《Eternal Love》


 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (1)

    Chapter 1 ¨C The Beginning of Everything


    Part 1


    It was an autumn morning like any other. The sun''s rays dappled every blue wooden plank of a small yet cozy Victorian-style house. The constant hum of the washing machine, combined with the arrhythmic clatter of kitchen utensils, masked the melancholic song of the blackbirds fluttering around the partially landscaped yard.


    Upstairs, in a room dominated by shades of blue, a small, restless figure tossed and turned under the sheets as if locked in a titanic struggle.


    ¡°Why is there so much noise?!¡± Yuna shouted angrily as she flung the massive pile of floral and fruity-patterned sheets to her right. Suddenly, a delicious smell of pancakes and freshly squeezed citrusy orange juice alerted her senses.


    Enveloped by the fragrance and with no control over her body, Yuna crossed the archway connecting the dining room to the kitchen.


    ¡°You made breakfast again?¡± she scolded her sister Nasai, who was setting the table with delicate wrist movements.


    Nasai and Yuna were not the typical sisters you might find in the home of an average French family. At a young age, they lost their parents and had to overcome significant challenges on their own. And although they didn¡¯t share blood, the love they had for each other surpassed that of many other siblings.


    Yuna had dropped out of university to enter the professional world and support her younger sister¡¯s studies, while Nasai did everything she could to make Yuna¡¯s life easier. If that meant keeping the house cleaner than fine glassware or serving the five daily meals a person should consume, she did it with a big smile, even if it meant waking up at five in the morning and losing precious hours of sleep.


    Because of this, despite her grumbling stomach, Yuna wasn¡¯t pleased to see her little sister handling the household chores.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yuna insisted, trying to suppress the now more audible growls of her hungry stomach as the magnificent smell of freshly baked croissants filled the air.


    ¡°Good morning, Yuna!¡± Nasai replied with a big, sweet smile from ear to ear as her sister shot her a challenging look. ¡°Well... considering you only have half an hour to shower, have breakfast, and get to work, I don''t think you can complain.¡±


    Half an hour? What does it means, half an hour? Her body still felt tired, and she had an overwhelming sense of not having slept enough. Yuna thought her sister was just trying to avoid the big scolding that awaited her. But then, with a mischievous glance, Nasai pointed her eyes towards the cuckoo clock hanging on the kitchen archway wall.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Almost as if by agreement, in perfect sync, as she turned to check the time, the little golden-feathered bird popped out to mark the half-hour.


    Why would her sister joke around? Yuna knew Nasai lacked a sense of humor, which was why she couldn¡¯t understand why such a ridiculous idea had crossed her mind. And as she became more aware that she had only half an hour to get ready, have breakfast, and reach the intermodal station, a knot started forming in her stomach, leading her to utter one of those iconic words we all use when we see our future darkening: ¡°Shit!¡±


    While Yuna tries the impossible to get ready, let me tell you a little more about the Nakama sisters, so alike yet so different.


    Yuna Nakama was a twenty-eight-year-old French woman of Japanese descent. She had a strong character and was very independent, something not immediately obvious from her physical appearance. Standing no taller than five foot five, with almond-shaped black eyes resembling hazelnut contours and pale pinkish skin that contrasted with her jet-black hair, Yuna cut a distinctive figure. She disliked having long hair, and only sometimes¡ªjust sometimes, in moments of laziness¡ªdid the tips of her hair brush her shoulders. She always prioritized comfort over appearance.


    Nasai Nakama, on the other hand, was more reserved and quiet, with a delicate appearance. It was believed she had African heritage, though this was uncertain due to her striking light blue eyes and nearly crimson lips, which contrasted with her dark skin. Her intensely black hair was always tied back in a ponytail, making her long legs appear even longer.


    Nasai and Yuna were two sides of the same coin. However, the derogatory comments and whispered gossip from their neighbors couldn''t hide the truth: no matter how they looked, to them, they weren¡¯t just sisters by blood but also by heart.


    ¡°All set!¡± Yuna shouted as she hurried down the wooden stairs, worn by time.


    ¡°Are you going to work like that?¡± Nasai asked, trying to keep up with her sister.


    ¡°I have my uniform in my backpack. I¡¯ll change when I get there,¡± Yuna replied, cutting her off and rushing around the house.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat?¡±


    ¡°This is enough,¡± Yuna said as she grabbed food from the table, tore off a huge piece of pancake, and almost without chewing or digesting what she was eating, began gulping down the freshly squeezed orange juice from the garden''s orange trees. As expected, it didn¡¯t take long for her to start coughing as she felt the lump in her throat. Still, that didn¡¯t stop her frantic effort to get to work on time. ¡°Where the hell did I leave my shoes?¡± she asked, her voice raspy from the irritation in her throat.


    ¡°I found them in the middle of the hallway and left them by the entrance.¡±


    Yuna paused for a moment, throwing a knowing look at her sister. And almost without realizing it, a big smile spread across her face. She knew she couldn¡¯t have a better friend and family member than Nasai. So she decided to take a few seconds, putting work aside, to thank her for everything she did for her.


    She walked over to her little sister, stood on tiptoe, and as gently as she could, kissed her softly on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you for everything, Nasai.¡±


    It was a moment of great tenderness and surprise for Nasai. So much so that her cheeks turned red, and just as she was about to respond to her sister¡¯s affection, a blur of movement headed toward the door. Yuna was back to her hurried life, rushing out the door and leaving her sister completely alone.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (2)

    Part 2


    On the outskirts of Sorine, nestled among the towering trees of the forest and in the midst of an almost idyllic natural landscape, lay a hidden old mansion with enormous stone walls.


    In one of the many rooms of this colossal house, there was Patrick, a young-looking man with long black hair, in the company of three beautiful and seductive women. The atmosphere was steamy and sensual; the bodies, drenched in sweat, were entwined, each person connecting with the others. Excitement coursed through the bodies of the two women every time Patrick brushed his full, red lips against their necks. Like a venom, it caused their torsos to shudder slowly but rhythmically, their bodies merging in a feast of sweat and blood. The women danced around Patrick, gasping and crying out in pleasure as they indulged in the licentious moment that brought them to the peak of their sexual appetite.


    ¡°Patrick! Patrick!¡± came the incessant shouts of Annie as she pounded on the young man''s door from the hallway. ¡°I know you''re in there! Open up right now!¡±


    Patrick opened the door with utmost calm, completely indifferent to who might be standing there, revealing his naked body covered in blood and sweat. Annie couldn''t help but blush at the sight of him in such a state; it was no surprise, as Patrick was the epitome of the tall, dark, and handsome figure many women found irresistible. He stood over six feet tall, with long black hair and slightly slanted emerald green eyes. His skin was pale as snow, yet his muscles were as defined as steel. His demeanor was serious, even to the point of being unfriendly, and his gaze was cold and piercing like ice.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°I¡­ I mean¡­¡± Annie stammered, struggling to find her voice. Without raising her eyes, she could feel Patrick''s crystalline gaze drilling into her head. ¡°Vincent is calling for you,¡± she finally managed to say without losing her breath.


    Annie¡¯s embarrassed expression quickly turned to sadness as she watched Patrick grab the robe hanging next to the door frame and leave without uttering a single word. In a way, she knew this was just how he was. Depending on the day, Patrick could be more talkative, even more approachable. But that did little to calm her racing heart, which yearned for the feelings she knew were hidden behind his armor of fears and anxieties. That¡¯s why, no matter how painful it was, Annie had resolved to slowly but surely win the heart of her savior.


    ¡°Out!¡± Annie shouted at the women in her beloved¡¯s room, naked and defiling the precious silk sheets with their filthy, blood-stained bodies. ¡°I said get out!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no one to¡ª¡± one of the women began, only to be cut off by the sight of Annie¡¯s face, now shrouded in fury.


    Her brown eyes started to flood with an intense red, and black veins emerged from her lower eyelids. Suddenly, an unsettling expression appeared on Annie¡¯s face. Like something out of a horror movie, the three women¡¯s faces turned pale as Annie¡¯s demeanor shifted between joy and psychopathy.


    ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself a second time¡­¡±

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (3)

    Part 3


    Although it was still daytime and the sun shone brightly outside the walls of that enormous mansion, natural light was conspicuously absent inside. The task of illumination fell to the gothic chandeliers that adorned every corner of the house, varying in size, color, and weight, but providing little lighter than a half-lit candle.


    ¡°You were looking for me?¡± Patrick asked as he entered the heavy wooden doors of Vincent''s study.


    ¡°Why do you continue to act so recklessly?¡± Vincent inquired, noticing his brother covered in blood.


    Vincent was known for his elegance and composure, with a serious yet chivalrous demeanor. His downturned eyes could not dim the vivid blue hidden behind his long reddish lashes. His copper-colored hair was always slicked back, not a single strand out of place. His gentlemanly style was impeccable, everything precisely where it should be, leaving no room for improvisation.


    ¡°Annie?¡±


    ¡°She has nothing to do with this,¡± Patrick replied as Vincent rose from his chair to place a manuscript on the enormous bookshelf behind him, leaving a few moments of silence.


    Vincent was a man who always took care to choose his words carefully, knowing the potential harm they could inflict. With a delicate gesture, he placed the book in a niche on the pristine shelf, then approached Patrick and rested one of his strong hands on his younger brother¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s been millennia since Tult?en¡­¡±


    ¡°I know! But you can¡¯t ask me to do something you¡¯re incapable of yourself,¡± Patrick retorted, slightly irritated, cutting him off. ¡°How long has it been? Two? Three eras? And you still search for her tirelessly. At least you can hope to reunite with her, but I¡­¡± he clenched his teeth around his last words, his right fist tightening as he bowed his head slightly.


    Vincent knew that the subject of Tult?en was still a painfully sensitive issue for his brother, and that no matter how he tried to discuss it, Patrick would react defensively, refusing to allow anyone to heal the deep wound in his heart.


    As Patrick¡¯s right fist tightened, Vincent realized that this was not the best time to address the topic of Tult?en. Though a wound healed properly in time was better than a quick stitch, he decided it was wiser to change the subject.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted to talk to you about¡­ I believe I¡¯ve finally found her whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Patrick asked, his voice filled with excitement and genuine surprise.


    ¡°All in due time, brother,¡± Vincent replied thoughtfully as he returned to one of the corridors of his vast library.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    In a small Renaissance neighborhood of Sainte-C¨®line, strings of tiny lights hung between the buildings, bringing life and joy to the corners of ¨¦lise. The grand structures contrasted with the varied stone decorations that adorned every nook of each building. It was no exaggeration to say that ¨¦lise¡¯s neighborhood was the most well-known in all of Sainte-C¨®line, famous for its tourist-friendly atmosphere, welcoming environment, and jovial spirit. In one of the many streets that made up the neighborhood, in a cul-de-sac, nestled between ¡°Monsieur Benoit¡¯s¡± barbershop and the small but charming tea shop, stood the caf¨¦ where Yuna worked.


    The entrance, which spanned the entire wall, featured large glass doors that allowed a full view of the interior. ¡°Caf¨¦ et Sucre¡± wasn¡¯t just your typical caf¨¦ serving hand-ground coffee; it also offered a delightful array of cakes and cookies, all lovingly prepared and baked with care.


    "Finally! Time to eat!" Carol shouted as the last customer left the caf¨¦, while Yuna finished placing the trays in their respective spots. Suddenly, as if bitten by a mosquito, Yuna slapped her forehead with force.


    ¡°No! The food! I knew I forgot something.¡±


    ¡°You rushed out of the house again, didn¡¯t you?¡± Carol asked Yuna, who responded with a guilty smile. ¡°I think I saw a lunchbox in your bag.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Yuna asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yuna¡­ you¡¯re hopeless,¡± Carol scolded her friend while grabbing her arm and dragging her to the lockers.


    Carol was one of the few friends Yuna had, as her life could be summed up as ¡°home-work,¡± ¡°work-home¡±; that was it. Carol was a cheerful and lively girl, standing at about five foot seven with light brown hair. She had moved from Spain to finish her studies here in France but ended up so captivated by the charm of Sainte-C¨®line that her study trip turned into a permanent move to the country known for its capital, ¡°the city of love.¡±


    ¡°See, I told you I saw something,¡± Carol said as Yuna pulled out a small blue lunchbox with a little yellow sticky note attached to it from her bag.


    Yuna smiled contentedly because, although she didn¡¯t know how her sister did it, it seemed as if Nasai could read her mind or knew exactly when she would need something.


    If she got a cut, Nasai would somehow have already placed a packet of band-aids and some disinfectant cream in her bag. If the dreaded ¡°red visitor¡± arrived unexpectedly, her sister would have already packed a supply of pads and painkillers. Yuna simply couldn¡¯t understand how Nasai managed it, but she was always, always there for her. And she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what she would do without her.


    ¡°I wish I had a sister like yours,¡± Carol remarked, seeing the wide smile on Yuna¡¯s face.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (4)

    Part 4


    At the same time, in the Dokovic brothers'' mansion, Patrick returned to his room, ready to once again indulge in his most primal instincts. Though his perfectly sculpted body was drenched in sweat and blood, he exuded a delicate fragrance of freshly moistened jasmine.


    "Where are they?" Patrick asked Annie as he noticed she was the only one left in the room.


    "Where is who?" Annie replied with a playful smile, slightly drawing back the heavy, thick curtains.


    "Annie..." Patrick muttered her name as he brought a hand to his forehead, rubbing his temple.


    He knew Annie''s behavior all too well; in fact, this wasn''t the first time she had done something like this. She couldn''t bear the sight of Patrick with another woman, especially not with a mere, ordinary human. Since the day he saved her, Annie had devoted herself entirely to him, even though her feelings were never reciprocated.


    "Stop feeding on scraps and take me. Make me yours."


    "Get out..." Patrick responded, now even more overwhelmed.


    "Why did you save me? Wasn¡¯t it because you wanted me?" Annie asked with vehemence as Patrick leaned against the wall, as if his body had suddenly grown heavy.


    Annie was incapable of empathizing with Patrick¡¯s true feelings. His mind, his soul, and his heart were tormented by the bitter memories of the past¡ªmemories that had scarred him for eternity, coursing through every inch of his being, leaving him in torment every night, feeding his demons.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    For that very reason, he had a reminder of those moments prominently displayed in the center of his bedroom¡ªa reminder of what it was like to feel alive, to love someone with all his soul, and to destroy with his own hands the very thing that had once filled his existence.


    On top of a gothic piece of furniture, adorned with subtle and elegant floral designs, stood a small display case holding a woman''s necklace. It was a delicate white gold choker. From it hung a teardrop-shaped blue gemstone with faint silver glints, surrounded by countless white filigree resembling olive leaves.


    This precious item was what kept Patrick from forgetting the past, and even when his heart ached, he could only look at it and be taken back to those memories.


    "Are you still thinking about her?! She¡¯s a whore who abandoned you..." Annie began to shout, noticing that Patrick couldn''t take his eyes off the beautiful necklace floating delicately atop the piece of furniture. But she couldn¡¯t finish her rant, for in the blink of an eye, Patrick had grabbed her roughly, throwing her against the wall, one hand gripping her neck, the other, engulfed in ethereal fire, close to her face.


    Illuminated by this glow, which slowly spread across Patrick¡¯s body like a torch, his clothes began to burn away piece by piece. His green eyes took on an inhuman hue, a nearly luminous shade of blue, and the fury emanating from his expression was that of a beast about to devour its prey.


    Annie froze, unable to respond, unable to react. Patrick¡¯s strong arms pinned her against the wall, preventing any movement. But that didn¡¯t matter to her; for the first time, she felt that if she said or did anything, her life would be in grave danger.


    And as Patrick leaned closer to whisper in Annie''s ear, his fangs grew noticeably sharper.


    "You know nothing about my life. You know nothing about her... I am being very patient with you," he whispered in a broken voice.


    Then, with a swift motion, he stepped away from her, leaving her paralyzed against the wall. Shrinking with nerves and stunned by her beloved¡¯s reaction, for in all the centuries of her life, she had never seen him react this way. Never.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (5)

    Part 5


    The pleasant sun, lazily rising during those freezing winter days, began to bid farewell with its last rays of light. The winter season in Sainte-Coline made the days brief but vivid. The cold reached such low levels that fingers turned to frost. For that reason, it was unusual to see days like this, where the light shone brightly and wasn¡¯t cornered by the greedy winter clouds.


    The last customers were leaving ¡°Caf¨¦ et Sucre,¡± and the bustle was followed by calm, accompanied by the soft tinkling of a bell, surprising Carol and Yuna as they began to tidy up the place. The man who entered had a distinguished air. Wearing a blue wool coat with simple buttons and black dress trousers, one could tell that, although the outfit covered his body entirely, he had a robust physique that contrasted with his delicate facial features.


    Elegant, but with a determined stride, he approached Yuna, who looked at him with a hint of fear.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± Yuna asked as the gentleman drew near.


    ¡°Are you Miss Yuna Nakama?¡± he inquired without answering her, but with an extremely polite tone.


    ¡°Who¡¯s asking?¡± she countered suspiciously.


    As attractive and imposing as this man was, Yuna couldn¡¯t help but wonder to herself, ¡°Who does he think he is, walking in here with that air of grandeur and authority?¡± Unable to stop herself, Yuna began to wear her usual scowl.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°I apologize; I haven¡¯t introduced myself,¡± he backpedaled upon seeing her reaction. ¡°My name is Vincent Dokovic. I¡¯m the director of Destiny modeling agency, and I¡¯d like to hire you to work with us.¡±


    A tense silence enveloped the two young people, as if the air around them could be cut with scissors. Thousands of questions swirled in Yuna¡¯s mind. ¡°How could someone like me be hired by a modeling agency?¡± ¡°How did this man know who I was?¡± ¡°How did he find out where I worked?¡± And most importantly, ¡°Why, even though I don¡¯t know him and know nothing about him, does my body tremble uncontrollably when I look up into those glassy blue-hazel eyes?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t talk right now¡­ I have things to clean up¡­¡± Yuna attempted to respond, avoiding eye contact, until Carol, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, cut in.


    ¡°She¡¯s Yuna, and she¡¯s totally available for you,¡± Carol confirmed enthusiastically, grabbing her friend from behind.


    ¡°Carol¡­ what are you doing?¡± Yuna whispered, trying to ensure that the complete stranger couldn¡¯t hear them.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to work for the agency, then I¡¯ll know my friend is an idiot. But I won¡¯t forgive you if you waste the chance to talk to a man like that... Please! Don¡¯t you have eyes? Look at him!¡±


    It was amusing, because neither of them knew about Vincent¡¯s abilities. One of them was his acute hearing, capable of picking up sounds from several meters away. So the entire conversation, which they believed was private, had been heard by him. He simply watched them and smiled courteously.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (5)

    Part 6


    A few hours earlier in Brunne, the renowned arts university in Sainte-Coline. Outside one of its many historic gates, Nasai and her friends were saying their goodbyes.


    ¡°Are you training today?¡± Anna asked, worried about her friend.


    ¡°Just a little,¡± Nasai replied with a sweet smile.


    ¡°You practice every day. You should take a break,¡± Adrianna warned while wiping the fog from her glasses caused by the sudden temperature change.


    Anna, Adrianna, and Nasai had been friends since childhood. Ever since they met, the three had been inseparable. Although their personalities couldn¡¯t be more different, their bond was tight and full of trust.


    Anna was voluptuous, with sensual feline curves. Her blonde hair complemented her blue eyes, and although she sometimes felt she carried a few extra pounds, she never undervalued herself. Quite the opposite, she had no reservations about showing off her spectacularly sculpted body. Being extroverted by nature, she never thought before speaking, which often got her into countless problems. But thanks to Adrianna, her ¡°conscience,¡± she avoided getting into more trouble than necessary.


    In contrast, Adrianna was completely different from her beloved blonde friend. With light brown eyes and chestnut hair, her style was practical and comfortable. Her large glasses covered most of her small heart-shaped face, and her plump lips were eternally chapped from the cold. She and Nasai were the voices of reason, though Adrianna was less serious and more approachable than Nasai.


    ¡°Remember, you¡¯re very delicate,¡± Anna said, pinching Nasai¡¯s cheek as if she were a child.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stay too long, don¡¯t worry,¡± Nasai responded, trying to remove her hand.


    ¡°Okay, we trust you. See you later,¡± Adrianna called out as she dragged Anna away, who wasn¡¯t ready to leave Nasai, while the latter smiled, unable to believe the situation.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Dusk was falling, and the streets of Elise began to light up with lamps illuminating every corner. People, more relaxed, were looking for a place to have dinner. The hustle and bustle outside was imperceptible inside ¡°Caf¨¦ et Sucre.¡± Only the comings and goings of Carol, cleaning the room and trying to make as little noise as possible, could be heard.


    The two young people were sitting in a corner. Vincent with his typical charm and Yuna hiding her hands, nervously rubbing them together, trying to make sure the handsome man sitting in front of her didn¡¯t notice her anxiety. The tension in the air was palpable. ¡°Why does this man make me feel this way?¡± the young woman wondered, restless.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m the right person for your agency,¡± Yuna replied, trying to relax without making eye contact.


    ¡°You have the qualities we¡¯re currently looking for,¡± Vincent insisted, calmly and gently.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°Could you at least think about it?¡± he asked, extending his business card with one hand.


    The young man seemed determined to achieve his goal, but all Yuna wanted was for him to disappear. A torrent of emotions was tugging at her, making it impossible for her to think clearly.


    ¡°Yes¡­ sure,¡± she replied, taking the card, hoping he would leave as soon as possible.


    Vincent could sense the turmoil within her. He realized that it wasn¡¯t the right time to enter her life. So, he stood up, gave a distinguished bow, and smiled gallantly. Yuna¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she slightly lowered her head as the young man left the caf¨¦, trying to hide the blush rising on her cheeks.


    ¡°What on earth is happening to me?¡± Yuna wondered, covering her face in embarrassment as a wave of warmth surged through her body.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? You¡¯re as red as a tomato...¡± Carol asked, appearing suddenly at the table where Yuna was sitting. ¡°I know he¡¯s smoking hot, but it¡¯s not like you should be soaking your underwear, girl.¡±


    Yuna shot her friend a murderous look. ¡°Okay, we¡¯d all soak a truckload of underwear.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Carol! You¡¯re always the same!¡±


    ¡°No, seriously now. You can¡¯t let this opportunity slip by,¡± Carol said, her tone turning more serious as she took her friend¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You think so¡­?¡± Yuna replied, raising an eyebrow hesitantly.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (7)

    Part 7


    The visit of the gentleman with auburn hair constantly intruded upon Yuna''s thoughts. The questions swirling in her mind had no answers. Everything, absolutely everything, was a complete mystery. She knew his name, she knew where he worked, but there were countless things she didn¡¯t know. At that moment, a deep anxiety gripped her. ¡°Maybe I should have asked more about him?¡± ¡°If he worked for that company, she and her sister could have a more comfortable life.¡± And thinking of Nasai, it was already late, and they hadn''t finished cleaning up. The interview had delayed her leaving work, and by this time Nasai usually sent a message to let her know she was home safe.


    Since Yuna could remember, her sister had a history of memory loss and recurring fainting spells throughout her life. The doctors had been unable to find the cause of these symptoms, eventually giving up. This made Nasai¡¯s health one of Yuna''s biggest concerns. So, she grabbed her small silver phone and dialed the number of her most precious treasure.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Yuna asked when she heard the phone pick up.


    ¡°I just finished rehearsals. Do you need something?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ll talk at home,¡± Yuna replied, relieved to hear her sister¡¯s sweet voice.


    ¡°Did you call to make sure I¡¯m okay?¡±


    ¡°You know I worry about you,¡± Yuna answered with a maternal tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since that happened. Don¡¯t worry. See you at home,¡± Nasai reassured her before hanging up, making sure to tell her she loved her.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Yuna was aware of her sister¡¯s improvements, but what Nasai didn¡¯t understand was that for Yuna, she was everything. The only one who turned her grey days into bright summer ones. The only one who, in her darkest times, could manage to steal a smile from her. The only one who brought stability to her chaotic life. She was all Yuna had left after their parents¡¯ deaths, and under no circumstances would she let anything happen to her.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Nasai hung up with a soft expression. She understood her sister¡¯s fear but didn¡¯t want to keep being a burden. Yuna, except for her forgetfulness and disorganization, had always taken responsibility for the two of them, doing everything possible to ensure they wouldn¡¯t be separated. For this reason, despite experiencing blurry vision for several days at certain times, she preferred to keep it to herself and spare her sister the extra worry. Nasai knew it was foolish to hide her health problems, but she thought she was old enough to take care of herself.


    Minutes later, she finished packing up, changing clothes, saying goodbye to her classmates, and exiting through the arched gates of the university. The moon shone brightly, and the falling snowflakes, gently descending, contrasted with the surrounding darkness. The cold was so intense that her breath turned to mist the moment it hit the air.


    Despite this being the kind of night most people would despise for its freezing temperatures, Nasai found it soothing. In fact, the colder it got, the more at peace she felt.


    The younger Nakama sister started walking over a light layer of snow, leaving footprints behind her. As she descended the grand staircase leading to the university entrance, a sudden shudder ran through her body, as if a lightning bolt had struck her from head to toe.


    She struggled to step off the last stair. Her vision, now blurred, couldn¡¯t extend beyond her arm''s reach. As she felt her breath drifting further away, her awareness became distant, more detached. Finally, she collapsed in the middle of Brunne Square, losing all consciousness. Alone, motionless, in the dead of night, and in freezing temperatures.


    Her body lay still on the ground for a few minutes until a man, who appeared out of nowhere, stood in front of her.

 Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Everything (8)

    Part 8


    Inside Yuna¡¯s wrinkled apron, her phone rang loudly. The two girls were finishing stacking pallets in the storage room. Yuna Nakama had no idea what answering that call would mean for her. The ringtone, ¡°Raise My Flag¡± by Ill Factor and Graham Cochrane, ironically, heralded the chaotic and bloody fate that lay ahead for her.


    ¡°What happened to my sister?¡± Yuna screamed hysterically as she answered the call. ¡°Carol, I¡¯m leaving early! My sister fainted again!¡± she shouted to her coworker as she bolted out the door, still in her uniform, tossing her apron aside and leaving everything behind.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± Yuna kept repeating to herself as she burst through the door of Caf¨¦ et Sucre and into the dark alleys of Elise.


    She knew something was wrong. It had been strange that her sister hadn¡¯t shown any symptoms for months. She suspected Nasai had been hiding her condition to ease her burden. "Why hadn¡¯t I spoken to her sooner? Why¡­?¡± Yuna asked herself as she sprinted frantically, through alley after alley, unaware that as she moved, the streetlights behind her were going out one by one.


    She was almost out of the Elise district and close to catching the bus to the intermodal station. She just had to turn right and¡ª


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Yuna stopped, noticing something completely different on the path she usually took home. ¡°This wasn¡¯t a dead-end street¡­ How is this possible?¡±


    The young woman had been so lost in thought that she believed she had taken a wrong turn. But then, as she looked back, she noticed all the lights behind her were off. Only one lamppost remained on, right above her.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± she asked, now worried.


    ¡°So this is where you were hiding,¡± a raspy voice echoed from behind her.


    Yuna spun around, startled and even more scared. At the end of the dead-end street, standing against the wall, was a shadow in human form. ¡°Am I dreaming? Has what happened to my sister affected me this much?¡± Yuna wondered, now deeply disturbed, as she swore no one had been there a moment ago. She took two steps back when, out of the darkness, two intense yellow eyes began to glow. A chill suddenly ran through Yuna¡¯s body.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked, her body feeling as if it had been weighed down by twenty extra pounds, leaving her unable to move her feet.


    ¡°So many years searching¡­ finally, we¡¯ve found you,¡± the shadow continued.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡± she shot back, her voice trembling.


    The darkness made it impossible for Yuna to see the figure fully as it transformed into a human man, burly and menacing. He took two steps toward her, letting the lamplight reveal his silhouette.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Stay away from me!¡± Yuna screamed in terror as he approached.


    Her nerves must have been playing tricks on her. There was no way this man had just appeared out of nowhere. No way that this man, who had just met her, was speaking to her as if they had known each other before.


    Yuna felt strange; two mysterious strangers had appeared in her life, but unlike the one from this morning, this one radiated a different energy. Like the snake tattoo that stretched across his neck, reaching the back of his right ear, he emitted an animalistic, savage, aggressive instinct that made her feel she was in danger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± the man said, with a malicious tone and a disdainful smile.


    ¡°Afraid? You don¡¯t exactly look like someone I can trust,¡± Yuna shot back with an uncontrollable smile. In moments of extreme stress, Yuna Nakama couldn¡¯t control the muscles in her face. She couldn¡¯t help but smile nervously, even as her body tensed up.


    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± the burly man replied, now moving even closer to her, his golden eyes glowing more intensely as he approached.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come near me! Go away! Stay back!¡± Yuna screamed desperately, hitting her legs, hoping they would move so she could escape.


    Tears started streaming down her twisted face. All she could think about was that she wouldn¡¯t see her sister again. If this night were to be her last, would her sister be able to find her body buried in the snow? How would Nasai live without her? And most of all¡ªwhy? Why now? She wasn¡¯t ready to die, or rather, she didn¡¯t want to die here, alone, with her body lying in the snow, in a dead-end alley.


    ¡°I WOULDN¡¯T DO THAT!¡± a deep voice echoed behind Yuna, shaking the ground and causing her to collapse to her knees.


    Both Yuna and the man with the snake tattoo turned their gaze toward the source of the booming voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t interfere!¡± the man shouted furiously when he saw who it was.


    ¡°Do you know who you¡¯re talking to?¡± the hidden figure asked, slightly more irritated. Slowly, a red glow emanated from his earring, growing more intense. ¡°You have three seconds to leave. Three¡­ Two¡­¡± the young man began to count, his earring radiating an even brighter light with each number.


    The tattooed man hesitated for a moment before vanishing into particles, his face twisted with rage, right before Yuna¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to answer to Devon,¡± he whispered as he disappeared into the last speck of dust.


    Yuna couldn¡¯t believe what she had just witnessed. She thought she must have eaten something bad, causing her to hallucinate. As she remained on the ground, staring in disbelief at the spot where the man had disappeared, the lights, one by one, began to flicker back on, illuminating the street.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± the figure behind her asked, his voice gentle with concern.


    Now that everything had calmed down and her body felt lighter, she recognized that gentle, soft voice. The voice that made her entire body tremble, that shook every part of her senses but made her feel safe. That voice, that elegant way of speaking... it couldn¡¯t be... Suddenly, still on the ground, she turned to face him and froze.


    ¡°You... you... Aren¡¯t you the director?¡± she stammered, leaving several seconds of silence. And as if fate had willed it, once she made eye contact with him, she couldn¡¯t tear her gaze away from his intense hazel-green eyes. ¡°Who are you really?¡±

 Chapter 2 – Countdown! (1)

    Chapter 2 ¨C Countdown!


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    ¡°You must come with me,¡± Vincent said, his eyes never leaving hers.


    Yuna remained entranced, captivated by those piercing green eyes, until the first beep from her mobile snapped her out of the deep trance, reminding her of the reason she had come to this place in the first place.


    ¡°I must what? Look, I don''t have time for your nonsense right now,¡± she replied, quickly getting up and rushing past the young man, leaving him behind.


    Though Yuna didn¡¯t want to admit it, when their bodies crossed paths, something ignited between them. She felt that sooner or later, she would see this mysterious man again.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Darkness had overtaken Nasai''s world. Solitude and silence were her only companions during that hour and a half of uncertainty. With effort, she began to open her eyes, and a blinding flash of light forced her to close them again. As if the pounding deep in her head and the uncontrollable shaking of her body weren¡¯t enough, now she had to contend with going blind too.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Nasai heard an anxious voice from her right.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± she asked, straining to focus on the figure.


    ¡°You¡¯re in the infirmary. It seems you fainted,¡± he replied softly.


    Once her eyes adjusted to the surroundings, Nasai could finally see the handsome man who had come to her aid. He had a strong build and angelic features, and his eyes seemed to hold the entire ocean within them. His unruly medium-length hair was half-tied, with golden strands falling gracefully across his delicately chiseled face. If it weren''t for the warm hand that rested on her forehead as he saw her blush, Nasai would have sworn he was an ethereal being dressed in modern clothing.


    ¡°Do you still feel unwell?¡± asked the blond young man, concerned as he placed his hand on Nasai¡¯s forehead.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°I fainted again. I thought it wouldn¡¯t happen anymore,¡± she replied, trying to regain her composure and sit up in the bed.


    The situation grew more awkward as Nasai noticed how his deep, penetrating eyes were watching her, taking in every inch of her. His gaze revealed subtle glimmers of sadness, longing, and joy.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± the young man began to speak when a loud bang echoed through the room.


    It was Yuna. Breathless, drenched in sweat, her heart racing, and her hair in disarray, she scanned the room desperately for her sister''s bed. Once she found it, she rushed over like lightning.


    ¡°Hey! How are you?¡± Yuna asked, breathless and with her pulse still racing.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, relax. It¡¯s nothing,¡± her younger sister replied, trying to calm her down, surprised at Yuna''s frantic state.


    ¡°Are you sure? You''re not lying to me?¡± Yuna asked, unconvinced, resting her forehead on Nasai''s to check for a fever.


    ¡°I promise, I¡¯m fine. See? No more fever.¡±


    ¡°Who brought you here?¡± Yuna asked after a deep sigh, releasing some of her stress with that breath. ¡°I¡¯d like to thank them.¡±


    ¡°A guy who¡­¡± Nasai began, intending to point at the young man, but realized there was nothing to her right¡ªonly a chair and an empty seat


    ¡°A guy who¡­?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ There was a guy¡­¡± Nasai repeated, confused by what had just happened.


    Nasai was almost certain that young man had stayed by her side, keeping her company the entire time she was unconscious. But suddenly, he had vanished, like a mirage in the desert. Maybe that¡¯s all he was¡ªjust a simple, fleeting hallucination.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    The fog crept silently into the night, yet it didn¡¯t dim the moon¡¯s powerful glow. Its strong rays pierced through the large windows of Vincent¡¯s gothic office.


    The two brothers rested in the red Victorian chairs that decorated the room. Silence ruled the atmosphere, broken only by the crackling fire that lit up the office.


    ¡°Did you find her?¡± Patrick broke the silence between the two brothers.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vincent replied, never taking his eyes off the wild flames that illuminated their pale faces.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring her?¡±


    ¡°Not everything is achieved by force. You, of all people, know that better than anyone,¡± Vincent replied, pausing for a moment before continuing. He subtly turned his face toward his brother, and a faint scarlet glow briefly masked the olive green of his eyes. ¡°Besides, a ¡®tainted one¡¯ tried to attack her.¡±


    ¡°Devon¡­¡± whispered the younger of the Dokovic brothers, his voice low and almost raspy.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to keep a close watch on her,¡± Vincent stated, rising from the chair.


    ¡°The safest place for her is with us.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t remember anything, brother. For now, the best thing is to be cautious,¡± Vincent concluded, with a subtle wave of his hand, causing the fire to dance as if it had come to life, then gently fade out like a sweet melody.

 Chapter 2 – Countdown! (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    The town of Sorine was neither small enough for rumors to spread quickly, nor large enough for people not to know one another.


    Its buildings, brightly colored in the morning light, became a spectacle of illumination at night, with radiant lights adorning every facade. Sorine was a charming town, renowned for its fine canals that meandered through certain corners, and for the vast paths decorated, thanks to Mother Nature, with a variety of multicolored flowers.


    The residence of the Nakama sisters was one of many houses in the village, made of cement and wood, painted in a soft blue with visible beams. It stood alongside others on ¡°Fleurs de printemps¡± street, the most touristy thoroughfare in Sorine, which saw thousands of visitors and pedestrians passing through each year.


    The melodic sound of raindrops caressing the earth brought serenity and harmony to a night ruled by silence. The faint glow of streetlights peeked through the window on the second floor, and shadows moved across the floor as figures shifted.


    ¡°Lie down and rest,¡± Yuna suggested to her sister, placing the pharmacy bag on the bedside table.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Nasai replied, sitting on the bed, already perfectly dressed.


    Unlike Yuna, Nasai¡¯s room could be considered a "temple of order." In pastel shades of white and blue, everything was exactly where it belonged. There was no room for dust or chaos in this realm, where "spotless" reigned supreme in its pyramidal hierarchy of order.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since this happened to you,¡± Yuna countered, pulling a vanilla-colored blanket from the white dresser. ¡°You¡¯ve been working too hard lately.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not from the effort,¡± Nasai began, bringing her fist to her chest and lowering her head slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t understand it. Every time it happens, I feel like my heart stops. Like everything around me floats.¡± She took a deep breath before finishing. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to explain it¡­¡±


    ¡°You just described a syncope,¡± Yuna replied with a smile.


    Nasai was well aware of her older sister¡¯s skepticism. That¡¯s why she avoided, at all costs, mentioning the true sensations she experienced during her fainting spells. Every time she tried, Yuna would, just as now, offer the scientific term for whatever symptom she described.


    ¡°Yeah, right,¡± the younger Nakama ended the conversation with a forced laugh, eager to change the subject. ¡°By the way, what was it you wanted to tell me?¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± Yuna whispered hesitantly, unsure whether to tell her sister about the copper-haired man.


    ¡°If I tell her what happened, all I¡¯ll do is worry her,¡± Yuna thought to herself.


    She didn¡¯t fully grasp what had occurred. It had all been too sudden, too fast. What if everything she saw was just a delusion brought on by stress? To Yuna, the encounter with that mysterious man in the alley had to have an explanation, one she had yet to figure out. But after what had happened with her beloved sister, she didn¡¯t feel she could burden her with more concerns. So, she smiled at Nasai, putting on her best act, and as she left the room, she answered:


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Nasai. It wasn¡¯t anything important. I¡¯ll make you some tea.¡±

 Chapter 2 – Countdown! (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    Nights of wild, emotionless, and aggressive sex were the norm in Patrick''s life. It allowed him to stay somewhat distant from his past, forgetting his sorrows and burying his regrets. The fiery abyss he was submerged in had turned the most perverse, sadistic, and lustful acts into his addiction. As a result, it became a habit to find the young man, with his translucent skin and jet-black hair, surrounded by a coven of women in his bedroom most of the time.


    ¡°Leaving already?¡± asked one of the women lying on his bed as she saw Patrick putting on his robe. The young man offered a fleeting smile and left the room, leaving them unsatisfied, still craving more pleasure.


    After passing through the thick door, his expression grew pale. No matter how much pleasure he gave his body, his mind and heart wouldn¡¯t let him forget her. Forget her skin, forget her kisses, forget her touch, forget... how much he loved her. At the end of the day, in the dead of night, Patrick knew that those moments of lust were nothing more than a placebo. Meaningless acts that could never fill the void she had left.


    ¡°Patrick¡­¡± he heard a shattered whisper in front of him.


    He lifted his head to see that the trembling voice came from Annie, who stood worried, concerned about the fragile and desolate look of the man she loved. Patrick was surprised to see her, but within seconds, his face shifted into an expression of complete neutrality. Without a word, he began walking, leaving the red-haired woman behind.


    ¡°Why do you keep feeding on garbage?¡± Annie asked as he walked away.


    Suddenly, with supernatural speed, Patrick was behind her. With a subtle gesture, he held one of her hands, and with the other, he gently caressed her face as if she were a porcelain doll.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m yours,¡± Annie sighed as she felt the young man¡¯s breath on her cold skin. ¡°I¡¯ve always belonged to you¡­ and I always will,¡± she whispered, lost in his caresses and the scent of lavender.


    Annie was undeniably attractive to Patrick. Her delicate curves and soft features contrasted with her rocker style, which reflected her direct and sometimes aggressive personality. Her black-streaked hair stood out against her wine-red locks, and her skin, even paler than Patrick¡¯s, was adorned with a sprinkling of rosy freckles.


    Patrick cared for Annie, but not in the way she wanted. He held her in high regard, considering her almost like a sister. That¡¯s why, when his most primal instincts emerged from the absence of that "something" so essential to him, he pushed her away¡ªfor her own good. He wanted to protect her, to shield her from the suffering and uncertainty that would come from being part of his self-destructive and emotionally chaotic world.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood,¡± he replied, realizing how he had acted toward her.


    He let go of her gently and resumed his march, intent on distancing himself. However, after a few steps, he felt Annie¡¯s hand grip his fist, holding him back. Now it was she who was clinging to him, her arms trembling but wrapped tightly around his broad, muscular back.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you forget her?¡± Annie asked, her voice desperate. ¡°Can¡¯t you put me in her place? I¡¯d make you happier,¡± she whispered, her voice breaking, almost suffocated.


    Patrick abruptly pulled her away and, with firm, decisive steps, continued walking without looking back, ignoring Annie¡¯s desperate cries and heart-wrenching sobs.


    He knew he wasn¡¯t capable of returning her genuine and abundant love. That¡¯s why, even though he was aware that his ways were far from ideal and Annie¡¯s feelings for him were constant, sometimes he forced himself to reject her in the harshest way possible¡ªtrying, little by little, to destroy the idealized affection she held for him.


    Patrick passed through the door to another room, and as he closed it with his back, he slid down to the floor.


    Once again, he was at his limit. The pain was too overwhelming for him to stand. He couldn¡¯t understand the point of his existence if he could no longer be with her¡­ And as a blood-stained tear began to trace its path down from his crystal-clear emerald eyes, Patrick completely broke down. Absolute sorrow consumed him once more, and a sob echoed through the most melancholic silence.

 Chapter 2 – Countdown! (4)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 4


    Several days had passed with the sun shining high, contrasting against the wintry weather of Sainte-Coline. Now, the afternoon was forecasted to be thick with snow, and a great snowstorm was expected in the coming days. Customers came and went from "Caf¨¦ et Sucre," where a good cup of freshly ground coffee revitalized any body stiffened by the icy cold.


    As she served a couple of customers with great warmth, Yuna''s thoughts inadvertently drifted back to the events of that mysterious snowy night. Just then, her phone began to vibrate under her apron. With a swift glance at the screen, she saw her sister''s name and, as soon as she could, she slipped into the dressing room to take the call.


    "Hello, how are you?" Yuna asked, concerned, since it was unusual for Nasai to call her during work hours.


    "I''m fine..." came the reply, though with a tone of unease. "Yuna, it''s almost the anniversary of our parents'' death. Would you like...?"


    "Spit it out," Yuna urged her sister, sensing her hesitation.


    "Would you like to spend the day together?"


    Silence fell over the call for a few seconds, a pause that confirmed Yuna''s reluctance toward the suggestion.


    "You know I don''t..." "Yuna..." Nasai''s sorrowful voice cut her off before she could finish.


    For Yuna, those kinds of ceremonies felt like a dagger to the heart. They transported her to moments in her life she only wanted to forget, to leave behind in the past. Yet, she was fully aware that Nasai had a need to remember their parents, to fill the void in her heart. For that very reason, she could never bring herself to refuse her sister''s request, no matter how bitter it felt. With a grimace of displeasure and three seconds of silence, Yuna gave in once again.


    "Fine, okay."


    "Would you like to have lunch in the countryside?" Nasai asked, her voice now more energetic and cheerful.


    "I have to go. I''ll leave it in your hands," Yuna replied, noticing from the dressing room that the caf¨¦ was starting to fill up. "Love you, Nasai. Take care."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Two antagonistic yet beautiful beings passionately and fervently kissed amidst a flurry of rose petals, swirling in the wind''s rhythm. As if enchanted, the flowers began to dance around them. The magnificent, enchanted landscape faded into the background, overshadowed by the intense love shared by the young couple.


    Suddenly, a stunning woman with snow-white hair, draped in a radiant veil, appeared behind Patrick, a shimmering tear rolling down her cheek. He wore an expression of resignation as he turned his back on the angelic figure.


    The scene shifted abruptly, and the lovers, bathed in the flickering glow of a fireplace, delicately yet passionately entwined their bodies under the canopy of Limbart Castle¡¯s bedroom.


    In an instant, darkness consumed the scene, and the younger Dokovic brother was left alone in the void, surrounded by the most menacing blackness. His wrinkled clothes and trembling hands were stained with blood. His face contorted with sadness and despair, perfectly mirroring the brokenness of his heart. Blood-tinged tears traced the silhouette of his beautiful face before falling into the abyss...


    "TULT?EN!" Patrick screamed from the depths of his being, leaping out of bed.


    His body, like the silk sheets, was drenched in sweat. Each limb seemed to have a mind of its own as they twitched uncontrollably. Once again, like any other night, his memories left him on edge, turning into horrifying nightmares. Nightmares that never ended, forcing him to relive moments marked by agony and torment under the moon''s shadow.


    Bringing the palms of his hands to his face, he wiped away the sweat, exhaled deeply, and slowly, though his body still trembled, made his way to the bathroom for the coldest shower, hoping to disconnect his mind.


    The sound of the water cascading over his wet body loosened all his muscles. The droplets traced sinuous paths over his sculpted torso, crossing over large scars that ran across his body. Patrick¡¯s skin was pale, nearly translucent, almost like porcelain. As his long, jet-black hair obscured the expression on his face, you could barely make out the fury with which he bit his lower lip, causing a slight, almost imperceptible bleed, masked by the intense red of his lips.


    Once dressed and accompanied by his black leather trench coat, Patrick, about to leave the mansion, was stopped by a curious voice.


    "Where are you going?" Annie asked as she gazed at the moon from the private garden.


    "None of your business," he replied without looking at her.


    "I''m coming with you," she declared, moving closer to Patrick, unable to take her eyes off the dark strands of hair falling across his pale face.


    "I''m just going for a walk," he said, trying to shake her off.


    "Then I¡¯ll join you," Annie insisted, linking her arm with his.


    Patrick narrowed his eyes and sighed, realizing that no matter what he said, she would follow him to the ends of the earth. So, he began walking alongside his friend under the falling snow, muttering under his breath without looking at her.


    "Do whatever you want."

 Chapter 2 – Countdown! (5)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 5


    Meanwhile, in the Elise district, Carol was wrapping up another long day at work. As she prepared to close the gate of "Caf¨¦ et Sucre," a masculine voice called out from behind her.


    "Excuse me..."


    "You''re the man from the other day," Carol said as she turned to see who it was.


    "I''m looking for Yuna," Vincent said with his typical charm, as snowflakes gently fell around him.


    "She¡¯s already left," Carol replied with a coquettish smile. "Do you know where I can find her?" Vincent asked, returning her smile politely.


    "She¡¯s probably catching the metro to go home."


    Vincent¡¯s usually calm expression was momentarily clouded with concern upon hearing those words. Unknown to Yuna, Vincent Dokovic shared a special connection with her, a bond that, at times, caused his heart to tremble whenever imminent danger loomed over her.


    Keeping his composure, he politely bid Carol farewell and began making his way toward the metro station.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    The long-awaited Christmas holidays were approaching, and the crowds filled the historic streets of Sainte-Coline. "All¨¦e de Lumi¨¨re" was a boulevard where thousands of shops of all kinds gathered to satisfy every consumer¡¯s whim.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Christmas lights were beginning to be set up amid the bustling crowd, all properly dressed to face another round of winter''s chill. In contrast to them all, a slender figure wearing a short satin dress with floral prints stood in the middle of the avenue, carrying a couple of bags and a large black umbrella.


    "Bread, eggs, fruit... I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m forgetting something," Nasai muttered to herself while waiting for the light to change.


    Nasai took charge every year of preparing for the anniversary of their parents'' death. That way, Yuna, who was more distant about such events, only had to show up. For that reason, improvisation was not welcome on this special day.


    A few meters away, under the fa?ade of an Irish pub, Patrick stood smoking, letting the smoke deeply fill his lungs. Annie, standing to his right, couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him. The mere act of watching Patrick blow out that small cloud of smoke from his crimson lips, while snowflakes delicately fell on his pale complexion, was mesmerizing. The young redhead couldn¡¯t help but be consumed by the desire to touch those lips¡ªthin yet full, brimming with passion and sensuality.


    Whenever she was with the youngest Dokovic, Annie felt as though time froze, creating a universe just for the two of them. But suddenly, she noticed that just before taking his final drag, Patrick¡¯s face turned even paler. The cigarette between his long, slender fingers fell to the ground, slowly buried under the snow.


    "Patrick, are you okay?" Annie asked, worried.


    "Tult?en?" he whispered, barely moving his lips as he took two steps forward, leaving her behind.


    "What did you say?" Annie asked, trying to grab his arm but failing, as Patrick, quite unexpectedly, began to walk away.


    It was the first time in thousands of years that Patrick¡¯s heart raced so rapidly. His blood rushed through his body like a waterfall in full force, as if a surge of adrenaline had reignited his instincts.


    What his eyes had seen crossing the street had captured his attention. Specifically, his gaze had fixed on a young woman with dark skin, delicately carrying a couple of bags and a black umbrella shielding her from the snow. Her satin dress with floral borders reached just above her knees, and as if she were the only person in the world, Patrick saw her¡ªunique, perfect, and deeply familiar. As he ran toward her, recklessly dodging the vehicles around him, he couldn¡¯t help but repeat to himself, "It can¡¯t be, it¡¯s impossible. It can¡¯t be, it¡¯s impossible. It can¡¯t be... her."

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (1)

    Chapter 3 ¨C Disturbance


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    The rain had suddenly taken over the weather in Sainte-Coline, and the crowd quickly huddled under nearby buildings for shelter.


    As the younger Nakama sister raised her arm softly to hail a taxi, Patrick Dokovic recklessly crossed the large avenue, causing the vehicles in his path to brake abruptly. He knew the danger of his reckless actions, but he yearned¡ªno, he longed with every fiber of his being¡ªto confirm whether what his eyes had seen was real, authentic, tangible. If it was truly her.


    But by the time he reached the place, the person had disappeared. Only a subtle, familiar scent remained, recognizable from times long past. But was it truly her? Or was his irrational desire to see her again causing him to have unhealthy delusions?


    Patrick placed a hand on his chest and felt how that muscle¡ªlong dead to him¡ªwas now pounding rapidly, like a volcano coming back to life after hundreds of dormant years.


    "Patrick, what¡¯s happening? Are you okay?" asked Annie, grabbing his arm once she caught up to him.


    "Nothing''s wrong," he responded without looking at her, his eyes lost in the distance.


    Annie''s concern was visible on her face; she had never seen Patrick so unsettled. As if he had seen a ghost, his rain-soaked skin had turned pale, and his delicate, long hands had begun to tremble.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Meanwhile, kilometers away from Elise, heading toward Sorine, inside the metro, the noise of the crowd was drowned out by the rattling of the tracks beneath the train and the occasional announcement of upcoming stops.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Yuna spent the half-hour commute, both to and from work, engaged in her favorite pastime: reading comics. As she relaxed, reading Districs, one of her favorite stories of the past year, a pair of familiar shoes stood in front of her, immediately alerting her senses.


    "We meet again," she heard a familiar voice that made every inch of her body tremble.


    As soon as she recognized the face, Yuna instinctively stood up from her seat, dropping everything she had been holding.


    "You¡¯re... you¡¯re the man from the alley..." she exhaled, looking around in horror.


    "You can call me Ben," he replied with a mocking smirk. "Don¡¯t bother looking around; no one¡¯s going to help you," he continued, slowly approaching her with his hands in his pockets.


    Yuna had been so absorbed in her reading that she hadn¡¯t noticed her surroundings. Inside the carriage were a hooded man whose face was mostly hidden, a tattooed gothic-looking couple, and an elegant woman with long, manicured nails. They all stood up in unison when they heard the man with the snake tattoo speak, and they began walking toward Yuna.


    Her body felt frozen with fear. It seemed that everything that had happened that snowy night in the alley wasn¡¯t a hallucination. And although she felt surrounded by these sinister, supernatural-looking people, this time, she wasn¡¯t going to let fear win.


    "I can handle myself," Yuna said defiantly as Ben moved closer, now just a few inches away.


    Quickly, she grabbed one end of her backpack, which had been resting on her right side, and with all her strength, she swung it at his head. Yet, Ben didn¡¯t flinch, not even an inch. He didn¡¯t even try to dodge. He merely smiled at the horrified look on her face as she realized her attempt had failed.


    "Now, be a good girl and come with us," he said, tilting his head slightly while his eyes flashed with a golden, inhuman glow.


    Yuna¡¯s heart was racing frantically. Though her mind urged her to give up, cry, and beg for her life, her survival instinct was stronger. She began running toward the doors of the carriage. But they were locked, and even though she used all her strength trying to open them, scraping her fingers raw, they wouldn¡¯t budge even a fraction.


    "Get away from me!" Yuna screamed, her voice shredded with fear as she pressed her back against the door, watching the ¡°creatures¡± approach her.


    "We¡¯re not going to hurt you; I just want to take you to my father," Ben said with a playful grin.


    "If I don¡¯t know you, why would I know your father?!" she shouted, her voice alternating between nervous laughter and terror as the others closed in on her. "Don¡¯t come near me!" she screamed again, waving her sweaty, trembling hands as they were just inches away from her.

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    Yuna¡¯s mind went blank. She couldn¡¯t rationalize what she was seeing. The sight before her eyes was completely abnormal. These beings with glowing golden eyes wanted something from her, something she didn¡¯t understand. She saw herself as a simple 28-year-old woman, with nothing special to offer, nothing remarkable to give. "So why did strange things always have to happen to her?"


    Just when she thought it was all over, when she was sure she would never see her sister¡¯s smiling face again, the lights in the metro went out. In the thick darkness, a bright red mist began to form in the center of the carriage.


    "You never learn," a deep voice echoed, coming from the mist, which had now transformed into a large, blazing flame.


    "Vincent, you have no right to interfere!" Ben shouted, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at the flame, recognizing the voice.


    "Oh, I most certainly do," replied the young man with copper-colored hair, now in human form, the only remaining light in the carriage coming from his fiery red eyes and a brightly glowing earring.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Despite his calm demeanor, Vincent radiated an aura of destruction that could easily break the bones of an ordinary person.


    "Kill him!" Ben ordered his minions, who lunged at Vincent, baring their fangs.


    The handsome young man stood still, and as the four creatures neared him, Vincent raised his arm to his face. As if he were inhaling the air around him, a ball of fire formed in his claw-like hand. Slowly, chains of flame emerged from the fire, rapidly wrapping around the four creatures, incinerating them until nothing but a pile of ashes remained on the floor.


    Enraged, Ben started to make an attack but stopped halfway when he noticed Vincent¡¯s cold, murderous eyes fixed on him.


    "Do you think you can take me on?" the eldest Dokovic asked slowly, never taking his gaze off his now-terrified prey.


    "Tchh..." Ben gritted his teeth angrily. "This isn¡¯t over," he spat before disappearing into a cloud of dust.


    Finally, silence fell over the train, only the rhythmic clatter of the tracks echoing in the background. Yuna¡¯s half-curled body mirrored her torn expression of terror and disbelief. Her entire body shook with fear, and although she was fully aware of what her eyes had seen, her mind and body tried desperately to deny it. As she summoned the last bit of strength to stay on her feet, she screamed with all her might at the man standing compassionately in front of her.


    "Who the hell are you?!" Yuna''s scream reverberated through the carriage, just before she collapsed at Vincent Dokovic¡¯s feet.

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    The constant thunder, along with the storm that sent raindrops crashing relentlessly against the windows of the Nakama sisters'' house, created a merciless assault.


    ¡°?The phone you are calling is either off or out of coverage...?¡± echoed from the other end of Nasai''s mobile device, as she grew more worried about her sister''s absence. Three hours had passed without any sign of Yuna, and the weather was anything but favorable. Despite all the calls and messages she sent, no response came. And as the hours slipped by, anxiety and concern grew steadily within her.


    So, while holding her phone, ready to attempt reaching Yuna once more, Nasai peeked through the sheer blue curtains of the dining room, hoping to spot her sister among the passersby on their colorful street. Yet, she saw no one familiar¡ªuntil she noticed a recognizable face: a young man with an angelic appearance, his long blonde hair flowing, enjoying the majestic view of one of France¡¯s most famous canals.


    A soft smile appeared on Nasai¡¯s delicate face, and with a swift gesture, she grabbed her black umbrella and one of the many jackets hanging on the coat rack, rushing outside toward her anonymous hero.


    Curiously, Nasai didn¡¯t feel the need to shield her smooth skin from the biting winter weather. In fact, she lacked the sensation of both cold and heat; however, since she had endured much teasing in her childhood for her odd choice of clothes¡ªoften inappropriate for the season¡ªshe had developed the habit of hiding this anomaly from others, dressing as appropriately as possible for each time of year.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°Excuse me¡­¡± Nasai said almost in a shy whisper as she stood behind the handsome man.


    The blond young man turned toward the timid voice from behind, and they found themselves face to face, standing together under the pouring rain.


    ¡°You¡¯re the guy from yesterday¡­¡± Nasai added with difficulty, blushing slightly. ¡°The one who took me to the infirmary. You¡¯re...¡±


    ¡°Nick. My name is Nick,¡± he finished her sentence calmly with a dazzling smile.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get the chance to thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he reassured her, not missing a single detail as he watched her.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to invite you for a drink,¡± Nasai suggested to Nick as she slowly approached him, pulling her phone out of one of the pockets of her long green dress.


    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry right now.¡±


    ¡°Can I give you my phone number? I¡¯d like to thank you properly for what you did.¡±


    Nick hesitated as he looked at the young Nakama, and without taking his eyes off her for even a moment, his gaze darkened slightly. It was such an intense look that a surprising warmth spread through Nasai¡¯s body, causing her cheeks to flush even more.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Nick finally agreed after a long silence, his expression suddenly shifting to a more cordial one.


    ¡°Call me when you can,¡± Nasai said after they exchanged numbers, waving goodbye as she returned to her house.


    As the young Nakama crossed her home''s threshold, a faint smile played on Nick¡¯s face. With a gesture that was both melancholic and tender, he whispered softly under his breath:


    ¡°She¡¯s still the same... so trusting.¡±

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (4)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 4


    Snowflakes gently descended from the darkened sky, as if these delicate, beautiful ice crystals wanted to soften the melancholic atmosphere that hung over the office of the younger Dokovic. Silence battled with the sound of the wind, which blew the snow against the windows of the study. Days like these troubled Patrick¡¯s anguished heart¡ªdays when he hid away from the world in his favorite corner.


    With large windows and a lower bench that allowed him to observe the majestic garden landscape of the Dokovic mansion, Patrick would delve deep into the most disturbing parts of his soul, reliving memories he never wanted to forget. Especially after that night¡ªthe night when, for the first time, he didn¡¯t know if his deepest desire to see her again had deceived him, turning his most intense yearning into an imaginary delusion.


    And thus began an internal battle between what was real and sensible, and what was utopian and fictional. Patrick replayed the scene over and over, analyzing every detail.


    Her eye and hair color were entirely different, but her physique, especially her face¡ªthat sweet, beautiful face¡ªwas identical to hers. And her scent, that intoxicating floral fragrance, transported him to unimagined places, stirring every inch of his static heart back to life¡ªit was so remarkably similar to hers...


    However, he knew the reality, that lethal and bitter truth he had always carried. Patrick was aware that everything he had seen that night was just illusions caused by his broken heart. No one escapes death once it comes for them.


    ¡°Patrick!!¡± A loud voice snapped him out of his daze.


    He turned to see Vincent standing in front of him, holding an unconscious and rain-soaked Yuna in his arms.


    Seeing them, Patrick quickly¡ªbut with his characteristic elegance¡ªstepped down from the bench. As he moved away from his favorite spot, he informed his brother that he would call Ronnie to prepare a room for them.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Hours later, outside Sainte-Coline, in one of the most elite neighborhoods in France, stood "Le X," one of the most prestigious and clandestine pubs in the north of the country. Few people could gain access to this place. And it wasn¡¯t surprising, since the members allowed in possessed abilities that any ordinary human could only dream of.


    Ambient music filled the vast space. Singular characters carried on their conversations, sipping from elegant glass cups filled with a coppery, slightly thick nectar. Among the many polished black tables dressed with crimson cloths, on a leather sofa, Ben enjoyed the company of three beautiful women.


    Suddenly, a figure began to appear before him, followed by a cloud of black smoke. As it took human form, it became clear that it was a slender woman with fine but stern features. She wore a matching jacket suit, a ribbon choker, and a veiled headpiece covering her pale face¡ªall in black.


    Her long, jet-black hair was tied in a low ponytail, and her heterochromatic eyes¡ªone green and the other purple¡ªmade even the bravest of souls step back. She was the kind of person whose very presence commanded respect at first glance.


    ¡°You failed again,¡± the woman rasped to Ben.


    ¡°That bastard Vincent...!¡± Ben began to snap irritably at the sight of Virus.


    ¡°Spare me your cheap excuses,¡± Virus cut him off coldly.


    ¡°Devon is quite disappointed with you,¡± she continued as her purple eye glowed faintly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you lecturing me,¡± Ben retorted in a childish tone of defiance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get it twisted. I¡¯m here to warn you,¡± Virus corrected him without blinking, staring directly into his eyes. ¡°Your chances are running out. If you keep failing, I¡¯ll take your place,¡± she stated firmly, lifting a hand to cover her green eye, leaving only the violet one exposed.


    As she uttered those last words, her left eye seemed to take on a life of its own, shifting constantly between black and purple. Finally, she began to vanish into a thick black smoke, leaving Ben gritting his teeth in frustration and seething with anger. He hurled the glass he held to the floor, shattering it.

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (5)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 5


    The last snowflakes were melting under the rays of the sun that marked the beginning of a new morning. The water formed by the melting snow quickly slipped between the roots of the plants and the bark of the trees in the refined English garden of the Dokovic mansion.


    The sparkling light that pierced through the enormous window of the Renaissance-style bedroom, where Yuna lay peacefully, gently touched her rosy face. After a few movements and muttered complaints, the young Nakama, who had been unconscious until then, slowly opened her eyes.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± she asked herself as she realized she didn¡¯t recognize the room.


    As she struggled to sit up on the edge of the king-sized bed, she confirmed that she had no idea where she had woken up.


    The room was large, with a Renaissance style, as if taken from another century, or even another life. The light colors, alternating with sky blues and golden details, harmonized perfectly with the decor. Without reaching a pompous excess, the large floral ornaments subtly brightened the room with shimmering white details. The heavy, luminous pearl-white curtains dressed the enormous windows that lined the vertical wall.


    The room¡¯s decor, featuring white furniture with golden accents, indicated it was a woman''s room. Between two birchwood doors stood a wardrobe with mirrors that reflected the bed where Yuna lay¡ªa four-poster bed with strong, rough fabric hanging from it. Next to one of the doors, in the corner of the wall, in front of a fine tapestry, was a singular vanity accompanied by a distinguished jewelry box, revealing a multitude of treasures inside.


    It didn¡¯t seem like the bedroom of just any woman; it looked like the chamber of a great queen.


    ¡°You fainted from stress,¡± Yuna heard behind her. She turned slowly, her head aching, and saw Vincent sitting in one of the room¡¯s two sofas, his eyes never leaving the book he held. ¡°But you¡¯re not injured,¡± he added, slamming the book shut and fixing his gaze on the young woman.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked without hesitation.


    Yuna would have jumped out of bed, facing the young man once more, if not for the throbbing pain in her head and the tremor in her legs that still lingered.


    A few seconds of silence settled between them, as if the world had stopped, leaving only the two of them. While it was clear that the young man¡¯s enormous attractiveness and calm presence had much to do with her state, Yuna felt tranquil. Despite everything that had happened, each time she found herself near him, a sense of peace and serenity filled her heart.


    Just as the copper-haired young man seemed about to speak again, Patrick and Ronnie entered through one of the bedroom doors.


    "Looks like she¡¯s awake," Patrick said, glancing at the confused Yuna.


    ¡°Are you sure she¡¯s the one?¡± Ronnie asked disdainfully. ¡°She seems a little, I don¡¯t know, different from how I remember her,¡± he finished, scratching his neck.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Yuna asked, even more disoriented.


    Ronnie was one of Patrick¡¯s old friends. They had fought great battles and endured enormous hardships together, never straying far from one another. Dark as ebony, with hazel eyes and jet-black hair, Ronnie was a man whose life Patrick had saved, and in gratitude, he had sworn him complete loyalty.


    ¡°Can someone explain what¡¯s going on?!¡± Yuna shouted at the men, who kept their eyes fixed on her.


    ¡°You are the reincarnation of our founder,¡± the boy answered with a playful smile.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°I¡¯m what?¡±


    ¡°Such little tact,¡± Patrick muttered, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°You heard him,¡± Ronnie confirmed, raising an eyebrow.


    Vincent watched the scene impassively until he sighed deeply and stood up from the sofa. With an elegant gesture, he placed the book on the small table and cleared his throat, signaling the boy to stop.


    ¡°We are what modern society calls ¡®vampires,¡¯¡± Vincent said slowly, studying Yuna¡¯s every expression and movement. ¡°We¡¯ve spent centuries mixing and coexisting with humans.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy,¡± Yuna accused, standing up quickly to leave the room, but Ronnie blocked her path.


    ¡°This is no joke,¡± he said firmly, and as he spoke, his eyes briefly flashed a deep red.


    Ronnie¡¯s body began to deform, much of it turning liquid, transparent like water. His figure was changing, becoming that of an adult.


    Yuna was dumbfounded. The annoying boy from just seconds ago had transformed into an adult before her very eyes. But how was that possible?


    Could it be that those stories told in fairy tales and fantasy books really existed? How could she deny what she had just seen?


    To make sure she wasn¡¯t hallucinating or experiencing some surreal chemical-induced illusion from her cleaning job, she slapped herself hard, leaving everyone in the room speechless.


    ¡°Ow! That hurts!¡± Yuna screamed, holding her cheek.


    ¡°Is this girl dumb?¡± Ronnie said, shocked, barely holding back his laughter.


    ¡°Leave her alone, Ronnie. Let¡¯s go,¡± Patrick said, grabbing his friend by the hood of his sweatshirt and dragging him out of the room.


    ¡°Think,¡± Vincent said to the frozen Yuna after a few moments of silence. ¡°Haven¡¯t strange things happened around you? Some event that unsettled you?¡±


    As if he had read her mind, Yuna recalled all the odd things that had happened throughout her life. She remembered the tragic accident for which she still blamed herself to this day. But the sudden sound of her phone¡¯s ringtone brought her back to the present. When she reached for it to check the message, she saw she had twenty-two messages and twelve missed calls from Nasai.


    ¡°How long was I asleep?¡±


    ¡°All night.¡±


    ¡°Oh nooo! My sister is going to kill me!¡± she cried, covering her mouth with her hands when she realized it was already daytime by looking out the window. ¡°Can you take me to the nearest bus stop?¡± she finally asked with a playful smile, surprising Vincent with her calmness.


    Meanwhile, in Patrick¡¯s office, the crackling of the fireplace and the continuous complaints of an incredulous Ronnie filled the room.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be her¡­ She¡¯s so plain,¡± Ronnie said as he sat on one of the sofas facing Patrick¡¯s favorite corner.


    ¡°It¡¯s her. The moment you see her, you feel it in your blood,¡± Patrick said as he stood in his favorite corner, gazing out the window. ¡°She¡¯s the spitting image.¡±


    ¡°With a smaller chest size, less height, less sensuality, less of everything¡­¡± Ronnie mocked, gesturing wildly. But he saw his friend deep in thought, staring at the horizon with his mind elsewhere. ¡°Patrick, lately I feel like you¡¯re distant. Is something bothering you?¡± he asked, now more serious and concerned.


    ¡°¡­I had the faint impression of seeing her,¡± Patrick finally said after a long pause, still not taking his eyes off the window.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Tult?en.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡± Patrick affirmed with frustration, clenching his fist.


    ¡°After all this time, you¡¯re still thinking about her,¡± Ronnie remarked with a bitter smile. ¡°Your personality changed drastically after her death. I understand why you don¡¯t want anything to do with women, why you hate them. Just look at how you treat them. But let her go already,¡± he advised his distant friend as carefully as his direct personality allowed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Patrick ended the conversation as he stood, flames beginning to rise around him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Patrick replied as he disappeared with a dark expression.


    Though Ronnie was usually playful, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang every time Tult?en was mentioned. He shared a deep bond with Patrick, and he was fully aware that if his friend hadn¡¯t ended his existence yet, it was simply to preserve the memory of his beloved. An act that greatly saddened the young rogue, as he feared the day Patrick would finally give up and bring an end to his own story.

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (6)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 6


    The morning was clear, and the birds took flight, taking advantage of the good weather. The inhabitants of Sorine began their daily routines, and the market in the main square was starting to set up. Long hours had passed, and poor Nasai hadn¡¯t heard anything from her sister. A sleepless night had left her with noticeable dark circles under her eyes. And just as she was about to give up and contact the police, the unmistakable creak of the front porch echoed through the house.


    Without thinking twice, she got up from the hallway bench and rushed toward the door, her face streaked with tears. Slowly, a small freckled face with a guilty expression peeked through the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m home. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yuna asked, worried when she saw her sister¡¯s tear-streaked face and pushed the door open to step inside the house.


    Realizing Nasai¡¯s state might be due to her having been missing for an entire night without giving any sign of life, Yuna¡¯s face filled with shame and guilt once more.


    ¡°Well, I know I¡­¡±


    She tried to explain when her sister cut her off, throwing herself at Yuna and enveloping her in a tight embrace, tears flowing freely.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I¡­I thought something had happened to you,¡± Nasai managed to say through her sobs.


    ¡°Oh, come on, crybaby. Relax, I¡¯m perfectly fine. Can¡¯t you see?¡± Yuna tried to reassure her, returning the hug and gently stroking her back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, little one. I know I made you worry, but everything¡¯s okay,¡± she continued to soothe her, not entirely convinced of her own words.


    Yuna continued comforting her little sister until Nasai¡¯s heart finally felt at peace.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    The colors of the sunset peeked over the horizon. The last songs of the blackbirds bid farewell to the sun, which left behind a beautiful winter landscape as it set.


    The mansion, as always, felt abandoned due to its large size and the small number of people living in it. Inside Vincent¡¯s office, silence reigned, accompanied by the crackling of the wood burning in the fireplace.


    Vincent Dokovic, seated comfortably in his brown leather desk chair, kept his gaze fixed on the flickering flames, deep in thought and calm. Moments later, his younger brother entered through the door, and upon noticing Vincent''s reflective state, he immediately understood what had happened.


    ¡°You let her go,¡± Patrick accused, seeing his brother lost in thought.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop her,¡± Vincent defended, lifting his eyes to meet his brother¡¯s.


    ¡°You know they''ll attack her again.¡±


    ¡°I know. But all in due time. She will come to us willingly,¡± the elder Dokovic replied, rising from his seat with the intent of heading to his massive library and resuming his reading.

 Chapter 3 – Disturbance (7)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 7


    The days passed, and the monotony and calm returned to the lives of the Nakama sisters. The long-awaited moment for Nasai had arrived, and the sisters celebrated it with a picnic in the middle of the field. Despite the intense cold, the sun¡¯s rays eased the weather, making it more bearable.


    A grand feast was spread out across the blanket laid on the grass. The atmosphere was peaceful, with only a few people accompanying them. The half-frozen water of the lake shimmered with platinum glints as it met the sunlight, further enhancing the beauty of the natural landscape.


    "I think you¡¯ve gone overboard with the food this time, Nasai," Yuna said to her sister as she finished off a cod empanada.


    "You always say that, but you end up eating everything."


    ¡°Well... it¡¯s true,¡± Yuna replied, laughing as she grabbed a piece of tortilla.


    ¡°So, are you alright? Nothing unusual these days?¡± Nasai asked, unconvinced by the weak excuse her sister gave the night she disappeared for an entire evening.


    ¡°Do you think something could happen to your big sister? I¡¯m as tough as a rock,¡± Yuna nodded with a wide grin, pounding her stomach in an unfeminine way.


    It was true that several days had passed, and there had been no sign of the mysterious man who saved her, not just once, but twice. However, she didn¡¯t want to involve her younger sister in something she herself neither understood nor believed. Besides, if luck was on her side, all the strange things that had happened to her would simply remain in the past, with no need to think about them again.


    ¡°So, tell me, how are the rehearsals going? You¡¯ll be performing soon, right?¡± Yuna quickly changed the subject.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m a little nervous.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re one of the best. You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about,¡± Yuna said with bold confidence as she helped herself to more of the salad.


    This was how Yuna wanted things to be, for every day of their lives to be like this¡ªwhere she and her sister could live in peace and harmony. And if any obstacle appeared, it wouldn¡¯t destroy the bond between them. Above all, she wished that the problems they faced would be ordinary ones.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Uneasy footsteps echoed through the halls of the Dokovic mansion, nerves and tension palpable in the air. Ronnie hurriedly passed through the archway leading to the living room, interrupting the conversation between the two brothers.


    ¡°Devon has done it again,¡± he announced, troubled.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Patrick asked, while his brother remained calm, seated in the armchair.


    ¡°Devon has acquired the business where Kassandra works,¡± Ronnie said, agitated.


    Uncertainty spread throughout the room, yet Vincent stayed composed, as if the news came as no surprise to him. On the contrary, it seemed as though his mind was already planning the next move.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Hours had passed, and fog now covered most of the cemetery. The Nakama sisters had finished their family meal, and as they did every year on this special day, they stood before the gravestones of their parents.


    Yuna stood further back from the tombstones, remaining impassive, in contrast to Nasai, who, unable to hold back her tears, finished decorating the graves with bouquets of anemones.


    ¡°We¡¯re doing well. Yuna does everything she can to take care of us,¡± Nasai tried to articulate as she stood up from the ground.


    ¡°How are you both?¡±


    The youngest Nakama sister asked, but soon broke down in deep sobs. Noticing her sister¡¯s state, Yuna approached to comfort her with a strong embrace.


    A few minutes later, the two girls were heading home along the path of the vast cemetery. Due to the drastic change in the weather, the place was deserted. The tension and absence of words from Yuna were palpable.


    ¡°Are you okay, Yuna?¡± her sister asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to relive the anniversary of our parents¡¯ death,¡± she replied after a long pause.


    ¡°Yuna¡­¡±


    ¡°Every time we come here, I relive everything that happened,¡± Yuna cut her off, not letting her continue. ¡°Every time I think about them, I¡¯m more aware that our parents¡¯ death was my fault.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t say that¡­ It¡¯s not true,¡± Nasai replied, saddened, stopping in the middle of the path as her sister kept walking.


    ¡°Yes, it is!¡± Yuna shouted from a distance, stopping with her back still turned.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know what was going to happen. Neither of us did.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t understand anything!¡± Yuna screamed, her voice raw, clutching the edges of her sweater tightly, her face streaked with tears. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how I feel! You never will!¡±


    Yuna cried out, releasing all her grief before starting to walk, and then running, leaving her sister completely alone in the shadows of the necropolis.


    ¡°Yuna¡­¡± Nasai whispered, hidden under her breath, as she intended to follow her sister, who was moving farther and farther away.


    However, as she prepared to take a step, her vision blurred, an overwhelming heat surged through her body, and her legs gave way, causing her to collapse onto the cobbled ground.


    ¡°No, no, no... Not again,¡± she repeated to herself in barely audible murmurs as she lost consciousness, lying on the ground. ¡°Yuna¡­¡±

 Chapter 4 – Memories (1)

    Chapter 4 ¨C Memories


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    Again, as it had happened many times throughout her life, she lost consciousness. At any moment of the day, anywhere.


    Her body was incapable of keeping its balance, incapable of staying in harmony. As if every part of her being were breaking into small fragments that could never come together again, every time she fainted, Nasai felt a piece of herself slipping away. It was an unnatural, incomprehensible feeling, impossible to describe.


    Slowly, she opened her eyes, her vision still blurry, and saw golden strands of hair dancing in front of her.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± she asked, disoriented as she lay on an unfamiliar bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re alright,¡± responded a familiar voice.


    ¡°Nick?¡± Nasai asked, beginning to see more clearly and noticing she didn¡¯t recognize where she was lying.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my house,¡± Nick informed her, noting the young woman¡¯s uncertain expression. He stood up from her side and approached a small table where a tea set sat on a tray.


    ¡°Your house?!"


    ¡°I found you passed out on the ground,¡± he explained, pouring the tea.


    ¡°Oh¡­this is the second time you¡¯ve helped me,¡± Nasai murmured, embarrassed as she brushed some strands away from her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± he replied with a gentle tone. When he placed one of the cups in Nasai¡¯s cold hands, they both blushed slightly at the touch of skin against skin. ¡°What worries me is your health.¡± He continued after clearing his throat and pulling his hand away. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± she hesitated, taking a few sips from the little cup.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If you¡¯d rather not say, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°No! Not at all! It¡¯s just that¡­since I was little, I¡¯ve always had fainting spells. My health is fine, but I faint frequently. In the past, I¡¯d even lose my memory and couldn¡¯t remember what I¡¯d been doing for certain periods.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°You should go to the hospital,¡± he suggested, concerned.


    ¡°I was seeing specialists about it before. But when the fainting spells seemed to stop, I put it on hold. Now, though, it seems they¡¯re coming back¡­ I¡¯m not sure why.¡±


    ¡°I have a friend who¡¯s a doctor. He¡¯s one of the best in his field. I could ask him to help with your case. I think he¡¯d be able to solve your problem.¡±


    ¡°Really? I couldn¡¯t ask you for that¡­¡± she answered, with a shy, grateful smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem,¡± Nick added, regaining his composure as his heart fluttered slightly at her smile. ¡°We¡¯re conducting a field study, so helping you would actually help us as well.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you for everything you¡¯re doing for me,¡± Nasai smiled again.


    As silence filled the room, Nick couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her, as if he wanted to etch this moment into his memory. It was something he hadn¡¯t seen in so long, something so beautiful and innocent...


    ¡°Just come back to me¡­¡± he whispered, barely audible.


    ¡°Sorry? Did you say something?¡±


    ¡°No, just that you can come back to me whenever you need.¡± He corrected himself quickly as Nasai checked her watch.


    ¡°It¡¯s gotten so late already? My sister must be home by now,¡± Nasai remarked, surprised at the time. She rose from the bed, grabbed her belongings from the small table, and bid farewell to her savior. ¡°Thank you for everything, Nick.¡±


    But just as she was about to leave the room, Nick gently took her hand, making her blush.


    ¡°Please, be careful. You¡¯re very important, Nasai.¡±


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    The hour had passed. Snow, as usual in Sainte-Coline, had started falling. The night promised to be cold, and Yuna wandered aimlessly, lost in her thoughts.


    ¡°Had she acted recklessly?¡± ¡°Why on earth had she left her sister like that? And especially, why in such a dark, dreary place?¡± She knew that her personality, sometimes far too impulsive, often led her down a bitter path, making her act in ways that were reckless and even selfish. The further she walked, the more she thought about Nasai and what she had done. But just as she was finally about to return to her, a familiar voice stopped her.


    ¡°Yuna?¡±


    ¡°Carol¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you alright? You don¡¯t look well,¡± her friend asked, concerned as she approached.


    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s nothing,¡± Yuna replied with a forced smile. ¡°Are you out shopping?¡±


    ¡°Yes! You know the presentation party for the new company is coming up soon.¡±


    ¡°New company? Party?¡± ¡°You¡¯re so scatterbrained,¡± Carol chided, tapping Yuna¡¯s forehead lightly with her finger.


    Yuna couldn¡¯t deny that she was a bit absent-minded; it was a fact. But her recent lack of awareness about things going on around her wasn¡¯t due to her usual distraction. Rather, it was because of the supernatural events that had been happening to her.

 Chapter 4 – Memories (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    Having her life endangered more than once, being told by some disturbingly attractive lunatics that she was the founder of a vampire clan, and watching her most precious treasure lose consciousness once again were things that made it impossible for her to focus on her job. Not even the most responsible, skilled person in the world could handle it all so smoothly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re in any position to give me lessons on responsibility,¡± Yuna retorted after a quiet sigh.


    ¡°Yes, yes! You¡¯re right!¡± her friend laughed, rummaging through her bag. ¡°Well¡­ Didn¡¯t you get the invitation? It should have arrived a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, about a month ago¡­¡± Carol began, pulling the invitation from her bag and handing it to Yuna. ¡°Our store and all its franchises were acquired by Dev. Corp Group. Since the change happened so suddenly, they decided to throw a presentation party.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! I completely forgot! Now that I think of it, I have nothing to wear.¡±


    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t bought anything yet, either.¡±


    ¡°And those bags you¡¯re holding?¡± Yuna raised a skeptical eyebrow at her friend.


    ¡°These? Just appetizers, you could say. A little something to start with,¡± Carol replied with a mischievous grin.


    It was typical of Carol to make comments like that. She was a wonderful friend, but their tastes couldn¡¯t have been more different. Atmosphere, guys, fleeting moments¡ªthose were her passions.


    ¡°If you want, we can meet up tomorrow and look for something together,¡± Carol continued with a familiar sparkle in her eye.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll talk to my sister.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯m looking forward to ditching that unfeminine style of yours.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yuna asked, flustered by the comment, as her friend laughed and waved goodbye.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    At the same time, on the outskirts of Sorine, in the gothic mansion of the Dokovic family, a meeting was underway with nearly all its members in attendance.


    ¡°It seems Devon is one step ahead of us,¡± remarked Ronnie, who appeared in the form of a child.


    ¡°That won¡¯t last,¡± Vincent responded, stroking his chin thoughtfully.


    ¡°And how will we manage that?¡± asked Ronnie.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go to that party,¡± answered Patrick, seated on the piano stool.


    ¡°You do realize it¡¯s at Devon¡¯s mansion. It¡¯s impossible¡ªwe¡¯d be detected in minutes,¡± the child warned.


    ¡°It¡¯s a masquerade¡­¡± Vincent said slowly.


    ¡°A¡­ what¡­?¡±


    ¡°A masquerade ball, you dimwit,¡± snapped Annie, irritated at Ronnie.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean they won¡¯t sense us,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Are you forgetting Annie¡¯s skill?¡± Patrick added, closing the piano and rising from his seat. ¡°She¡¯ll be able to mask our trail for a while.¡±


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s pick partners,¡± Ronnie said eagerly, turning toward Annie. ¡°Would you like to¡­?¡±


    ¡°I already have a partner,¡± she cut him off immediately, linking her arm with Patrick¡¯s.


    The relationship between Annie and Ronnie was somewhat complicated. At times, they¡¯d help each other; at others, they only seemed to want to strangle each other. Especially Annie, the fiery redhead, who was unaware of the true feelings hidden in the deepest corners of Ronnie¡¯s heart.


    From the first time he saw her, long before he became what he is now, from ages past¡ªor simply, from forever¡ªRonnie had always loved her, with his entire being and his very soul. But his playful, extroverted personality, which often made people dismiss him, the knowledge of Annie¡¯s feelings for Patrick, and, ultimately, his loyalty to Patrick himself, kept him as nothing more than a spectator, though he clung to the hope that one day she would see his true feelings.

 Chapter 4 – Memories (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    The crickets played their sweet melody, filling the night with music. The chill outside was intense, but Nasai remained unaffected by the cold. She sat on the bench outside the house, waiting patiently for her beloved sister.


    Time seemed endless as she fiddled with the fabric of her dress, her legs swinging rhythmically against the ground. She didn¡¯t know what mood Yuna would be in, but all she wanted was to make things right.


    A few minutes passed before she heard the creak of the gate. Without a second thought, she rounded the small garden surrounding the house to meet her sister face to face.


    ¡°Nasai¡­¡± Yuna froze when she saw her, tears suddenly welling in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Seeing her sister in that state, Nasai couldn¡¯t hold back her own sobs. As she moved closer, crystal tears traced the outline of her gentle face.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Sisters support each other, they¡¯re there for everything, and they help one another. There¡¯s nothing to forgive. If anything, I should apologize for not being more understanding,¡± she replied as they embraced each other.


    ¡°We really need to stop being so sentimental,¡± Yuna said, pulling back and scratching her head, a bit embarrassed. ¡°By the way, this weekend, our company is hosting a masquerade.¡±


    ¡°A masquerade?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you know, with masks and formal attire,¡± Yuna explained, gesturing to match her words. ¡°It¡¯s for the acquisition of the new company.¡±


    ¡°A new company?¡±


    ¡°A long story¡­ What I¡¯m saying is, I¡¯d love for you to come with me.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t have anything to wear¡­¡± Nasai said, glancing up thoughtfully.


    ¡°We¡¯re going shopping tomorrow with Carol. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Yuna finished, taking her younger sister by the hand as they headed back inside the house.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    At the same time, calm reigned in the home of the mysterious man with golden hair. Nick lay barefoot on the floor, feeling the subtle sensations of a world saturated with contradictory emotions. With his eyes closed, he tried to stabilize the currents swirling within him, when the front door opened.


    ¡°Belle, are you back?¡± Nick asked.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see me coming in?¡± she replied, setting her keys down on the entry table.


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± he responded playfully, sitting up on the floor to look at her.


    ¡°Enough jokes. Did you find her?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Stop joking around. We need to locate her. Without her power, we won¡¯t be able to face the darkness encroaching on our realm,¡± she admonished, frowning.


    ¡°Why should we drag her back to that kind of life? Aren¡¯t we being selfish by forcing her to return?¡±


    ¡°Forcing her? Ilfirin, you know perfectly well that the longer she stays in this realm, the more her life is at risk. Her body isn¡¯t built for this world.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower,¡± Nick said, shaking his head with a hint of frustration as he got up from the floor. ¡°Care to join me?¡±


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    An entire day had passed, and the night reigned alongside the fierce rain. As usual, calmness prevailed in the Dokovic mansion. A faint light glowed from one of the bedroom windows.


    Unlike the storm outside, joy and good humor filled the atmosphere within. Annie, trying on countless outfits for the upcoming party with Sussy, who was seated on the bedroom sofa watching her, felt different. It was as if her deepest wishes might actually come true.


    ¡°You seem really excited about the party. This is the fourth dress you''ve tried on,¡± Sussy remarked, happy to see her friend in such high spirits.


    Sussy was one of the most recent converts of the Dokovic brothers. After a twelve-hour shift at the hospital, she had been mugged at gunpoint, nearly losing her life in the process. But Vincent¡¯s intervention had saved her. Since then, even as one of the lower-ranking members of the clan, she helped out as much as possible, considering the others her family.


    ¡°This could be my chance to get back with Patrick,¡± Annie replied, animated.


    ¡°Forget it¡­ you only shared one kiss, and it was ages ago,¡± Sussy advised, emphasizing ¡°ages.¡± ¡°All you get from him are cold shoulders.¡±


    Annie was painfully aware of how Patrick treated her. She knew that the kiss, which had sent thrills through every inch of her and transported her to places she''d only dreamed of, had happened centuries ago¡ªat a time when Patrick was not exactly himself. Yet, her feelings for him were as vivid as lightning at its most brilliant, and although she had tried a thousand times, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to let them go.


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t,¡± she replied with a lump in her throat, sitting down at the edge of the bed. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for him, I¡¯d be dead now!¡± Annie finally burst out, breaking into heartbreaking sobs.

 Chapter 5 – Reaching the Limit, Part 1 (1)

    Chapter 5 ¨C Reaching the Limit, Part 1


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    Every time Annie relived past moments, her heart journeyed through constant, shifting emotions that left her unbalanced, as she craved something she fully understood was almost impossible to attain. At the same time, she longed to see her beloved happy, so much so that, if she had the power to bring Tult?en back to life, she would do it without a second thought.


    "If it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t be here," she told her friend Sussy as she wiped away the scarlet tears streaming down her pale face before they could fall onto her dress.


    "I understand. But he loves someone else. And he always will," Sussy replied, hurrying to hand a handkerchief to her companion.


    "But nothing is impossible," Annie replied, accepting the handkerchief and springing up from the bed with a burst of joy. "Help me with my makeup; I want to look perfect for him."


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    After a frantic day of shopping, Yuna, Nasai, and Carol found themselves, like Annie, preparing for the long-awaited party.


    In Nasai''s room, two of the three people present wore expressions of marked surprise.


    "You look stunning," Carol told Yuna, covering her mouth with her hands, extremely excited.


    Carol had always been the typical woman fascinated by fashion and beauty. Since meeting Yuna, she¡¯d always thought the girl had great potential. However, no matter how much she tried to change her comfortable, laid-back style, no one seemed to have the power to make her change her mind. Actually, her sister had that power, but Carol always thought Yuna looked perfect in whatever she wore.


    It was true that many years had passed since the oldest of the Nakama sisters had dressed so femininely. In a long, elegant dress, the outfit she wore, paired with her navy heels, covered her feet, barely grazing the floor. The dress was two-toned: beige, with tiny blue pearls scattered deliberately on the bodice, and entirely blue on the skirt. This attire allowed Yuna to not only highlight her natural beauty but also the pale hue of her skin.


    "It''s a shame you didn''t let me put extensions on you. You would look gorgeous with an updo that would highlight your face more," Carol pointed out, adjusting her long black dress, which clung tightly to her body with sparkling stones all along its length.


    "You look... gorgeous, sister," Nasai added happily.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "I don¡¯t know why you didn¡¯t buy a new dress. The one you''re wearing is so old," Yuna said, looking at her.


    "Maybe... but I didn¡¯t want to spend more than I needed to. You two are the ones who need to look amazing. With this..." she said, lightly patting her dress, "...I¡¯m good to go. Besides, I don¡¯t look that bad, do I?"


    She asked them, striking a bashfully coquettish pose. Nasai wasn¡¯t the typical girl who dressed to grab attention. In fact, her natural proportions were already extraordinarily attractive. So, generally speaking, whatever she wore would inevitably catch people¡¯s eyes.


    In a three-quarter-length pearl gray dress, matching flats, and a half-updo that showed off the length of her neck, she felt more than comfortable.


    "But you''re so simple... Do you know how the women will dress there? The outfits they¡¯ll wear? And with a body like yours... What a waste..." Carol said, exasperated. "The Nakama sisters, no one can understand them. Maybe you should find a rich guy to solve your problems."


    "Have I ever told you that you¡¯re scary?" Yuna asked, joking.


    "So many times that I¡¯ve lost count," Carol responded, popping a piece of carrot into her mouth.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Hours had passed, and a lightning storm marked the beginning of the party. The mansion hosting the event was surrounded by a vast French garden, leading up to a grand staircase that served as the entrance. In each corner of the grounds, a guard with a distant, dark appearance stood strategically positioned.


    Inside, rooms doubled the size of the Nakama sisters'' home. Baroque style reigned in every corner of the place. The masquerade was held in a colossal ballroom, where two sections were easily distinguishable: the dance floor and the lounge area.


    The dance area was adorned with white drapes, hanging from the ceiling like a canopy, expanding across the room along with enormous wall sconces that cast a bright glow. Thanks to the large windows that spanned an entire wall, guests could admire the beautiful garden, illuminated by lanterns, from within. In the other section, tables were skillfully arranged, leaving only a wide aisle leading to the bar and the open buffet. Unlike the dance area, the music here played softly in the background.


    ¡°How dare you show up here with your entire crew?¡± Ben demanded upon seeing Vincent and company in the entry hall.


    ¡°No one told us this was a private event,¡± Vincent replied coolly, adjusting his mask.


    ¡°Actually, it was,¡± Ronnie added with a mocking tone.


    ¡°Really? My sincerest apologies,¡± Vincent responded, giving an exaggerated, playful bow. ¡°But since we¡¯re here, we might as well stay for a while.¡±


    ¡°Get out,¡± Ben said threateningly, raising his voice.


    A firm, robust hand grasped the young man, halting him just as he was about to lunge. Suddenly, he went silent, paralyzed by the presence of the person standing beside him.


    ¡°Ben¡­ that¡¯s not the proper way to treat our guests,¡± the man spoke slowly, his voice hidden behind a shadowed mask. ¡°What would people say if they saw us?¡±


    He continued in a calm tone, subtly urging his comrade to control his behavior, as he pointed out the attention they were drawing from onlookers, prompting Ben to rein in his attitude.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Vincent,¡± the mysterious man greeted in a low voice.


    ¡°Not long enough, Devon,¡± Vincent replied calmly.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Devon said to them with an elegant gesture, granting them passage. ¡°You¡¯re welcome at the masquerade.¡±

 Chapter 5 – Reaching the Limit, Part 1 (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    Despite the thunderstorm raging outside, the atmosphere of the party was lively and rich. At least fifty guests filled the hall, not counting the staff, and the three masked girls enjoyed the festive mood.


    "Ahhhh, food!" Yuna shouted, spotting the buffet table with its perfectly arranged dishes. "Nasai, make the most of this; we don¡¯t get this every day," she warned her sister, moving toward the buffet.


    "Yuna!" Nasai called, watching her older sister walk away.


    "I''m off to fish; let¡¯s see if I can catch myself a wealthy one," Carol announced, also drifting away from the young woman.


    "Carol!" Nasai called after her, finding herself alone in the middle of the bustling ballroom.


    The grand table in the corner didn¡¯t just match the elegance of the decor but was also brimming with countless dishes of every kind; foods from all tastes, colors, and countries were there¡ªa dream come true for Yuna. She, unlike her petite frame suggested, had a true love for food and flavors.


    With every step closer to the buffet, Yuna''s expression grew more blissful. As she finally reached the table, she grabbed a plate and began to serve herself with unrestrained joy, momentarily losing her composure and any trace of ladylike demeanor.


    ¡°I thought the masculinity I sensed in you was just an outward thing,¡± a voice behind her said just as she was about to bring a spoonful of Russian salad to her mouth. Her heart skipped a beat; she recognized that masculine voice.


    ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± she asked, turning to confirm her suspicion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I know the host,¡± Vincent replied, stepping closer to Yuna.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said hello. Goodbye,¡± she responded, looking away from him and resuming her food.


    ¡°Are you always this prickly?¡±


    ¡°I tend to be when someone messes with me. Now, I¡¯d like to¡­¡± she said to the copper-haired man, lifting the spoon in her hand slightly.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    It was true that Vincent sometimes lacked tact. Though he was old-fashioned, a man of manners and courtesy, he often struggled to understand Yuna¡¯s behavior¡ªshe, who had built herself strong to protect her family.


    ¡°¡­I apologize,¡± he said, realizing his rudeness. ¡°That was out of line. Allow me to make it up to you.¡±


    With that, Vincent stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and extended his hand as an invitation.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know how to dance¡­¡± Yuna replied, blushing, her heart racing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll lead,¡± he reassured her, gently taking her right hand. He lifted it, guiding her to the dance floor, his intense olive-green eyes fixed on her.


    As the music began, it was as if she were swaying to the calm waves of the sea. Every part of her body moved in sync with the enigmatic man¡¯s frame¡ªthe man who stirred her entire being, who unsettled her soul and made her heart pound. A man she barely knew, yet whose mere touch, like now, transported her somewhere else, to another moment, another place. It didn¡¯t matter that she was born with two left feet or was the least graceful person at the party. With him, she felt capable of everything and at the same time; incapable of nothing. What was this feeling? Why did her emotions clash like this? Why did she feel something warm and cold coursing through her, yet feel so good, so at peace? And above all, why could she sense the racing heart of the handsome man before her? Did he feel the same way?


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    At the same time, over in the seating area, Patrick and his group watched every move Devon and his minions made from a distance, prepared for any action they might take.


    ¡°Patrick¡­ would you like to¡­?¡± Annie tried to ask, intimidated by the youngest Dokovic''s cold demeanor.


    When Patrick adopted that distant attitude, it could only mean two things: hunger or memories of the past. This behavior made others keep a respectful distance.


    ¡°Annie, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not in the mood,¡± Patrick responded surprisingly gently. But he saw the expression on his friend¡¯s face, nearly turning pale with disappointment. ¡°Ronnie, don¡¯t you want to dance?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± his friend with a childlike body replied, resting his head on the table.


    ¡°Drop the child act and act your age,¡± Patrick replied, annoyed, tossing a glass of water on him to make him change form and take on his adult appearance.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Ronnie choked out in a shout. ¡°What if someone sees us?¡±


    ¡°Stop messing around,¡± Patrick whispered, leaning close to his friend¡¯s ear. ¡°At this rate, you¡¯re going to lose her. And by the way, about the people here,¡± Patrick added, getting up from his seat to leave them alone, ¡°ninety percent of the people in this room are Devon¡¯s lackeys, in case you hadn¡¯t noticed.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ do you feel like dancing?¡± Ronnie asked, trying to mask his shyness with a touch of arrogance as he offered his hand to Annie. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, I¡¯ll understand,¡± he finished, his embarrassment shining through.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing better to do,¡± Annie replied, with a brilliant smile at seeing her companion blush.

 Chapter 5 – Reaching the Limit, Part 1 (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    Minutes passed, and Nasai found herself alone in a corner of the hall, observing the atmosphere and the people. At events like these, she didn¡¯t know why, but her heart would tighten, making her feel uncomfortable, as if memories from the past drifted through her mind, causing her headaches.


    ¡°What are you doing here alone?¡± asked a man approaching her without receiving any response. ¡°Are you shy? Shall we dance? Come on, don¡¯t be so shy.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the invitation, but I¡¯d rather¡­¡± she tried to refuse as best she could.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be so uptight,¡± the man insisted more forcefully, grabbing her arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s dance. A woman like you shouldn¡¯t be alone¡­¡±


    ¡°No¡­ please, let go of me¡­¡±


    Yuna¡¯s boldness, daring, and bad temper were completely opposite to Nasai¡¯s character, which often put her at a disadvantage. Her poise and good manners prevented her from defending herself as she wished¡ªsomething Yuna knew well. And so, while she continued dancing with Vincent, she noticed a man harassing her sister¡ªan act she wouldn¡¯t tolerate. Just as she slipped out of Vincent¡¯s arms, lifted the sides of her dress, and prepared to take off her heels, a man with a deep voice stepped between the aggressor and Nasai.


    ¡°Hey! Are you deaf? She said she doesn¡¯t want to dance with you,¡± Patrick said irritably to the man.


    ¡°Mind your own busin¡­¡± began the man, but as he turned to face Patrick, he froze, paralyzed by the young man¡¯s murderous stare. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t know she was accompanied.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    He apologized, filled with fear as he saw Patrick approaching him slowly. The youngest of the Dokovic brothers gestured for him to leave, and the man quickly obeyed.


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Nasai said to him with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Why?¡± Patrick thought, ¡°Why had he helped her?¡±


    After Tult?en¡¯s death, he hadn¡¯t been the kind of person to get involved in human conflicts; in fact, he always stayed away from them. But upon hearing the young woman¡¯s voice and seeing her distress, something in his heart led him to her, unable to suppress his instincts. A supernatural attraction, one he hadn¡¯t felt in ages, had reignited the spark within him.


    ¡°I¡­ it was nothing,¡± Patrick Dokovic replied, for the first time in a long while, shy and at a loss for words.


    A few seconds of silence passed, with both of them speechless. Eventually, Nasai moved to the side to let him pass, but as he was about to leave, something inside him stopped him. Something deep within him pleaded for him to stay with her, with this mysterious masked woman.


    ¡°Would you like to¡­?¡± Patrick asked, extending his hand to her.


    Uncertainty filled Nasai, but like Patrick¡ªand unlike how she¡¯d normally act¡ªNasai wanted to dance with this stranger. So, with a shy smile, she placed her hand over his, and they stepped onto the dance floor to begin the choreography. As if they were the only two there, lost in the melody, they danced in harmony, capturing the interest of many guests, among them Annie, who watched the scene with sadness, abruptly stopping her dance with Ronnie.


    They were both utterly immersed in each other¡¯s rhythm. Such was the attraction Patrick felt toward Nasai that, as he inhaled her sweet scent, the intense emerald color of his sharp eyes briefly turned an inhuman shade of sky blue. Gradually, he drew closer to her, leaning in toward her neck, but a sharp pain in his heart brought him back to his senses.


    Shocked by what he¡¯d been about to do and weakened by the pain in his chest, he pulled away from Nasai, leaving her in the middle of the hall and rushing out without looking back, hiding in the mansion¡¯s corridors. With his forearm covering his mouth, he leaned against the wall.


    ¡°This feeling¡­ why¡­?¡± Patrick asked himself, lowering his arm to reveal his fangs, which had emerged against his will.

 Chapter 5 – Reaching the Limit, Part 1 (4)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 4


    Both Annie and Vincent, who had watched the scene from a distance, pursued the youngest Dokovic brother. Meanwhile, Yuna approached her sister, curious about the man who had been with her.


    ¡°Do you know that guy?¡± she asked, unable to hide her astonishment at Nasai''s uncharacteristically bold behavior.


    Yet, the youngest Nakama sister remained transfixed, unable to tear her gaze away from the place where the enigmatic man had gone.


    At the same time, in one of the mansion¡¯s grand hallways, Patrick found himself in agony, overwhelmed by an uncontainable torrent of emotions, which made him the bearer of inconceivable pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re unstable,¡± his older brother informed him, approaching and kneeling by his side.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡± Patrick murmured in a faint whisper, his hands trembling.


    ¡°Go home,¡± Vincent ordered, met by a defiant look from Patrick. ¡°In your condition, you¡¯ll be a nuisance, and you can¡¯t feed on anyone.¡±


    ¡°You can feed on me temporarily,¡± Annie suggested as she entered the scene.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for pride, brother,¡± Vincent urged, pulling off Patrick¡¯s mask to reveal the increasingly intense sky-blue color of his eyes.


    Feeding on another vampire was far from ideal; unlike with humans, when a vampire was bitten by another of their kind, the pain was unbearable, comparable to the worst torture. Moreover, the energy gained was temporary, akin to a mere snack.


    That¡¯s why Patrick was against Annie¡¯s suggestion; he considered that enduring such pain for such a fleeting result was unnecessary. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t defy his older brother¡¯s commands, so he allowed Annie to come close enough. Sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, he let her move in beside him, placing one hand on her waist and delicately brushing her hair with the other. He drew close to her like a feline ready to capture its prey, and he bit her with as much gentleness as he could muster, as if she were a piece of porcelain or a priceless work of art.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    And on that rainy night, as fierce lightning illuminated every corner of the beautiful setting, Patrick gave in to Annie¡¯s proposal. And though it was painful for her, and it had been a long time since Patrick had last bitten her, she felt as if they had finally become one again.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Almost simultaneously, in the hall where the party was taking place, another unwanted encounter was unfolding.


    ¡°Are you Yuna Nakama?¡± Devon asked as he approached them.


    ¡°Yes. And you are¡­?¡± Yuna responded cautiously to the masked man standing before her.


    ¡°The one who acquired the company.¡±


    ¡°Please forgive my impudence,¡± she replied, taken aback and speaking more politely upon realizing his identity. ¡°This is my sister, Nasai. Thank you for the invitation.¡±


    ¡°One must keep the workers content,¡± Devon replied, courteously greeting Nasai. ¡°Might I ask for a moment of your time to speak in private?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    The two sisters, accompanied by Devon and his two escorts, followed him, while Ronnie, who had been in the hall observing the scene, mentally contacted his companions.


    ¡°Annie, whatever you¡¯re doing, stop it. Devon is making his move.¡±


    After ascending to the first floor and passing through a corridor lit by natural fire sconces, the two young women entered a sitting room with a single door before them.


    ¡°Forgive my bluntness, but the matters we are about to discuss pertain solely to the company and its employees,¡± Devon said to Nasai before crossing the door.


    ¡°Nasai, wait for me here,¡± Yuna reassured her sister, pointing to one of the sofas in the room for her to sit on.


    ¡°All right,¡± Nasai nodded, watching her sister step through the door guarded by two women, one on either side of the entrance.


    Nasai complied with her sister¡¯s request and sat on the leather sofa, though something unsettling lingered in the air, making her, like a watchful hound, unable to relax fully in her seat.


    Meanwhile, in the mansion¡¯s hallways, Annie received Ronnie¡¯s message.


    ¡°Devon has taken Yuna; you need to move,¡± Annie said, her coppery eyes flashing as she wiped the blood from her neck, steadying herself against the wall. ¡°I¡¯m fine; I¡¯ll stay with Ronnie and meet you outside,¡± she added, reassuring a visibly concerned Patrick.


    Time was running out, the moment of change was fast approaching, and the Dokovic siblings were ready for whatever lay ahead.


    ¡°Are you prepared?¡± Vincent asked Patrick, extending his hand to help him off the floor.

 Chapter 6 – Reaching the Limit,. Part 2 (1)

    Chapter 6 ¨C Reaching the Limit, Part 2


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    The stormy night heralded the tempest that was about to unfold. The atmosphere of the ceremony was festive; the music drowned out the thunder outside, and the Dokovic brothers had made their move. They had only a few minutes to rescue Yuna, her sister, and escape unnoticed.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Vincent demanded, addressing Ben, who stood in one of the hallways leading to Devon''s office.


    ¡°You¡¯re too late,¡± the young man with the snake tattoo replied mockingly, watching them approach. ¡°She¡¯s all ours now, and we¡¯ll use her as we please. This time, you won¡¯t be able to interfere.¡±


    He ended his statement with a sharp, taunting tone. However, Vincent¡¯s reaction took him completely by surprise. Within seconds, Vincent, ablaze with fury, had grabbed him by the neck, lifting him a foot off the ground. His eyes glowed a bloody red, burning with anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m known for a patience I currently lack,¡± Vincent said, tightening his grip around Ben¡¯s neck. ¡°I have no qualms about killing scum like you. If you¡¯re so determined to be loyal to your boss, that¡¯s admirable¡ªbut prepare to face the consequences.¡±


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    ¡°Do you know why I brought you here?¡± Devon asked Yuna as he removed his mask and placed it on the desk.


    Devon was a man who commanded respect at first glance. Average in height but broad-shouldered, he was undeniably attractive. His piercing blue eyes contrasted with his jet-black hair and sun-kissed skin. Combined with his gentlemanly style, he exuded an air of sophistication. However, his eyes¡ªthose penetrating, inscrutable eyes¡ªwere what unsettled Yuna the most, especially as she found herself alone with him in his office.


    His measured way of speaking, his enigmatic gaze, and the sheer presence that made her feel small all triggered warning bells in her heart. They urged her to leave. But her analytical mind pushed back, convincing her that it was all in her imagination. "He''s my boss; what could he possibly do?" "Besides, my sister and a room full of people saw me leave with him. They¡¯d blame him if something happened to me..." "I¡¯ve clearly watched too many movies, and my mind is running wild."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Because of my exceptional work at the company?¡± she responded nervously, forcing out a chuckle.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ yes, in a way¡­¡± Devon replied, stepping closer to her.


    He raised a hand, intending to touch her face, but Yuna, already on high alert, swatted it away.


    ¡°Who do you think you are, trying to lay a hand on me? Watch yourself!¡± Yuna snapped, her anger boiling over.


    ¡°Even after all these centuries, you¡¯re still the same,¡± Devon replied, a satisfied smirk forming on his lips. He withdrew his hand and returned to his desk.


    ¡°The same? Centuries? What are you even talking about?¡± Yuna retorted, stepping back.


    ¡°Ah, yes. You don¡¯t remember your past life¡­¡± Devon said after a brief pause, circling his desk. ¡°This little gift I have for you should help bring those memories back.¡±


    He finished his sentence, reaching for a small black velvet box on the desk.


    As always in situations like this, Yuna¡¯s heart overpowered her reason. Only now, as she realized she was in the depths of a metaphorical abyss, did she wonder why she hadn¡¯t listened to her instincts.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she demanded, her body tense, her eyes flicking toward the door.


    ¡°That no longer matters,¡± Devon replied as he opened the elegant box.


    Inside was a stunning gemstone, a jasper shaped like a teardrop. The moment Yuna¡¯s eyes landed on the entrancing stone, it began to glow, emitting a vibrant light and an overwhelming fragrance. Suddenly, her body felt numb, her limbs trembled, her sweat turned cold and uneven, and a flood of images began to race through her mind.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Yuna murmured, unaware that her lips had moved.


    The scenes in her mind were foreign yet vivid, filled with pain, suffering, and blood¡ªso much blood. A colossal war between beings that could only exist in human imagination unfolded before her eyes. Disfigured bodies of men, women, and children became the focus of each scene. The images were not fantasies; they felt like buried memories clawing their way to the surface, trying to seize control of her mind.


    This wasn¡¯t fiction; it was real. She saw through someone else¡¯s eyes, fought with their hands, and felt their anguish in her heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s you. Your true self,¡± Devon declared, his voice rising with sinister delight.


    ¡°No!¡± Yuna cried out, her voice trembling as she clutched her head, overwhelmed by the torrent of images and crippled with fear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t resist! Let it out!¡± Devon¡¯s voice rang out, alternating between laughter and triumphant shouts.


    ¡°No! That¡¯s not me! No!¡± Yuna screamed, shaking her head frantically, tears streaming down her face as she collapsed to the floor in a near-fetal position.


    For the first time in her life, Yuna wished for everything to end rather than endure the relentless onslaught in her mind. She needed help but couldn¡¯t utter another word. She was frozen¡ªher body and mind split, walking separate paths. If this was the end, she¡¯d accept it gratefully, as long as the torment stopped.

 Chapter 6 – Reaching the Limit,. Part 2 (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    The piercing cries and desperate sobs of Yuna had alerted Nasai, who was in the adjoining room to Devon''s office. Ready to barge in if necessary, she issued threats in a firm yet soft voice to the two guardians blocking her path.


    ¡°Step aside!¡± shouted the younger Nakama, her body taut with tension as she faced the escorts.


    ¡°Leave. We don¡¯t want to hurt you,¡± Virus warned her with characteristic seriousness.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if you go,¡± Venus affirmed, her tone softer and more refined.


    Venus and Virus had been Devon¡¯s right hand for centuries. They owed him their lives and, as a sign of gratitude, swore an unbreakable oath to him. Since then, they were forbidden to leave his side.


    Although twins, Venus was the complete opposite of her sister. Unlike Virus, whose skin was pale, Venus had a darker complexion. Her hair was short, and her eyes mirrored her older sister¡¯s in color, but inverted in tone. Her personality was playful and carefree, despite her lack of human emotions. This absence was precisely why she behaved in a friendlier manner toward others¡ªshe was hollow inside. In contrast, Virus bore the weight of emotions for both herself and her younger sister.


    Suddenly, Yuna¡¯s cries ceased, and silence engulfed the room. Nasai feared the worst. Thoughts and unease surged within her like a tidal wave.


    ¡°I said, move aside!¡± Nasai screamed with all her might.


    Out of nowhere, a violent gale swept through the space. The young woman, oblivious to what was happening, stood frozen as the wind violently whipped her long black hair and dress.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Where¡¯s all this wind coming from?¡± Venus asked her sister playfully, though Virus¡¯s gaze never left Nasai.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s her,¡± Virus replied, just before transforming her body into a thick black mist and surging through Nasai¡¯s torso in a single, deliberate motion.


    In a matter of seconds, the storm vanished, and as if all the air had been stolen from her lungs, Nasai stopped breathing. In the next moment, her consciousness faded, and she collapsed, strik


    ¡°You went too far,¡± Venus scolded her sister, kneeling beside the unconscious girl and poking her lightly, as if she were something strange and unfamiliar.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Virus admitted, resuming her human form while fixing her penetrating gaze on Nasai¡¯s motionless body. ¡°This girl¡­¡± she murmured to herself, leaning in closer. ¡°What is something like you doing in this world?¡±


    As Virus reached to remove Nasai¡¯s mask and assess her state, a surge of ethereal fire forced her and her sister to retreat to a safe distance.


    ¡°Ah, Patrick, ever so gallant and eloquent. I¡¯ve always admired your way with women,¡± Virus remarked, resting one hand on her hip with a smirk.


    ¡°What did you do to her?¡± Patrick demanded, undoing the top three buttons of his black suit with one hand.


    ¡°Calm down. My sister doesn¡¯t kill innocent people,¡± Venus attempted to soothe him with a forced smile.


    ¡°But you, lifeless puppet¡­ you¡¯re more than capable,¡± Patrick countered coldly, advancing toward them as his eyes gradually began to glow with a radiant sky-blue hue.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Meanwhile, in Sorine, Belle and Nick were in the garden. Despite the heavy rain, he remained out in the open, barefoot on the wet ground, while his companion watched him from a distance, sheltered under the lintel of the house entrance.


    ¡°Did you feel it?¡± Belle asked her companion.


    Nick pressed his toes into the muddy ground for a few moments before lifting his gaze to the sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s awakening,¡± Nick finally said, closing his eyes as the rain poured over his face. ¡°...In the end, she¡¯ll have to return to our world, even against her own will.¡±

 Chapter 6 – Reaching the Limit,. Part 2 (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    Despair and agony were the only protagonists in that tragic scene. Seconds stretched into minutes, and those minutes became infinite hours of profound sorrow.


    Yuna felt as if her mind were about to explode; her vision blurred, and everything around her wavered. In those moments of affliction, when she felt her soul separating from her body and sensed her impending end, only two people came to her mind: her sweet, wonderful sister and¡­ that elegant man with coppery hair.


    But why? Why did his image surface in her final moments? Was it true, after all, that she was the founder of that vampiric clan, and that was why all this was happening to her? Regardless of the reason, her anguished heart cried out for salvation. For the first time, she fervently wished to be rescued by him.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± she rasped with a broken voice, her final breath escaping her lips as she hoped someone would hear her pleas while her boss approached her.


    Suddenly, a flame appeared behind her, gradually growing until it took on a human form. It grabbed Yuna by the arms. Though she wasn¡¯t entirely aware of what was happening, the fire surrounding her was warm and hopeful¡ªemotions she had felt before. That potent aroma of moss and wood, which soothed yet ignited every part of her being, was unmistakable.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡± the young woman pleaded, her face drenched in tears, to the flames sheltering her as they began to take on a human shape.


    ¡°Give me that gem,¡± Vincent demanded of Devon in an authoritative tone as the last remnants of fire dissipated from his form, keeping close to Yuna.


    ¡°Are you going to take it from me yourself?¡± Devon retorted disdainfully, elegantly turning his left hand to make the stone float toward him.


    Vincent needed clarity and a priority for his actions; first, he had to eliminate what was destabilizing the young woman and then get her out of there. With these objectives in mind, he gently approached Yuna¡¯s trembling body to whisper in her ear:


    ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±


    With those words, he moved away from her and charged toward Devon, determination in his eyes, which now burned a fiery red. The eldest of the Dokovics swung a fist engulfed in flames at Devon, but the latter effortlessly blocked it with his free hand, not moving an inch from his spot.


    ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got?¡± Devon sneered arrogantly, gripping Vincent¡¯s fist tightly while levitating the gem with his other hand.


    Ignoring Devon¡¯s continuous taunts, Vincent continued to attack with all his might. A high, flame-coated kick aimed at Devon¡¯s face was once again stopped effortlessly by the same hand, without Devon moving from his position.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been overestimating you all these years¡­¡± Devon added with a smirk as he lowered the gem into his palm, squeezing it until it vanished. ¡°It¡¯s time to settle the score with you.¡±


    He shoved Vincent¡¯s leg aside, hurling him into the wall. Vincent fell to the ground but quickly stood back up, wiping the blood from his mouth caused by the impact.


    He wouldn¡¯t give up. Swiftly, in the blink of an eye, he lunged back toward Devon. Grabbing him by the collar, Vincent violently hurled him across the room, slamming him against a window. Their bodies lay atop the shattered glass.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Even with the advantage, Devon¡¯s taunts and mocking laughter continued. Though injured from the shards embedded in his body, his arrogance remained intact¡ªhe was confident of his victory.


    Despite being a firstborn, Vincent had spent centuries without feeding on "fresh blood" directly from a human. Kassandra''s clan had chosen to coexist with humanity to preserve their legacy, making decisions that impacted their quality of life. They relied exclusively on blood bags intended for transfusions, avoiding direct contact with humans. This created a vast power gap between the two families, as the others had never ceased consuming "fresh blood."


    ¡°Is that all you can do?¡± Devon taunted as his wounds began to heal. ¡°What a disappointment.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one thing you didn¡¯t account for,¡± Vincent replied, holding his enemy¡¯s torso at the edge of the precipice.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Dawn is breaking,¡± he added with a half-smile as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon.


    Devon tilted his head to confirm Vincent¡¯s words. As the sunlight touched his body, burns appeared on his skin, which began to crack like shattered porcelain. Agonizing screams of pain escaped his lips, and a satisfied smile spread across Vincent''s face.


    ¡°Virus!¡± Devon bellowed in rage.


    A black shadow emerged behind Vincent, forcing him to back away from the agonizing man to avoid being struck. Quickly, Vincent positioned himself in front of Yuna to shield her from any attack. However, the shadow didn¡¯t retaliate. Instead, it surrounded the crumbling Devon, gradually vanishing along with him.


    ¡°This is only the beginning¡­¡± the disintegrating man declared as he disappeared completely.


    Finally, silence claimed the room. Yuna had lost consciousness, her body lying motionless on the floor behind Vincent. He approached her, removed his jacket, and draped it over her shoulders before lifting her into his arms.


    As he exited through the door, Patrick stood frozen, staring at Nasai¡¯s unconscious body in the distance.


    ¡°Take her; she¡¯s her sister,¡± Vincent said to his brother, who remained dazed. ¡°If we leave her here, we¡¯ll never forgive ourselves.¡±


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    The night had given way to day¡ªa clear morning that ushered in a sense of calm. The garden of the Dokovic mansion glistened, adorned with the last drops of water lingering on the shrubs.


    The two brothers made their way to the entrance, passing through the massive black iron gate, each carrying an unconscious sister in their arms.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Ronnie asked as he waited at the mansion¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± Vincent countered; his tone sharp as he carried Yuna.


    ¡°Well¡­ we had to get her friend out of there, or they would¡¯ve used her as bait. Annie made sure she wouldn¡¯t remember anything. My back¡¯s killing me from carrying her,¡± Ronnie explained, rubbing his back in an exaggeratedly playful manner.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re always in that ridiculous child form,¡± Annie reprimanded without tearing her gaze from Patrick.


    Annie had noticed how the younger Dokovic brother carried Nasai with extreme care. His eyes remained fixed on her, and his face was only inches away from Nasai¡¯s unconscious features. Annie didn¡¯t know why, but a pang of unease coursed through her at the sight of them together.


    ¡°It¡¯s more practical. I use less energy, so my hunger is easier to manage,¡± Ronnie justified.


    ¡°Sussy, prepare two rooms,¡± Vincent ordered.


    ¡°Just one,¡± Patrick corrected, his voice firm, his gaze never leaving Nasai. ¡°I¡¯ll keep her in my quarters.¡±


    ¡°Ooh, sly one. What are you planning to do with her?¡± Ronnie teased with his usual playful tone.


    Patrick¡¯s silence was so absolute that he didn¡¯t even register Ronnie¡¯s joke. Without a word, he started toward his chamber, carrying the young woman in his arms, leaving the others to exchange puzzled and uneasy looks as they watched him go.

 Chapter 6 – Reaching the Limit,. Part 2 (4)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 4


    Patrick made his way to his bedroom, carrying Nasai as if she were the most delicate object to ever exist on the face of the earth. He held her so close that his heart quickened with every breath he took, inhaling her scent. That peculiar scent¡ªso familiar, so known, so deeply desired.


    Upon reaching his room, he gently placed her on the bed without much effort. He moved to remove her mask but hesitated, instead brushing a few stray strands of hair to the side of her face. Finally, he withdrew in complete silence, taking a seat on the sofa opposite the bed.


    At the same time, Vincent stepped through the doorway leading to the bright, white room where Yuna had previously awakened. She was regaining consciousness, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being carried like a princess.


    ¡°You can put me down,¡± she said, her voice shaky.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in any condition¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to keep carrying me. I can manage on my own,¡± she cut him off abruptly, her tone firm.


    ¡°As you wish¡­¡± Vincent replied, irritated, as he let her drop to the floor, causing her to land hard on her tailbone.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t necessary!¡± Yuna yelled, standing up while rubbing her sore backside.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call that throwing you. I simply let you go,¡± he corrected, adjusting his jacket and running a hand through the rebellious strands of his hair. ¡°Your endless insistence made it clear you had enough strength to stand on your own.¡±


    ¡°No one asked for your help.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not how I remember it¡­¡± he quipped playfully, a hidden smile tugging at his lips, making Yuna¡¯s cheeks flush crimson.


    And it was true¡ªat those moments when she thought all hope was lost, one of the few people she could think of was him. She hoped, just as he had last time, he would appear with his coppery hair and deep olive eyes to save her from disaster.


    ¡°Besides, you should be grateful. Carrying you is exhausting,¡± he teased, rubbing his shoulders as if to ease imaginary tension.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± she muttered, trying to hide the blush creeping up her face. ¡°Where¡¯s the exit?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re more scatterbrained than I thought,¡± Vincent remarked more seriously. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask about your sister?¡±


    ¡°Nasai¡­? Where is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s safe, here in the mansion. But she¡¯s weak. I doubt she¡¯ll wake up anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going home¡­¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± he interrupted her with sudden gravity.


    Meanwhile, in the youngest Dokovic¡¯s room, Patrick sat in conflict, unsure of the cause. Even though part of him longed to discover the identity of the woman lying in his bed, another part resisted removing her mask. But he needed to know¡ªhe had to confirm whether that peculiar, familiar scent belonged to her.


    Perhaps, just perhaps, it was true. Maybe what his eyes had seen on that snowy night wasn¡¯t just a dream. That beautiful girl with dark skin, holding a black umbrella and wearing a linen dress with floral patterns¡ªwas she real? Whatever she was, Patrick had to be certain.


    He rose from the gothic-style sofa and approached the bed where Nasai lay. As his hand moved closer to her mask, Annie was crossing the hallway, heading to the grand sitting room where Ronnie awaited.


    ¡°That look¡ªis it because of Patrick?¡± Ronnie asked, noticing the sorrow etched across her face.


    ¡°¡­You¡¯ve known Patrick longer than I have,¡± Annie said as she walked into the room, taking a seat on the sofa next to Ronnie¡¯s. ¡°Do you know what happened to him? The real story?¡±


    Ronnie¡¯s usual playful expression vanished in an instant. His breathing slowed, and he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.


    ¡°I can tell you,¡± he said slowly, as though the memories still haunted him, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. ¡°But you¡¯re not going to like what you hear¡­¡±

 Chapter 7 – Revelations part 1

    Chapter 7 ¨C Revelations part 1


    What I¡¯m about to tell you happened centuries ago, during a time when humans and magical beings coexisted, separated but in harmony.


    The world was divided by three barriers, which separated the beings of light, the beings of darkness, and humans.


    Back then, Patrick¡¯s personality was quite different from what it is now; he was warm, kind, and attentive. You could say innocence ruled his will.


    He had been recently turned, and at that time, dark beings were strictly forbidden from crossing the border into any other realm. Attempting to do so was punishable by death.


    Yet Patrick¡¯s power, even less formidable than it is now, was extraordinary. Crossing the borders posed little difficulty for him. Every night, he mingled among the crowds, either out of boredom or curiosity about what lay beyond the barriers. To this day, I couldn¡¯t tell you his exact reason for doing so.


    One night, in the realm of the beings of light, he ventured into the Forest of Beacons. There, he spotted the silhouette of a stunning woman in a crystalline spring.


    Guided by the unbridled curiosity of a child, Patrick hid behind the lush foliage, crouching among shrubs and trees, to gaze at something his eyes had never before beheld: a woman of such beauty and elegance as to be unmatched. Her long, alabaster hair framed her ebony-toned skin, which seemed to glow as if imbued with an inner light. Her eyes, a pale and transparent blue, were as clear as spring water.


    But her beauty wasn¡¯t the only thing that captivated Patrick¡ªher wings, large and butterfly-like, caught his gaze. Their color faded from soft pink to a shimmering white-gold.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Tult?en called out, startled by the snap of a twig. Covering her chest and searching the foliage, her gaze landed on a silhouette. ¡°I¡¯ve got you,¡± she muttered under her breath.


    White, glowing symbols spread across her body, reaching up to her head. Extending her free arm, she unleashed a gust of wind, sending Patrick flying several meters from where he had been hiding.


    As my friend groaned in pain¡ªwell-deserved, I might add¡ªTult?en hurried out of the spring to confront him.


    ¡°What are you doing here, and why were you spying on me?¡± she demanded angrily.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Patrick began but fell silent as he realized she was completely nude. Embarrassment overtook him immediately. ¡°Please¡­ cover yourself,¡± he stammered, his face flushing crimson.


    Oh, you should¡¯ve seen him when he told me this! He was so red, his face like a tomato, about to burst from the sheer embarrassment. That day, all he wanted was to rest, but he was so smitten, all he could talk about was her¡ªTult?en this and Tult?en that.


    Anyway, let¡¯s return to the story. She, not having realized her nudity, quickly ducked behind the nearest bushes, shouting in mortification.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Pardon me¡­ if it¡¯s not too much to ask, could you hand me the garment to your right?¡± she pleaded, peeking out from the shrubbery and gesturing toward her belongings.


    After a few minutes, Tult?en emerged, now dressed in an elegant green gown. The glowing symbols that had adorned her body had vanished, and her wings were no longer visible. After thanking him and smoothing out her dress, she sat beside the flustered Patrick.


    ¡°What are you?¡± he asked, his curiosity burning.


    ¡°A sylph,¡± she replied, tilting her head at him. ¡°Although I find it strange you didn¡¯t know that.¡± She turned to study him more closely. ¡°Then again, you don¡¯t seem to be from around here,¡± she added with a playful smirk, her gaze never leaving the now thoroughly embarrassed Patrick. ¡°How did you manage to cross the barrier? You must harbor immense power within you¡­¡±


    And so began a conversation between the two young strangers. They talked through the night, as though time itself had stopped. She was eager to learn more about his world, while he¡­ well, he claimed he wanted to know more about sylphs, though we both knew he really just wanted to learn more about her.


    Hours turned into days, and days into months, during which the two met in secret, away from prying eyes. Ostensibly, they sought to learn more about each other¡¯s lives. But both Patrick and I knew this was merely a pretext¡ªhe was well aware of his true feelings. He knew, no matter how much he denied it, that he had fallen in love with her at first sight.


    Until one day, fate revealed the truth about my dear friend¡ªa truth he had desperately tried to keep hidden.


    On a sunny day in the Crystal Petal Garden, the two lay upon a soft bed of flowers. Swans and fish danced in the radiant water nearby.


    ¡°All beings, whether human, animal, or flower, have their place in this world,¡± Tult?en mused, running her fingers over plush tulips.


    ¡°Even lifeless stones?¡± Patrick asked, his gaze fixed on her lovely face like that of a curious five-year-old.


    ¡°Even lifeless stones,¡± she answered with a warm smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you told me what you are? You¡¯ve been hiding your power ever since we met.¡±


    Her playful look of disapproval made him laugh as he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. With ease, he leapt into the sky, leaving a trail of scattered petals in his wake.


    ¡°Guess,¡± he called down to her.


    Without hesitation, she spread her wings and joined him, beginning a game of seduction reminiscent of butterflies in flight.


    ¡°I can fly too, just like you. But that doesn¡¯t tell me what you are,¡± she teased, her lips mere inches from his. Placing a hand on his chest, she used a burst of wind to send him hurtling toward the ground. But before he could fall, Patrick grabbed her hand, and together they descended, landing with Patrick on top of her. Body against body, gaze locked with gaze.


    ¡°What are you?¡± she asked with a wide smile, brushing petals from her face.


    For the first time, seeing her sweet smile, her skin adorned with petals, and her crystalline blue eyes gazing back at him, Patrick couldn¡¯t deny it. He realized then that he loved her, with all his being and soul.


    But as he became aware of his true feelings¡ªfeelings he had long buried¡ªhe lost control.


    Breathing in her sweet scent, that intoxicating lily-of-the-valley fragrance that always brought him peace, he leaned closer, stopping just shy of her lips. His vivid blue eyes began to glow.


    But as he seemed about to kiss her, Patrick moved instead toward her neck. In that instant, the part of him he despised most¡ªthe beast within¡ªtook over. He tried to attack the very thing he loved most.


    Yet his will overpowered his instincts, and he pulled away at lightning speed, covering his mouth with his hand.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re a vampire,¡± Tult?en uttered in a broken voice, realizing his true nature.

 Chapter 8 – Revelations part 2 (1)

    Chapter 8 ¨C Revelations part 2


    <h3 style="text-align: center">


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    Since that day, they stopped seeing each other, and Patrick retreated into his own world. But a few months later, De


    Our clan opposed it, and a battle ensued that lasted... well, who knows how long. The point is, I still remember Patrick''s shattered expression that stormy afternoon when we managed to rescue the princess from Devon''s clutches. The sheer, unmatched pain on his face when he discovered that the woman we were saving to return her to the Kingdom of Light and prevent further conflict was the woman Patrick was madly in love with¡ªTult?en.


    ¡°So, you''re the princess of the kingdom?¡± Patrick asked Tult?en after the battle, hours later, as they stood face to face in her chamber.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know how to tell you,¡± she replied, unable to meet his gaze.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Patrick said, his eyes fixated on the cut on his beloved''s lip.


    ¡°I know how you feel about me, Patrick, but you and I... we can never be together.¡±


    ¡°Just because you¡¯re a princess doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t¡ª¡± he protested, lifting his hand to wipe the blood trickling from her lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that,¡± she interrupted firmly, placing her hand over his to stop him.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Patrick said in a deep voice, understanding she wanted to draw a line. ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll return you to where you belong.¡± He ended the conversation, turning his back to her and walking toward the door.


    ¡°Patrick¡­¡± she murmured in a faint whisper, her voice strained as she fought back tears. She stepped closer, gently clutching his blood-soaked shirt from the earlier battle. ¡°I can¡¯t hide it anymore,¡± she continued, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. ¡°I love you. From the very first day we met, I¡­¡±


    Hearing those words, Patrick¡¯s heart began to beat again, as if brought back to life, as if he were human once more. He turned toward her and, with utmost tenderness, cupped her chin, lifting her face so their eyes met.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry for me,¡± he softly pleaded, his gaze locked on her sorrowful face.


    Slowly, he leaned in and kissed her forehead with tenderness before finally pressing his lips to hers in a passionate embrace. Both of them surrendered to their hearts, and that stormy night, they became one.


    Days passed, and we returned the princess to her rightful place. Everything seemed perfect for Patrick. He thought their love could transcend all boundaries, overcome anything. But sometimes, the truth is far more brutal than we wish it to be.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to see me anymore?¡± Patrick demanded one night as they met alone in the Forest of Lights. ¡°Tult?en!¡± he shouted when she didn¡¯t respond, her back turned to him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never had me, so you can¡¯t lose me,¡± she replied coldly without turning around.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Why are you acting like this?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re here looking for an explanation... I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Do you not love me anymore?¡± Patrick asked, confused, his throat tight.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking for your forgiveness,¡± she said harshly, her voice cracking.


    ¡°Tell me you don¡¯t love me anymore.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± Patrick cried, tears streaming down his face. ¡°Look me in the eye and tell me... tell me you¡¯ve forgotten every moment, every second we were happy together. The times you wished to stop time just so those moments wouldn¡¯t become mere memories in your heart. Turn around! Look me in the eye and tell me you¡¯ve forgotten it all.¡±


    ¡°How naive you are¡­¡± she said after turning to face him with a cruel smile. ¡°I needed some entertainment, so I played with you... every second, every moment we were together. It was all a lie. Every kiss, every caress¡ªeverything! I could never be with someone like you. Just... stay out of my sight and out of my life!¡±


    Tult?en spat those words with fury. And though Patrick felt something didn¡¯t add up, that she was suffering as much as he was, her words pierced the depths of his heart, reducing it to mere dust.


    ¡°I understand. You¡¯ll never hear from me again,¡± he said with a forced smile as tears poured from his emerald eyes.


    He turned away, and from that moment, months passed without Patrick making any attempt to contact Tult?en. You know how he is¡ªone of those people who, once they¡¯ve made a decision, won¡¯t change their mind.


    But it must be said, he was consumed by despair¡ªor perhaps by ignorance. He saw only Tult?en¡¯s hatred and never questioned the reason for such a drastic change. Was his pride greater than his feelings?


    Blinded, he never realized the truth she was trying to convey that night of love. The reason for everything, the reason there was a division between beings of light and darkness, the reason their unconditional love was impossible... until it was too late.


    "What are you doing here?" Patrick angrily asked the captain of the royal guard of the sylph kingdom, who had come to visit him one night as he sat in his armchair.


    His name was Ilfirin, a handsome sylph raised from childhood to protect, care for, and guide Tult?en. It was amusing to see Patrick¡¯s uncontrollable jealousy toward this being. Every time one of us mentioned Ilfirin, Patrick would turn into an enraged adolescent, lacking any sense of reason. It was only natural that Ilfirin¡¯s very presence was unwelcome.


    "I love Tult?en," Ilfirin replied slowly. "And I hated the thought of you and her being together."


    "You already have what you wanted," Patrick retorted, avoiding eye contact. "Leave."


    "But that¡¯s not the only reason I opposed your union," Ilfirin continued, ignoring Patrick¡¯s demand. "Have you joined with her?"


    The young sylph¡¯s blue eyes held resignation as he stared at Patrick, who was visibly taken aback by such a blunt question.


    "... The barrier separating our two worlds exists because beings of light and darkness cannot live together, only coexist," Ilfirin explained, recognizing the truth in Patrick¡¯s overwhelming silence. "This is not a whim of the elders but a rule established to ensure harmony and uphold the balance."


    "Don¡¯t give me stories," Patrick snapped.


    "Stories? What would happen if light were corrupted by darkness? That light would be consumed."


    "..."


    "It seems you¡¯re beginning to understand. Tult?en couldn¡¯t love you because doing so would put her in danger. And by joining with her, you¡¯ve marked her for death. The darkness within you is consuming her."

 Chapter 8 – Revelations part 2 (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    At that moment, that very instant, Patrick¡¯s entire life with Tult?en flashed through his mind. He finally realized how senseless, foolish, and selfish he had been. He had only thought of his own feelings, never pausing to consider Tult?en¡¯s strange behavior or the invisible distance she had placed between them. In the end, he asked himself if he had ever truly loved her, for he had never once cared about her true feelings. Instinctively, he leapt from his chair to run, but an enraged Ilfirin lifted him off the ground in a whirlwind. Like Tult?en, glowing marks spread across Ilfirin¡¯s body.


    I still remember how I used to tease her because I loved seeing her glow like a firefly. I¡¯d always prod her to use her powers, knowing she claimed they wouldn¡¯t activate unless she practiced. She was so adorable, really. I could understand why Patrick had fallen for her¡ªit was easy to love her.


    Anyway, back to the story. Where was I? Oh, right!


    "Stop!" Ilfirin shouted, his arm half-raised, holding Patrick suspended several feet above the ground. "You think you have the right to go to her now? Why should I let you?"


    "I... I have to see her..."


    "You¡¯re the cause of her suffering! Do you think I¡¯ll let you see her again? If you hadn¡¯t crossed her path, her life wouldn¡¯t be hanging by a thread right now!"


    Hearing those final words, Patrick unleashed his inner power, dissipating the whirlwind that held him aloft and falling to the ground. Ilfirin braced for an attack, but to his surprise, Patrick knelt before him, pressing his forehead to the floor.


    "I¡¯m so sorry! Please... I beg you... let me see her!" Patrick pleaded, tears streaming down his face. "Please... I need to see her one last time..."


    Perhaps it was Patrick¡¯s humiliating posture that softened Ilfirin¡¯s heart.


    "You¡¯ll find her in the Garden of Essences. Go... she doesn¡¯t have much time left."


    It took Patrick about half an hour to reach the garden. From a distance, he saw Tult?en on the verge of collapse. He rushed toward her in an ethereal blaze, wrapping his arms around her as they both sank to the ground.


    Up close, Patrick finally understood the enormity of what he had done. Tult?en had stopped glowing¡ªshe had lost her light. The marks that once adorned her body now appeared black, with open wounds bleeding through her once-beautiful azure dress. Her lips were cracked, her body drenched in sweat and blood. There was nothing left of the vibrant, joyous Tult?en he had known. She could barely move, her voice reduced to faint whispers. And it was all his fault¡ªhis selfishness, his arrogance, his very existence.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "No, no, no, no..." he cried in anguish, tears streaming down his face as he held her fragile body.


    "Patrick..." she whispered, her eyes half-open and a strained smile on her lips. "Why is love so painful?"


    "Don¡¯t leave me... look at me," he begged, his hands trembling as he held her. "Don¡¯t be so selfish. You promised me you wouldn¡¯t leave. Don¡¯t do this."


    "Why?"


    "It¡¯s painful but also beautiful. It makes you suffer, yet it gives you strength to keep going. You¡¯re the one who makes me want to live each day, Tult?en."


    "Patrick..." she whispered again, her bloodstained hand caressing his face. "I¡¯m glad the last thing my eyes see is you."


    "Please, don¡¯t leave me..."


    With Patrick¡¯s desperate plea, Tult?en let out her final breath. Her hand fell to the ground, her body lifeless in his arms. Everything he had loved, everything that gave him hope despite the darkness within him, was slipping away before his eyes¡ªand it was all his fault.


    Instinctively, Patrick clutched her lifeless body tightly as Tult?en began to fade. From the depths of his being, he cried until there was nothing left¡ªno strength, no energy, no reason to live. And so, Patrick held her until the darkness consumed him, leaving nothing but black ash.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    "This is the true story of Tult?en, the one you constantly belittle without truly knowing her," Ronnie said to Annie, who sat with tears streaming down her face, overwhelmed by all the information she had just received. "Since that day, Patrick closed off his heart and began to hate the world¡ªbut most of all, himself¡ªfor causing the death of the woman he loved," the young man of dark complexion concluded as he stood from his seat, moving closer to his friend.


    "Annie... I don¡¯t know if you stand a chance with Patrick, but his one true love has always been, and always will be, Tult?en," he affirmed carefully, placing his hands gently on her shoulders.


    Ronnie was fully aware of the pain his words would inflict on his companion, yet he felt it was necessary to put an end to her fixation on Patrick. With a deep sigh and a tender caress across the young woman''s delicate face, he left her alone, lost in thought and brokenhearted.


    Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Dokovic mansion, Patrick sat by the bed, beside Nasai''s unconscious body, hesitating whether or not to remove her mask. Something deep inside him urged him to act. With a racing heart but careful hands, he slowly took off the mask, finally revealing the face of the woman who had unsettled his very being.


    ¡°Tult?en...?¡± he whispered, his voice catching in his throat, shaken by what his eyes were seeing.

 Chapter 9 – Revelations part 3

    Chapter 9 ¨C Revelations part 3


    The sun began to break through the wintry landscape of Sorine. The glassy drops of rain gradually vanished under the rays of light warming the atmosphere. The characteristic calm of the Dokovic mansion was disrupted by the incessant complaints of an agitated Yuna, eager to leave the place.


    "You can''t leave," Vincent informed her with his usual composed demeanor.


    "What do you mean, I can''t leave?" Yuna asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "They will come after you."


    "I can defend myself."


    "I disagree. If you¡¯re capable of watching your own back..." he replied, slightly irritated by her reckless attitude. He took a deep breath to compose himself and continued the conversation. "What will happen to your sister?"


    "My sister..."


    "They will do whatever it takes to capture you, and that will involve those you care about."


    "What do you want from me?! I¡¯m just an ordinary girl!"


    "Look at that painting," Vincent instructed, gesturing toward the object behind her.


    When Yuna turned around, her body froze. She couldn¡¯t believe what her eyes were seeing. In that enormous Renaissance-style painting was a woman identical to her. There were slight differences, but they were like two drops of water.


    "That..."


    "Is you¡ªor at least a part of you," Vincent replied as gently as he could, careful not to overwhelm her with too much information.


    "What do you mean?" she asked mechanically, utterly absorbed by the image in front of her.


    "This woman¡¯s name is Kassandra."


    "Kassandra?"


    "Let me tell you a short story..."


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    A long time ago, in a world parallel to this one, humans coexisted with beings of light and darkness. Back then, my brother and I were two abandoned orphans. We survived as best we could¡ªbegging, stealing small things¡ªjust to stay alive... Yes, a long time ago, we were human.


    The thing is, humans can harbor both light and darkness in varying degrees, allowing us to cross the barriers between realms easily. But it wasn¡¯t permitted¡ªnor recommended. Still, strange objects from other realms fetched a good price.


    So, we decided to take the risk and crossed the barrier into the realm of darkness. That night, as we made our way through a forest toward the nearest village, we were attacked by shapeshifters. They say human flesh has many beneficial properties¡ªI didn¡¯t know that until they informed us with blood-stained smiles as they tore into us. Just when I thought all was lost, she appeared.


    Lying on the ground, I saw a figure engulfed in flames. A surge of crimson fire erupted from her, incinerating the shapeshifters in an instant, just as they were about to devour us alive.


    "Do you want to live?" Kassandra asked me, her blood-red eyes piercing through the darkness.


    "Yes."


    "Are you willing to give up everything you know and serve me?"


    By agreeing to that question, I not only condemned myself and my brother to an eternal existence, watching the people we loved fade away one by one, but I also forfeited everything that made us human.


    From that moment on, I became her servant, her right hand, and her protector. But we made a catastrophic mistake¡ªwe fell in love with each other.


    However, the kidnapping of the princess of the realm of light marked a turning point in our forbidden relationship.


    "If we want to maintain peace between all the realms, we must save the princess and return her to her rightful place," Kassandra told me, her voice heavy with sorrow.


    "That¡¯s not our mission. That¡¯s for the elders and the royal guard of the realm of light to handle," I replied angrily.


    "You know full well that if it¡¯s left to them, we¡¯ll all be doomed."


    "You know Devon¡¯s intentions."


    "You swore to protect me," she concluded softly, trying to calm me. "I trust you."


    I had a bad feeling. Things wouldn¡¯t be as straightforward as she made them seem. Alexander¡¯s clan was mired in internal conflict, and only our family would face Devon¡¯s clan.


    I had to protect her at all costs. And yet, I failed in my duty.


    When we embarked on the mission to rescue the princess, I let my guard down on the way back, and Kassandra sacrificed herself to save me.


    "Why did you do it?" I asked her as she bled out in my arms.


    "It seems you still don¡¯t know me," she replied.


    "Don¡¯t speak. Save your strength."


    "My soul isn¡¯t gone... Will you look for me?"


    "Even if it takes a thousand years, I¡¯ll never stop searching for you."


    And in that moment, she immolated herself, using the last of her life to ensure our escape.


    Kassandra¡¯s body died, but not her soul. Every time she dies, she is reborn into a new body.


    And for the past fifteen hundred years, I¡¯ve been searching for her¡ªuntil I found you.

 Chapter 10 – Hunger (1)

    Chapter 10 ¨C Hunger


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    ¡°Wait¡­ what are you trying to say?¡± Yuna asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.


    ¡°You¡¯re slower than I thought,¡± Vincent replied, shaking his head.


    ¡°Unbelievable! And here I am wasting my precious time listening to you and entertaining this ridiculous story!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ but it¡¯s true, Yuna. It¡¯s not a lie.¡±


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t deny there¡¯s a resemblance, but we can¡¯t be the same person.¡±


    ¡°You are Kassandra¡ªor rather, her vessel.¡±


    Why? Why did this always, always happen to her? Since childhood, Yuna had constantly felt that the events surrounding her were anything but normal. Of all the bad things that had happened, the only joy she fondly and intensely remembered was when her sister joined the family. But everything else, absolutely everything, had been tragedy upon tragedy.


    ¡°So now I¡¯m a vessel? That¡¯s just what I needed to hear!¡± she shouted, collapsing onto the couch as her energy gradually drained away. ¡°I don¡¯t crave blood or anything like that, unlike you people.¡±


    Vincent approached her, stopping a few meters away and leaning against the large window frame in his office. From that spot, the sunlight illuminated his translucent skin, accentuating the intensity of his deep hazel eyes. Yuna¡¯s heart gave a powerful thump at the sight of him from afar. Both the attire and the man himself were captivatingly beautiful and magnetic. The eldest Nakama couldn¡¯t deny that the man standing before her was breathtakingly elegant and utterly Adonis-like.


    ¡°Humans¡­ you still believe in myths.¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t drink blood to survive?¡± she asked, genuinely surprised.


    ¡°How do I explain this?¡± he muttered to himself, pausing to choose his words carefully. ¡°Vampires come from the originals: Devon, Kassandra, and Alexander. We don¡¯t need to feed on human blood. Just like you can choose between fish, meat, or fruit, we can feed on the blood of other animals. The difference lies in how much power one type of food provides compared to another. I won¡¯t deny that those myths have some truth. There are some who, to keep living, must feed solely on human blood and cannot come into contact with sunlight. Those are called the Impure Blood.¡±


    ¡°Impure Blood?¡±


    ¡°They are the lineage that kidnapped the princess, breaking the rules and, as a consequence, were cursed by the elders with the worst punishment imaginable: their lives depending on human sustenance, and their skin burning upon contact with light.¡±


    ¡°So Devon¡¯s lineage is cursed?¡±


    ¡°Him too,¡± Vincent confirmed, sitting in the chair across from Yuna.


    ¡°Then why is he after me?¡± she asked, squirming uncomfortably.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know yet. Kassandra was the reason his lineage fell into despair. We believe he seeks revenge. That¡¯s why you need to stay here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡­¡±


    ¡°Do I look like the joking type?¡± he countered, staring at her intently.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    It was true¡ªVincent didn¡¯t seem like the type to make jokes. Still, Yuna couldn¡¯t suppress the small smile that crept across her face as she pictured the six-foot-tall, copper-haired man performing a stand-up comedy routine.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± he asked, noticing her expression.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay here. I have a life and responsibilities,¡± she replied, trying to change the subject.


    ¡°Stay at least for the night. Your sister hasn¡¯t woken up yet,¡± Vincent proposed after a long pause.


    Though the invitation wasn¡¯t to her liking, she couldn¡¯t refuse. Her sister hadn¡¯t regained consciousness, and there was no way she would leave her alone. So, begrudgingly, she nodded in agreement.


    Meanwhile, in the vast English gardens of the estate, within the pagoda, Patrick sat desolate and utterly crushed. How was it possible that she was still alive? But was it truly her, or just realistic illusions born of his heart?


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± Annie asked as she approached the archway of the pagoda where Patrick sat.


    ¡°¡­Someone who¡¯s died in your arms¡­¡± he began after a long silence, staring at his hands in helplessness. ¡°¡­can¡¯t come back to life, right?¡±


    For the first time since they¡¯d known each other, Annie understood the immense burden her companion carried. The source of his feelings¡ªthe emotions that tore Patrick¡¯s soul apart more each day. Carefully, she moved closer and sat to his right. Gently, she placed a hand on his broad shoulder.


    ¡°The best gift you can give someone who¡¯s passed¡­ is to forget them,¡± she said softly, stroking his back.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m losing my mind,¡± Patrick murmured, tears streaming down his face as he covered it with his hands to hide his vulnerability.


    Seeing him in such a state¡ªfragile and broken¡ªit was the first time Annie had seen Patrick so consumed by misery. It tore at her deepest core. She couldn¡¯t bear to see him like this. Why couldn¡¯t he forget her? Why couldn¡¯t he just love her? Love her as much, or even more?


    ¡°Can¡¯t you let her go? Renounce your pain?¡± she asked when her own tears began to fall. ¡°And give me a chance?¡±


    Unaware of the atmosphere at that moment, oblivious to everything around them, their hearts synchronized. Their emotions became one, and their gazes locked onto each other. Patrick slowly extended a hand toward Annie¡¯s flushed face. He gently wiped away her tears, and time seemed to stop for them. Their heads inched closer, and just as their lips were about to meet, a voice interrupted.


    ¡°We have a problem!¡± Sussy shouted breathlessly, freezing in her tracks as she realized the situation. ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡± she asked, embarrassed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Patrick asked, standing abruptly.


    ¡°Kassandra¡¯s sister¡­¡±


    Patrick¡¯s heart sank with worry, and even Annie noticed how his expression changed upon hearing the news.


    Fifteen minutes later, everyone was gathered in Nasai¡¯s room. The atmosphere was heavy with sadness. Yuna¡¯s trembling hands gripped her dress tightly, trying to hide her shaking, but her face openly revealed her distress.


    ¡°There¡¯s something strange about her,¡± Sussy remarked, placing her hands on Nasai¡¯s torso. ¡°What exactly happened there?¡±


    ¡°She was pierced by Virus,¡± Patrick reported with a neutral expression.


    ¡°What?¡± the eldest Nakama exclaimed, startled.


    ¡°Relax. She has no internal damage,¡± Sussy said as she removed her hands from the still body. ¡°But I sense apathy in her consciousness.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°A normal person would have woken up by now. But part of her seems¡­ infected. I don¡¯t know when she¡¯ll wake up,¡± she explained as best she could.


    Upon hearing those words, Yuna couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. Life had already taken so much from her. Her sister was all she had left. If she lost her too, what reason would she have left to exist?


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Simultaneously, in the heart of Sorine, Nick was tending to the white roses in his garden when one of the thorns pierced his finger. The sudden sting jolted his heart, forcing him to sit abruptly on the ground. The unexpected movement caught the attention of Belle, who had been inside the house.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked with concern, crouching down to assist him.


    ¡°Why do I feel so uneasy all of a sudden?¡± Nick murmured to himself, pressing a hand against his chest. ¡°It¡¯s like... something¡¯s about to happen to her¡­¡±


    ¡°She is protected. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Belle reassured him softly.


    ¡°What I fear most,¡± he replied, his voice laced with tension, ¡°is that she¡¯s in danger right now, and I might not even know it.¡±

 Chapter 10 – Hunger (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    Twenty-four hours had passed, and the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon. The lights in the vast garden dimmed, giving way once again to the majestic landscape that dominated the scene. It was a melancholy and desolate sight for poor Yuna. Her entire life was disappearing before her eyes, ripped away in the cruelest of ways.


    Standing with her gaze fixed on the horizon, her physical body remained on the grand balcony of solid stone, yet her mind wandered, lost in thought.


    ¡°Have you not been able to sleep?¡± Vincent asked, stepping onto the terrace.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault,¡± she admitted after a few seconds of silence, her eyes never leaving the landscape. ¡°When I was seventeen, our parents died in a car accident. The crash was caused by the glare of a car behind us... but the truth is, my head hurt terribly that day. I was arguing with my parents, and in a fit of anger, I screamed with all my might and felt a wave of heat surge through my veins. The next thing I remember, when I opened my eyes, was seeing our car engulfed in flames from a distance, and their lifeless bodies burned to ash... I came out of that accident unscathed. I only have my sister left¡­ if something happens to her¡­¡±


    Her voice broke as she struggled to swallow and fought back the lump in her throat. For the first time, Vincent saw her so fragile, so delicate¡­ He couldn¡¯t describe what he felt in that moment, but his body moved on its own, pulling her into a heartfelt embrace. As if, through that gesture, he could take away her pain or at least lessen it.


    For the first time, Yuna allowed herself to be comforted in his arms, though deep down, no matter how much she tried to deny it, she had longed to be held by him.


    Simultaneously, on the second floor of the castle¡¯s three stories, in Annie¡¯s room, Sussy knocked playfully on the door, a wide smile on her face, as she entered the room.


    ¡°Did I interrupt something important yesterday?¡± she asked her friend, throwing herself onto the bed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she questioned, worried upon uncovering Annie and seeing her red, swollen eyes.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Sussy, what would you do if the person you love has been in love with the same person for over a thousand years?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d fight.¡±


    ¡°Even if that rival is dead? Tell me, what would you fight against? A ghost?¡±


    ¡°Annie¡­¡±


    ¡°Yesterday, I saw the sorrow that consumes his heart. The guilt, the hatred, and the resentment he carries¡­¡± she tried to explain, her voice breaking.


    ¡°But what I saw yesterday¡ª¡±


    ¡°That was just desperation,¡± she interrupted with an ironic smile and glassy eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t lie to myself anymore. I¡¯ve never had a chance, and I never will,¡± she declared, breaking into sobs as her friend did her best to comfort her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Annie¡­¡±


    Hours passed. Meanwhile, in the sitting room, a childlike Ronnie was growing increasingly concerned about his companion¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Patrick, how long has it been since you¡¯ve fed?¡± he asked, noticing his friend paler than usual, though he received no reply. ¡°Since we came back from the party, you¡¯ve been growing weaker by the hour.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still alive,¡± Patrick replied, his gaze fixed on the fire.


    ¡°Stop punishing yourself for everything that happened with Tult?en¡­ By the way¡­¡± Ronnie hesitated. ¡°That girl¡­ she bears a striking resemblance¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s dead,¡± Patrick cut him off sharply, rising from the sofa and walking out the door.


    ¡°Of course. It can¡¯t be,¡± Ronnie muttered to himself as he watched his companion leave the room.


    Ronnie understood Patrick¡¯s behavior. Even for him, seeing Nasai¡¯s face for the first time had been unsettling; it was like having Tult?en in front of him again, only with black hair. All the effort and progress Patrick had made had surely been obliterated by the mere sight of that sweet girl, now lying unconscious in her room.


    And there Patrick was, standing in the doorway, observing her from a distance, too afraid to touch her for fear that she would vanish, that it would all¡ªfinally, completely¡ªprove to be nothing but a dream, an illusion born of his emotions. Even so, after a few seconds, he approached Nasai like a frightened dog. When he was just inches away, he reached out, brushing her hair gently and then letting his hand fall softly across her face.


    When he realized she didn¡¯t dissolve into particles, his vision blurred, and he began to sob like a newborn child.


    ¡°Tult?en¡­ Tult?en¡­ Tult?en¡­¡± he repeated in an agonized voice, over and over, as tears streamed from his eyes.

 Chapter 11 – New Paths (1)

    Chapter 11 ¨C New Paths


    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 1


    The bustling noise echoed through the entrances and exits of Brunne. The young students of Sainte-Coline University cheerfully obeyed the ringing of the bell that signaled their break. The day was sunny, the cold had subsided, and the pleasant weather invited them to relax on the grass.


    A restless man with golden hair approached Adrianna and Anna, who were sitting under the shade of a tree, enjoying their lunch.


    "Excuse me, do you know anything about Nasai?" the young man asked.


    "Who are you, and why are you looking for her?" Adrianna countered suspiciously.


    "Ah, of course! I''m sorry. My name is Nick. I''m an acquaintance of her family. I know she''s been feeling unwell recently, and I haven''t seen her for a while, so I was worried¡­"


    "She hasn''t shown up for several days," replied the cheerful Anna, blushing as she noticed the handsome man standing before them.


    Nick''s heart skipped a beat, a dreadful certainty gripping him. He was sure something had happened to her. For days now, he had been unable to sense her as before, as if she were fading into the distance, slipping away from this world. But what could he do?


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Simultaneously, on the outskirts of the city, within the office dimmed by heavy curtains that blocked the sunlight from entering, Devon and his company gathered.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Why can¡¯t we just go straight for them?" Ben growled through clenched teeth at his boss.


    "Sometimes, I wonder why I even bother keeping you alive," Devon retorted, questioning his subordinate¡¯s impulsive behavior.


    "What do you want us to do from now on?" Virus asked calmly.


    "We must get Kassandra at any cost. Get in touch with him," Devon ordered.


    "But how? He¡¯s¡­ a bit¡­" Venus interjected nervously.


    "Did you say something?" Devon snapped, displeased.


    "We¡¯ll do as you wish," Virus confirmed, silencing his sister with a firm look.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Sorine, the two young people remained embraced, silently sharing the profound feelings they were struggling to keep hidden. Yuna shielded herself with the excuse of weakness, convincing herself it was just a difficult moment and she needed someone to console her. Vincent, on the other hand, knew he had a mission: to protect her from any harm.


    "As my mistress and guide, I swear I won¡¯t let anything happen to you or your sister," he said, easing away from the embrace, though still remaining just a few inches from her face.


    That intoxicating scent, those strong hands holding her waist firmly, transported Yuna to forgotten places, to moments unknown yet filled with warmth and tenderness. Her body froze, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of indescribable emotions. For a fleeting moment, she felt as though she were no longer herself.


    "Vincent¡­" Yuna, the elder of the Nakama sisters, whispered his name softly, her eyes briefly glowing a vivid scarlet.


    "Kassandra?"


    "Kassandra?" Yuna echoed, snapping back to reality. "What are you doing so close? You pervert!"


    Yuna Nakama was unaware that, for a fraction of a moment, her dominant consciousness had vanished, her body taken over by someone else. She only saw the man inches from her face, startled by her abrupt shift in demeanor. She pushed him away, accusing him of something he hadn¡¯t done.


    "Pervert? I can¡¯t with you," Vincent replied irritably, straightening his clothes. "I still don¡¯t understand why Kassandra chose you as her host. You¡¯re nothing alike."


    The young man sighed in frustration, flashing a wry smile as he walked toward the door. Just steps from the exit, he paused.


    "You need to prepare yourself," he said, his eyes fixed on the door. "From now on, your life won¡¯t be the same. But I¡¯ll be here to protect you¡­ I swear it."

 Chapter 11 – New Paths (2)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 2


    Time passed, and the soft sound of melting snow blended with the rustling of bushes whipped by the wind. Ronnie stood still, observing nature¡¯s agitated dance, until a clump of snow fell from a tree branch to his left and hit him square on the head, transforming his adult form into that of a child.


    "I hate days like this," he muttered, brushing the snow from his hair.


    "Have you seen Patrick?" a voice called from behind, growing closer.


    "¡­ He¡¯s been locked in his room with that girl all day," Ronnie replied, turning to face Annie, hesitant to reveal the full truth.


    "¡­"


    "I¡¯m worried about Patrick. He hasn¡¯t fed on human blood in a long time."


    "Why?"


    "What do you mean ¡®why¡¯? You know perfectly well that a lack of sustenance makes us unstable¡­ and trust me, you don¡¯t want to see Patrick losing control," Ronnie said, finishing with a deep sigh.


    "Mmm¡­"


    "Anyway," he continued, breaking the silence as he approached Annie and stared up at her boldly. "You look different. Did you change your lipstick?"


    His cheeky question brought a flush to Annie¡¯s cheeks. Flustered, she grabbed a handful of snow from a nearby bush, shaped it into a ball, and threw it at him. The impact instantly transformed Ronnie back into his adult form.


    "What are you doing?!"


    "You look better this way," she replied, turning her back on him and walking away.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    Meanwhile, miles away from Sorine, on the outskirts of Sainte-Coline, inside ¡°Le X,¡± Devon¡¯s henchmen were holding an unwelcome meeting with a striking man with flowing hair and scarlet eyes. Their discontent was evident¡ªthey were well aware of their guest''s sly and chameleon-like nature. Nevertheless, their boss had decided to take this uncertain gamble.


    "Can you keep an eye on them?" Venus asked the young man sitting across from her, her voice tinged with unease.


    "I haven¡¯t had anything entertaining to pass the time lately," Haru replied, idly twirling the straw in his amber-colored cocktail.


    "How can you trust this guy?" Ben added, his tone bitter as he glared disdainfully at the young man.


    "He¡¯s more efficient than you," Virus stated with his trademark seriousness.


    "And I don¡¯t come from a cursed lineage, which limits your range of effectiveness," Haru added with a mocking smirk, pointing his straw at Ben.


    "Say that again if you dare," Ben growled menacingly, his intent to kill evident.


    "I wouldn¡¯t do that¡­" Venus playfully warned.


    "You come from a cursed lineage¡ªwhy not just accept it?" Haru taunted, his red eyes gleaming as he prodded Ben further with his straw.


    In a split second, rage consumed Ben. Instinctively, he lunged at Haru, knocking him to the ground and driving his fist through Haru¡¯s side.


    "This¡­ is to teach you to watch your mouth," Ben snarled, his hand dripping with Haru¡¯s blood.


    Despite Ben¡¯s fist having gone straight through him and the floor now pooled with blood, Haru¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile. The blood seeping from his wound began to branch out, forming tentacle-like extensions that pierced through every part of Ben¡¯s body with astonishing speed.


    "I warned you¡­" Venus remarked, as Ben¡¯s figure collapsed to the ground, exhaling his final breath.


    The blood-like extensions, as swiftly as they had impaled Ben, returned to Haru in the blink of an eye, taking with them their prize¡ªBen¡¯s blood¡ªreconstructing Haru¡¯s torn tissue almost instantly.


    "What a waste of a shirt. I really liked this one¡­" Haru muttered as he eyed the hole in his garment. He wiped the blood from his torso and licked his lips before adding, "So, who do you want me to keep an eye on?"

 Chapter 11 – New Paths (3)

    <h3 style="text-align: center">Part 3


    The doubt was not a constant in her life. Since the death of her parents, Yuna had always been clear about what she needed to do. She couldn''t afford the luxury of hesitation if she intended to care for her sister and keep her from being taken away. However, determination had now become her enemy. How could she, so casually, choose something that would change the course of their lives forever?


    "Have you decided what you''re going to do?" Vincent asked the hesitant young woman.


    "...Yes," Yuna Nakama replied, almost certain that she would regret her decision in the future.


    "Your sister has woken up," Sussy informed them after knocking on the door and stepping into the office.


    Yuna''s heart skipped a beat at the good news. Accompanied by Vincent and Sussy, she rushed to the room where her most precious treasure lay. Yet, even knowing the truth of the announcement, disbelief lingered, and she hesitated as she entered the room.


    "How... how are you feeling?" she asked softly upon seeing her little sister sitting up in bed as she approached her.


    "Like a stampede of people trampled over me," her sister replied, touching her head. "What happened?"


    "Well... you see... you fainted again, and this man helped us care for you," Yuna lied, pointing to Vincent, who stepped into the room, followed by Sussy.


    "I can''t remember... but that''s nothing new," her sister responded with a faint, sarcastic smile. "Thank you for your help."


    She bowed her head slightly in gratitude as she climbed down from the bed. For once, and as cruel as it sounded, Nasai''s illness worked in Yuna''s favor.


    "Don''t move too much; I''ll get you a glass of water," Sussy suggested.


    "Where is my brother?" Vincent asked Sussy before she left the room.


    "He stepped outside for a bit of fresh air; he said he wouldn''t be long," Sussy informed them just before leaving the three alone.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Meanwhile, in Sorine, hours later, the sun was setting in the west, its nearly final rays illuminating Nick''s silent house.


    "The elders require your presence at the next meeting," Belle informed the young man sitting on the floor of the dining room.


    "I can''t..."


    "I know it''s vital to bring her back home. But the kingdom you rule is even more important. Besides, everything we''re doing is behind their backs. If you don''t show up, they''ll start to suspect our actions."


    "...I understand," he finally replied.


    ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥???©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥


    All the residents of the Dokovic mansion stood waiting for Patrick¡¯s arrival at the entrance of the English garden. The atmosphere was a little tense for Nasai, who didn¡¯t fully understand what was happening.


    ¡°What are we doing out here?¡± Nasai asked, her determined gaze fixed on her sister.


    ¡°Are you cold? If you¡¯d like, we can wait inside¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not cold, it¡¯s just... Yuna, are you okay? You¡¯re acting strange. And who are we waiting for?¡± the young woman asked, her unease growing.


    Yuna remained silent for a long moment, letting out a deep sigh before finally speaking.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to you¡­¡± she murmured to herself, her voice heavy with sorrow.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nasai... we¡¯re going to be apart for a while.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well... this man¡±¡ªshe gestured toward Vincent, who stood nearby¡ª¡°do you remember him? He¡¯s a major investor looking to bring new profits to the company on an economic and acquisition level. How should I put it? I¡¯ll be helping him by guiding him through the company¡¯s operations, which means I won¡¯t be home for a while.¡±


    She finished her explanation with a warm smile. It was a lie¡ªan absurd one at that. She hadn¡¯t even graduated high school and had started working at a young age. ¡°How could I possibly help an investor boost a company¡¯s sales?¡± she thought bitterly. But in that moment, it was the best excuse she could come up with.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Nasai replied without hesitation, much to Yuna¡¯s surprise.


    Nasai, however, felt deep down that something was wrong. Yet, the last thing she wanted was to become another problem in the equation. If that meant staying away from the person she loved most in the world, so be it. Without warning, she stood up and hugged her sister tightly.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s here¡­¡± Vincent interrupted the emotional moment between the two sisters as he watched someone pass through the massive gated entrance. ¡°Nasai, come closer. Let me introduce you to Patrick. From now on, he¡¯ll be living with you.¡±


    Nasai¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she laid eyes on the handsome young man approaching her for the first time. His translucent skin, jet-black hair, and emerald eyes left her cheeks flushed with a sudden warmth.


    ¡°What are you talking about, brother?¡± Patrick asked, clearly puzzled.


    ¡°Well, as of today¡­¡± Ronnie chimed in mischievously, leaning casually against Patrick, ¡°¡­you two will be living under the same roof.¡±