chapter 14
Recently, their relationship had been great!
It came as a surprise to all, to see how closely the two were bonding. By looking at their recent interactions one could easily mistake them for real mother and daughter. There was no way to tell otherwise. Midori was showering the young pureblood with love and affections that only a mother can provide for her daughter.
It all started from the day Midori apologized to Aiyora for raising hand on her.
The young Kuran may have been naïve but was no fool. She understood very well that this apology wasn't coming from the woman's heart, it was lord Shiki's doing. The sly cunning smile on the man face made it clear that he was forcing his niece to bend before Aiyora, only so that he would not lose the favor of the pureblood – meaning her fiancé.
Despite seeing through the real game Aiyora still chose to see the matter with more positive eyes. She didn't care if the apology was real or fake. In her eyes Shiki Midori was a mother, although she never addressed the woman as such but at the end of the day this insane Shiki Midori was all she had, whom – she could put on such high pedestal. Hence why her slap did not hit Aiyora's pride as a pureblood. However it broke her tender heart as a daughter.
However it did not take long for Aiyora's innocent heart to melt. She forgave lady Shiki instantly. In fact the woman wasn't given a proper chance to apologize. She was engulfed into a tight embrace by the little pureblood who refused to let go for a while.
Even when her heart so foolishly forgave Midori, her active brain constantly warned her against it. It reminded her again and again, what a grave mistake she was making. But Aiyora didn't listen. She simply couldn't bring herself to…She was after all the type of person who mostly followed her heart and refused to listen to her head. Plus the young maiden is also quite biased when it comes to her beloved Ri-chan and his loved ones.
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It wasn't at all difficult for the young Kuran to move past all the bad memories and have a fresh start.
As a matter of fact she was just waiting for it!
At first they started off with formal greetings, common curtesy and smiles. Then from there they moved up to small talks like:
'How is your day going?'
'How are you feeling?'
'Have you taken you meals and medication?' it was something that Aiyora asked the other woman quite often.
Midori in return pointed out '… You must eat more, you barely have any flesh in your body.'
Eventually their small talks changed to moderately longer ones.
The two started to chat like close friends during their afternoon tea and snacks session or during those lazy evenings. Their conversations mostly involved Midori telling Aiyora about all the interesting events that occurred in her life during her prime times when she was the top actress.
The former actress actually opened up to the young pureblood! She candidly shared details and secrets of her life that no one knew off. She spoke about her struggle to establish at the beginning, then about the big name people who tried molest her, those big time actors who tried to get intimate with her off-screen and then about her first ever serious relationship with one of her married co-artist!
Aiyora had one of the most heartfelt conversation with the woman regarding the last matter…
"So what is the name of this person...? Have I seen any of his movies? I must have right?...After all I've watched all your movies. Which movies was he in? …I swear not to tell anyone, not even Senri-chan! This shall remain our little secret."
The pureblood prompted as her blue orbs sparkled. She could barely hold back on her excitement. The curiosity was killing her. And it only added to Midori's entertainment. Hence why she teasingly said.
"Sorry that I cannot tell you."
"Why not!?" Aiyora whined, not catching the teasing tone that laced under her soft voice.
Midori responded after placing her tea cup on saucer. "I'm afraid, you know his son, so it could create a havoc. Besides what's the point in opening an old book."
Her response didn't help at all. If anything now Aiyora was more eager. She became desperate.
"I know his son!?" Aiyora inquired tilting her head. And Midori nodded, yes.
"Wait a moment I don't know that many men…" Aiyora started to make a count of young males she met in the last couple of years till suddenly a bulb lit up above her head.
"It can't be Kaname onii-sama or Senri-chan! And other than the two of them the only guy I know is…" Aiyora blue orbs went wide as she finally came to understand the hint.
"...Ichijo Takuma!?"
Midori only smiled. Confirming her suspicion.
Aiyora's already big eyes grew even bigger like they would pop out of their socket. It took her brain a while to process the information.
Senri's mother and Takuma's father were lovers!
Aiyora repeated the fact in her head again and again. She was having real hard time believing what she was told. The green eyed blonde is not only her brother's friend but also a very close friend of Senri.
She really could not bring herself to believe… How could that be possible? Just how!? Then again there is always the chance of Midori making a fool out of her; but judging by the expression of the former actress's face it didn't look like she was joking.
...Oh she couldn't even begin to imagine the disaster it would cause once the truth is unveiled before the boys…! Who knows if they would still be friends? Highly unlikely...!
"Hold on a second, Takuma's father was an actor…!? He never mentioned anything like that..." Aiyora charged, suddenly realizing that his new found friend made no such mention. When it is quite natural to brag about if you have a celebrity parent. At least she would have!
"Don't think the boy remembers his parents. After all he was an infant when his father and grandfather got into disputes and his father ended up cutting all ties with the Ichijo family. But sadly that decision cost him his son. Ichio-sama kept his grandson back – declaring the little one as the next heir to the Ichijo family. While disowning his own son."
A long silence fell between them, during which Aiyora tried to process all that she just learned.
The silence was finally broken when Aiyora asked, picking up a cookie and turning to the former actress to continue on with the conversation. "So… which one is he?"
"What do you mean?"
"I watched all your movies." Aiyora pointed out. "He has to be there in at least one of them?"
"Ichijo Takashi was the male lead of my first movie…"
Aiyora face formed a big O as she recognized which movie the former actress was talking about. It is actually one of Aiyora's favorite work of Shiki Midori. She watched the movie several times and cried every single time. The two of them did more movies together and Aiyora loved every single one of them. It was their sizzling on-screen chemistry that made Aiyora believe in the beauty of love and passion.
"…So how did the two of you…?" Aiyora was hesitating to complete the sentence in fear of offending the woman but Midori understood what she was trying to say anyway.
"How Takashii-san and I become lovers?"
Aiyora nodded her head enthusiastically. Although it was wrong, the man had a wife back home, but still, the fangirl inside Aiyora was squealing with excitement. Her favorite actor and actress used to be lovers. They did those intimate activities in real life as well. They needed to know all the juicy details.
"Well…"
Midori started to tell her side of the tale without hiding a single detail. Starting from how the success of their first movie increased the demand for their pairing among directors. As a result they started to spend more and time together. Less and less time away from home. On the other hand things were not going very smooth between Ichijo Takashii and his wife. The separation from their son Takuma greatly affected his wife's and threw her under severe depression. And that acted as a boost to divert his mind elsewhere.
"…And that is when I entered his life not just as a friend but as a lover."
Aiyora was taken aback when Midori admitted her guilt and accepted how she was at fault. This was probably the first time she was seeing the real Shiki Midori! Not the actress or Senri's insane mother, but the real person. And that gave the young pureblood a very different perspective of life and the complications that involves within. It was that day Aiyora understood that matters of heart is not so simple. Love is not always as beautiful as it's shown in silver screen. Sometimes in real life love can be very ugly and bring along only tears and heartbreak.
"I wanted to take away another woman's happiness for my own selfish reasons... which is probably why I am lonely today… which is probably why my son is a bastard today."
A drop of tear rolled down the corner of the older vampire's eyes. Aiyora watched her quietly for a moment. She too had tears shining on those blue orbs of her but who were those tears for she really didn't know.
"I'm not sure how you will look at me from now on, but I had to share. There should at least be someone who should know the real m-" Midori was cut off mid-sentence as she felt a pair of small arms engulfing into a warm embrace. Her eyes turned wide, she didn't expect this. And it made her wonder why? Why was this child pouring out so much love for her when the whole world turned their back on her?
"Please don't say that, you're not lonely." From the sound of the shaky voice it was evident that the pureblood was crying. But why was she crying? For her? But she isn't even her real mother!
"We are all with you. Senri is with you, Shiki-san is with you, I am with you! We are a family. One big happy family. And we will always stay like this…" Aiyora paused, preparing herself a little before saying "…You may not see me like a daughter. But you're a mother to me. Perhaps more than that…"
Lady Shiki's heart warmed and she couldn't hold back from returning the embrace.
This time it was Aiyora's turn to have her eyes wide, but only to close down tightly moments later in delight. She didn't expect for her embrace to be returned. Now that it was – she couldn't help but wonder if this is how mother's hug felt? It was so warm. She was already in love with this beautiful feeling.
...
"Here…"
Aiyora beamed a closed eyed smile while placing a tray full of various kinds of cookies before lady Shiki; who was in the garden, seated under a big tree enjoying the last bits if late-afternoon.
The former actress suspiciously eyed the cookies. Wondering in her mind if they were poisoned…!?
"Come on! Try them…" Aiyora cheered and encouraged her with a friendly smile to taste them. "Keeping your preference in mind I made them sugar free."
Aiyora picked up a random chocolate chip cookie and held it close to the other's mouth. Indirectly pushing the person. Sometimes the young pureblood could be quite persistent! This was precisely one of those times. If the girl was a sales associate at a mall – she probably wouldn't have allowed the customers to walk out empty handed. Finally lady Shiki gave up. With a sigh the woman reluctantly took a small bite and was immediately impressed by the taste of it.
"They are very delicious! Thank you so much for your hard work Aiyora-sama. It's greatly appreciated." She praised the pureblood for her hard work and expressed her gratitude; now enjoying one of the cookies being free of her previous tension.
When helping herself with a second one, Midori slipped the suggestions for the enthusiastic little Aiyora who was eagerly waiting for more feedbacks.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they are bad but if you added sugar these would have tasted heavenly."
Aiyora looked at her with a concerned expression. "But-"
"I'm no longer an actress. So there is no need for me to watch what I eat. Now I'm free to eat till all my cravings are satisfied. Plus it will give me a chance to enjoy what you make regularly Aiyora-sama."
The smile from the pureblood's face fell. The expression on her face suddenly turned bitter. As she noticed how the 'sama' honorific was being emphasized every time Midori was uttering her name. Its like she was doing it on purpose just to make the wall between them more evident.
That hurt Aiyora and she put no attempt to hide it, as she put down the cookie in hand and looked the other way facing the sunset.
Midori took notice of the change and actually panicked inside. She wasn't sure which part of her words offended the pureblood. And the last thing she needed now is for the girl to run to her uncle and complain. Last time the savage man starved her. God knows what he will do this time.
"What is the matter?" Midori inquired right away. "…Aiyora-sama?"
"…"
Aiyora didn't respond. Nor did she turn. Her brows however squeezed to one and her hands resting on her lap baled to fists but Midori couldn't see that. But surely the maroon haired lady was able to sense the younger vampire's anger. The emotions was radiating off her aura.
"Aiyora-sama?" but Midori didn't give up. She too could be persistent. She was about to place a hand on the pureblood's shoulder but that is when the girl spoke up.
"Why…?" that was the only word that left from her broken voice.
"What why?" Midori had no clue why Aiyora was having sudden mood swing.
"Why add the honorific?" Aiyora demanded. "Why can't you call me just Aiyora?"
"I can't and I shouldn't. You're a pureblood, and I a mere aristocrat…"
"What if you were my mother?" Aiyora presented her logic. "…what would have happened then? Would you have still used my name with an honorific? Instead of calling me Aiyora, you would have opted for calling me Aiyora-sama?"
"But you aren't my daughter Aiyora-sama. And if you were to come out of me, you wouldn't have been a pureblood. Do you not pay attention during your lesson? Even you yourself can't produce a pureblood if you don't mate with one."
The 'in your face' straight forward response baffled the young maiden. In fact it bothered her so much that she couldn't even bring herself to stay any longer.
"Hope you enjoy the snacks."
Those were the last words uttered by Aiyora before she abruptly got up and left while totally ignoring lady Shiki's call.
...
Midori hasn't seen Aiyora since that day and it's been over three days since then…
Usually she wouldn't have cared. But at this point the situations are different. What made it worse was that the girl was on verge of crying right before leaving. But thankfully the pureblood didn't run to her uncle to complain as she initially feared.
"Have you seen the Kuran princess?" lady Shiki asked a passing by maid while taking a walk on the east wing of the mansion.
"Yes milady, Aiyora-sama is in her chamber."
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Midori waited a while outside the door. Debating if she should knock or just go in without notice. First her mind argued it would be rude to just open the door and enter. What if she catches Aiyora in some awkward moment? However the other part of her assured that it would be fine. The pureblood sees her as a mother. And a mother never needs permission to enter her daughter's room.
Thus she siding with the latter idea she opened the door and walked in like she was entering her own room.
It didn't take her long to find the child. Her mouth-watering aroma was lingering all over the room. All she had to do was turn right, towards the direction of the bed. Aiyora on the bed, curled up like a ball under the sheets.
With a smile tugged at the end of her lips Midori approached the pureblood carefully and cautiously. Aiyora was awake, wide awake and crying. Midori figured that out from the sound of breathing. The child was letting out quite shaky breath and the smell of her tears were infused within the very air of the room.
So she has been crying for that long…!?
With that realization came a strange feelings. Where she felt a tingling sensation into her heart. After a long time it could sense love… pure and unconditional love for her and her only. A kind of love that she always desired.
Her baby blue eyes closed down at the sensation while her lips curled up to a mocking smile. What a cruel humor of nature it was. She was crazy after that monster, desperate to his win his affection. While he was adamant on giving her none! And now, years later, the apple of his eye – his off spring is adamant on winning over her heart and have her as a mother. How awfully twisted!
"Aiyora-sama…" she addressed the figure laying on the bed, in a soft affectionate voice that sounded very motherly. Midori herself was surprised at the way the sound came out. Heck she never even used such tenderness for her own son.
No response came from the pureblood, she was too sad to respond.
Midori sat down on the side of the bed, beside the occupant's head and reluctantly placed over her head and inquired. "Having trouble sleeping?"
There was no initial response, but a while later a soft sob was heard. And that confirmed the older woman's suspicion.
"If you keep crying silently like this you will not be able to sleep." Midori said gently surfing fingers through her scalp and then suggested. "Shall I tell you a bedtime tell perhaps?"
Aiyora turned down the offer with s simple nod of her head.
"Why not? It'll help to succumb to slumber faster… trust me." Midori mused while searching through the pile of books that were stashed inside the small shelf by the side of the bed.
"Found one!" she chimed, like a child who had made a great discovery. "This is a story of beautiful princess and handsome prince…" she gave Aiyora a brief idea off what the story would be while opening the book. Then sitting herself on more comfortable positon Midori started to narrate the story while occasionally combing her fingers through the other's dark silky locks.
That night Aiyora slept! She slept peacefully and soundly like any other child, free from the burden on her shoulders and dreamt of her blissful future in the Shiki house as the wife of Shiki Senri and daughter of Shiki Midori.
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That night's occurrence wasn't the only one. The procedure became a regular. Every morning before sunrise Midori went to Aiyora's room and read to her till fell asleep.
Then came a morning when Midori couldn't visit the pureblood. She was quite sick that day and the high dose of medications that were injected into her system, robbed her off all her energy. However right after sunrise Aiyora showed up into her room that day; firmly holding a book in hand.
Midori smiled at her from the bed and ushered her to come forth. As Aiyora stood a hand distance, the former actress extended her own hand and caressed the child's face.
"Forgive me Aiyora-sama… I don't have the strength in my body to read to you today."
"You don't have to…" Aiyora responded leaning onto the touch before hopping onto the bed in a child-like manner.
"This morning I will read to you!" she added with a toothy grin before proceeding to open the book.
...
Meanwhile in the moon dorm at Cross Academy:
"Did you notice the red mark on Shiki-kun's neck?"
"Yes-yes! Looks like a bite of passion."
"I know right! So scandalous – do you think its Rima-san's doing?"
"Well… she certainly doesn't look like the type to do something like that. But you never know. The people in the glamour business are usually shamles-"
The conversation came to an abrupt stop, because the girls became alerted after sensing the nearing presence their leaders, the dorm president and the vice president. Both stood up at once like puppets raised by strings, in order to pay their respect to the approaching pureblood and the Ichijo heir.
The blonde vice president flashed them a tender smile alongside an acknowledging nod before asking them to sit down. The brunette pureblood however paid the gossiping girls no attention, didn't even spare a glance their way and pretended as if he haven't heard a single word of their topic of discussion. When in reality he heard everything and was quite bothered by it. But being a pureblood, he couldn't reveal his emotions before others and show vulnerability. So he kept his usual impassive and made his way to his chamber.
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Kaname sighed, closing the door behind him. His back rested against the wooden double door, shoulders felt heavy due to lack of sleep.
'He had been sighing quite often these days.' Takuma was the one that pointed it out and asked couple of times if he was alright. Like always Kaname assured his friend it was nothing to worry about and that he shouldn't be too concerned. But the truth was there was a lot going on inside his head. Especially after what he witnessed that day…
Even to think about it made him shudder yet now. Whether it was in anger or disgust he didn't know.
He let out another sigh…
He will probably never forget that scene. Drinking blood was surely an intimate act. But it never looked so passionate until he saw those half-siblings performing it. Her bite came with so much power and euphoria that it was able make the usually emotionless Shiki heir act out of character. Not only that it erupted a moan out of the boy's mouth but also the way his protective arms wrapped around her tiny waist, the way his fingers clutched her clothed skin…the way they rolled on the bed…
The brunette had to stop his mind right there. No he couldn't think anymore…
Surfing fingers though his hair Kaname marched towards his awaiting desk. He went around it and settled down on the chair behind, then placing himself on a more relaxed position he reclined, then closing his eyes down he sighed once again.
The impassive mask from his face wore off showing his true state of mind…Frustration!
It was obvious painfully that he wasn't in the greatest of mood recently. Who can be, with all that going on? But what added fuel to his fire was Senri bold move to return to the academy with the scandalous red mark of love-bite on his neck. It surely gave the night class a hot topic for gossip. Many are even speculating Rima to be one responsible for it. But alongside him and Takuma, Rima is probably the only one who knew where that mark came from.
This is probably what happens when amateurs bite! It's not like Aiyora is the first vampire to bite. He also bit someone soon after moving into Cross Academy. But his biting didn't leave any mark on the woman's neck. Soon as the two puncture wounds healed her neck looked virgin again. Like it was never even touched. But then he remembered a crucial detail from that night. Yuuki. Just the way he witnessed Aiyora bite Senri the same way his beloved girl witnessed him bite Ruka. His intention was honest, to show her real face of vampires but until now it didn't come to his head how she might have actually felt watching another person in his arms, so intimately held.
Does this mean you felt bad? A voice inside his had asked out of the blue. To watch her bite the one she love?
His hand resting over the hand-rest became so tight that it cracked the object underneath the tight grip.
You went with expectation! You wanted to watch her enjoy the delicious treat that you took for her. She had craving from lemon flavored dessert and that was exactly what you took for her. But alas…couldn't give it her. She never and knew that you were there… probably will never even know.
The right side hand-rest of his seat crushed and small pieces of wood particles went flying everywhere. Reopening his eyes the pureblood glared down over his lap assess the damage he did to the poor chair.
Why are you so bothered? It's not like she means anything… She is just the bargaining chip to hold against Rido. So that Yuuki is forever safe and you are forever free.
Then why such change of temper? Why be angry about it? Why is there fire burning your heart? Why is your brain working irrationally? What is the envious feeling doing within your darkened soul?
Is it perhaps jealousy? Are you jealous, that unlike the half siblings you aren't to embrace your beloved, taste her blood...?
He took a deep breath after drawing that conclusion. Yes to his relief, now he knows that he is jealous. He is envious of their love. Aiyora and Senri can embrace each other so freely while he can only watch Yuuki from far. Life is so unfair to him and Yuuki. The lovers who are meant to be are separated while the others…
A large crack appeared on the French window behind and Kaname clutched his head tightly. No he couldn't let his temper out of control. Not now, not at this point. He took a deep inhale of air and held his breath inside to calm his rising temper down. For now he must keep calm and act along.
…
"Come Aiyora-sama…" Midori held Aiyora by her hand and dragged her towards the dresser. "Let's give those hair of yours some good oil massage."
She had the pureblood sit down before the dressing table while she herself stood behind, the place that always used to be occupied by her stylist.
"What are you exactly doing? My hair looks so greasy and sticky?" Aiyora complained half way through the treatment.
"It is the oil," Midori assured. "…no need to panic. Your hair is fine. Once it's shampooed the oil will wash off. Leaving your hair nourished and healthy."
"Who used to oil your hair?" Aiyora asked out of the blue.
Midori answered after a brief pause. "…My mother! She would often pressure me to get frequent oil treatment in fear that my hair would fall off because of extreme styling that was done on the hair before each shoot. As you see, I had a very busy schedule back then. Doing four to five movies at the same time… I was barely home… there was rarely any time for myself."
Midori chuckled remembering how her mother always scolded her every time she was lazy to take care of her own health and beauty, but beauty most importantly. It suddenly made her feel a bit nostalgic.
"…My mother had a different mind-set. She believed whole heartedly that, once a woman loses her beauty, everything for her is gone. She becomes a shadow to the world. And it was her wish that I pass on this message to my daughter…"
Midori was still going on, talking all mubo-jumbo. Hence why she failed to notice the hopeful glint that shined in the pureblood's royal blue orbs. She may not have paid much attention to what she was actually saying but Aiyora did! The young pureblood surely did get the hidden message; that swelled up her heart in joy.
Finally… in your heart you have given me the place of a daughter. For that I shall forever be grateful to you Lady Shiki…no – not lady Shiki, it's mother. From now on you are my mother. Even if I don't say it out loud but in my heart I will always call you mother!
...
The two of them often took long walk in the garden during the hours of late afternoon to early evening. Lady Shiki was always in the best of mood during sunset. Hence why the Kuran princess was so determined to get the other vampire outside during that hour. The nurses in charge of the former actress protested sometimes but Aiyora never really listened…
"Look Aiyora-sama, let's go see the roses, they have bloomed."
The pureblood was practically dragged towards the mentioned direction.
"Aren't they absolutely beautiful?"
"Maybe." Came Aiyora's quick response. "But I prefer jasmine."
Midori rolled her eyes before giving the pureblood a side eyed 'are you serious' look.
"Your fiancée seems to be very fond of them." She meant Kaname's fondness for roses.
"That is precisely why I don't favor them." Her innocent cockiness earned her a chuckle from the former actress.
"You know…" Midori mused plucking out the biggest rose and inhaling its aroma; while totally ignoring the pureblood's annoyed face.
"It's been a while since the two of you got engaged." Midori's tone changed to completely serious one. She sounded like mother who is disappointed in her daughter as she spoke next. "Kaname-sama seems to be giving a lot of afford into this relationship. In and out he is trying very hard to make it work. You on the other hand…" She left it at that and turned to the young maiden and shot her a warning gaze before telling her "…just know that your actions will portray you in negative light in the society's eyes in the future."
With that she left the floor for pureblood to advocate for herself. And Aiyora did exactly that, she didn't hold back, she spoke her mind on the matter with utmost honestly… which sounded sort of brutal.
"I can't bring myself to feel that way about Kaname onii-sama. Every time I look at him I see a guardian figure. I see a father… I see a big brother…"
Then closing her eyes and releasing a deep sigh she said, "I can't marry Kaname onii-sama. I will not be able to give him what a wife is expected to give her husband."
"What gives you the idea you can call of the wedding?" Midori questioned with a raised brow. "You will not be able to annul this engagement on your own. But yes, he is a different story."
"In that case I will vanish of the day of the wedding."
"Ah I see… so you plan on running away on the day of your wedding!" Midori teased, clapping her hands like she was cheering her. That action confused Aiyora, but she said nothing just swallowed nervously. Midori sensed her nervousness but paid no means to it, instead she went on,
"I played such role in movies many times. However that was movie and this is real life. And there is a big difference. In movies a runaway bride can have her happy ending when in real life the repercussions of such actions are unimaginable."
She then turned to Aiyora, tenderly caressed her face and asked the question the girl dreaded the most.
"...Tell me have you thought about the repercussions Aiyora-sama?"
"What repercussions?"
"You plan to leave Kuran Kaname – the future king, waiting for you at alter! And you think he will let such insult slide so easily? Are you really that naïve Aiyora-sama!?"
"I'll make sure that no one can find me."
Midori let out a sarcastic laugh before asking "… you really don't understand do you?"
The tone of her voice frightened the young pureblood and made her cast her eyes down. The feeling of guilt now took over her tender heart; because she didn't brother to think about the repercussion of her action. She was simply thinking about herself only.
"I thought so." Midori said in an 'I knew it' tone as she walked from Aiyora.
The pureblood looked up and watched the other vampire walking away from her with guilty filled eyes. She felt embarrassed for thinking so selfishly.
"I would advise you to think very carefully before putting any of your silly ideas to actions. Keep in mind, end of the day it is my son Senri who will have to pay the ultimate price!"
Aiyora's heart stopped. "But why?" the question left her mouth instantly. It made no sense why should Senri be punished for her crimes?
"Our society's main goal is to protect the pureblood. Especially now, since there are only a handful left."
"I still don't understand why Senri needs to be punished?"
"Since they can't do anything to you. They will search deep and find out the reason behind your actions. And once they come know that it is your feelings for Senri that is preventing you from marrying the last Kuran. They will have him executed right away."
"No!" Aiyora gasped. Her hands balled to fist and head bent down with droplets of tears trickling down her face to land on the ground. "They can't do that to Senri-chan."
For the next couple minutes the silence was deafening. With the sound of blowing wind being the only source of noise there in the garden.
"Fine then," Aiyora finally broke the silence in a defeated tone but at the same time also tried to sound as enthusiastic as possible, just show Midori that she too is ready to make many sacrfices when it concerns Senri. "From now on I will no longer cause trouble for onii-sama. I will be the best fiancée he will ever have. And probably the best wife."
To this Midori smirked. A really twisted smirk.
"Oh dear, it appears that you took my words to heart."
Aiyora shot the woman a confused stare. "What do you mean? Didn't you just tell me that I have no choice but to marry onii-sama?"
"Yes I did." Midori admitted taking a bold step towards the other and taking couple locks of her hair between her fingers. "...but I don't recall saying you have to marry him to be a good wife."
"I don't understand! You're words are so puzzling."
"There is always loophole, you just have look for it."
That further increased Aiyora's already exiting confusion. And the smirk at the corner of Midori's lips turned wide.
"Oh Aiyora-sama, so innocent you are. What I meant is that you don't have to marry Kaname-sama to be his wife. Marry him so that you can be his window."
Aiyora's blue orbs turned as wide as saucer as she registered the true meaning behind those words.
In that moment Aiyora should have taken the hint and understand, that her so called mother was up to no good! But alas… she was too beyond blinded by the phony affection she was receiving.
...
"Where are we going?" Aiyora demanded, her voice serious and curious. But surely it fell into deaf ears as the former actress continued to drag her without bothering to respond.
The young pureblood was in the library, in the middle of her lesson with her tutor. When lady Shiki suddenly barged in and demanded Aiyora to follow. It came as a surprise to both the tutor and her pupil. However the tutor didn't comply. She in fact asked the woman to wait till Aiyora was finished. But who said Midori had that much patience? By throwing the tutor a nasty glare, she proceeded towards the pureblood, grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her along taking themselves out of the library.
"So… where exactly are we going?" Aiyora asked again. This time feeling uncertain. Nervousness took over her once she figured they were heading towards a completely different directions. Towards the west-end of the mansion. The particular side has been left abandoned for years now. Nobody really comes here nor are they allowed to without the permission of Shiki Sayatohi.
"Is it safe to go there without Shiki-san's permission?" Aiyora just wanted to make sure that their stunt wouldn't bring them additional house.
"Of course." Midori assured like it was no big deal. "We are the ladies of the house, not maids. We don't need anyone's person to go from one end to another."
.
.
.
The door was pushed open to reveal a bedroom, almost as massive as the master-bedroom.
The young pureblood's mouth formed a big O as she took in the sight with child-like wonder in her eyes. To her this room resembled set of a haunted house in horror movies. From the condition inside it was easy to tell that this chamber haven't been used for long-long time. All the furniture were draped with white sheet. Floor has gathered dust, the glass windows have yellowish taint in them meaning they haven't been cleaned in ages.
Midori was the first to step in. Once inside she ushered the pureblood to follow. Although she hesitated at the beginning but followed along regardless. Then looking both ways just to check if anyone was watching, Aiyora her first step inside. If only she knew… that it was her doom she was eventually heading towards.
"Come over here Aiyora-sama, you must see this," the duo entered another room. This chamber appeared a little smaller and was way darker compared to the previous one. There wasn't a single window in there.
"Can't see anything." Aiyora complained. Even with her vampiric vision she was having difficulty.
"Hold on." Midori pressed on the switch beside the door and the focused-blubs in the room lit up. Alongside the room Aiyora's eyes too lit up with excitement as she realized what this place exactly was.
"Is this… is this what I think it is?" Aiyora asked gawking around like some starved being in dessert who just discovered water.
"Affirmative!" Midori assured suppressing a chuckle at the younger one's reaction.
Aiyora walked further inside, completely in awe. She was speechless, lost, most importantly starstruck fan. For the young pureblood it was like living the dream. She pinched herself on her own arm couple of times just to check if it hurt or not. And it did! Meaning it was no dream. She was actually inside Midori's closet – the Shiki Midori's closet.
"Can I come here more often? I promise not to touch anything and ruin them. I will just look at them and admire them from here."
"You can come here whenever you like Aiyora-sama," with those words she took the pureblood's small hand and placed a key onto her palm. It was the key to this room and this closet. "…because from here forward these are all yours."
"What?" The pureblood's mouth dropped, eyes widened and she stuttered "B-but why me…?"
"What do you mean by 'b-but why me?'" Midori asked with a raised brow while exactly mimicking the other tone and expression.
"Why are you giving them to me?"
"You still wonder why?" Midori asked with a chuckle before proceeding to explain further.
"You see like every other person I too had dreams. And my dream was to pass legacy to my child – a daughter to be specific. All my life I actually wanted to have a daughter so that I can make her like me. Give her my career, my fame-stardom and everything that comes along with it. Including my wardrobe!
But as decided by fate I had a son. I may have been able to pass something onto him. However my wardrobe still remains. And at this point it is even absurd to dream of conceiving another child. So for day I thought about what to be done with these," she pointed towards the extravagant clothing. "And then it hit me, I already have a daughter… you are my daughter Aiyora-sama. If you will accept me as a mother-"
Midori was cut off when her so called daughter left behind everything and pounced into her arms.
Tears poured out of her eyes as she silently cried burying her face into the other vampire's chest. Aiyora may have been greedy for her favorite actress's closet but now that she had it she could care less about it. Because along with her closet today, Shiki Midori gave her something that weighted down the value of those expensive possession. The woman gave her a mother! Today after all these years of struggle Kuran Aiyora finally found her mother – so as a daughter what more could ask for?
Designer clothing, shoes, jewelry these are things that both Senri and Kaname can buy her with a twist of finger. She can have these any time she wants. It is a void of not having mother that they can never fulfill.
...
Back in the moon dorm:
Kaname Kuran lay down on his red velvet divan, with a hand draped over his face shielding his eyes from the sunrays that were peeking through the curtains. He did not go to class today. Whether he will attend them tomorrow still remains uncertain. Honestly he wanted a break from everything. His body tired and mind completely exhausted! To the point where he wanted nothing more than to shut himself off this world and be in some lone land where he would have his precious Yuuki to look after him. Oh even in such state Kaname knew these sort of dreams were too good to come true… at least for now.
When at this given moment his mind drifted back to one subject at every given chance. Kuran Aiyora!
Ironically she was all he could think about in the recent times. The child has taken over full control of his meditation. He had to think about her so much that Yuuki and her safe had to be temporarily pushed behind. But what did Aiyora even do to have Kaname thin about her like this? Well she did exactly what she does all the time… nothing!
Kaname actually avoided going to the Shiki mansion since that day. The day he witnessed – no he didn't even want to think about it. There were far bigger problems in hand at the moment. Shiki Senri should be the least of his concern for now. His mother was the real problem at the given moment.
He had a bad feeling about this! The sudden closeness between Aiyora and lady Shiki did not sit well with him. He thought about the matter over and over but still could not shake away the uneasy feeling that has been building up weighing his heart down.
It's not like he didn't try to warn Aiyora. In fact he tried several time – the last one being yesterday night over the phone. But the girl is stubborn. Forget listening to him, she wouldn't even give him the chance to explain, especially if his words are putting the former actress in a negative light.
When for the first time he warned Aiyora to stay away from lady Shiki, she got mad… so mad that she hung up the phone mid-way when he was still speaking. Then, didn't speak to him for the next few days. The next time however when she spoke to him, she warned him before he could not to speak single ill word about lady Shiki. But being genuinely concerned about her safety Kaname still tried… and even went as far as to get the Shiki heir involved but unfortunately that plan also led to failure.
At this point Kaname is convinced that Aiyora has been completely brainwashed by that crazy woman. Not a day goes by without him thinking-worrying about her. He even lost sleep thinking over various scenarios of Shiki Midori attacking her out of the blue. And that actually is his biggest fear.
Well under the current situation the brunette has valid reasons to be afraid.
-First: Aiyora's powers are yet to fully develop. Whatever ability she has will most likely not be enough.
-And second and the worse part of the problem was – even after all these months of training Aiyora doesn't do too well with surprise attacks. She tends to freeze in those moment giving her opponent the golden opportunity to take her down. So how will she defend herself if what he is fearing comes true? He is certain Aiyora will not be able to tackle the incoming attack nor will she be attack back especially if the person is lady Shiki.
Removing the hand that was on his face the brunette sat up, he poured himself a glass of water and put few tablets in and waited till they dissolved to form faux blood. He emptied the glass in one long sip and placed the glass back down on the table in front.
There are certain qualities of the young Kuran that he really hates:
One is her unpredictable mood. On days when she is in good mood, Aiyora is probably the best child a parent could ask for. She will be so obedient and understanding. But on days when her mood is switched off she can be quite a handful.
Second is her partiality. By nature Aiyora isn't very forgiving – in his case she still tends to hold a grudge against him. Even after all that he is doing for her, she still tends to give him hard time and look for every opportunity to remind him how he has abandoned her in the past. But when it comes to the Shiki heir and his mother Aiyora's heart is very delicate. For them all sins are pardoned. Even that fact that mad woman dared to raise a hand on her.
Aiyora denied the entire event as a misunderstanding but as her big-brother and fellow pureblood he cannot just sit tight and do nothing. Because he knew exactly what happened even if he acted oblivious before her. Plus at the rate at which things are progressing… anything is possible.
Hence why he already assigned a familiar of his to be around the Shiki mansion, watching over both lady Shiki and Aiyora. Truth be told he had been suspicious about the woman from the beginning but didn't have the proof until now…
At this point he knows that the only available option in hand is to wait for the opportunity to show Aiyora who is the real friend and who the enemy is.
...
"…Aiyora-sama!"
"…Aiyora-sama!"
"…Aiyora-sama!"
Midori gently shook the pureblood awake. It was one of those days when Aiyora's sleep was as deep as being dead. But that didn't stop Midori to give up on her effort. She continued till the young vampire at least cracked an eye open.
Aiyora slowly managed to open her eyes and blinked couple times, confused. She looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was 2.30 pm to be exact. Still the middle of the day. She wondered like any normal person would, why she was getting awakened at this time? Was everything alright in the house? She was about to voice out her thoughts but the aristocrat already beat her by being to first to speak.
"I made some porridge for you."
"Porridge?" Aiyora blinked her eyes and batted her lashes, trying to process. While wondering how on earth she would eat it!? After all, porridge sat at the top of her all time nonedible food list. Plus she doesn't eat during this time. She can never eat right after waking up. The woman already knew how her meal circle worked. So why take the trouble?
"I can't eat right after waking up." Aiyora said sitting up, rubbing the corner of her eyes.
"I know..." the burgundy haired woman admitted guiltily and earned a curious look from the pureblood.
"It's just that I was having a hard time sleeping. So I decided to utilize this time by doing some productive work. My cooking isn't great so I thought why not brush up the skills a little. Uncle mentioned Senri will visit soon, I was hoping to cook him some delicious meals like any normal mother does for her children..."
Midori took good notice of how the mere mention of her boy's name lightened up the pureblood's face.
"...After all what did I ever do for him anyway? Rather than steal his blood to quench my thirst for his father." Her words sure did the magic, Aiyora's heart melted!
"I understand… you don't have to explain." Aiyora assured placing a hand over Midori's arm. "And don't worry about Ri-chan. I'm sure he will love anything you make for him."
Midori noticed how much warmth laced within that melodic voice when she called the boy with his nick name 'Ri-chan". Any normal mother would have to any length to make this girl their daughter in law. But, Shiki Midori was no normal mother.
"Thank you for your kind words Aiyora-sama." Midori said cupping a portion of Aiyora's face and tenderly kissing her forehead. "May your soul always stay blessed and beautiful!"
Aiyora blushed.
A silence fell between them. Midori observed that Aiyora made no attempt to taste the food. Midori searched her face to look for sign of suspicion but found none. The girl simply had no appetite during this odd time. But then again Midori also didn't have a lot of time in hand... hence why she pushed…
"Um…would you mind tasting a little, just a little will do. I am sure they aren't of the great taste but a little bit of feedback would certainly mean a lot."
"Sure." Aiyora agreed whole heartedly. She took the bowl onto her lap and put a spoonful into her mouth right away. Just as the porridge reached the taste-bud Aiyora's whole body clenched at its weirdly disgusting taste. She may not like porridge but has definitely tried before and was sure that it doesn't taste like horrendous.
The expression on Midori's face saddened.
"I'm so sorry to bother you. I should have known it turned horrible. Please allow me to take this away." She tried to pull the bowl out of Aiyora's grasp but latter didn't allow.
"No – No – No it's actually good. I was surprised by how delicious it is turned out. I want to eat a little more."
In a desperate attempt to make her mother happy Aiyora forced a spoonful into her mouth. Just so that the Midori's heart doesn't break she tried to eat as much as possible. But if only she knew, what she was actually get fed…
...
At the abandoned castle where Senri and Rima were shooting:
Click! Click! Click!
The sound of camera shuttering was the only source of noise in the air aside from the director's occasional screaming.
The burgundy haired model stood on top of the stairs slightly leaning forwards against the railing. He was dressed in a white suit with a pristine black shirt underneath it. Beside him was his partner Rima. She stood slightly leaning against his body, dressed in deep maroon Victorian style backless dress.
"Shiki-san we need full attention. Absolutely 100%!" the director yelled. "We need your usual poker face."
Senri's form tensed and that grabbed Rima's attention. From the corner of her eyes she observed. Senri really didn't look like his usual self. Today for some reason his face showed worry. And that was quite unlike his character. She figured he must have been going to some real stress for the matter to show up on his face. But as far as she knew the boy he barely gave damn to anything – unless it concerned his half-sister.
Director continued to shout but it didn't make much of a difference. Rima could tell Senri was really trying to hide the expression but unfortunately it was only leading to failure.
"Why don't we go for a break?" the photographer Inakaru suggested the director. "Maybe a little rest will help Shiki-san."
The director agreed and break was declared.
The moment break was announced Senri jogged down the stairs in few long strides and walked straight towards the terrace while taking off and handing his suit jacket to one of the passing by assistants.
Rima silently followed behind.
"What is the matter?" she asked once they were in the terrace. This time also she leaned against the railing.
"Not sure…" he said sounding unsure "…but suddenly I'm having this ominous feelings."
...
Shiki Midori didn't win several awards for her performance just like that. The woman was and is still a great actress. After all what a mind blowing performance she has been carrying out for the past few weeks. Not only this pureblood cub, but the entire mansion has been fooled by her act.
Everyone actually started to believe that she had grown a weakness, a soft spot towards the pureblood – including the pureblood herself. But little did anyone know how much she loathed her, how much hatred burned underneath the warmth that was constantly displayed.
And why shouldn't she hate this child?
Midori has every reason in the world to despise her. Despite being a bastard this girl got recognition. Kuran Aiyora stands on a position where she is looked at as the legitimate child. She is and will forever be called daughter of Kuran Rido.
But those aren't the only reason for Midori's hatred. This girl is a complete nuisance. Midori's uncle Sayatohi believes the pureblood will bring good fortune to their family. Midori highly disagrees. After all from what she has seen so far Midori believes deep in her heart that the pureblood will only bring destruction upon Shiki family. She is nothing but a bad omen. Her attachment to Senri will lead entire family towards the path of destruction. And that isn't even the worse part – because the actions have already stated to take place. Shiki family is now already on the very falling down the slope of a hill.
Take her biting Senri situation for example – whoever thinks the event went unnoticed would be highly mistaken. Yes the servants and maids may not have witnessed it, Shiki Sayatohi may still be oblivious to it. Nonetheless they were seen, by none other Kuran Aiyora's fiancé himself...
…Kuran Kaname actually watched the whole thing unfold, standing right outside the door. He may not have confronted them, but he sure was enraged by the matter. And his wrath that day was what Midori had the fortune to witness. No one knows what the end result would be. But as far as she knows the Kuran male he will not let it pass. In the end it is her son who will have to bear the ultimate cost of it.
Midori looked at Aiyora, smirking wide. Her face now stretched into a manic like smile, while desire for vengeance reflected across her facial features. Her sweet motherly appearance was long gone leaving behind the face of a mad vampire.
Even in such pathetic state the pureblood was a sight to look at. Her face was red and sweaty, hand almost shaking, yet she was determined to finish the porridge – something that she never ate under any circumstances until now. Such desperation from the young one made Midori lick her lips. Oh she absolutely couldn't wait… what a meal she will have today! Though in the back of her head Midori is aware of the consequences but it'll be worth every single drop of that blood.
"You remind me of one of my friend, Maya was her name, Hanadagi Maya!" Midori started the conversation. The story she was telling is indeed a true one but a very important details was intentionally skipped out, and that the fact that 'Hanadagi Maya' actually happened to be Aiyora's maternal aunt.
Aiyora tried to focus on what she was being told, but the problem was, everything around her seemed to be slowing down all of a sudden. And she couldn't figure out why such a thing was even happening.
"…Maya's youth and good looks were quite a talked about in our society. Most eligible bachelors had their eyes set on her. Including her own three brothers. However the girl in question had no interest in marriage. Nor was there an interest in any particular male. She was free spirited soul who wanted to live her life differently...
…But due to her growing popularity keeping her home was becoming troublesome. The family realized she needed to be married off fast and Hanadagi-sama (her father), wanted to give his daughter's hand to his eldest son. However his other sons objected. Because they all wanted to marry Maya. And very soon the bonding between the brothers changed, they became each other's enemy. This chaos led to a huge downfall for the Hanadagi family. It made them look vulnerable to the outside world.
Hanadagi-sama was at loss, he felt trapped in a corner with no way out. As the head of the family it was hard from him to watch his own hand built family fall apart. He became restless to unite his family as one and was ready to pay any price in order for that to happen.
Then one fateful night he came across a scholar who advised him to find the root of the problem and finish it. And that exactly was what he did!
… With his own hand he took the life of his first born child, Maya!"
The spoon fell from Aiyora's hand as her head spun vigorously. She couldn't understand what was happening to her? Was something mixed in the porridge? She made an attempt to speak but her voice slurred and she finally felt the impact of her consumption as her body started to go numb.
"Oh my, that took quite a while to work!"
Finally… after all this time Aiyora noticed the madden look on the woman's feature and understood her intention. But alas she was already into the trap. And all doors for escape were already long shut down.
…
At the council Headquarter:
Everyone was seated inside the conference room, listening to the speech delivered by the head of the Aidou family, Nagamachi Aidou.
At least one member from every noble family was present in that particular meeting. Including the Kuran prince and the council president Ichijo Asoto. Shiki Sayatohi was also there. He however was seated closer to the council president. It was a deliberate move on the aristocrat's part as he was trying to stay clear off the pureblood and had no desire to be anywhere near the latter. Because things haven't been quite smooth between them recently.
Kuran Kaname was quite upset about the fact that his fiancée was hit by the noble's niece. Sayatohi had several meetings and phone conversation with the pureblood in order to explain the situation and tell him about how the matter had been handled. But nothing he said seems to have satisfied the pureblood. The latter in fact raised some valid questions such as; how such incident took place in such a secured home? And why Aiyora was anywhere near lady Shiki all by herself?
And regretfully Sayatohi couldn't provide an answer. All he gave the pureblood was his word that such occurrence will never take place in the future. And it's been over fortnight since that talk. After that pureblood hasn't spoken a word to him.
The Shiki noble absently tried to sneak a glance at the pureblood to see if the latter was watching him. To his relief the pureblood had his eyes fixed on the person currently delivering the speech. And that gave Sayatohi a chance to sigh out in relief. Here is what has left the light burgundy haired man confused, he just couldn't bring himself to understand what goes on in that head of Kuran Kaname – he is a complex and two-faced personality. Says one-thing but does the opposite.
At first he wanted nothing to do with the engagement nor the person whom he was engaged to. He even went as far as to admitting in private that he had no intention to marry her. And gave the Shiki head his wordthat once his mission is completed, their engagement will be annulled and in turn she will be made engaged to Senri and he – himself will sign the new contract. Something which his father didn't do. However within couple month his character made a full 180 degree turn. He was often seen at the Shiki residence spending time with fiancée. He kept himself glued to her like a lost puppy in search of its mother. Despite her lack of interest in his company, he still kept coming back every now and then.
So where is this sudden interest coming from? Could he be developing – the noble didn't want to think about it. After all that was his biggest fear. Because what will happen to the Shiki family if Kuran Kaname refuses to let her go? He couldn't help his niece keep Kuran Rido by her side. But he won't allow Senri to lose on Kuran Ai-
"My lord what is the matter?" one of the member's voice dragged Sayatohi out of his thoughts. Following everyone he too looked at direction where the pureblood was seated; but now all that remained was the empty seat.
Everyone kept wondering why the pureblood have rushed off like that? He certainly isn't the type to leave in the middle of the meeting like this. Where could he have gone? But then Sayatohi's heart gave out an uneasy beat… as he figured where the pureblood headed.
Everyone was suddenly taken aback to see the head of the Shiki family also standing up.
He apologized to Ichio and also took off… Leaving behind the bunch who were completely baffled…
...
Aiyora somehow managed to roll her body out of the bed and gave her very best to run – and get as far away from the crazy vampire as possible. But unfortunately she couldn't go much further. What was more tragic was the fact that her whole body collapsed onto the floor when she was just a hand distance from the door.
"Don't bother struggling." Came Midori's voice from the back. "There was tranquilizer in the porridge."
Aiyora wanted to react to that information but couldn't, as every cell in her body has already gone numb. Taking advantage of the situation Midori took her sweet time to come around and crouched down next to the defenseless pureblood.
"Yes… it's the same ones that is injected in me, on days when I go out of hand. I'm sure you remember what it does." She added in a teasing voice, taking a lock of the pureblood's hair and twirling them between her fingers.
"W-why…?" Aiyora managed to voice out with a pathetic sob.
"You still ask why? Didn't you learn anything from the story?" the older vampire snarled and then added after taking a deep breath. The smell of fear and vulnerability that was emanating off the young pureblood tantalized her.
"…In any case I have enough time in hand, so I'll explain before I drink every drop of that divine blood that streams through your body…
...You see Aiyora-sama in this scenario you are 'Maya'. You are the one who will be the downfall of my Senri. He loves you blindly and that love will be the death of him… He has already made an enemy out of Kuran Kaname. Do you even realize what a powerful alley he has lost and what price he will have to pay in return?"
Aiyora looked at the woman confused. The pair of deep blue orbs clashed with the baby blue ones. What Midori was saying made absolute no sense to her. After all what has she even done to make Kaname and Senri enemies? And more importantly why would she do something would bring harm in her precious Senri-chan's life?
The obliviousness written all over Aiyora's face further fueled the other's already boiling warth. Making her glare down harder at the helpless pureblood cub.
"So tell me... tell me Aiyora-sama… as a mother how can I sit here and watch my son's demise? You do understand right, all that I am doing is for Senri's betterment. His better future. And as long as you exist, he will never have a bright future. His entire life will be spent living under your shadow, under your mercy. And I'm sure you don't want that for your beloved Ri-chan… do you?"
By now Aiyora no longer paid attention to what the woman was saying. Making her own safety the first priority she tried to scream for help and draw attention; but was silenced when Midori managed to grab hold of her little mouth and muffle the incoming sounds.
"There is no point in screaming. Nobody is really here. All the maids and servants are in deep sleep. And as for my uncle, he went to the council early in the morning…" Then she grabbed Aiyora by hair and pulled her up; making some strands of her hair rip and fall. The pureblood struggled but there was no point to it anymore. Her body was as good paralyzed.
Then leaning forward Midori whispered into the pureblood's ear in a taunting voice.
"This is it, this is your end Aiyora-sama. No one will be able save you today. Not even Senri. Although it will crush his very soul, but don't worry, I will find a nice girl for him. Perhaps Rima will be there to take good care of him…"
Aiyora's body shivered hearing that. She gave one last shot, a final effort of struggle, but…
Pushing the pureblood's head backward, Midori leaned in and nuzzled against the crook of her neck.
"Ah! You smell divine… so pure… so fresh… I'm sure you would have been much happier if it was Senri biting you. But not to worry your strong essence will remained within me for a long time and I'm sure he will be able to taste you once he drink from me." With that said Shiki Midori plunged her elongated fangs and tore through the virgin flesh of the awaiting neck.
The aristocrat vampire let out a delighted moan as the young pureblood's rich blood gushed into her mouth. To devour a pureblood vampire, it is the most taboo act while also great achievement for a vampire of level-b status. The rich taste of Kuran blood made the former actress high. Never has she tasted any blood so delicious before. And it made her wonder if Rido tasted similar…? Because she could feel him, his very essence permeating through her body.
The sound of her blood getting sucked out in greedy gulps was all Kuran Aiyora heard before pitch blackness entirely consumed her.
Drunk in the taste of pure blood Midori failed to notice when the door barged open and the two tall figures ran inside. One of them was for sure her uncle. But the other, she couldn't really make out of till… her body suddenly went flying across the room and crashed against the wall. Her voice let out an involuntary snarl and she looked up in a harsh glare only to meet the dangerously glowing furious crimson eyes of Kuran Kaname who only muttered only three words:
"How dare you!?" And no it wasn't a question… it was his demand.
...
The atmosphere inside the room was heavy. Tension was filled up in every particle of the air. There was absolute pin drop silence. The only source of sound being lady Shiki's labored breathing and occasional release of sigh from male occupants in the room.
Midori was now held in an iron tight grip by her uncle, who in turn had his eyes fixed on the male Kuran, silently begging him to have mercy. And the pureblood in question was now sitting on the bed, Aiyora's bed. Cradling the unconscious form of owner of the room in his arms like he was holding a newborn.
"I am giving you my word Kuran-sama," Shiki Sayatohi was the first to make the attempt to break the silence. "I won't let the matter slide."
The brunette said nothing. The fact that he didn't believe a single word the aristocrat just said, reflected even on his handsome features. He simply let those words enter through one ear and pass out of the other. He called Seiran, fully ignoring the Shiki Sayatohi, acting as if the noble wasn't even present there.
The said female appeared within the blink of an eye after her master's call.
"Awaken the maids and ask them to give you a hand to pack everything." Placing a hand on her heart and with a bow Seiran left for her assigned task. And just as she left Sayatohi spoke up again.
"Kuran-sama… my niece shall receive her share of punishment. I will not defend her at any stance. I hope you understand that the Shiki family doesn't support such disgraceful acts-"
"Those were the exact words, you uttered last time." Kaname cut off the aristocrat before he could go any further and reminded. "…she was also punished back then. But what was the ultimate result?"
"Nothing of this sort will repeat ever again." The Shiki family head promised the Kuran prince. "If needed for the sake of Aiyora-sama's safety I will have Midori locked up from today forward. After all Aiyora-sama is a member of our family, no compromise shall be made regarding her safety. I will personally-"
"I hate you to be the one to point this out Shiki-donno but you're missing a crucial detail here. In no way is Aiyora a member of your family. Her name is Kuran Aiyora. She is the daughter of Kuran Rido, and fiancée to me Kuran Kaname. So where do you see her tie with the Shiki family? Care to explain!?"
Shiki Sayatohi was left speechless. His mouth remained partly gaped, his facial expression indicated the current state of his mind. Which in this case was fear. And why wouldn't he be afraid, the situation was turning towards the direction he has dreaded all this time. His nightmare just turned to reality. He could tell by looking at the Kuran heir's face that the latter has already changed his mind. The promise he made behind the closed doors all those years ago when the engagement was first arranged, will soon be broken.
"Matters will be formally settled once she awakens." Kaname declared, standing up with Aiyora still intact in his arms. But as he was about to step out of the room, the other presence, who was silent all this time finally spoke up bringing the pureblood to a stop.
"Oh… so much love! Such deep affection! Where is this coming from out of the blue!?"
Only because she has gone insane, hence why she was bold enough to speak to the current patriarch of the Kuran family in such manner. Her uncle however reacted right away by smacking her right across the face.
"Mind your tongue Midori. Apologize to Kaname-sama right now!"
"Why should I?" she spat pitting venom. "When we all know what he is up to?"
She was met with another tight slap by her uncle and a far severe scolding where he demanded her to apologize to the pureblood this instant. But she still ignored her uncle's empty threats and went on to stare directly and glare daggers at the male Kuran's back.
"We are all adults here. Let's not pretend. You have made it very clear from the beginning that this girl means nothing to you. So why do you insist on taking such liability upon your shoulders?"
Kaname's jaw tightened but neither of the Shiki's were able to see. Thus remained oblivious to his rising temper.
"Do us all a favor… and get rid of this witch. Peace will automatically befall on us all."
This time Kaname looked over his shoulder and with his eyes signaled the Shiki leader to stop his niece. Sayatohi Shiki warned her to stop and threatened if she doesn't then he will not be responsible for the consequences. But Midori didn't care. Never has she ever felt so bold until now… this very moment.
"Why are you hesitating?" she asked in a taunting voice. "… this is your chance. She is already unconscious. You can give her a peaceful death."
The window behind the uncle and niece cracked. The pureblood was on the edge with his temper.
"Don't save it for later, because you will not be able to do it. It's either now or never!"
Kaname was amazed by the woman's ability to challenge him like this. He figured standing here like this was just a waste of his precious time. There is no point in listening to a person who had no sanity left. So he started to walk away…
"Don't let the innocent face and the sweet chiming voice fool you. Don't forget whose blood and flesh she is made up of. You let her live today, tomorrow she will walk over you!"
Like any other person in these circumstances, the pureblood too paid no heed to her crazy words.
"…Kaname-sama you're making a mistake… big mistake…you'll regret every bit of this day…"
Those were the words the brunette could hear in the background as he climbed down the stairs leading to the exit of the Shiki mansion holding the fragile figure tightly and protectively in his arms.
...
The black limousine was driving through the empty highway at a moderately high speed.
Inside the luxury vehicle was the Kuran heir – seated on the right side. His body guard Seiran occupied the seat opposite to him. And the other pureblood, the unconscious one was in the arms of her fiancé, still cradled by him. They were all heading back to Cross Academy, with Aiyora this time. After all her journey with the Shiki family has finally come to an end, while a whole new journey already awaits her way…
The atmosphere inside the car was also heavy and tension filled.
Seiran observed her master soundlessly. He was looking outside through the tinted window. His face remained impassive. At first glance he looked calm. But the more you focus, the more you notice the wrath and the struggle to keep that rage under control. If only Seiran kept count of how many times the windows of the car came close to cracking. Couple of cracks did appear on his side at one point but he was quick to regain his composure and seal them off with his powers. His usually wintery cold eyes are long gone now replaced with worry. It was one of those moment when some emotions reflected on his handsome features.
But then she understood him, and where that anger was coming from… Today's event was uncalled for. No one expected such cruelty nor did anyone dared to think that an aristocrat would go as far as to hurt a pureblood! An innocent child on top of that. Thankfully they made it there on time. Even a minute delay perhaps would have taken the whole situation to a different direction-
Her train of thoughts were cut short when the sudden smell of blood invaded through her nose. Automatically her head turned towards the source only to find her master biting his wrist to draw blood. Like every vampire would, Seiran too reacted to the smell of his pure ancestral blood, but in her own way. Her whole body tensed and throat dried down. It is normal for any vampire to crave for such rich blood. But she kept those feelings deep within while keeping her usual stoic upfront. Because nothing comes before her loyalty to her master.
Although Kaname said nothing when he pulled his fangs off his wrist but Seiran already knew what was coming. The act he will be performing is very intimate. So in order to give him some privacy she looked away, facing the window. Little did she know that she would witness the whole thing unfold through the reflection on the glass...
... All she could do in that moment was hold her breath in and watch with pin drop silence as her master ever so slightly tilted the head and tenderly parted the mouth of the younger pureblood only to seal it off with his own lips and feed her his own blood!
a.n. thank you all for reading and making it till here. hope you guys enjoyed. if not I understand! honestly for some reason I had real difficulty in writing this chapter and did revision too. Yet for some reason this isn't my very favorite chapter. but it needed to be done and be over with. one thing for sure i'm glad that Aiyora's journey at the Shiki house has come to an. guess I was getting bored in that arc. so yeah finally she is going to cross academy. soon we will be entering the canon arcs. however it will still take some time to start the anime timeline because first I want to focus on light novel's (the prequel's before the start of the anime timeline).
as always I hope I haven't made the characters too ooc.
as for the chapters - BOOM! That was Aiyora's first taste of betrayal. It was a real good stab in the back. But she should have seen it coming. After all she is too biased when it comes to Senri and everyone related to him.
Also I know Shiki Midori comes of as crazy and selfish but personally I think she was, in her own way trying to look for her son. and for the betterment of everyone's' future she thinks Aiyora should die. Hence why she was desperately trying to convince Kaname to kill her... which of course he didn't.
also... now not only Senri but Kaname's blood also runs into her vain. don't know how that will be beneficial.
and like always thank you Astrid Claire for helping me out whenever i'm stuck! you're support mean a lot.
anyways looking forward to seeing you all in the next chapter. till then take care and bye.
