The worst night of my life had finally came to an end. The searing, bone-snapping pain subsided, being replaced by an uncomfortable tingle. Everything Kaname had told me seemed to suck the life out of me, drain me until I literally couldn't handle the truth.
"Zero, I'm really scared." I was quivering with fear as I had warned him about what was going to happen. He was silent, then gave me a peck on the cheek, making me blush a rosy pink.
"Let's go to the Headmaster", he said, and that was where we so nervously stood, hoping that Kaien could supply us with some sort of explanation.
"Hmm...I see...Oh that's not good...!" He was rummaging through his desk for some sort of paperwork as we had told him of what happened, muttering to himself about something I couldn't quite understand. Was it wrong for me to accuse the Headmaster of hiding secrets too? I blinked in astonishment as no panic attacks were occurring.
"I understand what you are becoming, however the process is different from an ordinary transformation, right?" He said, his bubbly voice deeper as seriousness kicked itself in.
I nodded, Zero doing the same. I could feel his heart beat, the blood that ran through his veins...Shouldn't it be human blood that I crave, or is it because of my strong feelings for Zero that are causing this vile longing to suck him dry? The remaining remnants of my own heart were pounding like a drum.
"I guess it is safe to conclude that your 'attacks' are now due to blood lust and nothing else. Last night was only you physically maturing into a vampire, but now, I'm afraid, the worst is yet to come. If you don't get bitten by a vampire of pure blood, who knows what will become of you..." He explained.
"And how the hell do you know so much about what Valeria is becoming!? What if she can control it?" I could feel Zero's anger rising; obviously he did not want to believe what Kaien was saying.
"There has been a case like this before, Kiryu. This girl was not born physically weak, and she had a stubborn mind. She ended up going insane, killing many vampires, breaking my coexistence treaty and forcing me to take action. Being a vampire hunter, I had an obligation to protect Cross Academy and the Hunter Association. And so I did. That girl has been dead for four years now. It wasn't easy piercing her heart..."
Violent and grotesque images flooded my mind. I imagined Kaien Cross wielding a weapon with a jagged edge, waving it left right and centre until he dug it deep into the targets heart. I imagined the vampire with her fangs bared, her eyes the colour of death, and her body falling to the ground in grey forsaken ashes.
"But, in Valeria's case, it would be best if she was to be behind bars until we fully understand what she is capable of."
What? Being locked up?
"No...Valeria isn't that other vampire, Kaien! She's stronger than that, she can get through this screwed up so-called curse! And plus, that bastard of a Kuran could be filling her head with nonsensical bullshit!" Zero was defending me as best as he possibly could, but I gave in. This was enough. I knew that deep down I was a danger; I needed to be contained.
"No, he's right, Zero..." I whispered, finally realising what I had to do, my hands balling into fists and my teeth biting my gums hard. Zero read my mind like an open book. I tried to not let myself empathise or sympathise...that seemed to always be a weakness of mine. I would give in to something or someone because I didn't want them to feel bad or hurt in any way. I guess I cared too much...It's good to be that way, but in a situation such as this, I needed to hold back and try not to feel. Maybe...Maybe the Headmaster was right.
"No, no freakin way, Valeria! I'm not letting you become tied and caged up like some sort of animal!" He was fuming,
"I am an animal, Zero...Isn't it for the best? I'll learn to control the cravings, the transition will slow down, and I'll be able to control myself in a way that won't put other people's lives at risk. Isn't that a better solution?"
"No, it is not! I'm more of a beast than you, I should be the one in chains!" He retorted.
"No, I am a threat. I'm sorry Zero but this is the way it has to be. It's either that, or I die." I got up, looking at Kaien. He sighed with worry, taking off his glasses and putting a hand to my shoulder.
"I wish you well, Val." He said. Val? No one has called me that before. It spread icy goosebumps that raised the hair on my arms.
"I...I wouldn't let you...die..."
Zero had dropped his eyes to the floor like he was being weighted by some dark heavy void, not uttering a single word as I walked effortlessly out the door.
The rattling of steel made me flinch, but I was utterly prepared for this. I just hoped that Kaname and Zero didn't try to come up with some escape plan to bail me out. This idea was mine and mine alone. I know it may be reckless, but I would rather be loyal to Zero than be bruised by the teeth of bewitching royalty. This decision gave me the opportunity to think, to regain control of myself and to protect the one I love. I was aware of his hunger...but I was sure my blood could keep him stable until I was stable enough myself.
A rugged man with scruffy clothes finished tightening the chains my wrist with his muddy fingers, his odour just as bad as his attitude.
"Oi, hope ya never break free, filthy vermin." His voice was husky and harsh and sounded Aussie, giving me the instant vibe that he detested vampires like me. I presumed that he was a hunter.
Here I was, smack in the middle of the Hunter Association, in a large open room covered in smooth grey stone; cuffs restricted my hands, although the chains was long enough for me to move and not feel too uncomfortable. Surprisingly, the overall imprisonment felt bearable.
Finally, the man left, thick cigarette smoke trailing from behind him.
Was it right to let this happen to me?