Kaname Kuran's life had always been painted in unspeakable darkness ever since he was a child. Through the sea of mindless faces and empty compliments the only thing that remained was his own loneliness.
Being a pureblood was an extensive job and caused him to be perfect in public. Once he lost his parents and Yuki, things stood still and nothing in the universe had much significance anymore.
Because of the fact, the day Kaname Kuran met Isabelle, he didn't really think much about it.
Driving to another pointless and nameless party, he first saw a small figure buried in the snow out of the corner of his eye.
Narrowing his gaze in wonder, he signaled the driver right away. "Could you please pull over?"
The driver compiled and stopped the car to Takuma's confusion. "What's wrong Kaname?"
Kaname looked at his friend before reaching for the door handle and being hit with a harsh breeze. "I'm not sure. I think I saw something over there. Wait here, I'm going to go see what it is."
His friend nodded his head and watched Kaname close the door before walking towards the figure in the snow.
Approaching further he saw the figure moving just slightly and realized it wasn't a figure at all,but rather a girl.
Specific features started to take shape as he looked upon her ruined pink party dress, sticky strands of blonde hair, and the large amount of caked blood around her.
Still being cautious, Kaname bend down at saw the heavy rise and fall of her chest. It seemed like she was shaking. "Hello, are you alright?"
Hearing the voice, the female's eyes shot up and Kaname noticed the familiar crimson glow with two sharp fangs protruding from her mouth. She was a vampire.
Understanding the situation almost immediately, he looked around but found nobody around for miles. Who could of done this to such a small girl? The thought alone disgusted him.
He watched her grit her teeth in pain as a couple tears leaked from her eyes and Kaname couldn't take anymore. He knew he couldn't just leave this girl like that.
Leaning down, he unbuttoned his jacket before pressing his fingers on his neck to draw blood and spoke with a gentle soft tone. "You poor thing. It's okay. I know what you want."
The girl sensed the blood right away and before he knew it, she was drinking in the red liquid, erasing her pain away.
Once she was finished he watched her eyes, which know realized were blue, look into his and fill with tears. It seemed the realization was setting in.
Kaname looked at her sadly and quickly willed her to sleep before the girl could connect all the pieces and carefully lifted her off the ground. He needed to do something about her.
Walking back to the car various thoughts circled back in his head but none of them were overly serious. Sure, he felt sorry for the girl but he had more important things to worry about than a random stranger. Yuki was his top priority anyways.
A couple days had past since he brought the girl he now knew as Isabelle back to the Ackerman estate and it seemed her condition wasn't improving.
He had indeed spoke to her once on that same night but since then she had not accepted any food and barely spoke to anyone.
Walking down the long hallway he watched a maid approach him and give her daily report. "I'm sorry Lord Kaname, but we still can't get anything out of her."
Nodding his head once and sighing he took his leave. It was a pity that the girl wasn't adapting to her new lifestyle but it wasn't something he should dwell on.
He traveled through the garden on his way out when Kaname noticed the girl in question staring into space at the sky above her.
She stood on the shaded part of the stone pavement, gazing off to the sunny side that covered the garden. For some reason, she looked sad.
Kaname looked at the time before walking over to her. As he inched closer, she didn't even acknowledge his presence. "What are you staring at?"
Listening to his words, she looked down before outstretching her arm and hissing at the sunlight. She then pulled it back in instantly and sighed.
Kaname understood her movement and tried to offer some sort of comfort. She was trying to step out in the sunlight again. "You shouldn't be out this early. The sunlight is still too dangerous for you."
Although it seemed his words didn't offer what he had hoped because instead Isabelle just looked at the floor in devisation.
Realizing he had probably misstepped, Kaname withdrew and turned away. "Anyways, you should get inside. I must take my leave now. Goodbye Isabelle."
Then without looking at her reaction he started moving back towards his goal, to visit his sister.
Even more days had past and Kaname found himself back at the estate for a political matter. About a dozen men circled him as they walked into the garden together. "Lord Kaname, I respect your wishes but do you honestly believe that pacifism between humans and vampires is logical?"
Kaname nodded his head once and answered plainy. "Yes, I do."
The men began to ramble off and he tried to focus, that is until he saw Isabelle standing in the same spot she always was in, staring blankly at the sky.
Focusing on her blue tea length dress and narrowed eyes he watched her try to reach her arm out again, only to pull it back in pain. It seemed she didn't listen to his words.
Then, without warning, Kaname watched that girl run straight into the sunlight and disappear through the treeline.
His eyes widened in strange anxiety as the men noticed his disinterest in the topic. "Lord Kaname, is something the matter?"
He turned to the men before thinking of all the terrible things that could happen to that girl. She was too weak to be in the sunlight which meant she could very well die out there.
In a moment, Kaname turned to the man and apologized before running off in the direction of where Isabelle went.
After searching for a couple minutes he found her hunched over by a tree, a hand covering her head in a desperate attempt to stop the pain.
He sighed and quickly took off his jacket before covering her body with it. "Isabelle, are you alright?"
She looked up at him and then the jacket before pulling it closer to her. Kaname just sighed and questioned. "I told you that you couldn't handle this yet. What were you doing?"
Isabelle shook her head once and opened her mouth for the first time in days. "I just, wanted to feel the sunlight again."
Kaname instantly regretted his words and put a supportive hand on her shoulder. "That time will come. You just have to be patient."
Narrowing her eyes, she frowned and muttered. "I just wanted to feel normal again. Not, not a monster."
A small pain dropped in his stomach because Kaname knew very well the idea of wanting to be normal. He also knew that wouldn't ever be possible for either of them.
Thinking for a moment, Kaname reached out his hand and offered her to take it. "Come on, I wanna show you something. But first, let's get you out of this harsh sunlight, okay?"
Isabelle looked at his hand in question before taking it nervously and letting him lead her into the unknown.
A couple moments later, Kaname found himself in the middle of a small town with shops lining the edges and crowds of people mingling around.
He watched as Isabelle pulled his jacket closer to her body in fear and knew he had to get her out of this heat as soon as possible.
Kaname quickly found a small shop on the corner and walked over to the woman before handing her some money and nodding.
She seemed to have noticed his presence had disappeared and looked around in panic for a familiar face when he opened the purchased object above her head.
Isabelle looked up and found the light now being blocked by a very large, light purple parasol.
The pureblood just handed the object over to her before stating. "This will help with the sun, that is until it gets a bit darker out. Now come on."
Without warning, Kaname leaned forward and grabbed her hand before setting out on the town.
He watched Isabelle's face grow into one of whimsy and wonder at the setting which brought a much needed light feeling in his chest. It was good that she seemed to be enjoying all this.
Suddenly thinking about the words the maids had said, he looked at a nearby restaurant and pointed. "How about you get something to eat?"
Isabelle shook her head in denial before hearing her stomach growling in an embarrassing fashion.
She ducked her head as a soft blush entered her face and Kaname couldn't help but smile at the action.
After some struggles, they found themselves in the restaurant, with a large plate of food in front of her.
Struggling for something to say she looked at Kaname and muttered. "You don't have to do this. Aren't you going to eat?"
Kaname just shook his head and pointed to the large plate in front of her, urging her to eat. "That's alright. Please, enjoy."
He watched her reluctantly pick up the fork and shovel a good portion of chicken in her mouth. She still seemed slightly on edge around him which he didn't take personally. She had gone through quite a lot in this past week.
They sat in silence for a couple minutes before Isabelle put her silverware down and sighed, slightly stuttering in her tone. "Do, d-o you think I'll be able to see my family again?"
The purebloods heart broke at her words, knowing the answer he had to give but not really wanting to deliver it. Of course it wasn't possible. After all, she was a vampire now.
Folding his hands in front of him, Kaname tried to lace his response with as much optimism as possible. "Well, as of right now I think it would be very dangerous to see them again. You are still unstable and you wouldn't want to hurt them."
At the word hurt, he watched her eyes grow wide before slowly clouding over. It seemed she was letting everything sink in.
Then he watched as she pushed her plate away from her body and started shuffling out of the seat while speaking in a low voice. "Right. I understand."
Kaname quickly moved to block her from leaving by placing his arm out. "Where are you going? You haven't finished eating yet."
Isabelle glaced at the food and shook her head, answering back quickly. "I'm going back. Thanks for the food."
Fearing for her safety, he reached forward at grabbed her arm as she passed him. "Isabelle, wait."
She noticed the touch and quickly tried to pull away but his hold was just too tight. He knew she was scared by the sudden aggressive movement but he had to reason with her somehow. "Please, let me go with you. You have just awakened, right now you are very vulnerable and weak. Any vampire could attack you out there and you still don't know how to protect yourself."
Isabelle looked into his eyes and then closed them in pain before doing her best to shout. It wasn't very loud but her eyes had a certain determination and yet sadness to them. "Good. Maybe that's how it should be then. I should've just died in those woods instead of during into a beast. It would've made things so much easier. Maybe someone will come and finally finish the job."
Her words made Kaname loosen his grip just enough for Isabelle to pull away and in a second, she was gone.
In reality, he should've chased after her but somehow he couldn't get her voice out of his hand. She wanted to die, it was clear across her face and that was something he didn't know how to deal with.
A couple weeks had past and Kaname hadn't heard from Isabelle or even seen her. He suspected she needed to be alone and tried not to dwell on it. After all, she very clearly stated that his help was not necessary.
He sat in his room and wondered why he was even thinking about her so much. She was just a Level E, destined to meet a tragic fate at some point in the future. Maybe it was better not to get too attached.
His thoughts were interrupted by a small knock on the door. Furrowing his brow, he called out to the person on the over side. "Come in."
Although, the stranger did not comply and just stood there, it's presence known from beyond the door.
After a few moments, the door did finally open slowly to reveal the very person that plagued his mind, Isabelle.
She shuffled in with uncertainty before looking around and turning back. She must have noticed the large amount of paperwork on his desk. "Oh, I'm sorry you must be busy. I'll leave."
Kaname moved forward and stated. "No, it's okay. I wasn't really doing anything of importance."
Isabelle froze and nodded her head before moving back to where she was a moment ago. He gestured for her to sit and she complied, all while fiddling with a small bag in her hands.
She tried her best to meet his eyes but failed miserably. "Umm right so, I just wanted to apologize for what I did back at that restaurant a couple weeks ago. I know you were just trying to help and I kinda blew up at you. This isn't your fault."
Blinking a few times in disbelief, he couldn't believe what she was saying. He watched as she seemed to nervously run her fingers through her hair and await his response.
Kaname noticed a couple strands of hair out of place from all the ruffling she did but decided not to act on it, he didn't want to scare her away. "What you said wasn't your fault either. It wasn't like I took everything personally. You were scared and upset, rightful so as well. I know this can be a very hard process to understand."
An unwanted silence entered the room before she looked down and muttered. "Why, why did you save me that night? You don't even know who I am. I hear the housekeepers talking about it, about how you just should've left me because I have no value. So, why? What was there to gain then?"
Growing internally furious at what she had overheard, he knew that he would have to talk with the staff later about their words. But then, he stopped himself and wondered. Why did he save her? It was exactly as Isabelle said, he didn't know who she was and yet even still, he brought her here.
Kaname just narrowed his eyes in question and began speaking. "I'm honestly not sure why I brought you here. Maybe it's because you remind me of someone very special to me. I lost her long ago and somehow, I saw her in your eyes."
Isabelle nodded her head once and seemed to understand. "So, I remind you of a special person you lost, that's why?"
He nodded his head but internally, Kaname wasn't sure that answer was the complete truth. Yes, she did remind him of Yuki but somehow, there was something else to it. Something he couldn't put his finger on.
Quietly gripping the bag, Isabelle brought it forward to him and finally looked him in the eyes for the first time during this conversation. "Even so, thank you. I know you didn't have to stop that car but you've done way more than anyone else would. So, thank you Kaname."
Kaname looked at the small red bag before taking it and slowly opening the top. A warm aroma of various types of chocolate filled his nose as he found six small rounded treats at the bottom.
He turned to her in confusion and asked. "Did you make these?"
Isabelle just nodded her head before turning her head away in embarrassment. "Yeah, you don't have to eat them. They are probably really bad anyways."
The pureblood prince looked back at the chocolates before picking one up and examining it slowly. He then opened his mouth and carefully plopped one in before chewing.
Isabelle looked at him in anticipation until he turned to her and smiled softly. "This is the first time anyone has made me anything. They are delicious. Thank you."
Kaname watched as her nervous expression turned to one of pure joy, if only for a minute. This was the first time he had actually seen her smile and it certainly was captivating to watch. He felt himself hypnotized until she realized his staring and the smile dropped.
He put his hand back into the bag, pulling out another chocolate before carefully grabbing Isabelle's hand and moving it towards him.
She gasped at the action but this time didn't pull away as he turned it over to reveal her palm. Then he pressed the cool chocolate in the center and wrapped his hand around her fingers to have her grasp the treat.
She watched in awe as his hand remained frozen on hers, all while he looked up and eyed her quite seriously. "You shouldn't hide your smile. It is indeed very beautiful."
The minute he said that phrase he shut his mouth in shock. What had made him say those words? His expression widened even more when Kaname saw Isabelle's face grow a large blush on her cheeks. He then knew that somehow he had misstepped.
Kaname didn't know what it was about this strange girl but somehow he found himself more and more drawn to her.
Being so lost in thoughts, he didn't even notice someone cross his path. As he felt another body fall towards him, Kaname used his pureblood senses to grab onto the strangers waist before they hit the floor.
He seemed to have succeeded in saving the stranger but heard the heavy drop of an object tumble to the floor in a loud thud.
A quiet shriek escape her mouth at the contact and he sighed when he realized who it was. "Isabelle? Are you alright?"
She seemed frazzled by the impact but quickly noticed his hand around her waist and blushed. She seemed to become flustered rather easily. "Umm yeah. Sorry about that. I guess I wasn't looking where I was going."
Kaname looked down at the object that dropped and slowly moved to pick it up. "It's not completely your fault. I was also not looking where I was going. I apologize."
Turning the book over in his hand, Kaname's eyes widened. He had read this book before. "Is this the book you were reading? It's very good, I assure you."
He watched as Isabelle eyes turned into ones of enchantment as she realized what he was saying. She voice escalated from her usually quiet tone to something more playful. "No way! You read this one? It's my absolute favorite! I haven't been able to find something similar in ages so I'm just rereading it."
Truthfully, Kaname was taken back by her tone, as it was the first time he had seen her in this way. It brought a small smile into the corner of his cheeks. He couldn't help it, her playful nature was contagious. It made him want to see her smile even more. "Yes I have, not too long ago actually. In fact, if you are looking for something similar, I think I might have what you are looking for. I can bring it for you next time if you'd like."
That illuminating smile returned, just as bright as a coupled days before. He wished it could have lasted forever as it brought a low sense of joy in himself, joy he hadn't felt in ages.
She jumped with joy as Isabelle held onto her book with anticipation. "Really?! That would be amazing. Thank you Kaname!"
At the sound of his name, Kaname's eyes widened. It had been so long since someone had addressed him without that pureblood title. He didn't have the heart to tell her what was proper because internally, he didn't want to.
Then it clicked when he realized why he was so enthralled by this girl. It was because she had never looked at him with the eyes of a pureblood, only an equal.
Sure she was naive to the world around her and the proper customs but Kaname just longed to be able to talk to someone normally again. Yes he had Yuki, but the information he could tell her was very limit in order to keep Juri's spell from breaking. This girl, she would turn into a Level E soon. Could he possibly tell her the secret he had been trying to keep?
Kaname kept his promise and brought Isabelle the book she desired which made her overjoyed. On days off, he would visit her and just talk. Talk about the things he was afraid to speak to another in fear of being weak.
He knew that somewhere deep down he was using her. That the only reason they were so close was because Isabelle would meet a tragic fate at some point but that didn't stop him from telling her so much. He wondered why.
Maybe it was because she always looked at him with such honest pure eyes. He silently wished he could protect that purity but knew the world of the vampires wasn't something of joy. At least they were allowed this small period of purgatory before descending straight into hell.
Month had past and Kaname was sitting face to face with various members of the vampires conical, conversing about his plans for the unification of human and vampires.
It had been five long days since the summit and he longed for a break from all these politics. He silently wished Yuki was here to talk to him but unfortunately he knew that couldn't be. Even if she was here, he knew he couldn't speak freely.
Then he thought about Isabelle. Surely he could've told her all of his fears but once again she was miles away from his sight. It was frustrating.
Suddenly a loud knock was heard on the door as he watched his old friend Takuma enter the room. He was gone was quite some time and Kaname wondered where he had been.
Takuma gave his award winning smile and strolled over to the pureblood. "So, how did that last meeting go? Are the elders buying into your plan yet?"
Kaname just shook his head a put a hand to his temple. "It's frustrating. It seems we are making little progress, and the final day of the summit is tomorrow."
His friend gave a soft nod and patted Kaname's shoulder playfully. "Aww I wouldn't worry about it too much. Besides, we have that swaree to attend tonight."
The plureblood groaned internally and sighed. "I don't see how going to a party will preseade them into agreeing."
Takuma just smiled once more, like he knew a secret and pushed a tux towards Kaname. "I don't know, maybe something good will happen tonight. Who knows?"
Another party, another conversation echoed through the halls as Kaname tried to stay civil with the crowds. He was always super uncomfortable with these types of parties, especially ones that put him on such a high pedestal. There were too many eyes on him tonight, just waiting for him to slip up somehow.
The party was masquerade themed which meant even more staring from the wondering the guest. Kaname just wished it would be over soon.
He felt a soft tab on his right shoulder and turned to greet another guest when instead he almost dropped his glass of blood. Standing right before him was Isabelle.
She was wearing a short white party dress with her hair half pulled up and a diamond lace mask over her eyes. But even so, it was Isabelle.
He gawked at what he was seeing when a hand snaking around her waist and Takuma came into view. He had brought her. "I don't think I've introduced you to my date yet. Course, I think you kinda already know each other."
Kaname was mixed with both a reaction of joy and utter frustration at what he friend had done. This whole ballroom was a lion's cage and he had just let her walk in. It was extremely dangerous.
Takuma must of sensed his anger as he just put his hands up in defense. "Hey, it's okay. Nobody knows who anyone is here today. I just wanted to do something to get you in a better mood. And I mean, you are always talking about her sooo."
It was far from okay yet his gaze shifted over to Isabelle who looked slightly uncomfortable and muttered. "It's okay, I'll go."
She turned her back to leave but something in him grabbed her hand lightly. This was dangerous, so unbelievably dangerous but Takuma was right. They were all wearing masks so maybe it was okay to be seen together, at least once.
He turned her hand over before bowing once and asking. "If you'll have me, may I please have this dance?"
Isabelle's blush couldn't be seen from behind her mask but he knew it was still there, it always was. She nodded her head once and he began to bring her to the middle of the ballroom.
Whispering and echos started immediately but Kaname ignored all of them. Tonight he just wanted something real, if only just once.
The music started and they moved together in perfect tamdiem. The steps he had taught her before echoed in her mind as he watched her she try to remember the exact movements, it was cute. Wait, why did he just think that?
When everything ended, the audience was still in shock as they bowed and Kaname practically dragged her to the other side of the wall.
He quickly removed the mask and saw her eyes for the first time in months. The last time he saw her, he had kissed her on that practice room floor. Kaname still wasn't quite sure why he did so but slowly started to remember as her neck became fully visible through her dress. "What are you doing here?"
She slowly played with the hem of her dress before answering nervously. "Takuma showed up and told me that you needed me."
Kaname silently cursed to his friends and let out a frustrated sigh. "You shouldn't have come. It's too dangerous here. Someone is always watching."
Isabelle looked down dejected and muttered. "I'm sorry Lord Kaname."
That word, he hated that word coming from her. She was supposed to be the one person who spoke to him freely and now was that blessing taken away? He didn't know why but it bothered him to no end.
The feeling of his own frustration and lust creeped in and he found himself inching closer until their breath radiated off of each other. They had been like that just recently, why did it suddenly make him feel nervous?
Placing one arm on the wall behind him, Kaname leaned in and whispered slowly. "Please, could you not call me that? Even if it's only you, please. Call me just by my name."
Isabelle watched his pleading eyes before nodding once slowly, her eyes cast away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry Kaname."
That was it. That's all he wanted. Kaname felt himself grow closer and closer to Isabelle when he felt a threatening presence echo through the halls. Someone was coming.
He quickly looked left and right but found no means of escape so instead in a desperate attempt, Kaname ripped off his mask and shoved it onto Isabelle before the stranger approached.
A loud booming voice entered the area as he greeted the two. "There you are Lord Kaname. Everyone was quite worried about your sudden leave of absence."
Kaname nodded his head once before looking back at the ballroom. He knew this man very well. It was none other than Ichijo's grandfather. "I apologize for my rudeness. I shall be there in a moment."
Ichijo's grandfather couldn't help but notice Isabelle as he eyed her with a new found interesting. "Of course. Also, might I ask who this young woman is? I saw my son escorting her around earlier and wondering myself. Even though she seems like a plain Level E, It seems you are quite taken with her my Lord."
He grimaced at the aristocrats words but tried to seem as calm her possible. Kaname didn't want Isabelle to have anything to do with him. "She isn't anyone of grave importance. Just another Level E that Takuma has brought to me. I was thinking about having a meal, that is all."
Ichijo's grandfather seemed to have bought his routine as he just nodded his head and smirked. "I see, well please do try and finish quickly if possible. There are many others who long to meet your acquaintance Lord Kaname."
Then, just as soon as he arrived he was gone. And yet even so, Kaname had refused to step back from his position. He still had Isabelle pressed against the wall but didn't didn't back away. He didn't want to. Her scent filled his nostrils and felt himself get hungrier and hunger by the minute. This was bad.
She made a small sound underneath him which caused him to lock eyes once again. She seemed to look upset. "Is what you said true?"
Somewhere inside of him, Kaname felt hurt that she believed his empty words. Of course they weren't true. Heck, they wouldn't be standing this close if it was. "No, of course not. You aren't just another Level E Isabelle. You never were."
That heavy blush returned and Kaname found himself leaning in closer, her hot breath gracing the side of his face. They were back in this position again for some reason.
He watched as Isabelle slowly closed her eyes, as if giving permission for him and he lost all self control.
His lips crashed into hers, heavier then that time on the dance floor but still respectable. Kaname slowly snaked his hand around her waist and pressed her further into the wall. It seemed he couldn't get enough.
Isabelle let out a small noise at the passion which cause him to pull away, now staring at her neck. He wondered how she tasted, what type of fulfilment drinking her blood would bring.
His hot breath moved towards her neck slowly, while still planting small kisses on her cheek and collarbone, slowly reaching further. Then, he stopped.
He snapped back into reality and remembered the first time he tried to bite her, on that dancefloor. Back then motions alone set off some sort of PTSD for her and he knew he couldn't do that to her again. He promised her he wouldn't.
Ignoring the pull, he aggressively lifted his head and pushed away from Isabelle, trying the regain his sanity in the process. She looked down at him in confusion when he spoke. "I'll get Takuma to drive you back. Please wait here."
Then he left her in that hallway alone. Kaname didn't think about it much at that moment in time but now he realized that was the start of her pulling away from him. Because on that night, Isabelle thought that he rejected her not once, but twice.
Because that altercation, Kaname decided to stay away from Isabelle for some time, to regain his mind. What was he even doing? All of this was starting make less and less sense.
He decided to stay a couple nights at his friend Hanabusa's house, zoning out from whatever conversation they were having.
Of course, that didn't bode well for him when his friends looked to him for an answer he didn't know. "Lord Kaname, what do you think?"
Kaname focused back on the group and tried to remember the question but came up with nothing. "I'm sorry, I misheard that last part."
His friends blinked in surprise as Ruka came forward in question. "If I may ask Lord Kaname, you seem distracted these days. Is something the matter?"
He just shook his head and stood from his seat, traveling to the nearby balcony. "No, everything is quite alright. I suppose I've just had a lot on my mind."
Even his answer sounded halfhearted to himself so Kaname knew he didn't fool his friends. The looks certainly said so.
Gazing at the full moon, he suddenly felt a heavy buzz in his ear and the air shifted. Something felt different.
Turning to the others, it seemed they also felt the disturbance. Then a new scent filled the area. It smelled like a soft vanilla mixed with the feeling of sunlight. Kaname then realized that only one thing could've made that kind of aura.
Hanabusa looked around in awe and gently touched his friend Kain's arm lightly. "Kain, do you smell that? It smells like, another pureblood."
Kain just looked bewildered and shook his head. "That's impossible Hanabusa. No pureblood has that kind of scent, right Lord Kaname?"
Kaname just stood in shock as the smell started to turn into something sickenly familiar. It smelled like Isabelle's blood, but that was absolutely impossible.
Feeling a sense of dread he quickly apologized to his friends before disappearing before their eyes, trying to find the source of that new power.
When he arrived at the estate he realized the aura was coming from inside. That brought a new feeling of terror in this stomach. There was no way.
Kaname rounded the corner of the hallway and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Isabelle standing a few feet away but right away he noticed something was different.
That new found power was indeed coming from her as he took in Isabelle's now longer hair and piercing blue eyes. She looked like a pureblood.
Trying to find every logical explanation to what was in front of him, he took a step back in fear. How was this even possible? When he met her she was clearly turned. She didn't radiate even the slightest drop of pureblood royalty but now, it was unmistakable. Isabelle was a pureblood vampire.
Isabelle must of noticed his hesitation as Kaname watched her eyes well up with hot tears, stepping forward towards him almost pleading.
Lifting a hand up, he gently touched her cheek that was a bit softer than usual and really looked into her eyes. She was just a human girl, why did she have to live the horrible life of a pureblood now? Those vampires would surely eat her alive.
Isabelle spoke in a soft whisper, almost afraid he would reject her. "Kaname, it's me."
Her words shocked him back into reality as Isabelle fell apart in his arms. She cried heavy sobbing tears as she shook under his large frame. Something must of really scared her.
He brought her into her guest room and they talked about what had happened. It still didn't really make sense to him but he knew he had to be delicate with her right now. It seemed that hunter boy at the association scared her immensely.
A couple hours later Kaname was about to leave a slumbering Isabelle when she sturred unexpectedly. He narrowed his eyes in interesting as he watched she eyes contort into ones of pain.
Her lips parted enough for her to mutter out the words. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." before the tossing and turning got even more aggressive. Kaname hurried over to her side and put a hand on her head. She was sweating like crazy. This was the first time he had ever seen her like this.
Isabelle's breath started to become more rapid as her whispers turned to great shouts, enough to wake the entire households. Broken words flowed out of her tongue in panic. "I'm sorry, please don't kill me! I'm sorry, I didn't know! Stop! NO STOP IT."
Kaname began to shake her shoulders in an attempt to wake her up when she burst awake, clawing at him to break away. It seemed like she was still sleeping.
He started speaking soft words in her ears in a desperate attempt to calm her down. "Isabelle, It's okay. You're safe. Wake up please."
The struggling stopped as he looked in her crystal blue eyes. She then realized the situation and clung to the pureblood, wrapping her arms around him weakly. She was shaking again as more tears graced the front of his shirt.
Kaname didn't know what exactly had caused her nightmare but he did know it had something to do with her encounter with that hunter boy a couple hours ago. It made him curse that boy for giving her such a scare.
Isabelle was never quite the same after that day. Kaname would still visit her but it seemed every time he would come around, she changed just a little bit. He wondered if his presence was the cause of her new behavior.
He thought that maybe she withdrawn nature was just a signal that she didn't want to see him.
One day they were in the library together when he decided to face her head on. "Isabelle. Are you alright? Lately, you've been distant."
Isabelle just glanced down from her book and closed her eyes for just a moment, before opening them. "It's Rose now Kaname. Remember? I'm a pureblood vampire after all."
Right. The new name was something he had to get used to but secretly he didn't want to. That would just be facing this new reality and he wasn't sure he wanted it. "I'm sorry. It will take me a little longer to get used to it. But you didn't answer my question."
Isabelle, sorry. Rose just watched him dumbfounded before rubbing an invisible part of her wrist and sighing. "What do you want me say? Everything is great. Just peachy."
He didn't really believe her words but her lack of amusement wasn't lost on him. "I'm serious Isa-Rose. Are you okay?"
She slammed the book she was reading down and gazed at him with even more frustration. "I would be okay if you would stop asking me about it every five seconds!"
A heavy silence entered the room until Kaname got the hint and slowly stood up and muttered smoothly. "Right. Sorry for my prying. I should go for today. Goodbye Rose."
Then in a moment he was gone. At the time he interpreted her lashing out as a means of saying she wanted him to leave but that wasn't the case at all.
Little did he know that the moment Kaname closed that door, Rose put a hand to her mouth and muffled a loud choking sob. She slumped to the floor and touched the area of her wrists that was struck this morning by Carson. But of course, these were things he didn't know at the time.
Present Day
Now, standing in front of him was someone Kaname knew as Kaito Kane, the nightclass's vice president. He looked anxious about something in particular. "My name is Katio Kane and we have to talk."
Kaname eyed the boy with interest and tried to get more information from him. "Talk about what, if I might ask?"
Kazuki looked around nervously before pulling Rose's seal from his pocket and slamming it on the table, explaining with great authority. "It's about Rose."
The pureblood prince looked at the seal with widened eyes and slowly ran his fingers over the smooth stone. "Where did you get this?"
Kazuki just shook his head once and opened his arms, flapping them everywhere. "From Rose. But that doesn't matter right now. You have to stop her. She about to get herself killed."
Kaname didn't like the way this boy was speaking, so casual about Rose but he let him continue. "If you are referring to her mission to the estate, I assure you that she knows what she's doing."
The aristocrat blinked a couple times before giving a frustrated sigh and shaking his head. "What? No, that's not what I mean. She promised the leader of the association that she would sacrifice herself after Carson was gone. I heard everything."
At that sentence Kaname let go of the stone and looked up with his own anxiety. What was he talking about? "What?"
Katio nodded once before continuing. "Yeah, she promised that woman that she would throw her heart into the fire for the hunter weapons. She even ordered Hanabusa not to tell anyone about it. She's really accepted it."
Throw her heart into the fire? Kaname had indeed heard the legend of the hunter's weapons but he never thought the president would actually ask for a sacrifice. And why did Rose agree? Wasn't she happy being with Zero? A thousand thoughts swirled around in his head, none of them being pleasant. "Why would she agree to such a thing?"
Closing his eyes, Katio locked his gaze with Kaname's and spoke. "She said she would put that boy on the execution list if she didn't listen. Zero Kiryu."
Suddenly it all made sense, of course Rose would sacrifice herself for Zero if it meant his safety. That association president knew her weakness.
He thought about all the struggles she had to face and wondered why the world was constantly so cruel to her. She had just found happiness after all these years and now she was going to sacrifice herself? No.
Kaname leaned forward in his pureblood power and spoke this such authority. "How do I know this is the truth?"
Kaito thought about this for a moment before sighing loudly and pointing to the seal. "Look. I hate purebloods more than anything in this world and even so, that girl smiled at me and never treated me as anything less. Even when she was facing death she gave me this seal so I could live freely. She's the first pureblood I've met that actually cares for others before herself and… I just don't want her to get hurt anymore. I know I'm probably turning into some kind of sap but please, help her. "
Looking in the aristocrats eyes, Kaname couldn't find any hint of dishonestly which didn't make him feel any better. That means that what this boy was saying might indeed be the truth.
Kaito closed his fists in anxiety and slowly let them go before turning to the door and leaving the pureblood alone with his own thoughts.
Once he was gone, Kaname walked to the nearby window where Rose had just left from and placed one hand on the glass. How could this even be happening? She was so close to being free and yet the association was trying to drag her back.
He cursed Rose for signing her life away and worst of all accepting it. Why didn't she tell him about all of this? Was she really planning on disappearing?
Kaname closed his eyes once and knew what he had to do. There was no way he would just stand by the let this happen. Time and time again he had turned away when she needed him most, but not now. Now, he would make certain she would be free.
A couple minutes later Yuki entered his room with uncertainty. She wondered what could have happened for him Kaname to call her here so early.
Course didn't have much time to think about it as the man in question stepped forward right away. His eyes looking heavy.
Yuki smiled at him and tried to lighten up the mood a bit. "Kaname, what's wrong? Why did you call me here?"
All he could do was look at her sadly and answer. "Yuki, I need to speak to you about something, Something very important."
She nodded her head once and sat down quickly. "Of course."
He found his spot by the window and just leaned against it. "It's about Rose. She's in danger and she plans to sacrifice herself to the hunters association tonight. "
Yuki's eyes widened in fear for her friend as she spoke. "Sacrifice? That's terrible! Is there anyway to get her out of there?"
Kaname lowered his head quietly and shook it. "Even if I managed to get her out of the deal, the association would still be in need of a replacement."
Kaname's sister reworked that sentence over and over in her mind until something inside of her dropped. A replacement? "But who would be the…"
Then, it clicked. It infact written all of over his face. He was going to be the sacrifice. "Wait, Kaname no. You can't! I need you here! I love you!"
Moving over to her lovingly he grasped her hands lighty. "I know, and I love you as well Yuki. But I will never be able to give you the type of love you desire. Rose, she's been through so much. Things I haven't been able to stop. Now that I know about this, I can't just let her die."
Yuki closed her eyes bitterly and muttered to herself. "It will never be me, will it?"
The pureblood just sighed and pulled his sister into a loving embrace, feeling the hot tears on his shirt. "I'm sorry Yuki. Maybe in the different life, a different universe, we could have been but now, I can't"
Clinging to his shirt like a child, Yuki cried for her brother. The one who never chose here, the one who was willing to die for another. She knew there was no changing his mind when it came to Rose and that hurt even more.
Pulling away slowly she nodded her head once before speaking, this time with certainly. "I understand. But, if I will never see you again, I want something. So I won't be alone when your gone."
Kaname seemed to understand her and answered smoothly. "Of course. Anything."
Yuki then closed her eyes for a moment and suddenly her lips were on his, leading him to the bed. He gasped at the action and connected the dots to what she wanted.
Kaname detached himself from her right away and took a step back. "Yuki, you know I can't give you that kind of love."
But she just grabbed his hand in response and squeezed it tightly. "I know. I know you will never see me like this but even so. Just once I want to be able to embrace you. Please Kaname, this is the last time we'll be together. I don't want to be alone."
He thought about this for a moment and knew he couldn't pull away from her. Even if she knew these next moments weren't a sign of romantic love it was enough for her.
Kaname remained frozen for a moment before letting Yuki snake her hand behind his waist and continued her claim on his lips.
After receiving the information she needed, Rose sprinted through the treeline, afraid of what awaiting her ahead.
How could he be so stupid?! What in the world was he thinking? This was supposed to be her sacrifice, not his.
Hanabusa and Zero tried to keep up the best they could but found it difficult as Rose was slowly losing her cool the closer they got. All of her emotions were in a frenzy and Hanabusa was worried for her safety, as the last time she lost herself to Rido.
Hanabusa tried to call out to her in a desperate attempt. "Rose wait! Lord Kaname might not even be here, let's just slow down and.."
But Rose wasn't having any of his words and stopped for a brief moment being turning once more. "No! I'm not stopping until I find him. If you can't keep up then just meet me there."
The aristocrat breathed out a frustrated huff and continued to follow her the best he could. Luckly he didn't have to wait long as a large clearing shown in the distance.
He watched her freeze for the first time in hours as she gazed upon something in the middle of the area. As Hanabusa approached, he also stopped. Just a couple feet away lay Kaname Kuran.
Rose breathed in a breath of terror and ran to him the best she could but in her haze ended up tripping on a small rock in front of her.
Tumbling to the ground she quickly righted herself and called his name, a ring of pain laced in her voice. "Kaname!"
When she reached him, Rose realized that his body was extremely cold. Shaking him a couple times she became more panicked. "Kaname? Oh shit, no. please no. Kaname please."
She watched as his eyelids opened just slightly and a look of relief crossed over his face. She was here for him, calling his name. It brought him such joy.
Of course that sense of relief didn't last long as Rose smelled a very familiar scent, his blood. Looking down her heart sunk when she found a large bleeding area near his chest, where his heart was. 'Kaname..you didn't…"
He just looked at her with peace and placed one hand on her cheek. She fell into his hold as warm tears started to fall. There was no way to this was going to happen, she would stop it.
Kaname smiled slightly and spoke quietly. "Rose, you're here. You're really here, calling for me. I'm so happy."
Rose clutched one of his hands and spoke quickly, an edge clearly in her voice. "What did you do? Why did you sacrifice yourself?! This was supposed to be for me."
Narrowing his eyes lovely, he ran a couple fingers through her hair and answered. "That's why. I did it so you don't have to."
Rose heard the soft flicker of flame and tried to stand. She would just retrieve his heart and then everything would be okay. There was no way he would leave her alone again. Right?
Kaname noticed her movements and pulled her back down. "Rose, it's useless. My heart has already been engulfed by the fire. Sticking your hand in there would be pointless. Just, let it be."
Her breathing started to get faster and faster as her vision threatened to blur but Rose wouldn't let it. She need to see him. "Why? Why?! Why would you do this?! Yuki needs you, I-I-I need you! You can't just disappear on me again! Please, please don't leave me alone."
The pureblood smiled sadly at her outbursts and tried to stop her incoming attack. "Rose. Rose listen to me. Everything will be okay. You're not alone, you never were. I'm doing this because for years I've watched suffer without being able to help you and now, I can. I can help you right now. So be free Rose and live. Live for me."
The tears were never ending now as Kaname cupped her cheek, this time weaker than before. "Rose. I love you. I love you more than anything. I hope you know that."
Rose nodded her head excessively and cried out. "I do"
He leaned closer to her and Rose knew what he wanted. She leaned in to meet him as they kissed for the last time. His breath echoed in her ears as she tried to remember everything about him, about this moment.
Then, in an instant, Kaname body shattered into a million pieces before her eyes. His lips were no longer touching hers, instead it was only replaced by the empty air.
She stood there in shock for a couple minutes trying to process what was happening. He was gone. Kaname was gone.
Then, like an emotion tidal wave, she broke down. Rose slumped to the floor and dug her hands into the pavement where he once was. This couldn't be happening.
Hanabusa's heart broke as he watched Rose let out a pain filled scream, causing the earth around them to crumble and break apart. She had completely lost her self control.
Thinking about his best friend, Hanabusa couldn't help but also let a couple tears fall for what had happened. This was truly a sorrowful day.
Zero wasn't sure what to do in this situation. He wanted to comfort her but with her control being non existent he also didn't want her to hate herself if she hurt him.
Throwing all caution out of the window, Zero raced forward and quickly wrapped her arms around her small, shaking frame.
Rose tried to claw at him at first but when she heard his soft words she realized who it was. "Rose, it's me. It's okay. Let it all out."
Zero's words filled her chest as she lepted into his arms, screaming and sobbing until there was nothing left to feel. He was gone.
One more chapter.. Dang. I can't believe it's almost over