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A Special Story Event－Vampire's Embrace[前篇]（Sid）

A full moon hangs low in the sky...
You wander into a castle full of vampires,
unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy...
………
Sid：If I turn you into a vampire now, you'll never be able to go home.
Sid：Are you sure you're okay with that?
………
The worlds you lived in were different.
But now you're about to experience an unforgettable, eternal love story...

Prologue：

It was evening, and the moon shone round and full in the sky above.
It flitted between clouds, leaving the forest around me gloomy and dim.
I hurried along the road that would lead me home, lit only by faint glimmers of moonlight.
But the tall trees seemed to press in around me, and I'd lost my sense of direction.

（Ahh, why am I thinking about that now?）

A memory had resurfaced, from just a few days earlier.

〝Every autumn, Robert held a festival for the children to teach them appreciation of the arts.〞
〝As part of the festival, I'd been asked to read stories aloud to the children.〞
〝Jily：Once upon a time, a tall castle stood deep in the forest, and in that castle there lived a vampire.〞
〝Child 1：What's a vampire?〞
〝The young boy put his hand up eagerly as he spoke, and Robert gave him a small smile.〞
〝Robert：They're a type of monster that lives by drinking the blood of humans.〞
〝Robert：According to the legend,〞
〝Robert：if a woman gets lost and enters their castle on the night of a full moon,〞
〝Robert：she can never leave again.〞
〝Robert：They will name her their princess,〞
〝Robert：and give her the task of choosing who will be lord of the castle.〞
〝Robert：And then she has to live forever with the vampire she's chosen.〞
〝Robert：Or so the story goes.〞
〝Child 2：Forever? Does that mean she becomes a vampire too?〞
〝Robert：That's right.〞
〝Robert：The vampire bites her on the neck so hard that she passes out.〞

（I know it's just an old legend and all that, but—）

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I hurried forward,
and at last the trees parted and I stepped into a clearing.

（No way! This is—）

A huge castle loomed up ahead of me, towering over the surrounding trees.
I stopped stock still, unable to believe the sight that lay before me,
but right at that moment—
Jily：Oh!
I heard the sudden howl of wolves coming from the forest behind me.
It sounded as if they were heading straight for me, and my heart began to race.

（Oh no! And this is the only building for miles around! I need to get inside!）

My legs were shaking, but I forced them to run, dashing across the clearing to the castle door.
I pushed the door open and slid inside,
and it fell shut behind me with a thud, leaving me in darkness.
Anxiety filled me up inside as I stared around me, trying to see.
???：Who are you?
A sudden voice echoed through the room, and I looked up in surprise.
At the same moment the candles in their holders on the wall lit, one by one.
A young man with brown hair and red eyes stared down at me, eyes narrowed and suspicious.
Next to him stood a man wearing an eyepatch,
with such an intense presence that I could barely meet his gaze.
Another tall man stood behind him,
with black hair and serious eyes that seemed to pierce right through me.
A younger man with a gentler look to him stood off to the side,
his eyes wide with surprise.

（Who on earth are you all?）

I stared up at the four men standing on the stairwell,
all of them gazing down at me...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Sid

Sid, Chapter 1：

The candles in their holders on the wall lit, one by one, and I looked up in surprise.
The sudden brightness showed me four preternaturally gorgeous men, all of them staring at me.

（Who on earth are you all?）

I stared in confusion as one of the men approached me, leaning closer.
He caught hold of my chin, tilting my head up towards him.
???：Huh. So this is the woman who wanders into our castle?
There was an intensity to his gaze that threatened to draw me in, and I looked down.
Jily：Let me go!
I pulled away from him, turning back to open the door again.
???：If you go outside, you're just gonna get attacked.

（Aww, damn.）

I stopped immediately as I realized he was right.
I could clearly hear the wolves howling outside, and I stiffened.
???：C'mon, you don't have to scare her like that.
???：At any rate, it's dangerous outside. She's better off in here.
Another of the men stepped forward, speaking to the man with the sharp gaze.
Then he smiled reassuringly as he moved closer to where I stood.
He tilted his head slightly, offering me his hand.
???：I promise we won't do anything to you. So please, don't be afraid.
I heard the wolves howling again, and it sounded like they were right outside the door.

（Well, you're right—I'd be stupid to go back out there right now.）

Jily：All right.

（I still don't trust any of you, though.）

But I was out of options, so I reached out hesitantly and placed my hand in his.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The men led me to an elegant, spacious dining hall.
People who looked like servants brought tea for us all.
I sat across from the four men, and they introduced themselves one by one.
Then at last they began to explain things to me.
Nico：Please, keep calm and listen, okay?
The men exchanged glances, and then began to explain to me what exactly they were,
and what sort of situation I'd ended up in.
Alyn：So basically, this is a real vampire castle.

（I never imagined that fairytale might be a true story!）

Jily：And you mean it when you say I can never leave here again?
Byron：Yes. And the moment you found your way in here, you became our princess.
Byron：You must fulfill the role of choosing the lord of this castle.

（But that's crazy!）

It was all too much too fast, and my vision swam as I tried to process it.
Nico：Are you okay, Jily?

（I don't know if I can accept this! It's just—）

I realized Nico was staring at me with worried eyes, and I caught my breath.

（I must look like I'm about to faint.）
（No wonder you look so concerned.）
（Okay, deep breaths. I can handle this. Maybe.）

Jily：I'm okay.
I tried my best to school my features into a smile as I nodded at Nico.
I dropped my gaze to my lap, not even noticing that Sid was watching me.
But there was a frown on his face, and his eyes were narrowed.
His expression was unusually thoughtful as he studied me.
Late that night—
I sank down into the hot water in the bathtub, lost in thought.

（What's going to happen to me?
（Do I really have to live here for the rest of my life?）

〝Nico：You must be tired, Jily.〞
〝Nico：Why don't you have a bath and get some rest?〞

（I appreciate you saying that, Nico, but—）

I kept thinking about the fact that I was stuck in a castle full of vampires.
It made it pretty difficult for me to relax.

（Ahhh, but freaking out over it isn't going to change anything.
（They don't seem like bad people. Maybe things will be okay.）

At last I felt completely warmed through, and I decided it was time to get out, when—

（Is someone coming?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I heard footsteps in the corridor outside, and I sank back down into the tub again.

（Ahh, what should I do?）
（If I stay in here any longer I'm gonna overheat.）

But knowing someone was right outside made it impossible for me to just get out.
The heat was starting to make me feel light-headed, and I gasped softly.

（Oh!）

My vision span, and I fell back against the tub as everything went black.

＊＊＊

Sid was walking past the bathroom door when he heard a splash from inside.
Sid：Someone in there?
He called out the words as he opened the door and looked inside.
To his surprise he saw Jily passed out against the side of the tub.
Sid：Hey!
He hurried towards her, studying her flushed cheeks and skin.
Sid：Did you overheat?
Sid lifted Jily out of the bathtub, and carried her out of the room.
Sid：Geez, you sure know how to cause a fuss.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
Something touched my skin, and I opened my eyes to see Sid right in front of me.
Sid：Oh, so you're awake.
I realized that Sid had just put a shirt on me and was buttoning it up, and I caught my breath.

（Gah! What the—）

Jily：Hey—
Sid：Hold still. You might pass out again.
Jily：But—
I wrapped my arms across my chest, overwhelmed with embarrassment, and Sid sighed.
Sid：I'm not gonna do anything.
He reached out and gently placed his hands on my shoulders.
Jily：Sid!
Sid：Hold still, just for a bit.
Sid：I'll help ya calm down.
Sid brushed his fingers against my bare neck, leaning towards me.
A moment later I felt his lips against my skin.
Jily：Ohhhhh—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Sid leaned closer, his hands gently supporting my shoulders as his lips touched my neck.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
A moment later he bit me, and I gasped helplessly.
Strangely, there was no pain, and a bittersweet shiver ran through me.

（What is this?）

I felt spaced out all of a sudden, and my worries seemed distant and unimportant.
Sid pulled back from my neck, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
He studied my expression, and I wondered at the seriousness in his gaze.
A moment later the world seemed to fade away again into blackness.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
I opened my eyes to find myself in an extravagant bedroom.

（Where am I?）

I looked around slowly, until my gaze landed on Sid, sitting next to the bed like he'd been watching over me.
Sid：Are you calm now?
Jily：Sid—

（Wait a minute—）

Jily：Did you—
I felt a sweet ache in my neck, and I reached up to find a small wound there.

（Did you bite me?）

I stared at Sid in confusion, and he spoke in a nonchalant tone.
Sid：A little bite takes all your anxiety away.
Sid：You feel calmer now, right?

（Well, you're right about that.）

I blinked in surprise as I realized my fears and anxieties had slipped away.
Sid leaned a little closer, giving me a sudden suggestive smile.
Sid：Don't tell me you're addicted to it already?

（What?!）

Jily：Not a chance.
I scowled at Sid, and he laughed loudly, leaning back again.
Sid：You've got guts, talking back to me in a situation like this.
Sid：You're a feisty one.
He reached out towards me, ruffling my hair.
His expression relaxed into a gentle, amused smile.
Sid：C'mon then, let's go and celebrate you calming down or something.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

＊＊＊

The place Sid took me was a small field not far from the castle.
We sprawled on the ground and stared up at the stars in the sky overhead.

（When I look up at the stars like this—）

It reminded me of living down in town, and I felt a sudden ache deep in my heart.

（I can't believe I can never go home.）

I blinked back tears, dropping my gaze away from the stars.
Sid was lying next to me looking up at the stars as well, but all of a sudden he turned towards me.
I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him.
He reached out his hand, gently stroking my hair.
Then he pulled me into his strong embrace, my face pressed against his chest.
Sid：If you wanna cry, you should cry.
Sid：No one's gonna come out here.

（Oh, Sid—）

His words and his gaze were gentle, and I felt as if he could see straight through to the pain I was trying to hide.

（I don't want anyone to see me like this, but—）

I couldn't help the sudden tears that spilled down my cheeks.
Jily：Don't tell anyone.
I sensed more than saw Sid's smile as he reached up to stroke my hair.
Sid：I won't.
Sid's arms tightened around me as he whispered the words.
I lifted my head slowly, looking up at him through my tears.
He was studying me silently in the dim light of the moon.
I felt a sudden touch against my cheek, and I blinked in surprise.
Sid：Save your tears for when you're alone with me.
He wiped my tears away one by one with gentle fingers.

Sid, Chapter 2：

Sid：Save your tears for when you're alone with me.
Sid：I'll accept them all for ya.
Sid wiped my tears away one by one with gentle fingers.
His gaze was surprisingly gentle, and I felt my fears easing even more.

（When I first met you, you scared the heck out of me. But now—）

I clung to Sid like he was a lifeline.

（It's strange, but—I feel like I can rely on you.）

Jily：Oh, Sid—
I lowered my gaze, the tears streaming down my cheeks.

＊＊＊

After that, time seemed to pass me by in a flash.
Nico：Good morning, Jily!
Nico：Although it's not actually morning.
Nico grinned at me, and I giggled at his joke.
Jily：I know. Good morning.
It had been some time since I'd come to live in the castle.
I was getting used to the days being nights, and my life seemed peaceful.

（But there is one thing that's changed—）

Nico：That reminds me.
Nico's eyes widened a little as if he'd remembered something,
and he leaned close to whisper in my ear.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Sid's waiting for you in the dining hall.
Jily：What?
My heart began to race at the mention of Sid, and I could feel myself blushing.
Nico pulled back to look at me, and began to giggle.
Nico：You're so cute when you react like that.
Nico：You're totally in love with Sid, aren't you?

（Ahhh, you found me out.）

Nico：You seem to me like you're just trying to figure out when's the best time to name him as lord of the castle.
Nico：I think Sid's a good choice, and I think the sooner you tell him the better.
Jily：Oh!
It was as if Nico understood everything I was thinking, and I blushed even more to realize how obvious I was.

（I want to tell him as soon as possible too, but—）

As I'd gotten used to living in the castle, I'd found myself more and more aware of Sid.
But it was so difficult to be straight with him, and I couldn't quite find the courage to tell him how I felt.
I glanced over at Nico, unsure what to say, and he smiled encouragingly.
Nico：I hope you'll have good news for me soon, Jily!
Jily：Okay.

（Right. That settles it. I'm gonna tell him today.）
（I'm just gonna walk up to him and say『Sid, I choose you as lord of the castle!』）

I nodded firmly at Nico, feeling determined.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile, in the dining hall—
Sid was sitting quietly when Byron stepped into the room.
Byron：Seems like they're making a fuss in the town.
Byron：About the princess, I mean.
Sid looked up at Byron's words, a frown marring his features.
Sid：Oh, that?
Sid had heard the rumors as well.
Apparently the townspeople had been searching for Jily ever since she went missing.
Byron：You seem to be getting along well with the princess.
Byron：What do you intend to do?
Sid Sid pressed his lips together at Byron's question.
He dropped his gaze for a moment, and then—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：What do you intend to do?
Sid：Good question.
Sid hesitated for a moment, pressing his lips together, and then opened his mouth to speak.
Jily：Good morning!
I stepped into the dining hall and found Sid and Byron sitting together.
I smiled at them both as I greeted them, and Byron stood up.
Byron：I'll see you later, Sid. You too, Princess.
Sid：Yeah.

（Huh?）

I watched as Byron left, and then turned to Sid, feeling suddenly worried.
Jily：I didn't interrupt something, did I?
Sid：Nah. Don't worry about it.
Jily：Okay.
Silence followed my words, and seemed to fill the room around us.

（I know I decided to tell you how I feel today, but—
（Ahhh, I can't help being nervous!）

〝Nico：I think Sid's a good choice, and I think the sooner you tell him the better.〞

（But I need to tell him. It's now or never, right?）

Jily：Hey, Sid?
Sid：Yeah?
Jily：I wanted to talk to you about something. Is now okay?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I invited Sid out for a walk in the field he'd taken me to before.
Sid：So what did you want to talk about?
Sid turned to face me, looking me right in the eye.
Jily：Well—
Sid's gaze seemed to pierce right through me.

（Gah, I don't think I can go through with it!）

The longer he looked at me, the more nervous I felt,
and all my words seemed caught in my throat.
I despaired suddenly of ever having the courage to say it,
and Sid leaned closer to study my expression.
Sid：You're acting weird today.
Sid：Are you thinking something naughty?
Sid gave me a mischievous grin, and I shook my head quickly.
Jily：No, I'm not!
Sid：Then what?
Jily：I—
Sid's eyes were dancing with amusement, and I looked up at him uncertainly.
He reached out and placed a gentle hand on top of my head.
Sid：Go on, say it.
His eyes were kind as he ruffled my hair, and it brought back so many memories.

〝??? （Sid）：If you go outside, you're just gonna get attacked.〞

〝Sid：Hold still. You might pass out again.〞
〝Sid：Don't tell me you're addicted to it already?〞

〝Sid：Save your tears for when you're alone with me.〞

（Sometimes you tease me, and it drives me nuts, but—
（You're always so sweet, and you're always looking out for me.）

I thought back to all the time I'd spent together with Sid,
and the memories helped give me courage.
Jily：Um, Sid? I—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Um, Sid? I—
Jily：I want to choose you as the lord of the castle.
I'd finally told him what I'd wanted to tell him, and my pulse was roaring in my ears.
Sid's eyes widened in surprise at my words, as if he hadn't expected them.
We stared at each other, and I waited for him to speak, but the silence dragged out.
I almost didn't feel like I could bear it anymore, but at last he said,
Sid：You—
Sid：If you could leave this place, what would you do?
Jily：What?!
Sid：I might be able to get you out of this castle.
I'd never expected him to make such an offer, and my mind was racing.

（But that's—）

I dropped my gaze away, and he reached out, catching my chin and forcing me to look at him.
Sid：When a princess names a lord of the castle, he turns her into a vampire.
Sid：If I turn you into a vampire now, you'll never be able to go home.
Sid：Are you sure you're okay with that?
Sid's gaze was serious as he stared at me, but I could see pain lurking deep within his eyes.

（It's true that I would feel lonely, knowing that I couldn't ever go home.）
（But—）

Jily：I want to be with you, Sid.
I spoke the words softly, and after a moment, Sid stepped towards me.
He leaned close and whispered in my ear, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.
Sid：Then I hope you're ready.
He slowly lifted my hair away from my neck, baring my skin.
I tilted my head back, and a moment later I felt the touch of his lips on my skin.

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Sid, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Sid：Then I hope you're ready.
Sid slowly lifted my hair away from my neck, baring my skin.
I tilted my head back, and a moment later I felt the touch of his lips on my skin.
Jily：Ahhhhh—
I felt the same sweet pain I'd felt before, and an aching numbness spread through me.
Jily：Sid—
I gasped his name, clinging to him as my consciousness faded away.
Sid：It's okay.
Sid：It'll be over soon.
His voice was gentle, and I sank against him, all my strength gone.
I looked up at him, wanting to see his face before I passed out.

（Sid?）

My eyes fell shut of their own accord, but I'd caught one final glimpse of him.
His eyes had looked sadder and lonelier than I'd ever seen them.

＊＊＊

Sid made his way to an empty room in the palace, carrying the unconscious Jily.
He was about to kick the door shut behind him, when something made him pause.
He sighed, and turned to look over his shoulder.
Sid：What?
Even as he spoke, Byron stepped into the room behind him.
Byron glanced down at Jily, and frowned.
Byron：Sid.
Byron：I can only make one assumption.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：I can only make one assumption.
Byron：You didn't turn her into a vampire, did you?
Sid：Well, no.
Sid shrugged in response to Byron's question, his expression pained.
Byron looked up from Jily's sleeping face.
Byron：What do you intend to do?
There was no hesitation in Sid's expression as he replied,
Sid：I'm going to get her out of the castle, obviously.
Sid：She'll be happier back in her own world.
Byron：But—
Byron：I thought it was the princess's wish to be with you.
Sid pressed his lips together at Byron's words.
They stared at each other in silence for a moment.
Then Sid dropped his gaze to look at Jily's sleeping face.
Sid：Even so.
Sid：I can't stand to make her unhappy. And I will.
A tense silence filled the room around them.
Byron：I see.
Byron's deep voice seemed unusually loud in the quiet.
Byron：Do you know how to return her to the town?
Sid：Yeah.
Sid murmured the words, reaching down to caress Jily's cheek.
Sid：It's her memories.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Sid：It's her memories.
Sid：I just need to remove all her memories of her time in the castle.
Sid：Her memories of me, and everything else that happened here.
Sid dropped his hand away from Jily's cheek as he spoke.
Sid：And then I have to leave the castle.
There was resolve in his eyes as he lifted his head and turned to walk away.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
I opened my eyes slowly as a soft breeze caressed my cheek.
The curtains were fluttering gently, and warm sunlight filled the room.

（What on earth—）

I looked around me in confusion, and then I saw Robert walking towards me.
Robert：Jily! You're awake at last.
Jily：Robert?
Robert：I'm so glad you're okay.
Robert：Everyone's been searching high and low for you.
Jily：What?
Robert sat down and explained to me that I'd been missing for some time.
He went on to tell me that I'd been found earlier that morning, passed out on the road leading into town.
Robert：Do you remember what happened?
Jily：No, I don't. Not a thing.
Robert：I see. Well, the doctor said there's nothing really wrong with you.
Robert：I'm really glad to see you awake and looking lively again.
Jily：Mm, thank you.
Robert's voice was kind, and I answered him vaguely.

（But why does my heart ache so badly?
（Ahh, it's no good. I don't remember...）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Why does my heart ache so badly?
（Ahh, it's no good. I don't remember...）

I reached up and pressed a hand against my head, closing my eyes.

＊＊＊

Some time later—
I couldn't remember anything at all from the time when I'd been missing.
But I was slowly able to settle back into my old life, and my days were calm and peaceful.
One day, I was reading a book to the children.
Jily：Once upon a time....
Jily：A tall castle stood deep in the forest, and in that castle there lived a vampire.

（Hang on—）

I stopped suddenly as the words stirred an odd feeling deep inside me.

（I feel like I've heard this somewhere before.）

〝Sid：If I drink your blood, I can take away all your pain.〞
〝Sid：What do you wanna do?〞

Jily：Oh!
My heart began to race at the sudden memory of a man I didn't recognize.

（Who on earth was that?）

Child：Miss Jily, what's the matter?

（Oops!）

I came back to myself with a start as one of the children spoke to me.
Jily：I'm sorry. It's nothing.

（I don't really understand, but... I feel as if I've forgotten something really important.）

＊＊＊

That evening—

（It was here, wasn't it?）

I made my way to the field I'd seen in my memory of the strange man.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I stood in the middle of the beautiful flowers, watching them as they swayed in the breeze.

（I feel like I've been here before... but I don't remember anything.）
（Maybe it's all just my imagination playing tricks on me?）

I sighed softly, and turned around to make my way home again.
But suddenly I saw something across the field, and I stopped short.
There was a man standing on the far side of the field.

（Is that—）

He was leaning against a tree, looking up at the sky, and he looked really familiar.
Jily：Um—excuse me—
I couldn't stop myself from running across the field towards him.
???：You—
The man's eyes widened in shock at the sight of me.

（You know me, don't you?）

Jily：Who are you?
There were so many things I wanted to ask, but my heart was aching and I couldn't find the words.
The man frowned as he stared down at me.
???：I ain't tellin' ya. I won't be coming here anymore.
He turned and walked away, and I stared at his broad back.

（I feel like I can't just leave it like this.）
（If I let you walk away from me now—）

I didn't understand what I was feeling, but my heart was screaming at me.
I ran after him, my voice squeaking as I called out,
Jily：Please wait!
Sid：Huh?
Jily：When I look at you—
I cut myself off mid-sentence, my heart aching too much to say any more than that.
To my surprise, a single tear trickled down my cheek.
The man's expression went flat as he stared down at me.
But after a long, tense moment, he smiled suddenly.
???：You're a silly girl, even without your memory.
Before I knew what to make of his words—

（Oh!）

He wrapped me in a warm embrace, pulling me close to him.
Jily：Um—
He tightened his grip on me, as if warning me not to say anything more.
???：My name is Sid.
Sid：I'll come see you again.
He'd barely said anything at all, and yet my heart was racing with excitement.

（Oh, why am I crying so much?）
（And yet—）

Jily：Okay.

（I don't want to think about anything. I just want to be here, in your arms.）

It was a faint whisper, a hope for the future, and then I let my thoughts go and buried my face in Sid's chest.
His arms were strong and sure around me, and I felt as if he'd hold onto me forever...

fin.

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Sid, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Sid：Then I hope you're ready.
Sid slowly lifted my hair away from my neck, baring my skin.
I tilted my head back, and a moment later I felt the touch of his lips on my skin.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
I felt the same sweet pain I'd felt before, and an aching numbness spread through me.
I could feel my consciousness slipping away from me as I collapsed into Sid's embrace.

＊＊＊

Sid carried Jily in his arms all the way back to the bedroom.
He laid her gently down on the bed, listening to the soft sound of her breathing.
He gazed down at her, murmuring softly to himself.
Sid：You sure do cause me a lot of trouble.
Sid：But—
Sid reached out to stroke Jily's cheek gently, his caress loving.
Then he leaned over and placed a soft kiss against her forehead.
Sid：I've never loved anyone the way I love you.
Sid：That's why I—
He trailed off, sorrow wavering in his eyes.

＊＊＊

The next day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The next day—
After I woke up, Nico brought me tea in my room.
His gaze was bright with interest as he handed me my teacup.
Nico：So? Did you tell him? Did you name him as lord?
Jily：I did.

（Ahh, I feel all silly and shy, but—）

I blushed even as I nodded, but Nico only stared at me curiously.
Nico：Really?
Nico：But Jily—you're not a vampire yet.

（What?）

My eyes widened with surprise at Nico's words.
Jily：But last night—Sid—
Nico frowned a little as he studied me thoughtfully.
After a moment he spoke in a quiet, hesitant voice.
Nico：It's possible Sid is trying to return you to your home.

（Oh! Now that you mention it—）

I remembered Sid telling me that he might be able to get me out of the castle.
Jily：Is there even a way to leave here?
Nico：There is. But I think there are certain conditions that have to be met.
Nico：All of your memories of living in the castle need to be erased.
Nico：And then—the vampire who helps you escape is banished from the castle.
Jily：But that's awful!

＊＊＊

As soon as I finished talking to Nico, I hurried through the castle to find Sid.

（I need to know what you're really thinking, Sid. What do you plan to do with me?）

Jily：Sid—
Sid：Oh, it's you.
Sid turned at the sound of my voice, his gaze sharp and distant.
Jily：Nico told me that I'm not a vampire yet.
Jily：Are you trying to send me back to my home?
Sid pressed his lips together at my words, his jaw clenching.
But he continued to stare at me, and I felt uncomfortable under that piercing gaze.
At last he nodded slowly, and I caught my breath.
Sid：I am.
Sid：You'd be better off back in your home.
Jily：But why—
Sid：When I asked you what you wanted to do, you hesitated, didn't you?
Sid stepped towards me as he spoke, his expression dark.

（Sid—）

I took a step back, unnerved by the look in his eyes, and found myself backed up against a tree.
Jily：What are you doing?
Sid：I'm erasing your memory.
Sid：I'm going to make you forget everything, so that you can go home.
Jily：Sid—no, stop—

（If you do that, I won't even remember you anymore!）

I tried to plead with him, but he clearly had no intention of listening.
He leaned closer, moving his lips towards my neck.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Sid—no, stop—

（It's true that I was surprised when you asked me—I wasn't sure what I wanted.）
（But I know now, without a doubt.）

I felt Sid's lips pressing against my neck.

（Even if I have to go home, I don't want to forget you.）
（I want to be with you forever.）

Jily：Stop it!!
I pushed Sid away with all the strength I could muster.
Sid：Hey!
He stumbled a step back from me, and I met his startled gaze directly.
Jily：Don't you dare underestimate me!
Sid：What?
Jily：I want to be with you.
Jily：I don't care what happens. So don't you dare steal my memories of you.
Sid：Jily...
Sid frowned as he stared at me, his expression unsure.
I met his gaze boldly, and when he spoke, his voice was low and serious.
Sid：If you become a vampire, you'll never be able to die.
Sid：You'll have to throw away everything—everything related to the life you've lived so far.
Sid：Are you sure you're still okay with that?
Jily：I am.
There was no hesitation this time—I nodded immediately.
My heart sped up a little as I went on.
Jily：Because I—
Jily：I love you, Sid.
Sid's lips quirked a little at my words, relaxing into a small smile.
He stared at me for a moment before he said,
Sid：Silly girl.
Sid：I hope you're ready.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Sid stepped towards me again, and I felt his lips against my neck.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
His bite was deeper than it had ever been before, and numbness flooded through me.

（Sid—!）

I clung desperately to Sid, fighting to stay upright as a sweet sensation followed the numbness.
After what felt like a short eternity, Sid leaned back at last.
Sid：There. Now you're a vampire.
Sid：I ain't gonna hold back anything anymore—hope you're ready for me too.
Sid wiped the back of his mouth with his hand, his smile daring me.
My mind felt fuzzy, but it was easy for me to focus on that beautiful smile.
Jily：I am.

（I want to be with you. That's all that matters.）

It was the last thing I thought before I blacked out in his arms.

＊＊＊

I'd truly become a vampire this time, and I chose Sid as the lord of the castle.
Everyone celebrated our decision, and soon I was adjusting to my new life.
Jily：Sid—it's almost dawn.
Sid：I wanna stay like this a little longer.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The sky was still dark, but I could see tinges of pink on the eastern horizon.
Sid lay with his head in my lap, showing no signs of moving.
Jily：And yet you hate the light.
Sid：If we just close the curtains, it's no big deal.
Sid murmured softly as he took my hand, placing a soft kiss against my fingers.
Sid：I wanna be with you a little longer.

（Oh—）

His tiny kiss was still more than enough to send a flutter of excitement through me.
I dropped my gaze coyly, and Sid looked up at me, his eyes mischievous.
Sid：Besides, if we wanna have a little private fun together—
Sid：Well, it's better to wait till everyone else goes to sleep, right?
Jily：Sid—

（Ahh, you never change.）

I mock-pouted down at him, trying to hide the sudden burst of excitement I'd felt at his words.
Sid studied my expression for a moment, and then laughed softly.
Sid：I like that look. It turns me on.
He sat up, still laughing, and kissed me gently on the cheek.
I could hear the smile in his voice as he whispered,
Sid：But I think we should hold off for tonight.
Sid：Too much too soon and we'll just wear each other out, don'tcha think?
Jily：Geez, Sid!
Sid：We've got all the time in the world. C'mere.
Sid pulled me into his arms, and then pulled us both down onto the bed.
Sid：You chose to be with me forever, right?
Sid：So let's not rush it. Just lie here with me.
Sid's embrace was strong and sure, and I snuggled into it.

（Ahhh, sometimes you drive me crazy.）
（But that's just a part of what I love about you.）

I buried my face in his chest, hiding my happy smile.
I could feel the approaching dawn on the far side of the curtains, but all that mattered was being in Sid's arms...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...