fabian, you know what, because of this place crash, I won more in life than I had lost," Jacob let out his real feeling. Truth be told, he was a little tipsy now. His inner thoughts were flowing out unfiltered. "You called me grandpa. You have been by my side, taking care of me. What more could I ask?" He shifted his attention from Fabian and looked ahead, "If coming from death’s door meant such a positive change in our relationship. I wish it had happened much sooner. This feels like a blessing to me."
"GRANDPA~ .... don’t say such ominous things like this," Fabian scolded him. "Do you even know how I felt these past few days? Apart from me, everyone was allowed to enter your chambers. I could only hear about your health update. Do you know how helpless I felt then? So~ .... Don’t you dare utter such words, ever. I will not let anything happen to you."
"Silly child," Jacob said with a genuine smile.
They were just about to step inside when Fabian felt someone was coming after them. He turned around just in time to see Shaun charging towards them. At first, he didn’t understand and was a little taken aback, but as he came closer and closer, Fabian noticed the obsidian in his eyes locked onto Jacob’s back. His eyes then darted towards Shaun’s hand, holding a stake.
Without thinking much, he bellowed with all his might, "GRANDPA, WATCH OUT," and threw himself in front of him.
Before anyone could know what was going on, the sharp edged stake was skewered deep into Fabian’s chest, piercing his skin. He let out a cry as he spat out a mouthful of blood.
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . .
