Chapter 04

It was late when Elaine Auclair finally finished her duties as a Bracer for the day. The hour was well past ten as she stepped out of the Bracer Guild, the streets of Central Station Avenue deserted under the shroud of night. The sun had long vanished, leaving only the oppressive darkness of a summer night. The air was warm, but a chill crawled up her spine as she made her way home.

As Elaine walked through the quiet streets, an uneasy feeling began to settle in. The district, usually bustling with life, now felt unnervingly still. Her footsteps echoed off the buildings, the only sound in the heavy silence. Every shadow seemed to stretch and twist, creeping closer as if alive. She couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were on her, watching her every move, but each time she glanced over her shoulder, there was nothing—only the empty street behind her.

"Am I imagining things?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper. But the unease gnawed at her, refusing to be dismissed. Her pace quickened, her eyes darting to the dark corners and alleyways as if expecting something—or someone—to emerge.

She kept moving, her heartbeat drumming louder in her ears. The shadows seemed to thicken around her, and the once-familiar streets now felt like a labyrinth with no end in sight. Just as she convinced herself it was all in her head, a faint noise echoed behind her.

Elaine froze. Her pulse quickened as adrenaline surged through her veins. She strained her ears, trying to catch any sound, any hint of movement. But the night had swallowed all noise, leaving her alone in the suffocating silence.

"Just my imagination..." she murmured, but her feet betrayed her, quickening their pace. The sensation of being watched grew stronger, now almost palpable, like a heavy presence pressing down on her shoulders.

"Damn it, someone is watching me!" The realization sent a jolt of fear through her, and without a second thought, she broke into a run. Her mind raced as fast as her feet, desperate to escape whatever unseen terror lurked behind her. The streets blurred past as she took random turns, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Then, up ahead, she saw it—a narrow alley, dimly lit and shrouded in shadows. Without hesitation, she darted into it, pressing herself against the cold brick wall, trying to steady her breath. The alley was a dead end, but it offered a moment of respite, a chance to gather her thoughts.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the alleyway. Slow, deliberate, and drawing closer. Her breath hitched as she stared into the inky blackness ahead, her mind racing with possibilities. But the footsteps stopped suddenly, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

Elaine's heart pounded in her chest as she waited, every muscle tensed, straining to hear any sign of movement. The silence dragged on, thick and suffocating, broken only by the sound of her own rapid breathing. Her hand drifted to her sword, ready to draw it at the slightest provocation.

Then she saw it—a figure, barely more than a shadow, standing at the entrance of the alley. The darkness cloaked it, but two glowing red eyes pierced through, fixed on her. They were not human, not even close. The figure stood still, observing her with an unsettling patience.

Her breath caught in her throat. Was this some trick of the night, or was it something far more sinister? The figure didn't move, but its presence was enough to send another wave of fear coursing through her. The red eyes burned into her, unmoving, unblinking, as if savoring her terror.

She felt something behind her—a sudden grip on her arm. She spun around, her sword half-drawn, ready to strike. A startled cry escaped the lips of the person she nearly attacked.

Elaine blinked, her breath still coming in heavy gasps. Before her stood a young woman, her light blue eyes wide with fear, long blonde hair flowing in the dim light. Elaine recognized her instantly—Agnès Claudel, a student of the Aramis High School and part-time employee at Arkride Solutions Office. The crimson beret atop her head was unmistakable.

"Agnès?" Elaine's voice trembled as she lowered her sword, relief washing over her in a wave. "What are you doing here? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Agnès, still catching her breath, dusted herself off before responding. "I'm sorry, Miss Auclair. I was finishing some personal business and was on my way back to the dorms when I saw you running. It looked like you were being chased."

Elaine exhaled shakily, the tension in her body slowly easing. "I thought I was... Someone—or something—was following me."

But as she spoke, her eyes darted back to the alley's entrance. The shadowy figure was gone, leaving only the oppressive darkness in its wake. But those red eyes—those haunting eyes—still lingered in her mind, burning like embers in the back of her thoughts.

Elaine wasn't sure what she had seen—or if she had truly seen anything at all. But one thing was certain: something dark was out there, lurking in the shadows of the city, watching and waiting. And it had marked her.

Elaine scanned the dark alley, her heart pounding, but the shadowy figure she had glimpsed earlier was nowhere to be found. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion gnawing at her thoughts. Was it just my imagination? Am I really that tired? She tried to convince herself, but a nagging doubt lingered.

"Exhaustion? Is that what you're calling it?" Agnès teased, her voice lighthearted despite the tension in the air. "Or maybe it's the dark that's getting to you, Miss Elaine?"

Elaine rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Very funny, Agnès. I'm not afraid of the dark," she retorted, trying to sound casual. But beneath her bravado, unease simmered. The sensation of unseen eyes upon her refused to fade.

Agnès giggled, though there was a hint of something more in her tone. "I hope not. In two weeks, the eclipse will plunge us into darkness for half an hour."

Elaine shot her a weary look. "I know about the eclipse. I'm a bracer, Agnès—I'm used to facing danger, not being scared by a little darkness." Yet as she spoke, a shiver danced down her spine. She forced a smirk to mask her growing dread. "Anyway, shouldn't you be heading back to the dorm by now? It's getting late."

Her eyes flickered around the alley, still on high alert. The sense of being watched clung to her like a shadow.

Agnès nodded, her expression turning serious. "You're right. I should get going. Van told me to stay away from his office for a while and focus on my studies."

Elaine's brow furrowed in concern. "Van said that? Is everything okay?" The mention of Van Arkride—her ex-boyfriend and a private investigator—sent a ripple of anxiety through her. His line of work was dangerous, and any warning from him was not to be taken lightly.

Agnès looked down, her voice quiet. "I'm not sure. He's investigating something for Feri, but when I asked her about it, she was evasive. She sounded... wary."

Elaine's worry deepened. "Investigating for Feri? That sounds serious... but it doesn't explain why Van doesn't want you around." She hesitated, her thoughts churning. "You said you're staying at the dorms for a while?"

Agnès nodded again. "Yes, Van insisted I avoid going out after sunset."

"After sunset? Why?" Elaine's concern was growing into something darker, more sinister. The pieces weren't adding up, and Van's cryptic warning only fueled her unease. "There's something he's not telling us, something dangerous."

Elaine's gaze hardened. "Promise me you'll be careful, Agnès. Van's secrecy suggests whatever he's dealing with is serious. Don't trust anyone too easily, and if anything feels off, get out of there." She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "And for the love of Aidios, stay out of dark alleys. There are things lurking in the night that even bracer training can't prepare you for."

Agnès smiled reassuringly. "I will. Thank you, Miss Elaine." With a wave, she turned and headed toward the station, leaving Elaine alone with her thoughts.

Elaine watched her go, the shadows of the alley seeming to close in around her. Despite her confidence in Agnès, the foreboding sense that something was terribly wrong gnawed at her. The mysterious figure, Van's warning—it all pointed to a danger lurking just beyond the edges of her awareness.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tide of fear. It's just exhaustion, she told herself, but the words rang hollow in her mind.

As she walked through the streets of Edith, the oppressive feeling of being watched returned with a vengeance. Every shadow seemed to shift, every sound prickled her nerves. Her heart pounded louder, her pace quickening as if she could outrun the dread creeping up her spine.

"Stay calm, Elaine," she muttered under her breath, trying to steady herself. But the night, once warm and welcoming, now felt icy and malevolent.

Every turn, every flicker of movement caught her eye. Paranoia gripped her, sharpening her senses to a razor's edge. Then, a faint shuffling behind her made her freeze. She spun around, heart hammering in her chest, hand instinctively reaching for her sword.

The street was eerily silent, the noise gone as quickly as it had come. Her pulse raced as she strained to see through the gloom. Was it just her imagination again? Was exhaustion playing tricks on her?

She took a shaky breath. "Get a grip, Elaine," she whispered, trying to dispel the fear clutching at her. "It was probably just a cat…"

"Excuse me?"

The sudden voice behind her sent a jolt through her body. She gasped, whipping around with her hand still hovering near her sword. A young man stood before her, barely eighteen by the looks of him. His skin was unnervingly pale, his raven-black attire stark against it—shirt, coat, trousers, all blending into the shadows. His hair was neatly cut, but it was his eyes that caught her—their deep crimson hue, unsettling and intense.

"Excuse me, Miss," he repeated, his voice soft and warm, seemingly innocent. "I'm sorry for startling you."

Elaine's grip on her sword relaxed slightly, though her heart still raced. The young man's demeanor was polite, almost disarmingly so, but something about him set her nerves on edge.

"It's... it's alright," she managed to say, her voice shaky. "You just surprised me, that's all. What do you need?"

The young man smiled, an expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "My name is Lord Kain. I've recently moved to Edith, and I'm the proud new owner of the abandoned properties at Almata."

Elaine's unease deepened, a cold dread settling in her gut as the night closed in around them.

"Lord Kain?" Elaine echoed, her brow knitting in surprise. "That's quite a title. Are you a noble, then?"

She couldn't help but notice his unsettlingly pale skin and those deep, crimson eyes that seemed to pierce right through her. There was something about him that felt almost... unnatural. But she quickly dismissed the thought, chalking it up to her imagination running wild.

Kain nodded with a small, knowing smile. "Indeed. I am a noble from Erebonia, and I've recently moved to Edith to establish a business. I realize how suspicious that may sound, especially with the recent war between Erebonia and Calvard."

Elaine's eyes widened. An Erebonian noble in Edith was a rare sight—especially one so young. The war might be over, but tensions between their nations were still simmering beneath the surface.

"It's not every day we see an Erebonian noble here," she said cautiously. "What kind of business are you planning to start?"

Kain chuckled softly. "An international consultancy for business entrepreneurs, helping them establish ventures across Zemuria."

Elaine's wariness was slowly giving way to curiosity. Despite her initial misgivings, his ambitious plan intrigued her. It reminded her a bit of Van's dream to open his own investigative agency. "An international consultancy... that's quite the endeavor. But why move to Edith for it? It's a small city."

The young lord's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Everyone must start somewhere, my lady. I'm pleased you're open to the idea—unlike the Intelligence Division, who sent an investigator, a certain René Kincaid."

Elaine's eyes widened further. She knew René well; he was one of her childhood friends. "René? He came to check on you?"

Kain nodded again, his tone smooth and measured. "They likely suspected I was a spy. But I allayed his concerns. We even became mutual benefactors—he seemed keen to support my business and suggested I seek your advice. Apparently, he values your opinion greatly."

Elaine hesitated, taken aback by the mention of René. She had expected him to be cautious, even suspicious, of someone like Kain—not to vouch for him. "He asked you to invite me?" she repeated, frowning slightly. "Why would René care so much about my opinion?"

Kain shrugged casually. "Perhaps he simply wished for an excuse to reconnect. Regardless, I agree with his sentiment. The streets are dangerous at night, even with Almata gone. There are still those who would seek to harm a lovely lady like yourself, Elaine Auclair."

Elaine's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Thank you, I guess," she muttered, before refocusing on the matter at hand. "So, René wants to meet me. Where and when?"

Kain's smile widened just a touch. "At my estate. The sooner, the better—now would be ideal."

Elaine glanced at her ARCUS. It was already 10:30 PM. She had planned to head home and rest, but René's request changed everything. "Alright," she agreed, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Lead the way, Lord Kain."

Kain smirked, turning to lead her through the dimly lit streets.

They arrived at Vantaille District, 66 by 11:00 PM. The grand estate loomed before them, and Kain unlocked the door, ushering her inside. The foyer was vast, with a staircase spiraling upward like a winding serpent.

Elaine's gaze swept across the room. The star-shaped hallway struck her as unusual, and a creeping suspicion gnawed at her. There's more to this Lord Kain than he's letting on...

"Nice place you've got here," she remarked, trying to sound nonchalant. "Now, where's this business plan?"

Kain handed her a key, his expression unreadable. "Mister Kincaid is quite the workaholic. He locks himself in so he won't be disturbed. You'll find him upstairs, on the last floor, right side. I'll fetch us some drinks."

Elaine took the key, turning it over in her hand as unease began to claw at her. She tried to dismiss it as paranoia. "Right... I'll go see him then."

With a deep breath, she ascended the staircase, the clacking of her boots echoing ominously in the empty house. The further she climbed, the heavier the air seemed to become, pressing in on her with a growing sense of dread.

Finally, she reached the door. Her hand trembled as she inserted the key, turning it with a metallic click. She pushed the door open, her breath catching in her throat at the sight that awaited her.

The room was empty, but the walls were splattered with dried blood, deep scratches marring the surface. The windows were barred, sealing off any hope of escape. And there, slumped against the far wall, was René Kincaid—his body battered, his clothes torn, and his glasses shattered on the floor.

Elaine froze, her mind reeling in shock. "R-R-René...?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

The scene before her was like something out of a nightmare, her worst fears realized. She stood there, paralyzed, unable to tear her gaze away from the horrific sight. The sinister weight of the night closed in around her, suffocating, as the reality of the situation crashed down like a tidal wave.

Elaine stepped into the room, each footfall measured, her heart pounding as adrenaline surged through her veins. She knelt beside René, her gaze sweeping over his battered form, every bruise and cut telling a story of violence and suffering.

With trembling hands, she gently touched his shoulder. "R-René... what happened? Who did this to you?" Her voice quivered, barely a whisper, as she fought to keep herself composed.

René's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry. "Elaine...?" he murmured, his voice weak and disoriented. But as recognition dawned, his eyes widened in shock. "Elaine!? What are you doing here? Get out! Run for your life!"

His panic-stricken words hit her like a splash of icy water. "What?! You want me to leave you here?" Confusion and worry twisted her features. "I'm not leaving you!"

Tears welled up in René's eyes as he pleaded with her, desperation dripping from every word. "Please, Elaine! You have to contact Van and the Intelligence Division! Lord Kain... he isn't human. Elaine, he's a vampire—a goddamn vampire!"

Elaine's heart lurched, her pulse quickening as her mind struggled to grasp René's words. A... vampire? She'd heard the tales, the legends passed down through generations, but the idea of one being real...

She shook her head, denial clinging to her like a lifeline. "N-No... that's impossible... Vampires aren't real…"

A voice, smooth and chilling, interrupted her from behind. "Oh, I don't know, Miss Auclair... I feel quite real."

Elaine's entire body went rigid as the voice slithered into her ears, sending a cold shiver down her spine. Slowly, she turned, her eyes wide with fear. There stood Lord Kain, a smirk playing on his lips, his red eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

"You..." Elaine breathed, her heart hammering against her ribcage. Her hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of her sword as the terrifying reality of what he was began to sink in. "René... he's telling the truth, isn't he? You're..." She hesitated, the word "vampire" feeling too surreal to speak aloud.

Kain tilted his head, his smirk widening with amusement. "Yes. I am what you mortals call a vampire. Though in my realm, we prefer the term Dead Apostle. But semantics aside, now that you've seen poor Mister Kincaid here, I'm sure you understand what that means—and what I intend for the both of you."

Elaine swallowed hard, her mind racing to connect the dots. Kain's unnaturally pale skin, those blood-red eyes, his mysteriously flourishing businesses... it all made a twisted kind of sense now. And René, poor René, had simply been caught in the crossfire.

She took a step back, her eyes locked on Kain. "I... I can't let you do this. I won't let you," she stammered, her voice trembling despite the defiant edge she tried to muster.

Kain's grin only grew sharper, revealing the gleam of his fangs. His eyes sparkled with sadistic delight. "I told you, my dear René... I would target your friends next. And now, look—your first one has walked right into my trap. Only Van remains."

Elaine's heart sank as Kain reveled in his cruel game, his taunts slicing through her like a knife. Her thoughts immediately flew to Van, her childhood friend. She couldn't allow him to fall victim to this monster—not after what had happened to René.

"You... you won't touch him," she managed to say, a flicker of defiance igniting in her voice despite the fear coursing through her.

Kain's mockery dripped like venom. "Oh, how brave you've become. Yet when I followed you through the streets of Edith earlier, you were trembling like a child frightened by too many ghost stories."

Elaine's eyes widened in shock. He was following me!? The realization struck her like a hammer. She had been completely unaware, utterly oblivious to the lurking danger. Kain had been toying with her, delighting in her fear.

"You... you were stalking me!?" she demanded, her voice a mixture of outrage and disbelief.

Kain's grin stretched into something monstrous, his canines elongating into sharp fangs, his crimson eyes shrinking into glowing pinpricks of malevolence. "Yes... I was deciding whether to tear you apart then and there. But then you bumped into a young lady... When I saw her from the shadows, I was... captivated. So I altered my plans."

Elaine's horror deepened as Kain's face twisted into a nightmare, his smile revealing the maw of a predator. His words about the young lady struck her like a bolt of lightning, her thoughts immediately jumping to Agnès, the girl she had met earlier.

"You... stayed away because... because of that girl? Because of Agnès... that civilian girl?" Her voice trembled as the realization sank in.

Kain's expression softened in an instant, his terrifying visage slipping away as easily as a mask. Once more, he appeared as the charming young lord who had invited her to his estate. "Agnès, is it? Beautiful name..."

Elaine couldn't suppress the wave of unease that swept over her. The ease with which Kain switched between a gentleman and a monster was terrifying in its own right. His voice, that smooth, silky tone, now laced with a sinister intent as he spoke Agnès' name, sent another shiver down her spine.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing to understand his interest. "Yes," she said cautiously. "Agnès... But why? Why are you interested in her?"

Kain's grin turned dark, his voice a whisper of menace. "Haven't you heard the legends, Miss Auclair? We vampires may be monstrous, but we still crave companionship... and the chance to spread our curse. At first, I thought you might become my progeny, to toy with Van Arkride a bit... but thanks to recent events, my plans have shifted. Don't worry, though—I'm sure the three of us," he glanced between Elaine and René, "will still have plenty of fun."

As he finished speaking, his grin stretched even wider, his eyes gleaming with the hunger of a predator toying with its prey.

Elaine's stomach churned as Kain spoke of "companionship" and spreading his curse. The thought of Agnès being dragged into this nightmarish world, her innocence corrupted by this monster, made her sick with dread. But it was Kain's mention of "the three of us having fun" that truly terrified her. His grin was the stuff of nightmares, a predatory gleam in his eyes that sent ice down her spine as he looked at both her and René.

"No," she said, her voice firmer than she felt. "I won't let you hurt Agnès... and I won't let you turn me or René into one of your... progeny."

Drawing her sword, she let the cold steel catch the dim light, its edge gleaming ominously. "Stay back, Kain. I won't let you touch us."

Kain's laughter echoed through the room, a mocking sound that made her blood run cold. "Do you really think that piece of junk could even scratch me?"

Elaine's jaw tightened, her eyes blazing with determination. "This 'junk' has slain dozens of monsters, and I've bested countless foes with it. So yes... I do think it can hurt you, Kain."

She shifted into an attack stance, her sword poised to strike. "You underestimate my skill."

Kain cackled, a sound devoid of warmth. "And you underestimate the durability of a Dead Apostle..."

Elaine held her ground, refusing to back down as Kain approached. The fear that had gripped her earlier was now replaced by steely resolve. "I don't care how durable you are, Kain. I won't let you touch us."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her sword, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. But she forced herself to project calm and confidence, even as Kain drew nearer. Her mind raced, desperately calculating her next move, adrenaline and fear mixing into a volatile concoction.

But then, a thought surfaced in her mind, a desperate idea. "Wait..." she said suddenly, her voice wavering slightly.

Kain paused, one eyebrow arching in mild curiosity. "What is it, my dear?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery.

Elaine took a deep breath, meeting his gaze head-on. "Before you... do anything... will you humor me with a question?"

Kain raised his eyebrows, his lips curling into a smirk. "A question? Fine then... go ahead."

Elaine's eyes narrowed as she measured him. "You mentioned wanting to make me your... progeny," she said cautiously. "But you changed your mind because of Agnès..."

Her heart pounded in her chest, her grip tightening on her sword. "Why is Agnès so important to you? What's so special about her that you'd change your plans for her?"

Kain looked momentarily surprised, then laughed, the sound low and sinister. "Really? That's your question? It's quite simple, actually. She's still pure. A virgin. And it's so much more enjoyable to corrupt someone as innocent as her compared to a monster-slaying warrior like you, Miss Auclair. Why? Are you jealous? Do you yearn for my embrace instead?"

Elaine's stomach twisted with revulsion at his words. The image of him preying on Agnès, someone so young and innocent, made her blood boil. But she forced herself to remain composed, her voice steady.

"Jealous?" she echoed, disbelief lacing her words. "Don't be absurd. I'm just trying to understand your twisted motives, that's all."

Kain chuckled, a sound that grated on her nerves. "My motives? They go far beyond simply turning innocent women into vampires. I have something much bigger in the works."

Elaine felt a surge of anger at the smugness in his tone, the way he seemed to revel in toying with her. "Oh, really? A grand plan, huh?" She sneered. "Enlighten me then, oh great Lord Kain. What's this grand scheme that involves Agnès?"

Kain's eyes glinted with dark amusement. "Do you really want to know?" He paused, then sighed theatrically. "I suppose it wouldn't matter anyway, so I can indulge you."

Elaine's suspicion deepened as she watched him closely. The fact that he seemed so casual about revealing his plan only made her more wary. "Well?" she prompted, her voice tinged with impatience. "Stop toying with me. If you're going to tell me, then get on with it."

Kain's smirk grew as he leaned in slightly. "Are you familiar with septium veins?"

Elaine blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Septium veins?" she repeated, her brow furrowing. "Of course I've heard of them. They're veins filled with an energy source—septium."

Kain nodded, his tone now eerily calm. "Indeed... They're an excellent storage space for magical energy, especially if you're planning a ritual."

Elaine felt a cold dread creeping up her spine as his words sank in. "Magic... ritual?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What kind of ritual?"

Kain's smile grew darker, his eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. "We Dead Apostles were once human, but have you ever wondered how we came to be? The answer lies in the existence of pureblood vampires, known as True Ancestors. These beings were like spirits or gods, preying on humans to keep their numbers in check. Those bitten by them turned into what you know as Dead Apostles."

His voice dropped lower, taking on a reverent tone. "These True Ancestors were not born but created by an otherworldly entity—Brunestud of the Crimson Moon. A being so powerful that it defies the human mind and the laws of nature. Brunestud is the progenitor of our race, revered as a god among us."

As Kain recounted the history of vampires and True Ancestors, Elaine's sense of reality began to blur. The way he casually spoke of gods and otherworldly beings challenged everything she thought she knew. But she forced herself to stay focused, trying to keep her composure.

"So... you're saying this 'Brunestud' created the True Ancestors, who in turn created Dead Apostles like you. And now you want to bring Brunestud back... with some kind of ritual."

Kain nodded, a smug smirk spreading across his face. "Exactly. But for the ritual to succeed, I need two things: enough magical energy and a substantial sacrifice. Fortunately, Edith sits atop a septium vein to supply the former, and its 800,000 inhabitants will provide the latter."

The cold, calculating way Kain spoke of sacrificing an entire city left Elaine chilled to the bone. She couldn't comprehend how anyone could be so monstrously indifferent to human life.

"So, you're just going to... feed on all those people? Drain them dry for your vile ritual?" Her voice trembled, barely disguising her horror.

Kain shook his head, almost laughing at her naivety. "No... I'll spread my curse and turn a select few into vampires. Then, together, we'll feed on the populace until we've gathered enough blood for the ritual. Zemuria's very structure works in our favor."

The casual way Kain discussed spreading his curse, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, made Elaine's stomach churn with revulsion.

"And these... chosen individuals," she asked, already dreading the answer. "Who are they?"

Kain's grin widened, sinister and knowing. "I have a few candidates in mind. One is already in place. And soon, Agnès will join them."

Elaine's heart stopped. The thought of her innocent friend becoming one of Kain's 'chosen' was too horrifying to bear.

"You stay away from her," she snapped, her grip on her sword tightening. "Don't you dare lay a finger on her."

Kain's grin turned mocking. "So, you'd prefer I focus on you? Or perhaps René? Or Van Arkride?"

Elaine's eyes narrowed, anger and fear churning inside her. The idea of Kain targeting Van or René was unbearable.

"Stop it," she growled, her voice low and dangerous. "Don't touch any of them. I won't let you."

Without warning, Kain closed the distance between them, grabbing her sword and disarming her with a single swift motion. He flung the weapon aside like it was nothing.

"I don't think you have the power to decide that, my dear Sword Maiden..."

Elaine's eyes widened in shock as her sword clattered to the floor, useless. The ease with which Kain had overpowered her filled her with a mix of anger and helplessness. Her fists clenched, the urge to strike him nearly overwhelming.

"You..." she hissed through gritted teeth. "You're a pompous, arrogant... monster."

Kain's hand shot out, gripping her neck and pulling her close. His cold eyes bored into hers. "Easy there, my dear... Now, tell me everything you know about our little Agnès..."

Elaine struggled against his iron grip, fear and anger flashing in her wide eyes. The way he loomed over her, like a predator toying with its prey, made her skin crawl.

"What... what do you want to know about Agnès?" she gasped, her voice strained by the pressure on her throat.

Kain's smirk grew more sinister. "Everything you know..."

Elaine tried to take a deep breath, but Kain's hold made it nearly impossible. She winced, her mind racing as she searched for a way out.

"What... what do you mean by 'everything'?" she forced out, her tone defiant despite her fear. "You want her life story... her favorite color?"

Kain's grin turned predatory. "Yes... everything I could use to get to her..."

Elaine's heart pounded as she realized the danger Agnès was in. Giving Kain any information could help him ensnare her friend. But she couldn't betray Agnès.

"I... I won't tell you anything," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing in determination. "You won't get to Agnès through me."

Kain sighed, then leaned in closer, his crimson eyes glowing ominously. "Oh, but you will tell me... everything."

Elaine felt an unnatural pressure build in her mind as their eyes locked, like a dark force pressing down on her thoughts. It wasn't physical, but it was overwhelming, seeping into her consciousness.

"I... I won't..." she repeated, but her voice wavered. She fought against the mental assault, but it was like trying to resist a tidal wave. The pressure intensified, Kain's crimson eyes seeming to bore into her soul, sapping her will.

Her mind began to fog, memories of Agnès blurring and slipping away. She struggled to hold onto them, to resist the compulsion, but it was futile. A dam within her mind broke, and information started to pour out against her will.

"Her... her favorite color is yellow..." Elaine heard herself say, her voice distant and hollow. "She... she loves puppies..."

Kain's sadistic grin widened as he saw her resistance crumble. "Good... now, tell me more."

The command echoed in her mind, erasing what little defiance she had left. Words continued to spill from her lips, unbidden. She was no longer in control of her own thoughts, her memories laid bare for Kain's twisted pleasure.

"She's... kind... gentle..." Elaine murmured, her voice a dull monotone. "She dreams of becoming a chef..."

And still, the words kept coming, her last thoughts of Agnès surrendered to the darkness.

...

Elaine had no choice but to surrender every piece of information Kain demanded, her mind laid bare before his dark will. When he had extracted all he needed, Kain indulged in a final cruelty, draining the blood from both her and René. He left them weakened and locked away in a cold, dim room, her belongings confiscated and hidden beyond reach.

Before descending to the foyer, Kain paused before a large, ornate frame that hung near the stairs. His fingers brushed the edge of the portrait within, his crimson eyes tracing the figure of the woman captured there. She was his mistress, her beauty so ethereal it seemed almost unreal. She lay naked on a velvet couch, her pale skin a stark contrast to the dark backdrop, her midnight-blue hair cascading in waves like a waterfall of shadows. The painting's crimson eyes, mirroring his own, seemed to stare back at him with an ancient, secret knowledge.

He remembered the night she posed for the portrait, her laughter ringing in his ears as she teased him about his obsession with her. Now, as he gazed upon her likeness, a twisted smile curled his lips.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" he whispered to the empty room, his voice a low, reverent growl. "My eternal muse... my cursed queen."

The room responded only with silence, broken by the creak of floorboards as Kain stepped back, his gaze never leaving the painting. She was gone now, lost to the ravages of time, but this image... this was how he chose to remember her—perfect, untainted, his and his alone.

With a final, lingering glance, he turned away, his coat swirling around him like a shroud of darkness. There was work to be done, blood to be spilled. But her memory would linger, a ghost in his mind, driving him ever forward into the night.

After his quiet moment of reminiscence, Kain moved through a door to his left. Inside the room, his coffin awaited. He traced the sigil on its lid, a white 'V'-shaped emblem with three upward-pointing tips, resembling a bat or bird in flight. With a slow, deliberate motion, Kain opened the lid and laid himself inside, closing it with a contented smile. He eagerly anticipated the next night when he would rise and begin his pursuit of Agnès Claudel—the girl he had chosen as his maiden and companion.

Meanwhile, Elaine and René sat slumped against the cold stone wall of their prison, both drained and exhausted from Kain's assault. The only light came from a small, barred window high above, casting long shadows across the room. Elaine's eyes were unfocused, her thoughts still tangled in the horror of what Kain had forced from her.

"I... I can't believe I told him everything, René," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Everything about Agnès..."

René looked at her, his expression a mixture of concern and guilt. "It's not your fault, Elaine," he murmured, his voice raw and strained. "Kain... he was using some kind of mind control on you. You couldn't resist."

Elaine sighed, resting her head against the unforgiving stone. "I know," she said, frustration lacing her words. "But still... I feel like I betrayed her. I gave him everything he needs to get to her."

René reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure out a way to stop him," he reassured her, though doubt weighed heavily in his tone. "We'll get out of here. We'll warn Agnès."

Elaine let out a bitter, humorless laugh. "How?" she asked, despair creeping into her voice. "Kain's taken everything from us. We have no means of escape. He can come and go as he pleases."

René fell silent, unable to refute her words. They were trapped, weakened, and defenseless. The weight of their situation pressed down on them like a suffocating shroud, leaving them in a heavy silence, each lost in their own dark thoughts.