When I bit her,
I was filled with different emotions.
Who was she to me?
I didn't want to let her go,
This intoxicating blood,
That I had the liberty of drinking.
Am I going to lose something again?
You belong to me,
I whispered in her ear.
My arms tightened around her body,
Knowing that it was nothing,
But a temporary leverage.
Lilliane stood in front of a huge gate. It's been a while since she was home. Pushing it open, the heavy iron door was opened, and she half expected someone to be waiting for her on the other side.
The family's guard dog, Duran, gave her the same lifeless eyes that held a sense of respect for its returning master.
She held out her hand to pat its head as the dog kept it down so she can reach it. He had grown in such a short time. Almost 10 feet, she estimated.
She continued to walk on the familiar path; it was then she noticed one of their maids, standing between the two pillars of the inner garden.
"Welcome back, my lady." She said, bowing her head slightly.
"I'm home, Sayori."
She passed by her, but stopped for a while and said,
"The outside world...was fun."
When she was out of view, Sayori smiled for her master. Turning around, she followed the pavement leading to the main mansion. The head butler had given her the task of rearranging the young lady's room. Even though there was no need to, as she knew that her master would've eventually return.
Her only concern is what consequences she will be facing for harming another family member.
Lilliane entered her room with the same neutral expression. Nothing changed. It was still the same dull color as ever.
She laid down her bed with a sigh. The soft mattress under her felt years older compared to one inside the Mukami household.
What could they be doing right now?
You seem like you're in deep thought.
Right. She almost forgot that Zaphkiel was with her. Lifting the pocketwatch above her line of sight, the voice from the object bugging her mind to no end.
She remembered the words of her brother.
Immortality. What a cruel fate we've been given. It's a curse you know...watching the people around you die. And the worst part is that you keep on living, as if they didn't exist in the first place.
"It just...feels strange to be home."
Is that really the only thing in your mind?
She didn't answer.
It's not like she can with the furious knocking on her door and the sound of her older brother coming from the other side. She stood up, taking the pocketwatch and placing in on her bedside table.
Now, how should she greet her mother?
"Hime-san...has been gone...for a really...long time..."
Kou looked at his brother, who had a solemn look on his face. They were all at school, and it'd been 2 weeks since they left the Demon world without her.
There was no farewell message. After the party, they were told that she had left for the castle of the Phoenix Clan. Not even the two sisters can tell them about her whereabouts.
"Ahhh, Subaru-kun, I miss Hime-chan!"
"Like I said, what's that got to do with me?! Why are you here anyway?"
The youngest Sakamaki had his fists closed, ready to smash something in case Kou annoys him once again. Azusa seemed to feel his intent, and had half a mind to take the beating for his brother, but decided that this wasn't the time to succumb to his desires.
"By the way Kou, you look tired. Have you been sleeping?"
"Hmm? Subaru-kun could it be-! You're worried about me?"
"Wha-!" His cheeks were flushed; it was obvious that the blond idol was teasing him.
"I-It's not like I'm worried! You just looked uglier than usual, that's all!"
It wasn't the same though. The nightmares had started to visit him in his sleep once again. When Lilliane slept in the same bed as him, he had someone to embrace; touch without being deceived. Her body was warm and comforting.
The mansion was quiet, when they arrived. Normally, Yuma would be chastised by her for leaving his bag in the foyer area or during dinner, she makes sure that everyone gets their equal share of food.
Even though they'd taken her blood roughly during the full moon, she never held any grudge against them. She was like the sister he never had. It felt weird having get used to a person taking care of you, and then disappearing like that.
So this was how it felt to care for someone.
"Yuma-kun, you haven't touched your food yet."
As if it brought him back to reality, Yuma picked up his cutlery and started to eat. His movements were robotic. He had no appetite. The memory of the night in the garden kept replaying in his mind.
The way she drank his blood with her flushed cheeks and crimson eyes. Her eyes turn red when she drinks blood; he noticed that.
Come to think of it, her lips tasted like his sweet su-
"Yuma-kun!" Out of surprise, he stood up suddenly.
They all stared at him as if he had been possessed by an invisible force. His cheeks were burning, he can feel it. Kou would probably take notice of it sooner or-
"Why is your face red?"
-later.
"Yuma, are you okay?"
"...I'm going to bed."
His steps felt heavy. Lilliane had always been shorter than him, only a few inches taller that Azusa. She had even taken an interest in his garden, the vegetables fascinating her with its growth.
She stayed as far as possible from the roses; Kou had let it slip one time that she was allergic to them. So he decided to plant tulips instead. It wasn't for her, he was just curious about it. Yes. Just pure curiosity.
He plopped down the bed. His tall frame took up most of the space. He stared at his bedside table, a familiar jar catching his eyes. He opened it and put one piece in his mouth. It wasn't as sweet as his sugar-chan, but it didn't taste that bad either.
"What a troublesome woman you really are, Sow."
I had fallen asleep again,
The feeling of the whip hitting my flesh,
From the hands of my brother,
Who I stabbed before.
His eyes held satisfaction,
Still I felt nothing,
But longing for the freedom,
I had in the human world.
This was my punishment.
The curse I had to deal with,
For being born in this body,
The Phoenix clan,
The Royal family.
It was just a name,
I didn't care about.