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

A full moon hangs low in the sky...
You wander into a castle full of vampires,
unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy...
………
Byron：I don't know if we'll be able to meet like this again in the future.
Byron：But—I love you. I want you to remember 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 Byron

Byron, Chapter 1：

The candles in their holders on the walls lit up one by one.
As the room brightened around me, it showed me four men, all staring at me.

（Who on earth are you all?）

As I stood staring in confusion, a young man with big, bright eyes approached me.
???：Is this our princess?

（Princess? What's that supposed to mean?）

He leaned closer to study me, but I found myself too scared to speak.
The men began to talk amongst themselves, almost as if I weren't even there.
???：So who's gonna take care of her?
???：Do ya even need to ask?
???：Well, you're right. He is said to be the most suited to be lord of the castle.
???：Byron?
All three of them turned to look at the one man who hadn't yet spoken—a man with a powerful, dignified presence.
He studied me silently, seeming to ignore them for the moment.

（So you must be Byron, then?）

There was something gentle about his gaze, and he didn't seem dangerous to me.
But I still didn't understand what was going on, and my legs were shaking with fear.
Byron：Are you scared?
Byron walked slowly towards me, coming to a stop in front of me.
Jily：I'm sorry, but—I've got no idea what's going on.
Byron：I see.
Byron spoke softly, and then turned to look at the other three men.
Byron：Will you let us speak in private for a while?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

＊＊＊

Byron led me out of the entrance hall to a quiet balcony overlooking the forest.

（You seem like a nice enough person, but—）

I couldn't quell my fears, and I followed him at a safe distance.
Byron glanced back at me, and spoke in a gentle voice.
Byron：You don't need to be so scared.
He then explained to me that I was in a castle inhabited by vampires.
He told me that any woman who found her way into the castle was no longer able to leave again.
Byron：You will be expected to fill the role of our princess, and choose the lord of this castle.

（But that's crazy—I can't do that!）

It was too much too soon, and my thoughts scattered in confusion.
Jily：I don't believe it—I thought that was just a story in a book!
I spoke without thinking, but Byron responded quickly.
Byron：Ahh, yes. That was apparently written by a young man who stumbled upon a vampire castle long ago.

（What, really?）

Jily：What happened to him?
Byron：As a man, he couldn't become the princess.
Byron：There was no danger to him—he should have been able to return home safely. However—
Byron paused for a moment, and when he went on, his voice was softer.
Byron：If the townspeople find the castle, the vampires living there have to move.
Byron：The vampires he met were probably in a different forest to this one.

（I see. I think.）

I understood, but it didn't stop the anxiety and fear from welling up inside.

（So what you're saying is that I really can't leave this place.）

Just thinking it made me feel lonely for my home, and the people I cared about, and a tear trickled down my cheek.
Byron：A tear?
Byron reached out, touching my cheek.
His fingers were cool against my skin as he gently wiped my tear away.
Byron：I've heard that humans shed tears when they're sad.
Jily：Yes. But, Byron—haven't you ever cried?
Byron：No. However—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：No. However—
Byron spoke softly, his gaze capturing mine and holding it.
Byron：It's strange, but seeing you cry stirs my emotions.
Byron：When you need to cry, I will be here for you.
Byron：I will stay with you until you've shed all your tears.
Jily：Byron—
As I met his gaze, I realized that my fear and anxiety had faded away.

（And that's not all.）

My heart was beginning to race as we stared at each other.
Byron：What's wrong? Your face is red.
Jily：It is?

（Oh no. Well, my heart's pounding, and—）

I didn't understand why his gaze was affecting me so much, and I hastily looked away.

（What's wrong with me?）
（We've only just met. Why do I feel this way?）

Jily：I'm fine.
Jily：Thank you, Byron.
Byron：You're welcome.
Byron's faint smile was surprisingly gentle.
My heart began to pound even louder as I gazed up at him.

＊＊＊

Once I'd calmed down a little, Byron showed me to my room.
Byron：This will be your room.

（Wow, it's amazing! It's so elegant and—）

As I gazed around me in wonder, I realized Byron was taking off his jacket.

（Hang on a minute—）

Byron：What's wrong?
Jily：Nothing, I just—
Jily：I was wondering if you were going back to your room now.
Byron：This is my room.

（Wait a minute! That means—）

Byron：You'll be staying here from tonight onwards.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：You'll be staying here from tonight onwards.
Jily：Wait, what?
Byron：Is there a problem?
Jily：Well—

（I appreciate your kindness and all that, but—）

I wondered if he expected us to sleep in the same bed, and just thinking about it made me blush.
Byron studied me for a moment, and then he smiled.
Byron：You've gone red again.
Byron：You don't need to worry. I'm not going to do whatever it is you're imagining.
Jily：Oh!
I realized then that he'd seen straight through me.

（Ahh, you're too much for me, Byron!）

I was so embarrassed I couldn't even look him in the face.
I dropped my gaze to the floor, trying to calm my pounding heart.

＊＊＊

Later that evening—
I woke from a light doze, and saw that Byron was sitting on the far side of the bed, reading a book.

（Are you going to stay awake all night?）

I was still a little afraid, but I could clearly sense Byron's kindness.

（And being scared the whole time isn't going to change anything.）

I rolled over in bed and looked up at Byron.
Jily：Aren't you going to sleep?
Byron：No.
Byron's answer was curt, his eyes still on his book.

（But why?）
（I hope it's not because of me?）

Anxiety suddenly welled up inside, and I sat up slowly.
Jily：Um—Byron?
Byron：Yes?
Jily：I've only just arrived here, and I don't really understand anything.
Jily：But if I'm causing any problems for you, I'd be grateful if you'd tell me.
I spoke hesitantly, my words stilted, but Byron only smiled.
Byron：No, it's not your fault.
Jily：Really?
Byron：It's a full moon tonight.
Byron：If I don't keep myself awake—I don't know what I might end up doing to you.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：It's a full moon tonight.
Byron：If I don't keep myself awake—I don't know what I might end up doing to you.
I realized then that Byron's gaze was lingering on my neck.

（Because you're a vampire, right?）

I bit my lower lip, dropping my gaze away.
I heard the sound of Byron closing his book, and I looked up to see him turning to climb off the bed.
Jily：Byron?
Byron：If we're not careful when the moon is full, we can lose all self-control.
I realized then how difficult it must be for him to stay by my side.

（And yet—）

I couldn't help the fact that I felt safer when he was near me.
He was moving away from me, and without thinking I reached out and caught hold of his arm.

（I want you to stay with me.）

Byron：What's wrong?
Jily：Oh! Um. Nothing. I'm sorry.
I hastily let go of his arm, my hand dropping away.
But he caught my hand with his own, leaning closer to catch my gaze.
He caught his breath, and I saw his eyes wavering.
His jaw tensed as he fought for control of himself, and watching it made my heart ache.

（At first I thought you were scary, but—）

Seeing him trying so hard to keep control of himself made me realize all over again how kind he really was.
I reached up and placed my hand gently against his cheek.
Jily：I don't mind. I really don't.
Jily：And I'll stay here with you from now on.
Jily：I don't want to cause trouble for you every time the full moon comes around.
Byron's eyes widened a little as I tilted my head to the side, showing him my bare neck.
After a moment, he lowered his head slowly towards my skin.
He parted my hair with gentle fingers.
Jily：Ohhhh—
His cold lips pressed against my skin, and I shivered slightly.
A moment later he bit me, and I cried out softly at the sweet pain.
I quivered in his grasp as his teeth and lips caressed my bare skin.
Byron：I can't control it.
Jily：Byron—it's okay—
A strange, sorrowful numbness began to spread through my whole body.
Byron pulled back at last, his lips dark, his breathing ragged.
He stared down at me, his deep blue gaze unnervingly intense.

（It's happening again.）

My heart skipped a beat and began to race wildly.

（Why do I react so strongly each time you stare at me like that?）

But my consciousness was slipping away from me, and I had no answer to my question.
I closed my eyes as I let myself fall into Byron's strong embrace.

＊＊＊

As I spent my days together with Byron, time seemed to pass by in a flash.

Byron, Chapter 2：

It had taken a while, but I was finally getting used to living in the castle.
Nico：So that's what ended up happening, Byron.
Byron：I see. That's certainly an interesting story.
Byron：What do you think?
Jily：What? Oh—
I jumped in surprise as Byron included me in the conversation, and my heart began to race.

（Ahh, I can't help getting all nervous.）

The more I'd come to realize just how kind Byron really was,
the more I found myself hyper-aware of everything he did and said.
Byron：What's wrong?
I couldn't think of a thing to say, and Byron leaned closer, his gaze concerned.
Jily：Nothing—it's just—
His direct gaze left me blushing, and then I heard Nico laugh.
Nico：It seems that Jily would like to talk to you alone, Byron.
Byron：Is that so?
Jily：Well—

（Geez, Nico, you're not helping!）

I glanced at Nico only to find his eyes dancing with amusement.
Byron：If that's what you wish, I'll talk with you like this tonight.
Nico：Lucky you, Jily!

（Gah, this is so embarrassing!）

I couldn't look either of them in the face, and I stared down at my hands in my lap.

（But—
（Even if it's just a little thing, I'm happy when I get to spend time with you, Byron.）

＊＊＊

As we were spending a pleasant time together inside the castle—
Man：What is this place?
A young man stood in front of the castle, his eyes wide with shock.
Man：Don't tell me—is this—
The man muttered under his breath, and then turned and began to run in the opposite direction.
The sound of the wolves howling echoed behind him, as if sending him on his way.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The man returned from the forest and began to run around the town, yelling loudly.
Man：Someone! Someone, please, come out and listen!
People heard his desperate voice and began to step out of their homes.
Amongst them was Robert, and he approached the young man.
Robert：What is it? Did something happen?
Man：I found a strange, ominous castle in the middle of the forest.
Man：And I know what it is! It's just the same as that vampire castle in the storybooks!
Robert：There's no way that could be true.
Man：If you don't believe me, I'll show you! And what if—
Man：Well, you know how Jily went missing recently? What if she's locked up in there?
Robert fell silent at the man's words, a frown crossing his features.
He glanced uncertainly at the gathered crowd, and then looked at the man's determined expression again.

＊＊＊

After Nico left, Byron and I sat quietly in his room, talking.
I was just starting to relax and enjoy myself, when—
Sid：Hey! We got trouble!
The door swung open and hit the wall with a thud as Sid rushed into the room.
Byron：What's wrong?
Sid：Hurry—
Sid's words were interrupted by a sudden, rumbling tremor that seemed to shake the whole castle.
Jily：What was that?
Byron stood up without a word and strode towards the window.
He pushed aside the curtains and opened the window, leaning outside.
A moment later a frown crossed his face.
Byron：They look like they'll get through to the castle any moment now.
Sid：Yeah. Looks like the townspeople found us somehow.

（What?! But that's—）

I ran over to the window and saw countless flickering torches.
They were held by a crowd of people who were trying to break through the castle gates.

（What on earth is going on?!）

I stared down at the crowd in disbelief, when suddenly—
Amidst the yelling voices of the crowd, I heard the sound of my name being called.
Jily：Was that—my name?
Byron：It would appear they suspect us of having kidnapped you.
Jily：Oh no!
I caught my breath, and then another loud crash shook the castle.
I stared in a daze as the gates fell and the crowd poured into the castle grounds.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Sid：We can't stay here anymore.
Sid：We need to get ready to run.
Byron：Yes.
Sid turned and ran out of the room again without another word.
Jily：Byron—
My voice wavered with fear as I spoke his name, and Byron caught my hand in his.
Byron：This way.
Byron and I ran together down a carpeted staircase.
But all of a sudden Byron stopped, a frown crossing his face.
I stumbled to a halt beside him, and he glanced down at me.
Byron：Looks like someone's found us.
Jily：What?
Byron stood in front of me, shielding me, his expression grim as he gazed down the stairs.
A man wielding a sword came running up the stairs towards us.
Man：You monster! Let her go!
Byron's eye was narrowed as he stared at the man rushing headlong towards us.
He remained still and silent, even as the sword came flashing towards him.

（Byron! No!）

Without even thinking I leapt in front of Byron, screaming at the man.
Jily：Stop! Please, stop!
Jily：Byron's not a monster! He's not! So please—
Man：You poor thing. He's brainwashed you!

（What?!）

The man's voice was filled with sympathy as he reached out, offering me his hand.
Man：Come back to your true self.
Man：Come with me, and you can go home.
Jily：Oh!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I stared down at the man's outstretched hand, my eyes wide with shock.

（I can go home?）

For a moment, my heart wavered with confusion.
Man：Quickly, come over here!

（What should I do? What—）

I stood there, frozen in confusion, and Byron studied me, his expression flat.
Then suddenly he lifted me in his arms, pressing me against his chest.
Jily：Oh!
Byron：Sorry, but I need you to leave us alone.
Man：What?!
Byron：Let's go.
Byron spoke crisply as he dashed past the man, too fast to be caught.
He rushed through the palace, until we ended up in a quiet room.
There was no one else there, but I could distantly hear the voices of the townspeople, screaming and yelling.
Byron：We're out of time.
Byron：But there's something I have to ask you.
Jily：What is it?
Byron cradled me against his chest, his voice gentle as he went on.
Byron：Do you want to live on as a vampire?
Byron：Or do you want to return to the town and to your home?
Byron：I won't stop you, either way. You should do what it is that you want.

（Oh Byron—）

I dropped my gaze away for a moment, overwhelmed by the sudden question.

（It's true that I want to go home.
（But more than that—）

I looked up at Byron again, his face so close to mine, and I knew the truth from the pounding of my heart.
That was enough to make up my mind, and I looked him directly in the eye.

（I want to be with you.
（So if you feel the same way that I do—）

Jily：Byron.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Byron.
Jily：I have something I need to ask you, too.
Byron：What is it?
Jily：I want to know how you feel.
Byron Byron's eye widened in surprise at my soft words.
We stared at each other for a moment, but just as he opened his mouth to speak—
Man：This door is locked!
Man：That vampire who ran off with the girl might be in here!
Jily：Oh no!
I caught my breath as someone began to hammer loudly on the door.
I watched it trembling under the blows, and I knew it was only a matter of time before they forced it open.
Byron：What do you mean?
Yet in spite of all that, Byron only hesitated a moment before speaking, his gaze serious.

（There's no time left. I have to tell you now.）

I took a deep breath, and met Byron's gaze again.
Jily：Byron—I love you.
Jily：So I want to know how you feel about me.
Byron：I see.
Byron nodded slowly, his hands gently stroking my back.
Byron：Then I should answer.
He laid me gently down on the floor, and leaned over me, his body close.
Byron：This is my answer.
A moment later I felt his lips press against my neck.
Jily：Ahhhhh!
A sweet pain seared through my body, followed by a strange, tingling numbness.

（Byron—!）

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Byron, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Byron：This is my answer.
Byron pressed his lips against my neck, and a sweet pain seared through my body.
Jily：Ahhhhh!

（Byron—!）

I reached up to grasp the arms holding me tightly.
But Byron was already moving away, and I blinked up at him in confusion.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his gaze quiet as he looked down at me.
Byron：Jily.
There was such gentleness to his voice as he spoke my name.
Jily：Byron—
It was all I could do to whisper his name in reply.
I stared up at him as the crashing sound against the door grew louder.
A moment later my consciousness slipped away, and I fell into darkness.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
I felt warm sunlight against my face, and I slowly opened my eyes.
To my surprise I found myself in Robert's studio.

（Wait a minute—how—）

I looked around the room in confusion, and Robert came rushing towards me.
Robert：Jily! Are you okay?
Jily：Robert?
Robert：You've lost a lot of blood. You should rest for a while.

（Blood?）

I caught my breath at his words, memory flooding back.
Jily：Byron—!!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Byron—!!
I spoke without thinking, and Robert's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Robert：What's the matter, Jily?
Robert：Who's Byron?
Jily：He was with me... at the castle.
Robert：Are you talking about the vampire who attacked you?
Robert：Apparently when the townspeople entered the room where you were, he was already gone.

（So that means his answer was—）

Byron：This is my answer.

（He was telling me—）

Jily：He doesn't love me.
I spoke softly under my breath, too quiet for Robert to hear.
I clenched my fingers in the sheets, trying my best not to cry.

＊＊＊

That evening, as the stars twinkled in the sky overhead—
Nico hurried after Byron as he headed into the forest.
Nico：Byron, please wait!
Byron：What?
Nico：Are you really sure you're okay with this?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Are you really sure you're okay with this?
Byron：It's our law.
Nico：But—
There was no emotion in Byron's voice, and Nico stared at him, his expression miserable.
When he spoke, his voice was hoarse with sorrow.
Nico：I know that any vampire who lets the princess go home is to be banished from the castle.
Nico：But I never imagined that YOU would be banished, Byron.
A small smile crossed Byron's lips as he listened.
He said nothing, and for a moment the two of them stood there, staring at each other.
Then Byron turned and walked away into the forest.
Nico：Byron—
Nico's hands balled into fists as he watched Byron walk away.

＊＊＊

It was some time since I'd returned to my home in the town.
I stood at the open window, staring up at the full moon floating in the starry night sky.

（Oh, Byron...）

〝Byron：When you need to cry, I will be here for you.〞
〝Byron：I will stay with you until you've shed all your tears.〞

〝Byron：You don't need to worry. I'm not going to do whatever it is you're imagining.〞

〝Byron：Do you want to live on as a vampire?〞
〝Byron：Or do you want to return to the town and to your home?〞
〝Byron：I won't stop you, either way. You should do what it is that you want.〞

（I don't know what to do.
（I know that I'll never see you again—but I can't forget you. Not ever.）

My heart was filled with thoughts of Byron, and right at that moment—
???：Jily.
A familiar voice spoke my name from the darkness.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Don't tell me—）

I rushed outside and looked around, and sure enough I soon spotted Nico.
Jily：Nico!
Nico：Long time no see, Jily.
Jily：What are you doing here?
My voice squeaked with surprise, and Nico scratched his cheek awkwardly.
Nico：Well, actually—
Nico：I was worried that you might have mistaken something about Byron.
Jily：What do you mean?
I stared at Nico with wide eyes, and he began to explain.
He told me that any vampire who let the princess return to the town was banished from the castle forever.

（So when Byron let me go home like that—）
（It wasn't because he doesn't love me, it was because he was trying to protect me?）

A sad, lonely ache filled me up inside, and for a moment I almost thought my heart would break.
I stared at Nico, lost for words, and he gave me a slow, sad smile.
Nico：I couldn't just let it end like this. So I did some searching, and I figured out where Byron went.
Nico：Jily, do you want to go see him?

＊＊＊

Nico led me to an old, run-down mansion a long way away from both the town and the forest.
I was shaking with nerves as we walked down the quiet corridor.
Nico：I'll wait outside, okay?
Jily：Okay.

＊＊＊

I left Nico behind and made my way out onto the balcony.
A figure stood on the far side of the fluttering curtain, and my heart skipped a beat as I realized it really was Byron.
Jily：Byron!!
I couldn't help but call his name, and he turned in surprise, his eye widening.
Byron：You—
I felt as if I could see myself reflected in his gaze.
Nothing had changed—my pulse was racing, just as it had when we'd lived in the castle together.

（I still love you, Byron.）

My heart ached with surety, and I rushed towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I rushed towards Byron, throwing myself into his arms.
Byron：Jily—
Byron reached up hesitantly, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulder.
Jily：Why—why didn't you turn me into a vampire?
Jily：I didn't want to leave you!
I stared up at him, entranced by his intense gaze.
I felt his fingers moving hesitantly against my shoulder again.
Then at last he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.
Byron：Being a vampire means living forever, and never dying.
Byron：It means being despised as a monster.
Byron：I couldn't do that to you.
Jily：But that's—
Sorrow welled up inside me, my words choking in my throat, and tears rolled down my cheeks.
Byron gently wiped away my tears, just as he'd done the first day we'd met.
He loosened his grip on me, pulling back to look me directly in the eye.
Byron：There is one thing that I regret, though.
Jily：What?
Byron：I didn't tell you how I feel.
Byron placed his hand over mine, his touch gentle.
His fingers were cold as they stroked my cheek, but I smiled as I met his gaze.
Byron：I don't know if we'll be able to meet like this again in the future.
Byron：But—
Byron：I love you. I want you to remember that.
His voice was a husky murmur, and then his lips found mine.
I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to his sweet kisses.

（I feel the same.）
（Oh, Byron—I love you with all my heart.）

I had no idea how long our time together would last.
But I didn't want to part from him for even a moment, and I leaned against him, sinking into his embrace...

fin.

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Byron, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Byron：This is my answer.
Byron pressed his lips against my neck, and a sweet pain seared through my body.
Jily：Ahhhhh!

（Byron—!）

An aching numbness slowly suffused me, and my vision began to waver.
I tried to focus on Byron, but right at that moment—
Man：This door is locked!
Man：The girl might be in here! Break it down!
Voices rose outside the door, and it began to shake as something pounded against it.
All too soon the lock was broken, and several townspeople rushed into the room.
Man：You! What are you doing!
Man：Get away from her, you monster!

（Byron—no!）

The angry voices filled me with fear, and I clung to Byron.
But he lifted his head away from my neck, his movements unhurried.
He slowly wiped his lips, and then leaned close to murmur in my ear.
Byron：I promise that I will come for you before this wound is fully healed.
Byron：No matter what.
Jily：Byron—
His faint smile and the sound of my voice whispering his name were the last things I remembered.
Everything went black, and I was lost in darkness.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Nnnnn—
When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see a familiar face leaning over me.
Robert：Are you okay, Jily?
Jily：Robert?

（Then this is—）

I looked slowly around, and realized I was in my own familiar bedroom.
Robert：You collapsed at the castle, but we saved you and brought you home.
Robert：You've been asleep for days. Your wound is healing nicely, but—
Jily：My wound?

〝Byron：I promise that I will come for you before this wound is fully healed.〞
〝Byron：No matter what.〞

（Oh!）

I caught my breath as I remembered the last thing Byron had said to me.
Robert's expression changed suddenly, as if he'd remembered something.
Robert：I almost forgot. A letter arrived addressed to you. Here you go.
I looked down at the envelope Robert was holding out to me.
The paper was very high quality, and the envelope was decorated with roses.

（This letter—is it—）

I hastily broke the seal and looked inside, to find neat handwriting scrawled across paper with the same rose design.

（I will come for you at midnight in the forest where we met...）

There was no name, but I knew immediately that it was a letter from Byron.
Robert：I don't mean to pry, but—
Robert：I'm afraid I just accidentally read the letter over your shoulder.
Jily：What?!
Robert caught my gaze, his expression turning serious.
Robert：Do you really mean to go?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Robert：Do you really mean to go?
Robert：Are you prepared to throw away everything and go back to him?

（I—）

〝Byron：When you need to cry, I will be here for you.〞

〝Byron：You don't need to worry. I'm not going to do whatever it is you're imagining.〞

〝Byron：I promise that I will come for you before this wound is fully healed.〞
〝Byron：No matter what.〞

（Even if I lose everything—I want to be with Byron.
（That's how much I love him.）

Jily：Yes.
There was no hesitation in my heart, and I could hear the conviction in my own voice.
Robert fell silent, studying my face as if searching for something.
At last he sighed, and gave me a wan smile.
Robert：I understand. In that case, I won't stop you.
Robert：There's not much time. I'll see you as far as the forest.

＊＊＊

Robert took me to the edge of the forest in his carriage.
Jily：Robert—
Jily：Thank you so much for everything.

（This will be the last time we see each other.）

I curtseyed respectfully, and he gave me a small smile.
Robert：Not at all. I should be the one thanking you.
Robert：Goodbye, Jily.
I gave him one last smile and turned away, hurrying into the forest.
I made my way quickly down the main road, glancing around me as I did so, when suddenly—

（Oh!）

The forest was dark at night, and I stumbled on something I couldn't even see.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Jily.

（Oh!）

Strong arms wrapped around me from behind, steadying me.
I turned in surprise at the warm, sure embrace.
The person holding me in his arms was the one person I'd been longing to see.
Jily：Byron—
I murmured his name, and he smiled at me, leaning towards me.
A moment later his lips caught mine in a soft kiss, and then he pulled back, just slightly.
Byron：If you choose me, you can never return to the life you had.
Byron：Are you still okay with that?
His voice was sharp, but I'd already asked myself that same question.

（My mind is already made up.）

Jily：Yes, I am.
Jily：Please, let me stay with you forever.

＊＊＊

The place Byron led me to was a newly built villa I'd never seen before.
Byron：We can't use the castle anymore—not now that the townspeople know where it is.
Byron：And besides, now that we're together, I'd prefer a home that's just for the two of us.

（Oh, Byron—）

My heart was pounding as Byron drew me into his embrace.
He led me over to the bed, pushing me gently down against the covers.
Byron：There's no going back now.
Byron：Are you really sure?
Jily：I'm sure.
I nodded firmly, and Byron's expression relaxed into a smile.
He reached out, gently stroking the bare skin of my neck.
He leaned closer, his lips feathering against my skin as he murmured,
Byron：I promise that I will make you happy.
Byron：And I will never, ever let you go.
A moment later—
Jily：Ohhhhhh—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：I promise that I will make you happy.
Byron：And I will never, ever let you go.

（Byron—）

Happiness flooded through me, filling me with warmth, and a moment later his fangs pierced my skin.
Jily：Ohhhhhh—
The pain was bittersweet, and my body began to quiver.
Byron tilted his head, looking up at me even as he continued to nibble on my neck.
His fingers twined with mine, pushing my hands gently back against the sheets.
Jily：Ohhhh—Byron—
Byron's body pressed down against mine, closer than he'd ever been before.
Pleasure and pain coursed through me, and I closed my eyes and let myself drown in it.

＊＊＊

I woke up again much later that night.
Byron took me by the hand and led me outside to show me the beautiful gardens.
Jily：It all feels like a dream.
Jily：I can't believe we're together again like this.

（I'm so happy it's almost scary.）

Byron squeezed my hand reassuringly, and I felt the pinprick of tears.
Byron glanced at me, and a smile touched his lips.
I smiled back up at him even as the tears trickled down my cheeks.
He leaned closer and kissed the tears away, one by one.
Byron：Once upon a time I told you that when you needed to cry, I'd stay with you until you'd shed all your tears.
Byron：From now on—I will stay with you always, not just when you cry.
Byron：I'll be with you as much as you want me to.

（Oh, Byron—）

His promise made me so happy that I felt lost for words, so I squeezed his hand tightly instead.
Byron：I love you, Jily.
Jily：I love you too, Byron.
As we whispered the words to each other, we moved into a shared embrace.
Our lips came together in a kiss that was filled with all the love we felt for each other...

fin.

After Episode

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