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A Special Story Event－Vampire's Embrace[後篇]（Leo）

A full moon hangs low in the sky...
You wander into a castle full of vampires,
unwittingly entering into an engagement...
………
Leo "I love you."
Leo "That's why I can't steal you away from all this."
Leo "Please, be happy, Princess."
………
The worlds you lived in were different.
But now you're about to experience an unforgettable, eternal love story...

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

＞＞＞Choose Leo

Leo, Chapter 1： 

???(Giles)：The lord of the castle is Leo Crawford.
As he spoke, the man's gaze moved towards the white-haired young man.
I followed his gaze and saw that the other man—Leo—was studying me, his expression serious.
???(Giles)：You are now engaged to Leo.
The rain outside seemed to intensify, battering loudly at the window.

（How can I be engaged to someone I've only just met?!）

Jily：But that's crazy!

（I have no idea what's going on, and nothing makes any sense!）

I stood stock still, unable to move, confused and overwhelmed by the whole situation.
Leo：Giles, you don't need to make it sound so brutal.
Leo gave a chagrined smile as he walked towards me.
Leo：I'm sorry for startling you.
He stopped in front of me, studying me for a moment before he went on.
The four of us, we're not the type of vampires who just run around attacking people at random.
He turned a little, introducing me to the other three men watching me.
Leo：You're probably feeling pretty anxious right now, but I'll explain everything, okay?
Leo：So don't worry too much.
His smile was gentle and there was a kindness to his words.
I felt myself regaining some of my calm as I met his gaze.
But at the same time, the reality of my situation finally struck me.

（I really did wander into a vampire castle, just like in the stories.）

I dropped my gaze, and a nonchalant voice echoed through the room.
Giles：In that case—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：In that case, if the idea of getting married seems too sudden,
Giles：and with the thought in mind that you two need to get to know each other better—
Giles：Why not have Leo be the one to tutor you?
Jily：What?
Giles：You are now the princess, and I think it would be a good idea for Leo to be your exclusive tutor.
Giles：He can spend all of his spare time teaching you the many things you need to know.
Giles went on to explain what sort of lessons I would need. My head was spinning by the time he was done.
Giles：Now, let me show you to your room.
Giles gestured for me to follow him, and turned away.
Jily：Um, Giles—
There were so many things I wanted to ask, but Giles ignored me and walked away.
I glanced at Leo, but his expression was flat, betraying nothing.
The room was so silent it felt uncomfortable, so I hurried after Giles.

＊＊＊

Giles showed me to my room and left, and I stood at the window, staring outside.

（Giles wouldn't tell me anything else.）

I thought back to the storybook I'd read as a child, the one that told of the vampire castle.

（Was everything in that book true? Am I stuck in this castle forever?）

Anxiety welled up inside, but a knock at the door startled me from my thoughts.
???：Are you still awake?

（That voice—）

I called out that I was, and the door opened quietly.
Jily：Leo... wait, should I be calling you lord or something?
Leo：Leo's fine. I've never been big on formalities.
Leo smiled as he crossed the room towards me.
Leo：And I want to call you Jily, not Princess.
His smile was surprisingly gentle as he stopped next to me.
Something about his whole expression seemed to melt away the anxiety building up inside.

（It's strange, but—I felt that way earlier, too.）
（I feel more comfortable somehow when you're near.）

Jily：Thank you.
I gave him a small smile, but I couldn't meet his gaze for long.

（And yet—）

There was still a small knot of anxiety, buried deep inside me.

（But you're trying to reassure me, aren't you? I need to stop dwelling on it.）

I swallowed hard, trying to push away my fears.
Leo：You don't have to put on a brave face around me.
Jily：What?
I looked up, my eyes widening in disbelief at his words.
Leo reached out and placed his hand on my head, stroking my hair gently.
Leo：I know you must be anxious. You don't need to hide it.
His touch was gentle, and the lonely ache that I'd been carrying since I arrived in the castle seemed to vanish.

（Aww no, the kinder you are—）

My feelings seemed to well up and overflow, and with them came tears.
I screwed up my face as the tears trickled down my cheeks.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I screwed up my face as the tears trickled down my cheeks.
A moment later Leo wrapped his arms around me in a gentle embrace.
He softly pressed my head against his chest.
Leo：I promise I won't watch.
Leo：So don't hold back. Cry as much as you need.
His voice was quiet, and it filled me with unexpected warmth.

（Oh, Leo—）

Jily：Thank you.
Leo：You're welcome.
He stroked my head gently, but it only made me cry even harder.

（Just for a little bit—）

I buried my face in his chest and let myself cry.
At last I felt a little better and I started to move away, but I felt a sudden twinge of pain in my left hand.

（Ow!）

Leo：Jily?
Leo must have seen my expression, and he pulled back, studying me.
Then he lifted my left hand in his, looking down at it.
Leo：Looks like you injured yourself.
I stared in surprise at the deep gash on my hand.
But then I remembered my mad dash through the forest in the rain.

（I probably cut it on a branch and didn't even notice. I was pretty frantic!）

Leo：Does it hurt?
Jily：A little.
Leo frowned as he stared down at my hand, his expression thoughtful.
He seemed to make up his mind about something, and he looked up at me again.
Leo：Hold still for just a moment.

（What? Why?）

Leo leaned closer as he spoke, lifting my hand towards him.
He lowered his face towards my wrist...

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo lowered his face towards my wrist.
Just as his lips were about to touch my skin, I saw his teeth.
Jily：Ohhh!
As he bit me, an oddly sweet thrill thrummed through my body.
My vision wavered, and I felt suddenly sure I was about to fall.

（Hang on—）

But as I started to tilt sideways, Leo caught me gently.
Leo：This should make the pain go away.
Jily：But—
Leo：It's okay.
Leo：I'll stay here with you until you feel better, okay?
Leo tightened his grip on me, just slightly.
There was something oddly reassuring about the strength in his arms as he supported me.
Leo：If anything happens, I'll be right here.

（I know you're a vampire, and yet—）

Before I'd even realized it, I was crying again.

（Right now I just want to believe you and trust you.）

I closed my eyes, letting myself relax into his embrace.

＊＊＊

After that, it seemed like Leo was constantly at my side, no matter what happened.
Time seemed to pass by in a flash.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo：Wow, so you used to teach the children down in town.
Jily：Yes! That's why it's been so long since I've studied anything like this myself.
Over time I'd become more comfortable with Leo, and I felt safe talking openly with him.
Leo：I wouldn't mind taking a lesson from you.
Jily：You want to be my student?
Leo：Sure! Will you answer me, no matter what question I ask?
Leo：Like, what sort of guy you like, or...
Jily：Geez, Leo! I'm not gonna answer that!
I pouted at Leo, and he chuckled in response.
Leo：Why don't we take a break?
He closed the book in front of him, and stood up from the desk.
Leo：We need a change of pace. Why don't we go outside for a bit?
Jily：But I'm not allowed to leave the castle, right?
I blinked up at Leo in confusion, and he pressed his finger against my lips.
Leo：We'll keep it a secret.
Leo：C'mon.
He offered me his hand, and my heart began to race.

（I wonder if it's really okay?）

I wasn't sure I should, but I put my hand in his anyway, and he smiled brightly at me.
My heart continued to race as we began to walk out of the room.

＊＊＊

The place Leo took me was a nearby lake, bathed in moonlight.
Jily：It's beautiful...
Leo：This is my secret place.
When the moon is full, I sneak out of the castle and come here.
The moon was bright against the dark night sky, and we stared up at it together.
But something about it reminded me of the town, and of home.

（I used to stand at my window and stare up at the moon like this.）

Leo：I know that life in the castle is a different world to what you're used to.
Leo：But this sky is your link to the world you lived in.
Leo spoke gently, his eyes still focused on the moon overhead.
Jily：Leo—
Leo：I'll be happy to bring you here anytime you like.
He turned to look at me as he spoke, his smile gentle and understanding.

（You're always taking care of me, always worrying about how I feel.）

Jily：Thank you.
I spoke softly, trying to figure out the confusion of feelings inside me.

（Sometimes I feel lonely when I remember that I can never go home, but—）

As I stared at Leo's sweet smile, I could feel my pulse speeding up.

（I can't help but feel like—I don't want to leave you.）
（Why do I feel this way?）

Leo：The stars are really bright this time of year, too.
Leo looked upwards again, pointing up at the brightest stars twinkling overhead.
My heart skipped a beat again, but I was watching him, not the stars.
I felt as if I couldn't drag my gaze away from him.

Leo, Chapter 2：

Later the following day, Leo returned to his own room.
Giles was waiting for him, and he turned as Leo entered.
Giles：The princess seems to have gotten used to life in the castle.
Giles：In particular she seems to be happy when she's with you.
Leo：Did you come all the way to my room just to say that?
Leo shut the door behind him, keeping his tone light as he replied.
Giles：Well, not exactly.
Leo's expression was unreadable, and Giles studied him carefully.
Giles：Are you aware of the princess's feelings?
Leo paused, his hand still on the doorknob.
Leo：Of course I am.
Leo smiled his usual smile, turning his gaze towards the window.
But there were emotions wavering in his gaze.
Giles：You're not thinking anything you shouldn't, are you?
Giles：Like perhaps returning the princess to her own world?
Leo：Good question.
The right side of Leo's mouth lifted upwards in a smirk as he studied Giles's frown.
Leo：But the way I see it, Jily—

＊＊＊

Meanwhile—

（I hope he likes them...）

I felt grateful for everything Leo had done for me, including the trip outside.
So I'd baked him some cookies in secret, and I was on my way to his room with them.

（But hang on—can vampires even eat cookies? Ahh, I'm overthinking this!）

I shook my head and reached out to knock on the door, but at that very moment I heard Leo's voice from within.
Leo：I don't think Jily is suited to being the princess.

（Wait, what?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo：I don't think Jily is suited to being the princess.
Giles：And what do you mean by that?
I caught my breath as I heard Leo's voice from within the room.

（Did you really say that?）

My mind went completely blank for a moment.
The bag of cookies I'd been holding slipped through my numb fingers, falling to the floor.

（Oh!）

Leo must have heard the noise, and he opened the door a moment later.
Leo：Jily—
Leo narrowed his eyes slightly, and then glanced over his shoulder.
Leo：I'm sorry, Giles. Could you give us a moment alone?
Giles left the room, and Leo beckoned me inside. I picked up the cookies and followed him.
Leo：Did you hear what we were talking about?
Leo's gaze searched mine, and I swallowed hard, unable to find the words.

（I wasn't supposed to hear that, I'm sure of that much.）
（So I don't think I should tell you that I did.）

Jily：No, I didn't.
I shook my head, trying to calm my expression, and Leo sighed softly.
Leo：I see. So... is that a present for me?
Leo smiled at me as if nothing had happened, his gaze dropping to the cookies.
Jily：Yes. Feel free to try them—
But my heart was aching, and the words were stilted and awkward.

（Am I really so ill-suited to being the princess?）

I'd already felt anxious and uneasy about living in the castle as it was.
But to have Leo of all people say that about me hurt more than anything else could have.

（These feelings—）

Leo：What's the matter?
I looked up at Leo, my heart racing, my hands clammy, and butterflies in my stomach.

（Somewhere along the way—）

At last all my feelings made sense, filling me up to overflowing.

（I want to be with you, Leo.）

Jily：Leo—I love you.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Leo—I love you.
Leo：What?

（Ahhh, what am I saying?!）

But I'd said it, and my heart was racing so loud I could barely hear myself think over it.
We stared at each other for a moment, our expressions equally startled, and then I dropped my gaze.

（Ahh, well. There's no hiding it now.）

Jily：I love you, Leo.
Leo looked down at me, his expression serious, and I met his gaze.
Just being there with him was enough to make me feel giddy with happiness, and I couldn't deny it any more.

（I don't even know when it happened but—I've fallen for you.）

I pressed my lips together, trying to hold onto my calm as I waited for his answer.
Leo narrowed his eyes for just a moment, and then sighed softly.
Leo：If you marry me, you'll have to throw away everything from your former life to live with me.
Jily：I can't leave this castle anyway. I'm ready for that.
Leo：What if you could return to your own world?

（What?!）

His unexpected question came as a shock, and I froze.

（I could... go home?）

Leo studied me, watching my reaction, and I wondered suddenly what my expression was like.
He reached out then, grabbing me by the hand.
Leo：I'm really happy that you said you love me.
Leo pulled me towards him, and then pushed me against the wall.
Jily：Ohh!
Leo：But you still don't really know me at all.
He leaned closer to me, his arms blocking me from moving away, his lips touching my neck.
Jily：Leo—!

（Why are you doing this?!）

Fear thrummed through me, and I tried desperately to push him off.
Leo pulled back a little, his eyes narrow as he studied me.
Leo：I'm a vampire. I could do this to anyone. Are you sure you still want me?

（This isn't right! This isn't you at all, Leo!）

Shock flooded through me at the coldness in his gaze.
Leo pulled back further, letting me free, but for a moment I stood there, stunned.
Then I darted out of his room, running as fast as my legs could carry me.
At last I stopped, some distance away down the corridor.

（Leo, why would you—）

Sorrow welled up inside me, my heart aching so much I almost couldn't bear it.
But the pain only made me realize just how much I was in love with Leo.

（Oh, Leo—）

I wrapped my arms around myself, lost in my pain, when suddenly—
Jily：Ahhh!
Someone grabbed me from behind, a hand pressing over my mouth.
Before I could react, I was pushed back against the wall again.
A vampire I'd never seen before was standing in front of me.
Vampire：You're the woman who wandered into the castle, aren't you?
He pressed me back against the wall, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn't break free.
He smirked as he leaned towards me, his fangs aiming for my neck.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The vampire pressed me back against the wall, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn't break free.
He smirked as he leaned towards me, his fangs aiming for my neck.

（Someone! Help me!）

I screwed my eyes tightly shut, screaming desperately in my mind.
???：This way.

（What?!）

A familiar voice whispered in my ear, and my eyes popped open.
Leo was standing in front of me, looking clearly flustered, and I wondered suddenly what he'd done to the other vampire.
Leo：Jily—
He grabbed me by the hand and we began to run.

＊＊＊

We ran out of the castle and all the way to the lake before Leo finally stopped.
He let go of my hand, and without thinking I sank down to the ground.

（You saved me. You really did.）
（But—）

Leo：I'm a vampire. I could do this to anyone. Are you sure you still want me?
My thoughts were whirling as I remembered his chilly gaze, because I also remembered how kind he'd always been to me.

（Which is the real Leo?）

Jily：Why did you save—
I looked up as I spoke, but before I could finish—

（Oh!）

Leo wrapped me in a tight embrace, and I squeaked in surprise.
Leo：Shhh. Just for a little bit.
There was sadness in Leo's eyes as he leaned towards me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo：Shhh. Just for a little bit.
There was sadness in Leo's eyes as he leaned towards me.
A moment later his lips captured mine and I forgot everything.
The wind whipped past us, creating tiny waves on the lake.
I was so stunned by Leo's sudden kiss that I barely knew how to react.
And yet his lips were soft and sweet against mine, and it set my heart pounding.
Before I knew it, I was responding to his kiss, and I heard the soft moan that escaped me.

（But why?）

At last our lips parted, and we stared at each other, our faces almost touching.
Jily：You kissed me.
It was half-statement, half-question, and Leo's expression turned serious.
Leo：Ahh, I'm useless. I've been trying so hard to hold you at arm's length.
Jily：What do you mean?
Leo：I'm a vampire. I can't become human.
Leo：But you're different. You can still return to your old life.
I could see the sorrow wavering in his eyes as he studied me.
Leo：There's a way for you to go home. To return to what you once had.
Leo：Are you still prepared to throw that all away and live in this world?

（This was all for me, wasn't it?）
（You were thinking of my best interests the whole time.）
（But when I think about you pushing me away just to protect me, in spite of how you feel—）

My heart ached just imagining how it must have felt for him.

（That's not what I want.）

Jily：I want to be with you.

（I love you, and that's the truth.）

I looked up at him, filled with sudden determination.
Leo's expression relaxed into a gentle smile at my words.
Leo：All right.
Leo：Then if we want to be sure you aren't attacked again—
Leo：I'd better make you into a vampire, tonight.
Leo reached out, twining his fingers gently in my hair.
He lowered his face slowly towards my neck, tilting my head back.
Jily：Ahhhhh!

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Leo, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Leo lowered his face slowly towards my neck, his lips touching my skin.
I could feel the sharp edge of his fangs, and a moment later a sweet thrill shuddered through my body.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
I reached up and clung tightly to Leo, and he lifted his head, smiling faintly.
Leo：It's okay.
Leo：You'll just pass out for a bit.
For some reason there was sadness lingering in his gaze, and I wanted to ask why.

（Leo—）

My body sagged against Leo, and he held me tightly, stopping me from falling.
I could feel the world slipping away, but I reached up and wrapped my arms around him.
He tightened his grip on me in return, holding me close.

＊＊＊

At last the clouds scudded their way across the moon, hiding it completely from view.
Leo carried the sleeping Jily in his arms as he walked slowly forward.
But he stopped just before the bridge, his expression flat.
Ahead of him he could see the town, quiet and still at such a late hour.
Leo：I love you. That's why I can't steal you away from all this.
Leo's voice was tinged with sadness as he gazed down at Jily's sleeping face.
Ahead he could see a single carriage traveling through the streets towards them.
Leo：Please, be happy, Princess.
Leo carefully laid Jily down on the ground, in a place where she'd be seen from the carriage.
Then he stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Nnnnn—
I sensed someone nearby, and I quickly opened my eyes.
To my surprise I saw a very familiar ceiling above my head.

（Is this—my room?）

Robert：Are you awake?
Jily：Robert?
My mind was foggy, but I knew Robert wasn't the person I'd expected to see.
Robert was sitting by the bed, his gaze concerned as he studied me.
Jily：What on earth happened?
Robert：Well, actually...
Robert's expression was concerned as he explained that he'd been traveling by carriage late at night,
and had found me lying unconscious near the bridge just outside of town.
Robert：At first I had no idea who it was, and I wasn't expecting it to be you.
Robert：But I'm very glad that you're okay.

（Leo—I thought you were going to make me a vampire, like you.）

I turned my gaze to the window, clutching the sheets tightly in my fists.

（Why? Why would you do this?）

＊＊＊

Meanwhile, back at the castle—
When Leo returned to the castle, he found Giles waiting for him.
Did you help the princess escape?
Giles：You know that anyone who breaks the castle rules must suffer suitable punishment.
Giles：Even if that person is the lord of the castle.
Giles's expression was grim, but Leo only smiled his usual smile.
Leo：Of course I know that.
Leo：And the punishment for breaking the rules is—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo：And the punishment for breaking the rules is—
Leo：To have all my memories erased, and to be banished from the castle. Right?
There was steely determination in Leo's eyes as he spoke.
Giles's eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn't expected Leo's response.
Giles：Why would you go that far?
Leo：That's easy.
Leo：I really do love her.
Leo glanced out the window, his smile soft and sad.

＊＊＊

Since returning to the town, I'd searched for the castle countless times.
But it didn't matter how many times I wandered around the forest—I couldn't find it.
So I searched the library for any books that might help me, and read every single one.

（If I could just understand a little more about vampires—）

I sat in my favorite cafe, reading one of the books I'd borrowed.
Suddenly I overheard the conversation of two nearby women.
Woman 1：So I heard that this really cute guy has been spotted at the lake near the border.
Woman 2：Oh really? That big lake with the overhanging trees?

（Wait, what?）

The word：lake caught my attention, and I glanced up from my book.
I paused in my reading and listened closer to their conversation.
Woman 1：I heard that he has red eyes and is gorgeous, and that he only appears on the night of the full moon.

（Wait, the full moon—and he has red eyes—）
（Don't tell me that's Leo?!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I wanted to know if what the women had said was true, so I headed for the lake.

（What luck that tonight is the full moon!）
（If that story really is true, then I'm sure—）

I wandered down the moonlit road, remembering what Leo had said to me.
Leo：This is my secret place.
Leo：When the moon is full, I sneak out of the castle and come here.

（Please, please let me find Leo there.）

I stepped out of the forest a moment later, and saw someone standing at the edge of the lake.
The moonlight clearly showed his features, and my eyes went wide with shock.
Jily：Leo!!
I hurried towards him, and he turned at the sound of my voice.
But he was looking at me strangely, and I stopped short of throwing myself into his arms.
Leo：Do you know me?
Jily：What?
Leo：I've seen other people around here, but—
Leo：I think you're the first one that's ever spoken to me.
He was treating me like a complete stranger, and my heart ached with sudden pain.
Jily：But—

（Did you forget about me?）

There was no recognition in his eyes, and for a moment I thought my heart might break.

（But I found you at last!）

Tears trickled down my cheeks, unbidden.
Leo's expression changed as he studied me, his gaze turning serious.
He reached out towards me, the movement seeming entirely natural.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo's expression changed as he studied me, his gaze turning serious.
He reached out towards me, the movement seeming entirely natural.
He wiped away my tears with gentle fingers.

（Leo?）

Leo：Oh!
Leo's eyes widened, as if surprised by his own actions.
Leo：This feeling—
Jily：Leo, do you...

（Do you remember me?）

I couldn't stop thinking about all the times we'd spent together.

〝Leo：I know you must be anxious. You don't need to hide it.〞
〝Leo：I promise I won't watch.〞

〝Leo：We'll keep it a secret.〞
〝Leo：C'mon.〞

〝Leo：Shhh. Just for a little bit.〞

（I know it's you. I remember your touch so well.）

Leo：Am I someone special to you?
Leo frowned, his expression sorrowful as he wiped away my tears.
Leo：I don't know why, but I can't stand to see you look so sad.
Leo：It's strange, isn't it? I mean, we've only just met.
His kindness hadn't changed at all, and the realization only made me cry even more.
Leo reached out and wrapped his arms around me, pressing my head gently against his chest.
Leo：I think I know what these feelings mean—
Leo：I love you.
Jily：Leo—

（I don't care if you don't remember me.）
（Those words are all I need.）

The moonlight seemed to sparkle down on the lake, creating a wavering reflection of us on its surface.
But more important to me was the reflection of love I could see in Leo's eyes as he smiled at me...

fin.

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Leo, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Leo lowered his face slowly towards my neck, his teeth scraping against my skin.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
I felt a sharp jab, and then a sweet thrill shuddered right through me, all the way to the tips of my toes.

（Leo—!）

My knees trembled, and I felt sure I'd collapse at any moment.
But Leo wrapped his arms even tighter around me, holding me upright.
Leo：I'm not gonna let you go.
Leo：You're my one and only princess.
His voice was a gentle, sweet murmur in my ear.

（Leo...）

I clung onto him like a lifeline as I sank into darkness.

＊＊＊

Leo hurried back to the castle before the sun started to rise.
He carried the unconscious Jily in his arms, cradled against his chest.
As soon as he stepped inside, Giles hailed him from halfway up the stairs.
Giles：And here I was certain you'd decided to help her escape.
Giles：But by the look of things, it would appear I was wrong.
Giles's expression was stern, and his gaze was piercing as he studied Leo.
Leo pouted a little, his expression uncomfortable as he looked away.
Leo：So you figured me out, huh?
He muttered the words under his breath, looking down at Jily's sleeping face.
Leo：Giles, do you remember what I said before? I want to amend my words.
Leo：Jily is the one and only princess this castle needs.
Leo lifted his head as he spoke, his expression resolute.
Giles met Leo's gaze directly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
He nodded just slightly in agreement, and said nothing more.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Nnnnn—
I opened my eyes slowly, and found myself lying on a soft bed.

（This is—I'm back in the vampire castle?）

Suddenly I sensed something, and turned to look.
Leo was sitting right next to my bed, gently holding my hand.
Leo：Ahh, I'm glad you're awake.
He smiled in clear relief, and then gave a long, soft sigh.

（That's right—you bit me, and then—）

I reached up to touch my neck and found a small wound there.
Leo：Jily, you've been asleep for an entire day.
Leo explained to me that I'd passed out, but that it was entirely normal.
He also told me all that had happened after he brought me back to the castle.

（Wow, I feel like it's been ages.）

Jily：Have you stayed with me like this the whole time?
I glanced down at where our fingers were twined together on the bed.
Leo gently squeezed my hand in response, smiling.
Leo：Of course.
Leo：I told you I'd stay with you.

（Oh, Leo—）

His smile was so gentle and so sweet that I was smiling back before I even realized it.
Just looking at his expression made me so happy I almost didn't know what to say.
Jily：Thank you.
Leo：You're welcome.
Leo：Are you feeling okay now?
Jily：Yes, I'm fine.
I smiled reassuringly at him, and he smiled back at me.
Leo：There's something I decided I wanted to tell you when you woke up.
Leo stood up from the chair, placing one knee on the bed, but he never let go of my hand.
He leaned towards me, and I looked up at him in surprise.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Leo placed one knee on the bed, leaning towards me.
Leo：I know this seems a bit late, but I want to say this properly, so will you let me do that?
Jily：Of course.
His expression was so serious that I felt a flutter of anxiety in my tummy.
But he met my gaze directly, his red eyes dark and full of emotion.
Leo：Ever since we met—well, I didn't know why, but whenever I looked at you I found myself wanting to protect you.
Leo：You're so earnest and honest, and as I spent time with you—
Leo：Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with you.
Leo：I want you to stay by my side, forever.
Leo lifted my hand in his, and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.
Leo：Jily, will you marry me?
His gaze was so serious and earnest, and I couldn't look away.
But he began to blur in my vision, and I realized I was in danger of crying.

（Ahhh, I'm just too happy!）

Jily：Yes!
I beamed up at him, and he wrapped me in a sudden, tight embrace.
He leaned close, pressing a featherlight kiss against my cheek.
Leo：Thank you.
Leo pushed me back down against the bed, and our lips came together in a real kiss this time.
Leo：Jily—
I moaned softly, responding eagerly to the sweet taste of his kisses.
He deepened the kiss in response, and I reached up to cling to him.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
???：Leo, is the princess awake yet?
Leo：Giles—
I hastily fixed my mussed hair and clothes as Leo crossed to open the door.
But as soon as Giles stepped into the room and caught sight of me, he frowned.
Giles：Please restrain yourselves until we've actually held the wedding.
Leo：Yeah, yeah.

（Seriously?! I'm so embarrassed, I can't look at either of you!）

I pulled the sheets up over my head and hid myself completely.
At last the day of our wedding finally arrived.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

At last the day of our wedding finally arrived.
Giles：And that concludes my explanation of the wedding ceremony.
Jily：Thank you.
Giles had come to go over the details of the ceremony one last time.
He was just finishing up when there was a knock at the door, and Leo entered the room.
Leo：Oh!
Leo was wearing a suit, but his eyes went wide as he caught sight of me.
Leo：You look absolutely beautiful.
His smile was almost bashful, and I felt suddenly shy and embarrassed as well.
Jily：Thank you.
Jily：You look really handsome too.
We gazed shyly at each other, and I could see my own happiness reflected in his gaze.
Then Giles coughed discreetly from behind me, and we both jumped.
Leo：Oh, sorry.
Giles：You knew I was here all along, didn't you?
Giles gave an overly dramatic sigh, but then his lips curved upwards in a faint smile.
Giles：I will see you both later.
The door soon shut behind him, and I was alone in the room with Leo.
Leo studied me for another moment, and then frowned a little.
Leo：So was Giles the first one to see you in that dress?
His voice was almost petulant, and he looked like he was pouting.
I couldn't help but giggle as I met his gaze.
Without warning he stepped close and wrapped me in his embrace.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Without warning Leo stepped close and wrapped me in his embrace.
He buried his face in my neck, nuzzling against my skin.
Leo：There's no scar at all. It healed up very nicely.
Leo kissed me softly in the place where he'd once bitten me.
I gasped in surprise, feeling a thrill of delight running through me.
Jily：Leo—
Leo：I know, we've still gotta have the wedding, so I'll leave it at this for now.
Leo pushed down the shoulder of my dress, and pressed his lips firmly against my skin.
Jily：Ohhhhh—
I whimpered softly as he suckled and nibbled on my skin, my body quivering.
Leo lifted his head, his smile satisfied as he straightened my dress again.
Leo：Well then, let's go.
He offered me his hand, and I took a moment to catch my breath before I placed my hand in his.

＊＊＊

A million bright stars twinkled in the sky overhead.
Quiet music played as I walked slowly forwards, my skirts swirling around my legs.

（I never imagined that the story in that book might turn out to be real.）

Leo was standing up ahead of me, watching me walk towards him with a sweet smile on his face.
I stepped up beside him, and the music changed to something elegant, indicating the start of the ceremony.
Leo：You don't regret choosing to live with me?

（Meeting you, Leo, and living here with you forever—）

Jily：I want to be with you forever, Leo.
Jily：I don't regret a thing.
These was no hesitation in my voice as I spoke.
Leo smile joyfully as he met my gaze, and I smiled back at him.
Leo：Then I promise I'll never let you go.
He slowly lifted my veil, and then reached up to cup my cheek.
Leo：I love you.

（I love you too, Leo.）

The moon was full and round in the sky, shining down on us like it was protecting us.
Under that soft, silver light, Leo and I shared a kiss to seal the vows we'd spoken together...

fin.

After Episode

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

.......
..................
You've sworn your eternal love with Leo,
and now a dizzying night together is upon you...
Leo：I love watching you react.
Leo murmured in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.
Leo：I love the sound of your voice.
Leo：And I love you.
The moment the pain of his bite to your neck changes to shuddering pleasure...
All you can do is give in to the promise of an unbelievably seductive night with your vampire.