♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

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

A full moon hangs low in the sky...
You wander into a castle full of vampires,
unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy...
………
Alyn：I love you.
Alyn：That's why I can't make you a vampire.
………
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 Alyn

Alyn, Chapter 1：

The candles in their holders on the walls lit up one by one.
The room brightened around me, and I stared in surprise.
Four impossibly beautiful men were standing in front of me, all staring at me.

（Who on earth are you all?）

I was slumped against the door, my legs folded under me, and one of the men approached me.
He crouched down and slid his fingers under my chin, lifting my face towards him.
???：She's come inside. I guess that means she's the princess?

（Princess? What on earth are you talking about?）

His words made no sense, and my eyes widened in surprise, fear flooding through me.

（I don't think I should be here—these guys seem dangerous.）

I tried to stand up, intending to turn and leave, but sudden pain shot through my ankle.
Jily：Ow!

（Did I twist it while I was running away or something?）

I gasped, reaching down towards the pain.
???：Hey—
I looked up to find the young man's red eyes staring into mine, and then he touched my ankle.

（Owwww!）

It should have been a gentle touch, but my whole body shook with the pain, and I whimpered a little.
The man spoke in a soft voice as he studied me.
???：I'll deal with her for now.
He didn't even bother waiting for an answer.
A moment later I found myself lifted into the air, supported in his warm embrace.
Jily：Hey—I—
I struggled in his grasp, unsure how to react.
But he ignored me, his expression unchanging as he carried me away.
The room he took me to was gorgeously decorated, and seemed way too extravagant for me.
The young man set me down gently on the bed as I stared around me.
He crouched down in front of me again, and I turned to meet his gaze.
???：You've hurt your ankle, right?
He rolled up the hem of my dress as he spoke, and gently took hold of my ankle.
???：This may hurt a bit, but hold still.

（Wait, what are you doing?）

The man lowered his face towards my ankle...

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：This may hurt a bit, but hold still.

（Wait, what are you doing?）

The man lowered his face towards my ankle.
Jily：Oh!
A sudden piercing pain shivered through me, and my pulse began to race.
I sighed as all the tension seemed to flow out of my body.
The young man raised his head again, and our eyes met for just a moment.
Then his gaze dropped away, his lashes fluttering against his cheeks as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Without thinking I turned to look at my ankle again.
I could see a small wound, like a bite, with a drop of blood on it.

（Hang on a minute—are you—）

An uneasy possibility filled my mind, but before I could react, my vision began to waver.

（Ahh, I'm so dizzy!）

My eyes fell shut as consciousness slipped away from me.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
I stirred a little as a I woke slowly from a light sleep.

（What happened?）

I realized that the throbbing pain in my ankle had eased to almost nothing.
I opened my eyes slowly, looking around me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I opened my eyes, slowly sitting up in bed.
Jily：I—

（That's right, the wolves were chasing me in the forest, and then—）

???：You awake?
I looked up with a start at the unexpected voice.
The young man leaned closer, gently touching my ankle as if checking it.

（Don't tell me—）

I chewed my lower lip as I watched him, and then said hesitantly,
Jily：You—don't tell me you healed it for me?
???：I have a name, you know. It's Alyn.
The young man continued to look at my ankle as he spoke.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：Yeah.
I followed Alyn's gaze to my ankle, where I could see a faint red wound.
Yet strangely, all the swelling was gone, and the pain I'd felt earlier had gone with it.

（Did it really get better because you bit it?）

Normally I'd never entertain such a thought, but it was all I could think of, and fear filled me up inside.
Jily：Um—thank you very much for helping me.

（But I really need to get out of this place, as soon as I can!）

I climbed out of bed and headed towards the door, but Alyn caught my arm as I passed him.
Alyn：Wait.
Jily：What?
Alyn：You can't leave here.
Jily：But—I have to go home—
Alyn pressed his lips together, and my words trailed off at the look on his face.
I dropped my gaze, feeling suddenly overwhelmed.

（I have no idea what's going on here, but—）

Jily：Please—please let me go home.
I spoke imploringly, shaking off his hold on my arm.
I turned towards the door again, but as I did so—
Alyn：Calm down and listen.
Alyn stepped in front of me, blocking my way, and pulled me towards him.
I caught my breath as he leaned towards me, speaking softly in my ear.
Alyn：You can't leave this castle ever again.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You can't leave this castle ever again.
Jily：What?

（Are you serious?）

I couldn't believe the words I'd heard, and my eyes widened with shock as I stared up at him.
But his expression remained serious as he continued to speak.
Alyn：You can't go back to your home anymore.
Jily：But that's crazy! What am I supposed to do?
Alyn：I'm about to explain, so calm down, okay?
Alyn must have seen how flustered I looked, and he patted me reassuringly on the back.
Alyn：I promise I'll explain everything properly.

＊＊＊

Alyn led me out to a balcony that had a good view of the surrounding area.
I gazed out at the vast gardens and the dense forests as I listened to him explain about the castle.
Jily：So, this really is a castle where actual vampires live?
Alyn：That about sums it up.

（I can't believe that fairytale is real!）

According to Alyn, the vampires had a legend that a woman would get lost and wander into the castle,
and that woman would be named their princess and would choose one of the vampires as lord of the castle.
Alyn：Once you choose a lord, you'll become a vampire too, and spend the rest of your life with your partner.
Alyn：And when I say 'the rest of your life,' well, we don't die, so that's basically forever.
Jily：Forever...
It was too sudden, too much, and I just couldn't get my head around it.
I dropped my gaze away, and Alyn leaned closer, studying me.
Alyn：We're not gonna just bite you for no reason, so don't worry.
Alyn：Well, except when you hurt yourself, like you did earlier. That was different.

（I see. I guess that makes sense.）

I breathed a small sigh of relief, glancing up at Alyn.
As I did so, his expression relaxed, and I saw his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Alyn：Although, if you ask me to bite you, I'll be happy to do so.
Alyn：You're pretty tasty.

（Wait, what?!）

His smile was mischievous, and I found myself blushing.
Jily：Geez, Alyn!
I laughed awkwardly, and he gave me a smile in return.
Alyn：There ya go. Cheer up. I'll be here for you.
He reached out and ruffled my hair gently.
His hand was cold, but his touch was gentle, and I smiled a little.
w—it's too much to cope with.

（But thanks to you, I don't think I feel quite so scared anymore.）

The anxiety that had been clutching at my heart seemed to ease somewhat, and I sighed with relief.

＊＊＊

After that, time seemed to fly by.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After that, time seemed to fly by.
I slowly got used to living in the castle, surrounded by vampires.
The days were calm and quiet somehow, and it didn't seem as weird as I'd expected it to.
Nico：Jily, I made tea for you.
Jily：Thank you.
Nico was serving as my personal attendant, and I smiled at him.
He set my tea down on the table, and leaned closer to study me.
Nico：It's been a while since you came to the castle, hasn't it?
Nico：Have you decided who's going to be lord of the castle yet?
Jily：Well—
Nico：If you can't find anyone else good, you should pick me!
Nico：I bet it'd be super fun to be with you forever and ever!
All my words seemed stuck in my throat, and I swallowed hard.
Alyn was sitting next to me, and he sighed.
Alyn：Idiot. It's not something to be decided so lightly.
Jily：Alyn—

（Lord of the castle, huh? If I were to choose you, Alyn—）

I tried to imagine what it might be like to live with Alyn forever.
My heart fluttered with sweet anticipation, and I caught my breath.
Nico：Aww, Jily, you're totally blushing!
Nico：What were you just thinking? Was it—
Jily：It was nothing!
Nico's gaze sparkled with amusement, and I looked away hastily.

（Lately I feel all fluttery inside when I think about Alyn.）

I sighed softly, trying to ease the odd ache in my chest, but I was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Sid：Hey. This is you, right?
Sid stepped into the room, and handed me a single piece of parchment.
I looked down at what was written on it, and my eyes widened in surprise.

（This is—）

Alyn, Chapter 2：

I looked down at the parchment Sid had handed me.
It was a poster stating that I was missing, and asked for any information about my whereabouts.

（They're worried about me.）

I'd done my best not to think about the life and the people I'd left behind.
But loneliness welled up inside me as I stared down at the poster.
Nico：Jily?
Jily：I'm sorry—I think I'm gonna go back to my room for a bit.
It was all I could manage just to say that without my voice cracking, and I hurried out of the room.
I could feel Alyn's gaze on my back, but I couldn't look at any of them.
The tears threatened to spill over as I climbed the stairs to my room, and I stopped at last.

（Everyone's looking for me. They miss me. I should've realized.）

I was still clutching the poster, and a familiar scent wafted up from it.
The loneliness seemed almost overwhelming, and right at that moment—
Alyn：Hey.
Alyn：Do you want to leave the castle?
I turned in surprise to find Alyn behind me, and I realized he must have followed me.

（I could say yes, but that would just cause problems, wouldn't it?）

I knew it wasn't Alyn's fault I couldn't leave—it was an old rule, set in place a long time again.
I didn't want to put him in a difficult position, so I schooled my features into a smile.
Jily：No. I was just feeling a bit nostalgic.
I did my best to hold on to my smile, but I could feel it wavering.
Instead of smiling back at me, Alyn studied my expression.
Then he gave a loud sigh, reaching out towards me.
Alyn：Idiot. You don't have to force yourself to smile for me.
Alyn：You don't have to be strong all the time.
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace.

（Oh, Alyn.）

I buried my face in his chest, unable to hide my feelings any longer.

（When you hold me like this—）

Jily：I'm sorry, Alyn.
Jily：The truth is, I really want to see them.
Alyn：I know.

（Somehow I feel like I can always rely on you.）

I wanted to return to my old life more than anything, and yet I didn't want to leave Alyn.

（I don't even understand it myself.）

I closed my eyes as I leaned into Alyn's embrace, confused by my complicated feelings.

＊＊＊

Alyn saw Jily back to her room, and then made his way through the castle.
Soon he came across Nico, leaning against a wall, seemingly waiting for him.
Nico：I don't mind if you act all kind towards the princess.
Nico：But you wouldn't happen to be thinking anything odd, would you?
Alyn pressed his lips together, a frown crossing his features for a moment.
Then he straightened up a little, the frown vanishing as quickly as it had come.
He studied Nico, his expression as flat as ever.
Alyn：Like what?
Nico pushed himself off the wall, staring straight at Alyn.
Nico：If you were to do something like, say, help the princess escape the castle—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：If you were to do something like, say, help the princess escape the castle—
Nico：You'd be banished from this castle forever.
Nico：And it's hell for a vampire to try and live alone.
Nico's gaze was serious as he studied Alyn.
Alyn gave a short sigh, and then flicked Nico's forehead lightly.
Nico：Ow!
Alyn：You don't need to tell me that. I already know.
Alyn：Instead of worrying about me, why don't you take proper care of her?
Alyn's words were soft, and then he turned and walked away.
Nico stared after his retreating figure in silence.

＊＊＊

The next day—
I was feeling better, so I paid a visit to Alyn's room.

（It's because of you that I feel better, so I want to thank you.）

I knocked on his door, and after a long pause it opened.
Jily：Alyn—

（Hang on a minute.）

Alyn stood in the doorway, leaning heavily against the doorframe.
He didn't look well at all, and I hesitated a moment before I said,
Jily：Um—I came to thank you for yesterday, but—
Jily：Are you okay? Don't tell me you have a cold?
Alyn：Yeah.
Alyn's answer sounded vague, almost as if he hadn't heard me, and he reached up to press a hand to his head.
He swayed slowly on his feet, and then leaned forwards, falling against me.
Jily：Alyn?!

（Eek!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I somehow managed to catch Alyn's shoulders, stopping him from falling over.
It wasn't easy to carry him back to the bed, but we got there in the end.

（What should I do? I don't know what's wrong. Maybe I should get someone.）

I felt flustered and uneasy as I wiped the sweat away from Alyn's brow.
His eyes were squeezed tightly shut and he seemed to be in pain, but then he opened his eyes again, just a crack.
Alyn：Jily?
Alyn：What are you doing here?
Jily：You passed out on me.
Alyn：Hurry up and get out of here.
Jily：What? Why?
Alyn ignored my frown, his voice hoarse as he went on.
Alyn：When the moon is full... I have no control over myself.
Alyn：I don't know what I might end up doing to you.
I realized then that he was staring at my neck, an aching need in his eyes.

（My neck? Wait a minute—）

I realized that Alyn was right, and it would be better for me to leave the room.

（But you're always helping me when I need it.
（If I can help you this time—）

Jily：It's okay, Alyn.
I spoke softly but firmly, meeting Alyn's gaze as I did so.
His eyes widened in surprise as he stared up at me.
Alyn：You—
Alyn：Do you understand what you're saying?
Jily：I do. If that's what you want, then I—

（Oh!）

Alyn caught me by the arm before I could finish.
Alyn：You said it, not me.
Alyn's voice was a whisper as he pulled me down onto the bed and leaned over me.
His hands were rough as they brushed my hair back from my neck, and then he leaned close.
Jily：Ohhhhh—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Ohhhhh—
I felt his fangs pierce my skin, and my pulse began to race in response.
It all felt so strange, and I squirmed a little, gasping softly.
Alyn reached out, pushing my arms back against the bed.
Alyn：I can't stop.
Jily：I know. It's okay.
His voice was low and warm in the dim room, and my heart raced even faster.
I nodded up at him, smiling reassuringly, and he frowned a little.
Alyn：Jily—
His lips brushed against my skin again, and my heart roared in my ears at the feel of his teeth.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
His body pressed down against me, and I could feel his pulse pounding against me, in time with mine.
I felt satiated somehow, and I smiled as I closed my eyes.

（I feel as if I've always known it, since the first time you saved me.
（Alyn, I—）

〝Alyn：There ya go. Cheer up. I'll be here for you.〞

〝Alyn：Idiot. You don't have to force yourself to smile for me.〞
〝Alyn：You don't have to be strong all the time.〞

（You're always there for me, and you're so kind to me, and you always protect me.
（And somewhere along the way—）

Jily：I love you, Alyn.
My feelings for Alyn seemed to fill me up inside.
The words spilled from my lips in a soft whisper before I'd really thought them through.
Alyn pulled back from me at once, studying my expression.
His gaze was intense and dark, but I couldn't read it at all.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn pulled back from my neck, and stared down at me.
His gaze was intense and dark, but I couldn't read it at all.

（Oh!）

His eyes pierced right through me, and sudden shyness welled up inside.
But it didn't matter—I'd made up my mind.
Jily：Alyn—
Jily：I want to choose you as the lord of the castle.
Alyn：If you do that, you can never go back to the way things were.
Alyn：You'll have to throw away everything that matters to you, and become a vampire.

（I already understand that. I always have.）
（If I become a vampire, I can never go back to the life I once had.）
（And I'll never be able to see all the people who are out there now, looking for me.）
（But—）

Jily：I don't want to leave you.
Jily：I want to stay with you forever.
I met Alyn's gaze directly, my voice firm with resolve.
His beautiful red eyes seemed to waver for a moment as he stared at me.
Alyn：It'll hurt, so... relax, okay?
Alyn reached out, his fingers brushing gently against my neck.
Then he lowered his head again, his lips warm against my skin.
Jily：Ahhhhh!

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Alyn, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Alyn：It'll hurt, so... relax, okay?
Alyn reached out, his fingers brushing gently against my neck.
Then he lowered his head again, his lips warm against my skin.
Jily：Ahhhhh!
Alyn sunk his teeth deep into my skin, deeper than he ever had before.
I stiffened as a burning pain seared through my body, and then Alyn raised his head.
He stared down at me, the back of his hand pressed against his mouth.
For some reason his eyes were filled with pain and sorrow, and I stared up at him.
Jily：Alyn?
Concerned, I started to sit up, but my body felt weak, and my vision wavered.
Alyn：I love you.
Alyn：That's why I can't make you a vampire.

（What are you talking about?）

Jily：Why—
But before I could finish my question, I felt myself slipping away into darkness.

＊＊＊

Alyn walked towards the castle gates, carrying the sleeping Jily in his arms.
???：Are you sure, Alyn?
Alyn turned in surprise at the familiar voice.
Nico：If you leave here, you'll never be able to go back to how things were.
Alyn met Nico's gaze for a moment, his eyes narrowed.
He looked down at Jily as she lay sleeping in his arms, her face peaceful.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

A gentle smile touched Alyn's lips as he said,
Alyn：I can't help it. I love her.
Alyn：If I turn her into a vampire, she'll have to throw away everything that matters to her, and live with that forever.
Alyn：Do you really think I can do that to her?
Alyn spoke softly, and then turned and walked away, Jily still clutched tightly in his embrace.
Nico：Alyn—
Alyn stepped through the castle gates and walked on ahead, never looking back.

＊＊＊

Jily：Nnnnn—
I opened my eyes to a faint, gentle light.
The curtains were open, and moonlight filtered into the room as they fluttered in the breeze.

（But this is—）

It was my own room, a place I thought I'd never return to ever again.
Jily：Oh! Ow—
Pain throbbed in my neck as I turned my head to look around, and memory came flooding back.

〝Alyn：I love you.〞
〝Alyn：That's why I can't make you a vampire.〞

（Alyn brought me home. He really did.
（So where is he?）

Jily：Alyn—!!
I leapt out of bed, rushing over to the open window.
I stared into the darkness outside, but I couldn't see Alyn anywhere.

（I don't believe it! Will I ever see you again?）

Grief flooded through me, and the cool night breeze gently stroked my cheeks.
But the caress reminded me of Alyn, leaving me even more upset.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Jily.
Suddenly, a voice spoke my name from the far side of the room.

（Wait a minute!）

I turned with a start at the familiar voice.
A figure I recognized stepped out of the shadows towards me.
Nico：It's me, Jily.
Jily：Nico—
Nico：I'm sorry. I'm pretty sure I'm not the person you wanted to see.
Nico：But will you listen to what I have to tell you?
Nico met my gaze as he spoke, and gave me a pained smile.

＊＊＊

My heart ached at everything Nico had told me.
Jily：I can't believe it! Alyn did all that just to get me out of the castle?
Nico：Yeah.
Nico：I tried to stop him, but Alyn chose to be banished.
Nico：And after that, I haven't been able to figure out where he's gone.
Nico：But that's how much Alyn loved you.

（Oh, Alyn!）
（I feel the same way you do! Why did it have to end up like this?）

I chewed on my lip for a moment, and then worked up the courage to ask Nico,
Jily：Is there nothing I can do? Nothing at all?

（Is there no way for me to see Alyn again? Ever?）

I looked up at Nico, my eyes pleading.
Nico gave a soft sigh, and then looked up at the moon shining in through the window.
Nico：Well, yeah.
Nico：There is one thing I could tell you.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：There is one thing I could tell you.
Nico：There's just one day a year when banished vampires can enter the forest.
Jily：Really?
Nico：Yes. It's because All Hallows Eve is special.

（All Hallows Eve...）

Jily：So if I go into the forest on that night, I might be able to see Alyn?
Nico：I can't make any promises, but there's a chance.
Nico：So Jily—don't give up, okay?
Jily：I won't.
I nodded firmly in response to Nico's sweet smile.

（Getting depressed about it won't change anything.
（I just need to keep smiling and keep moving forward until I can see Alyn again.）

I made a promise to myself as I reached up to touch the wound on my neck.

＊＊＊

The days seemed to pass by so slowly, but at last it was All Hallows Eve.
I wandered through the dark forest, just as I had the night I'd found the castle.

（Alyn—am I really going to get to see you?
（The day is almost over... where are you?）

I knew that once the day ended, Alyn wouldn't be able to enter the forest again until the following year.
And if that happened, I'd lose the only clue I had for finding him.

（Oh, Alyn. I miss you...）

I whispered the words to myself, my heart aching, when—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You—
Jily：Alyn!!
Alyn was standing right there in front of me, lit up by the ghostly moonlight.
His eyes were wide with surprise as he stared at me.
Without even thinking I threw myself into his arms.
Jily：Alyn! I missed you!
Tears were streaming down my cheeks before I'd even realized it.
Alyn reached up and gently wiped my cheeks with his fingers, a sudden smile touching his lips.
Alyn：You're so quick to cry.
Jily：Well, what do you expect?
Alyn：Silly. Look, you've found me. So smile, okay?
Alyn leaned a little closer, catching my gaze.

（Alyn—）

I'd missed him so badly, missed staring into his deep red eyes, and now I couldn't look away.
He wrapped his arms around me, and I found myself feeling relaxed and at peace.

（But you won't be able to stay here in the forest for much longer.）

Jily：Will I see you again?
Alyn：Yeah. On this day.
We'd been apart for so long, but having his promise filled me with happiness, even if it was a promise for a year from now.
But my heart ached at how fast time was passing us by, so I told him how I felt, before it was too late.
Jily：I love you, Alyn.
Alyn's expression relaxed into a smile, and when he spoke his voice was husky.
Alyn：Then close your eyes.
Alyn：I'll give you my answer.

（Your answer?）

I blinked up at him, but before I could respond he pressed his lips against mine.
His lips were cold, yet my heart was suddenly filled with warmth.
Alyn：I love you, Jily.
Our lips parted and came together again, our bodies pressed together as if they'd never part again.
The moon in the sky overhead shone down on us with a gentle silver light...

fin.

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Alyn, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Alyn：It'll hurt, so... relax, okay?
Alyn reached out, his fingers brushing gently against my neck.
Then he lowered his head again, his lips warm against my skin.
Jily：Ahhhhh!
Alyn sunk his teeth deep into my skin, deeper than he ever had before.
The pain was vivid and bright, yet I could feel my consciousness drifting away.

＊＊＊

The following evening—
I was walking down a corridor when I saw Nico walking towards me.
Jily：Nico!
Nico：Oh, Jily!
I smiled at Nico as I approached him, and he smiled back at me.
Then all of a sudden his bright eyes widened.
Nico：Jily, that wound—

（Oh!）

I realized he was staring at the wound on my neck.
I explained to him that I'd chosen Alyn as lord of the castle, and that Alyn had made me a vampire.
Nico：I see. So you've chosen a lord.
Nico：Congratulations! But—
Nico's expression seemed uncertain as he studied me.
Jily：What's the matter?
Nico：Maybe I'm just imagining things. But that wound—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Maybe I'm just imagining things. But that wound—
Nico：I don't think Alyn really made you into a vampire.
Jily：Wait, what?

（But I told Alyn how I felt, and I thought he felt the same.）
（Why wouldn't he make me into a vampire?）

Confusion filled me up inside, and I hurried off to find Alyn, my heart racing.

＊＊＊

At last I found him in the stables, taking care of the horses.
Jily：Alyn—
Alyn：What?
Jily：Um, I just—Nico said that I'm not a vampire yet—
Alyn：Geez. That Nico—
Alyn sighed as he put down the brush he was using.
Alyn：I just thought that there's one last thing you need to do.
Alyn：Hop on.
Alyn grabbed the reins of the horse, and offered me his hand.

（What do you mean? What do I need to do?）

I had no idea what he meant, but I trusted him, so I reached out and placed my hand in his.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I stood quietly looking up at the place Alyn had taken me.
It was the house where I'd worked and lived as a governess, taking care of the children.

（I'm a bit sad that I couldn't go in and talk to them, but—）

I'd been able to deliver a letter to them, telling them I was living happily elsewhere and not to worry about me.
I was sad, but I felt as if I'd been able to end things properly.
Jily：Thank you, Alyn. Really.
Alyn was standing next to me, and as I smiled up at him, he said,
Alyn：You know—
Alyn：Are you sure you're okay with this? Never coming back here again?
His eyes were serious as he studied me in the moonlight.

（But this is all thanks to you.）
（Because of this, I no longer have any regrets.）

I took a deep breath, and then smiled brightly up at him.
Jily：I am.
I reached out and took his hand in mine, trying to convey all the things I couldn't put into words.
After a moment he squeezed my hand back, his expression relaxing.
Alyn：Jily—
He stepped closer to me as he murmured my name, and I stared up at him.
Alyn：When we get back to the castle, be ready.
He whispered the words in my ear, and I nodded, a thrill of anticipation running through me.

＊＊＊

Alyn：Come in.
Jily：Okay.

（We're alone in your room—gah, now I'm all nervous!）

My heart was pounding as I stepped into Alyn's room, and a moment later he wrapped his arms around me from behind.
Alyn：That reminds me—I still haven't said it.
Jily：Said what?
Alyn tightened his grip on me, lifting me gently into the air.
He carried me across the room to the bed, setting me down on the covers.
Then he pushed me back against the soft bed, leaning over me.
Alyn：I—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：I—
His hands seemed so big and strong as he reached up to cup my cheeks.
Alyn：I love you, Jily.
Alyn：I'm never gonna let you go.

（Oh, Alyn—）

Jily：I don't ever want you to let me go.
I spoke softly as I stared up into his beautiful red eyes.
He reached down to caress my neck, fingers fluttering against my skin as he smiled.
Alyn：I'm gonna bite you here, just one more time.
Alyn gently brushed my hair away, baring my skin.
He lightly stroked the healing wound on my neck.
Jily：Okay.
I nodded slowly, his light touch sending a thrill of pleasure through me.
He leaned closer, his lips inching towards my neck.
Alyn：Jily—
I tensed up a little as I felt his breath against my bare skin.
Alyn：I love you.
His words were a low whisper, and a moment later—
Jily：Ohhhhhh—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Ohhhhhh—
I gasped loudly at the sweet pain of Alyn's fangs piercing my skin.
I wrapped my arms around him, clinging tightly to him.
He leaned closer in response, his body pressing down against mine.
Alyn tilted his head, looking up at me with soft, sad eyes.
His breath struck my skin again as he slowly pulled away from me.

（Alyn—）

My pulse was pounding like crazy, a great throbbing that seemed to echo through my whole body.
But it wasn't just because he'd drunk my blood.

（It's because I love you, too, with all my heart.）

To my surprise, a single tear rolled down my cheek.
Before I was fully aware of it, Alyn reached up, wiping the tear away with gentle fingers.

＊＊＊

At last I was truly a vampire, and I was beginning to get used to how different it felt.
Alyn and I gathered everyone in the castle together.
We explained to them that I'd chosen Alyn to be lord of the castle.
Sid：So you finally decided, huh?
Byron：This is an auspicious moment.
Nico：Congratulations, Jily!
I smiled happily as I listened to their kind words.
Under the table, Alyn reached over and took my hand in his.
He squeezed my fingers tightly, and my heart skipped a beat.

（I hope no one notices...）

But right at that moment, Nico raised his voice with delight.
Nico：Hey! Alyn and Jily are holding hands under the table!
Jily：Nico—
I hadn't expected anyone to notice so quickly, and I dropped my gaze away shyly.
Sid：You sure are flaunting it, huh?
Alyn：Leave it alone.
Alyn's response was gruff, but he squeezed my hand even tighter.
Then he leaned a little closer to whisper in a voice that only I could hear,
Alyn：I love you.
His words brought an instant smile to my face as I looked up at him.

（I know in the future we'll have to overcome all sorts of challenges.
（But I also know that I'll be happy forever, so long as I'm with you.）

The words were like a silent vow to myself as I squeezed Alyn's hand in return...

fin.

After Episode

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