Chapter 09
Agnès lay motionless, lost in the fog of sleep, Kyo Hirasawa's bite still a fresh wound on her chest. Renne, feeling the ache of her own mark, reached out with trembling fingers, gently brushing Agnès's hair back. Her voice was soft but urgent.
"Agnès... wake up... please."
The sound of her name pulled Agnès from the depths of unconsciousness. She blinked slowly, trying to make sense of the world around her.
"R-Renne..." she murmured, her voice thick with fatigue.
Relief washed over Renne as she saw Agnès's eyes flutter open. She smoothed her friend's hair, a tender gesture that was both soothing and grounding.
"Agnès, are you okay? How do you feel?" Concern laced her words as she watched Agnès struggle to sit up, wincing at the pain that racked her bruised body. Agnès's hand instinctively moved to the bite on her chest, and a shiver ran through her.
Renne's eyes followed the movement, the sight of the bite mark a stark reminder of the nightmare they had endured. She reached out, clasping Agnès's hand with a reassuring squeeze.
"It's going to be okay," Renne whispered, though the words felt as much a plea as a promise. She moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Agnès's back, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of her resolve.
Agnès leaned into Renne, seeking the warmth and comfort she desperately needed. Her mind was a jumble of fragmented memories, and when she spoke, her voice was small and uncertain.
"R-Renne... what happened last night... I can't remember..."
Renne's heart ached as she wrapped an arm around Agnès, drawing her closer. She knew the truth would be painful, but it was a burden she couldn't shield her friend from.
"Agnès... you were attacked by a vampire," Renne said softly, the words heavy with the weight of reality.
Agnès's eyes widened in shock, the fog of confusion giving way to cold, stark clarity. "A... vampire... really?" She paused, memories of Van's warning surfacing. "Right... he... the boy... he really is a vampire..."
Renne nodded solemnly, the truth settling between them like a dark cloud. "Yes... that boy... Kyo... he's a vampire." Her voice was tinged with resignation, the disbelief they had clung to now shattered.
"I didn't believe it either. But last night, I saw it with my own eyes... He turned into mist and disappeared..." Renne's voice faltered as she relived the terror of the previous night. But there was more—something far more disturbing that she needed to share.
"Agnès... there's something else..." she began hesitantly, the words catching in her throat.
Agnès turned to Renne, fear creeping into her gaze. She could sense the gravity of whatever Renne was about to reveal.
"What... what is it...?" Her voice trembled.
Renne took a deep breath, steadying herself for the revelation she dreaded. "He... he bit you." The words were almost a whisper as she gently touched the spot on Agnès's chest where the mark remained.
Agnès gasped, her eyes darting to the bite mark, the reality of what had happened crashing down on her. "He... bit me?"
Renne nodded, her expression heavy with sorrow. "Yes... right there on your chest."
Agnès stared at the mark, a sense of violation and anger bubbling up inside her. But the horror wasn't over. Renne knew she had to reveal the final, most terrifying truth.
"Agnès... there's one more thing you need to know," Renne said, her voice barely audible, her heart breaking as she prepared to shatter her friend's world.
"What... what is it...?" Agnès's voice quaked with a mix of fear and dread.
Renne met Agnès's gaze, her eyes filled with sadness. She squeezed Agnès's hand tightly, knowing there was no easy way to say what needed to be said.
"Agnès... the reason Kyo bit you... it's because..." Renne hesitated, the words like poison on her tongue.
Agnès's breath caught in her throat. "The reason... why?"
Renne's heart pounded as she forced herself to continue. "It's because... he was marking you. Claiming you as his own."
Agnès froze, the implications of Renne's words sinking in slowly, each one hitting her like a blow. "M-Marking me...? Claiming me as... his own...?"
Renne nodded, her expression grim. "Yes... in the most primal and possessive way possible."
Agnès's hand trembled as a wave of nausea swept over her. The thought of being claimed, possessed like an object, made her feel sick to her core. She felt tainted, defiled.
"No... no, this can't be real..." she whispered, her voice trembling as the weight of the truth settled over her.
Renne's heart shattered as she saw the horror and disbelief etched on Agnès's face. Every part of her wanted to reach out, to hold Agnès close and tell her it was all just a terrible dream. But she couldn't lie, couldn't give her friend the false comfort she so desperately needed.
"I wish it wasn't real," Renne said, her voice thick with sorrow. "But it is. Kyo bit you, claiming you as his own. And now... his vampiric powers are starting to take hold of you."
Agnès trembled, her mind spiraling into panic. The realization of what was happening to her, what she was becoming, was more terrifying than anything she had ever faced.
"No... no, please, no," she whispered, her voice breaking as she clutched her chest, the bite mark throbbing with an unnatural heat.
Renne's heart ached as she watched her friend unravel. She reached out, gently touching Agnès's arm, trying to offer some semblance of comfort.
"Agnès, listen to me... you need to stay calm. Panicking won't help," Renne urged, her voice laced with desperate concern.
Agnès nodded shakily, her eyes brimming with tears. She felt trapped, caught in a nightmare with no escape in sight.
"I'll... I'll try," she whispered, taking a deep breath in a futile attempt to steady herself, her body still trembling.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room, startling both girls. Renne's hand instinctively went to her scythe as she rose to her feet.
"Who is it?" she called out, her voice tight with caution.
A deep, gentle voice responded, "Excuse me, ladies. Are you Renne Bright and Agnès Claudel? My name is Mark Miller... I'm an acquaintance of Van."
Renne and Agnès exchanged surprised glances. This was unexpected.
"Yes, we're Renne and Agnès," Renne replied, her grip on the scythe relaxing slightly. "Are you a friend of Van's?"
"May I come in? I need to examine Miss Agnès's wound," the voice asked from the other side of the door.
Renne looked at Agnès, who nodded, though her eyes were filled with confusion and fear. Seeing no immediate threat, Renne let go of her scythe.
"Okay, you can come in," she said.
The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man with unruly white hair that fell to his shoulders. His face was weathered with deep wrinkles, a testament to a life full of hardship. He wore a dark brown trench coat over a cheaply made suit, and his presence seemed both worn and resolute.
Renne studied the man with curiosity, a faint sense of familiarity tugging at her mind. "You said you know Van?"
The old man smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes... I'm supporting him in his quest to kill Kain."
Renne raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You're helping Van?" she asked, skepticism creeping into her voice.
The man nodded again. "Yes, to rid Edith of the vampire who terrorizes it."
Agnès, who had been silently absorbing the conversation, finally spoke up. "Wait... you mentioned something about examining my wound?"
Mark nodded solemnly. "Yes... I'm sorry to intrude, but the mark on you... it's unusual, at least for Kain's habits."
Renne's eyes narrowed. She had sensed something sinister about Kyo's bite, but hearing it confirmed by someone else sent a chill down her spine.
"Unusual... how?" she asked, her voice tense.
Mark continued, "Normally, Kain doesn't mark humans with a bite. He either kills them immediately or forces them to drink his blood, turning them into his minions. But he spared you from such a fate."
Renne's face twisted in disgust and confusion. The thought of Kyo marking and claiming Agnès made her skin crawl. But her curiosity got the better of her.
"Do you know why he didn't do either to her?" she asked, dread creeping into her voice.
Mark shook his head. "I have no idea, Miss Renne. Kain has always been cunning and vicious, but this... this is very unusual."
Renne let out a frustrated sigh, her mind racing to make sense of Kyo's actions. "Damn... none of this makes sense," she muttered, her gaze fixated on the bite mark on Agnès's chest.
Mark stepped closer to Agnès, his expression serious. "May I take a closer look at your wound?"
Agnès hesitated, then nodded nervously. "Y-Yes... go ahead."
Mark gently touched the bite mark, causing Agnès to wince as the spot still throbbed with sensitivity. He then pulled a rosary from his coat pocket and pressed it against her wound. The skin sizzled, as if it had been set ablaze.
Agnès gasped in pain, her body instinctively trying to pull away from the burning sensation. The rosary seemed to sear through the bite, causing her to whimper.
Renne watched in shock, her protective instincts flaring. "What the hell is that thing doing to her?" she demanded, her voice filled with worry and desperation.
Mark finally removed the rosary, leaving a scorched scar in its place, right above the bite. He sat back and began to cackle, a disturbing sound that sent a shiver down Renne's spine.
Agnès clutched her chest, gasping as she stared at the fresh scar burning on her skin. "That... that hurt," she whispered, her voice raw with pain.
Renne's eyes bore into the old man, her mind racing to make sense of what had just happened. "What the hell was that?" she demanded, her tone sharp and insistent. "What did you do to her?"
Mark's response was a burst of manic laughter, echoing off the walls. "Hahahahahaha!"
Renne's patience snapped. Her eyes flared with anger as she cut through his laughter. "Stop laughing and tell me what you did!" Her voice trembled with frustration and rising fury.
Mark finally calmed, still chuckling softly. "I did nothing. If Agnès were pure, the rosary would have left her unharmed... but she is not." He paused, his eyes widening as a realization dawned on him, followed by another round of hysterical laughter. "No! No, no, no... this can't be! Hahahahahaha!"
Renne's anger was now tinged with confusion, her heart pounding as she tried to decipher his words. "What do you mean 'if she was pure'? Explain yourself!" she demanded, suspicion lacing her voice.
Mark's laughter died down, his expression turning grave as he locked eyes with Renne. "Oh, my dear child… Madness would be a mercy compared to this truth. Your friend, Agnès... was chosen by Kain... as his personal harlot."
The word hit Renne like a punch to the gut, leaving her breathless. "H-His... harlot?" she repeated, the word barely escaping her lips.
Agnès, horrified and confused, pressed her hand to the burning mark on her chest. "I-I don't understand..." she stammered, her voice quivering with fear.
Renne turned to Mark, her expression a storm of anger, disgust, and desperation. "What does that mean? What does it entail, exactly?" she demanded, her voice low and intense.
Mark's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. "Oh, don't play innocent with me. You know very well what being a harlot entails... or shall I say concubine, sex-slave, joy girl?"
Renne's face contorted in fury. The thought of Agnès being reduced to a mere plaything for Kain made her blood boil. "I know what it means, damn it!" she snapped, her voice shaking with rage. "But you're saying Kain has declared her to be that?"
Mark nodded with a sickening smile. "Yes, he has. Like so many other innocent women before her. He'll come back for her soon, and he'll keep coming until she willingly gives herself to him."
Renne's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white as cold, steely determination settled over her. "Like hell he will," she growled, her voice a fierce promise. "Nobody's touching her. Not as long as I'm still breathing."
Mark tilted his head, his expression shifting. "You told Van you met Kain. Did he bite you as well?"
Renne nodded, scowling at the memory. "Yeah, I met him. And unfortunately, yes, he bit me." Her hand instinctively went to her shoulder, where the bite still throbbed in her memory.
Mark's eyes narrowed. "I see... that means..."
Renne's heart skipped a beat, dread creeping into her veins. "Means what?" she asked, her voice tight.
Mark leaned in, a sinister smile curling his lips. "It means you'll succumb to him as well..."
A spark of fear ignited in Renne's chest, but she swallowed it down, refusing to show weakness. "No," she said firmly, her voice steady. "I won't let that happen. I won't let myself be turned into his puppet."
Mark scoffed, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Then tell me, Miss Renne... how did it feel when he bit you?"
Renne's mind flashed back to that moment—the sharp pain of his fangs sinking into her flesh, the sickening sensation of something foreign and vile seeping into her veins. The memory made her skin crawl, but she refused to let it show.
"It hurt... like hell," she replied tersely, her voice betraying a hint of the unease that still lingered.
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Yes... it does hurt for many... at first... yet..."
Renne's eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in as she studied the old man. "Yet what? What are you getting at?"
Mark leaned closer, his voice a whisper of malice. "Yet for some... it can feel good... almost... pleasurable."
A wave of revulsion washed over Renne. The very idea of finding any pleasure in Kain's bite made her want to retch. "Absolutely not," she snapped, her voice cold and firm. "I felt nothing but pain and disgust."
She paused, a thought crossing her mind, and her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "You... You wouldn't know from experience, would you?"
Mark chuckled darkly. "No... but I've seen Kain turn many women into his loyal slaves, his submissive brides. Even people I once knew."
A shiver ran down Renne's spine. The image of innocent women, broken and enslaved by Kain's will, filled her with a mix of anger and sorrow. "How can he be allowed to keep doing this?" she asked, her voice heavy with frustration and desperation. "There must be some way to stop him. We can't just let him carry on, taking and using women as he pleases!"
Mark sighed, his tone weary. "What do you think I've been trying to do my entire life? I've tried everything a human could think of—stabbing him, cutting him apart, running him over with a car, setting him on fire, attacking him with holy objects, flooding his domain... He always slipped through the cracks. Then, a few years ago, I managed to stake him with a piece of wood embedded with magical rites from the holy church. Even that was barely enough to incapacitate him. I brought him to the Septian church, and with the help of the Gralsritter, we sealed his coffin on a faraway island. But a few foolish jaegers fought a battle and freed him from his prison."
Renne listened closely as Mark recounted his past attempts to bring down Kain. His words were heavy with a sense of failure, and the hopelessness was thick in the air. But then, something he said caught her attention.
"Wait... The Septian Church? You were working with the Gralsritter?" Renne asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Mark nodded slowly. "Yes, I needed their power—the power of the church—to finally rid the world of Kain. But even with their help, my plan fell apart... It didn't go the way I hoped." His voice tightened with frustration, the memory of failure still fresh in his mind.
Suddenly, Mark froze. His eyes widened, a new realization dawning on him.
Renne noticed the shift in his demeanor and leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What is it? What's wrong?" she asked, a note of concern creeping into her voice.
Mark sighed heavily. "Van and his friends are on their way to stake Kain with an oak tree... But if they fail, then Kain will have nothing left to fear."
A chill ran down Renne's spine. The gravity of Mark's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. "And... what would happen then?" she asked, her voice barely concealing the dread she felt.
Mark looked down, his voice grave. "Then Kain can't be stopped. He'll take whatever he wants, whoever he wants... and no one will be able to oppose him... unless..."
Renne swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "Unless what?" she pressed, her voice almost a whisper.
A greasy smile crept across Mark's face. "Unless opposing him is the wrong thing to do..."
Renne's face twisted with confusion and a creeping sense of fear. "What do you mean? Are you suggesting... that we should join him?"
Mark cackled as his gaze drifted to Agnès. "Maybe... or maybe not..."
Renne followed his gaze, unease gripping her heart as she looked at Agnès. The thought of surrendering to Kain's will made her stomach turn. "You can't be serious," she said weakly, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Mark's grin widened as he slowly approached Agnès. She looked up at him, fear and defiance warring in her eyes.
The old man sighed theatrically and bowed slightly. "Miss Agnès... you know vampires have a notorious reputation, don't you?"
Agnès nodded, her eyes never leaving Mark's. "I'm aware," she replied, her voice steady despite the fear she was undoubtedly feeling.
Mark continued, nodding sagely. "Despite all the fear and legends surrounding them, they're also incredibly popular. In TV shows, books, movies..."
Agnès furrowed her brow, uncertain where Mark was going with this. She tilted her head slightly in curiosity, still listening intently.
Mark giggled softly. "Even in my world, there were countless vampire movies. One of my favorites was an old silent film called Nosferatu."
Agnès tilted her head further, intrigued. "Nosferatu...? Is that a horror film in your world?"
"Indeed," Mark replied. "An old horror film about a vampire named Count Orlok, who left his secluded home in Transylvania to spread terror and plague in a town called Wisborg." He smiled faintly. "No one could defy him. The vampire was portrayed as an unstoppable cosmic entity... and no hunter rose up to fight him."
Agnès listened, her unease growing as she drew parallels between the film and their current situation. "But... someone must have stopped the vampire, right?" she asked, her voice a mix of dread and hope.
Mark's smile turned sad. "Yes... but it wasn't a brave hero who defeated the monster."
Agnès felt a sinking feeling in her chest. She had a terrible suspicion about where this was going, but she asked anyway. "Then... who stopped the Count?"
Mark's eyes darkened as he continued. "In the movie, the protagonist and his wife find a book that details how to stop Nosferatu. The book said, 'Nobody can save you unless a sinless maiden makes the vampire forget the first crow of the cock. If she gives him her blood willingly.'"
Agnès' eyes widened in horror as Mark's words sank in. "Are you suggesting... that a sinless maiden... needs to... give herself to Kain willingly to stop him?"
Mark nodded, his smile growing wild as he let out a mad cackle. "Fortunately... Kain has already chosen his maiden."
Agnès felt a wave of nausea wash over her as the realization hit. She felt cold, vulnerable, and utterly trapped. Renne stood frozen, her mind racing, trying to process the horror of what Mark was suggesting.
"You can't be serious... You can't..." Renne whispered, her voice trembling. "There must be another way... there has to be."
Mark's eyes gleamed with a sickening glee as he looked up at her. "Another way? Hahaha... There isn't. Kain is too powerful to be stopped by conventional means. He can't be staked, can't be killed, can't be sealed away... That's why... we need to give in to him."
Agnès felt her heart plummet at Mark's words. The thought of surrendering to Kain, of becoming his pawn, was more terrifying than death itself. She looked up at Mark, desperation etched on her face.
"You can't... You can't expect me or anyone else to willingly become his pawn. There has to be another option, another way—"
Mark cut her off, his voice cold and unyielding. "There is no other option. Unless you want to watch Kain become unstoppable, spreading his darkness unchecked... you have to sacrifice yourself to him."
Tears welled up in Agnès' eyes as the full weight of her situation bore down on her. The choice before her was impossible: surrender to Kain and become his, or watch the world fall into his darkness. She felt utterly paralyzed, trapped between two horrors.
As she sat there, trembling and unsure, Renne stepped forward with a fierce resolve burning in her eyes. She couldn't let Agnès make this decision alone—especially not without a fight.
"No," Renne declared, her voice cutting through the fear that had gripped them both. "There's a third option. We won't let Kyo win. There has to be another way."
Mark's gaze darkened with disappointment. "Another way? You really believe you can stop him? Do you think you can fight him off? How naïve, Miss Renne. It's a futile effort. You can't face him."
Renne's fists tightened, her determination growing with each word he spoke. "I can, and I will," she responded, her voice unwavering. "I won't let Kyo take what he wants without a fight. And you," she added, glancing at Agnès, her tone softening, "don't have to sacrifice yourself. We'll find another way, together."
Agnès looked at Renne, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes, though fear still held her back. "But... what if you fail?"
Renne's jaw clenched, her eyes blazing with conviction. "I won't fail," she growled. "I've fought too hard to give up now, and neither should you." She turned her steely gaze back to Mark, daring him to challenge her resolve.
Mark studied the defiant girls, his expression serious. "Do as you wish," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of experience. "I once thought like you when Kain attacked my town... I defied him to the bitter end. But I'm the only one left. Ben, Mister Davis, Father Maxwell... they're all gone."
Renne felt a wave of shock and horror as Mark's words sank in. He wasn't just warning them—he was speaking from bitter experience. "I... I understand," she whispered, the fire in her voice dimming slightly. "But that doesn't mean we should give up without trying. We have to fight back, no matter how hopeless it seems."
Agnès nodded, her fear slowly giving way to a renewed determination. She was still terrified of what lay ahead, but Renne's courage had reignited a spark within her. She looked at Mark and said, "I'll fight too."
Mark regarded them both for a moment before sighing deeply. "Do as you please... I'm going to check in on Van and the others."
Renne took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside her. "Alright. We'll be waiting here," she said, her voice calm despite the turmoil.
...
Mark left the room, wandering the dimly lit halls of the dorm. He finally stopped at a secluded storage room, pulling out his ARCUS device to dial Van's number. But before he could press the call button, a hand with claw-like fingers shot out from the shadows, covering Mark's mouth and dragging him into the darkness. He barely had time to muffle a shocked cry before he was swallowed by the shadowy void.
...
Back in the dorm room, Renne and Agnès waited anxiously. As the minutes ticked by, Renne's impatience grew. "What's taking him so long?" she muttered, frowning in concern.
Agnès fidgeted nervously in her seat, her eyes constantly darting to the door. "Maybe we should go check on him... See what's keeping him."
Renne nodded, her instincts telling her something wasn't right. "Yeah, let's go. Just to be safe."
The two of them quickly stood up and made their way into the hallway, their footsteps eerily silent as they searched for any sign of Mark. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the campus, but the usual buzz of life was absent. The dorms and campus grounds were unsettlingly quiet.
Renne shivered as she scanned the area, a sense of dread creeping over her. "It's too quiet," she mumbled uneasily, her eyes darting around the deserted campus.
Agnès stuck close to Renne, her worry etched on her face. "Yeah... something feels wrong. Where is everyone?"
Renne's senses were on high alert as she scanned the surroundings. "I don't know... but we need to find Mark. Maybe he's just stuck somewhere, or—"
Suddenly, Renne caught sight of a dark figure moving swiftly across the campus grounds. Her breath hitched as she tried to make out who—or what—it was.
Renne's eyes widened in shock as the figure emerged from the shadows. The distance made it hard to identify, but something about their movements sent a chill down her spine.
"Hey, do you see that…?" she murmured to Agnès, pointing towards the shadowy silhouette.
Agnès followed Renne's gaze, squinting as she tried to make out the figure. After a tense moment, she shook her head.
"No, I can't tell who it is... Could it be Mark?"
Renne felt a knot of uncertainty tighten in her chest. The possibility that it might be Mark was tempting, but a gnawing dread whispered that it wasn't.
"I don't know…" she whispered, her eyes fixed on the distant figure. "But I think I should check it out."
Agnès' eyes widened in alarm. She grabbed Renne's arm, holding her back. "Wait, are you crazy? You can't go off on your own like that. It could be dangerous."
Renne hesitated, knowing Agnès was right. It was risky to go after the figure alone. But her curiosity was stronger, driving her forward despite the danger.
"I know it's dangerous, but I have to. I have a bad feeling about this… and I can't just stand here and do nothing."
Agnès looked like she wanted to argue, but she saw the determination in Renne's eyes. With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly nodded.
"Fine, but I'm coming with you. You're not going alone."
Renne was surprised but grateful. She smiled slightly, comforted by Agnès' presence.
"Alright. But stay close behind me. And be careful, okay?"
Agnès nodded firmly, her expression steeled with resolve. "Yeah, I will. Let's do this."
Renne took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving the mysterious figure. Her hand trembled slightly, but she steadied herself and began to move forward.
"Okay. Stay quiet. We don't want to alert them."
They followed the dark figure as it led them toward the Aramis school building. With each step, Renne's heart pounded louder in her chest. The figure seemed to vanish into the school's depths, moving with an unsettling stealth. Renne and Agnès trailed it, keeping their distance but never losing sight of it.
As they entered the deserted halls of the school, an eerie silence enveloped them, broken only by the occasional creak of a floorboard or the distant echo of their footsteps.
Renne strained to hear any sound, any clue that might give away the figure's presence. But apart from the creaks, there was nothing.
They reached the ground floor and saw the door to the cafeteria standing ajar. Renne paused, her eyes locked on the open door. She exchanged a glance with Agnès, silently asking if they should proceed.
Agnès swallowed hard, her wide eyes fixed on the door. She was clearly nervous, but she nodded firmly. They had come too far to turn back now.
Renne took another deep breath, steeling herself.
"Alright. Let's go in."
Cautiously, she approached the cafeteria doorway, Agnès close behind.
Inside, they found all their classmates seated at the tables. Everyone they knew from the Aramis campus was there, just sitting and staring at each other in silence. What made the scene even more disturbing were the smiles—empty, lifeless smiles.
Renne and Agnès froze in the doorway, staring in shock at the bizarre sight before them. Their classmates sat at the tables, grinning vacantly at each other.
"What…what's going on…?" Renne whispered, her voice trembling.
The classmates slowly turned their heads to face the two girls, their blank smiles and hollow eyes sending a shiver down their spines.
"What the hell…?" Renne muttered, her body tense with unease.
Agnès stepped back, her hands trembling. "Why…why are they looking at us like that…?" she whispered, her voice quivering.
Renne scanned the faces of her classmates, searching desperately for a hint of recognition, some spark of emotion in their eyes. But all she found was a sea of empty smiles.
"I don't know… but something's not right here…" she said, her voice tight with fear.
As they stared in disbelief, the classmates began to rise from their seats, slowly walking toward them. Their footsteps echoed in the room, an unsettling rhythm that only added to the dread.
Then they began to chant, "He will come… He will come… He will come… He will come and claim you…"
Renne and Agnès listened in horror as their classmates repeated the phrase, their voices growing louder, more ominous with each repetition.
"W-Who will come…?" Agnès whispered, her voice barely audible.
Renne didn't respond, her mind racing to make sense of the situation. The classmates continued their slow, deliberate approach, closing in on them from all sides, their gazes fixed and unblinking.
Panic rose in Renne's chest. They were surrounded, trapped in a tightening circle of smiling, empty-eyed figures.
"What do we do?" Agnès whispered, her voice tinged with fear.
Renne's mind raced, searching frantically for an escape. But she felt paralyzed, frozen by the weight of their stares.
Suddenly, the sharp snap of fingers cut through the tension. The classmates halted in unison, like marionettes awaiting their next command.
Renne and Agnès flinched at the sound, their hearts pounding in their chests. They watched anxiously as the classmates stood frozen in place, their eerie smiles still plastered on their faces.
Out of the shadows stepped the last person Renne wanted to see. A smug smile played on his lips, his dark brown hair neatly styled since their last encounter. His coat was gone, yet his black shirt, trousers, and shoes remained, contrasting with his pale skin. And his crimson eyes remained as piercing as ever. It was Kyo Hirasawa… or Kain, as Mark had called him.
Renne felt her stomach drop, a wave of anger and fear crashing over her at the sight of him.
"You…" she hissed, her fists clenching in anger.
Kyo's laughter echoed, dark and twisted. "Isn't it marvelous what Mystic Eyes of Enchantment can do to weak-willed boys and girls?"
Agnès's eyes widened with horror as the realization dawned on her. Kyo had used his power to turn all their classmates into mindless puppets, trapped in a twisted game of his making.
"Y-you did this... You bewitched them all?" she stammered, her voice quivering with a mix of fury and fear.
Kyo's smile widened. "Of course, my dear Agnès. A wedding needs guests, after all."
Renne's eyes narrowed, her rage simmering beneath the surface, barely contained. "What do you want? Why are you doing this?" Her voice was ice-cold, cutting through the tension.
Kyo's grin turned feral. "Didn't I make myself clear yesterday? I want Agnès... and you too, while I'm at it. I warned you to leave, but you defied me. Worse, you ran to Van Arkride."
Renne clenched her fists, every word stoking the fire of her anger. She stepped forward, her voice a steely promise. "You're insane if you think I'll ever let you touch Agnès or me. Van and the others will stop you, no matter what it takes."
Kyo's smile twisted into something more menacing. "Before or after I make you my slaves, my progeny?"
Renne's scowl deepened, her voice firm with defiance. "I'd rather die than become your mindless puppet."
Kyo raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? But as I recall, I've already marked you both."
Renne's hand instinctively touched the bite mark on her shoulder, a chilling reminder of his power. The memory of his fangs piercing her skin sent a shiver down her spine. But she held her ground. "So what if you bit me? It doesn't mean I'm yours."
Kyo chuckled darkly. "Is that so? You still think you can resist me? Fascinating..."
Renne's jaw tightened, her determination unyielding. "I'll resist you until my last breath."
Kyo—no, Kain—grinned wickedly, biting his lip hard enough to draw blood.
Renne watched, repulsed yet unable to look away, as he let the blood trickle down his chin. Suddenly, he vanished into the shadows, leaving her tense and on edge.
Without warning, the classmates pounced on her, tackling her to the ground. Renne gasped, struggling beneath the weight of their bodies, even her training as an ex-enforcer unable to fend them off. Agnès desperately tried to pull them away, but it was no use.
"Agnès, run! Get out of here!" Renne shouted, panic seeping into her voice.
Agnès hesitated, torn between fleeing and staying to help. But then she clenched her fists, shaking her head with resolve. "No! I'm not leaving you behind!"
Renne cursed inwardly at her friend's stubbornness. "Damn it, you'll only get yourself caught too!"
"I'm staying," Agnès insisted, her voice firm. "We'll find a way out together."
Kain's voice cut through the air, chilling and smug. "No, you won't." He emerged from the shadows, his hand snaking around Agnès's waist, pulling her against him.
Renne's heart pounded in her chest as she saw him seize Agnès. She thrashed violently, but the weight of her classmates held her down.
"Let her go, you bastard!" she screamed, her voice filled with desperation.
Agnès gasped as Kain's arms tightened around her, holding her like a lover would. She struggled, but his grip was unyielding. He pulled her closer, his breath hot against her neck, and Renne felt a sickening dread settle in her gut.
"Get your hands off her, you creep!" Renne spat, fury burning in her eyes.
Kain chuckled, stroking Agnès's hair with a twisted affection, his eyes never leaving Renne. "Oh, you're adorable when you're angry. But so helpless. Do you really think you can stop me, little lady?"
Renne's anger surged, her struggles intensifying. "I'll stop you, no matter what!"
Kain laughed, his voice dripping with condescension. "I already have you in my palms, Renne. You're just to prideful to admit this. But don't worry, I'll tame you soon enough." He turned Agnès to face him, locking eyes with her.
Agnès looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear. "P-please... don't do this..." she whispered, her voice trembling.
Kain smiled, a blood-stained grin that made her heart skip a beat. "Don't be afraid, Agnès. Once you taste blood... you'll crave it."
Agnès's eyes filled with terror as his words sank in. She tried to speak, to protest, but all she could manage was a faint, desperate whisper. "I-I don't want... I don't want to drink blood..."
Kain's smile softened, almost tender as he stroked her cheek. "I know, I didn't want it either at first. But my mistress... she showed me bliss beyond imagination. The same bliss I'll show you... and your friends."
Tears welled in Agnès's eyes, her body trembling with a mix of fear and something else she couldn't name. "Please... don't turn us into monsters like you..."
Kain's laughter was light, almost musical. "A monster? That's a matter of perspective. To me, we vampires are gods... dark gods destined to rule over mankind. And I've chosen you and your dear friend to join our pantheon."
Agnès shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "No... we don't want to be gods. We just want to live... as humans."
Kain scoffed, his tone dismissive. "Live peacefully? Your world is a battlefield, full of hate and conflict. But I can bring order... structure."
Agnès gritted her teeth, refusing to give in. "That might be true, but we don't want your order. We don't want you."
Kyo's gaze darkened, his voice turning sultry. "Oh? And yet last night, you trembled and squirmed under me, begging me to continue. You wanted to submit... to surrender."
Agnès blushed deeply, her heart racing as shame and desire warred within her. She couldn't deny the truth in his words, no matter how much she wanted to. "That... that was different..."
Kyo's mocking laughter cut through her feeble protest. "No, it wasn't. You long for passion, for excitement... for someone to take control. Deep down, you're a little harlot, Agnès Claudel. All I did was bring your hidden desires to the surface."
Agnès's face burned with humiliation, his words cutting her to the core. He was exploiting her darkest, most secret desires, and she was powerless to deny it. "No... you don't know what I want..." she whispered, barely audible.
Kyo leaned in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss.
Agnès froze, her mind screaming to pull away, but her body betrayed her. She leaned into the kiss, her resistance crumbling under the intensity of his touch. His tongue slid into her mouth, exploring with a slow, deliberate sensuality that made her shiver.
Kyo's hands roamed her body, possessive yet gentle, his touch igniting a fire within her that she couldn't control. He broke the kiss briefly, trailing his lips down her jaw to her neck, where he nipped and sucked at the sensitive skin, his fangs grazing her flesh.
Agnès gasped, her body responding to his touch with a mix of fear and undeniable pleasure. She knew she should fight, but she was helpless against the onslaught of sensation. Her will crumbled as Kyo whispered in her ear, his voice a seductive purr. "You see, my dear... you're not as innocent as you think. You've been craving someone to take control... and I'm the one who can give you everything you desire."
Agnès trembled, his words resonating deep within her. She couldn't deny the truth he spoke, no matter how much it shamed her. She was losing herself to him, piece by piece.
Kyo pulled her closer, his hands gripping her hips, his voice thick with desire. "You want to surrender to me... to be mine, body and soul. Isn't that right, my pet?"
Agnès couldn't speak, her mind drowning in a sea of desire and need. She managed a small nod, her submission complete. The word "pet" sent a thrill through her, making her even more pliable in his hands.
Kyo smiled with satisfaction, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Say it. Say you're mine... that you're my pet."
Agnès swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she finally gave in. "I'm... I'm yours. Your pet. I belong to you..."
Renne, still pinned down by her hypnotized classmates, watched in helpless horror as Agnès surrendered to Kain's will. Her heart ached as she saw her friend succumb, her will shattered by his twisted seduction. There was nothing she could do, trapped and powerless, forced to witness Agnès's descent into darkness.
Suddenly, a barrage of bolts tore through the air, striking Kain squarely in the head. He hissed in agony, stumbling back as the pain overwhelmed him.
"ARGH!"
Kain's eyes widened in shock, his grip on Agnès loosening as he recoiled from the unexpected attack. He turned, snarling, to face his assailant.
In the doorway of the cafeteria stood Mark Miller, crossbow in hand. Blood poured from the wound in his chest where a spear had impaled him, but the old man remained resolute, his eyes narrowed with grim determination.
"You think a single spear can take me down, Kain? I've survived worse. This old grunt has plenty of fight left in him," Mark declared, his voice steady despite the pain.
Kain's irritation was palpable, his moment with Agnès rudely interrupted. His sneer deepened as he sized up Mark, disdain etched into every line of his face. "You're tough, I'll give you that. But you're just a human, Mark. You've been trying to take me down for decades and never came close."
A cruel smile twisted Kain's lips. "Remember Chapelwaite, Mark? How your mother, dear Judy Miller, begged for her life before I snapped her neck right in front of you? Ben Stillman, Matt Davis, Doctor Clemens… all of them, dead because of you."
Mark's fists clenched at Kain's words, the memories flooding back like a torrent of grief and rage. The faces of those he'd lost, the lives ruined by Kain, flashed before his eyes. He gritted his teeth, fighting back the surge of despair.
"You bastard... You destroyed everything."
Kain's delight was evident as he relished in Mark's anguish. "Yes, and I'm far from done. Zemuria is a playground of naive, helpless souls, and I will rule over it. You, Mark, are nothing but a relic of a world long gone. Obsolete."
A familiar sense of helplessness threatened to swallow Mark whole, but he pushed it aside, locking eyes with Kain, his voice trembling but defiant. "You… you won't get away with this…"
Kain's smirk widened. "But I already have." With a snap of his fingers, the hypnotized classmates released Renne and converged on Mark.
Renne staggered as she was freed, her heart hammering as she saw the swarm of students closing in on Mark. "Mark, look out!" she cried, panic lacing her voice.
Mark reached for his crossbow, but it was too late. The classmates descended on him, overwhelming him with sheer numbers. They wrestled the crossbow from his grasp, pinning him to the ground. Despite his struggles, Mark was too weak, too injured to fight back.
Kain approached slowly, savoring the moment, leaving Agnès trembling in the aftermath of his touch. Renne watched, helpless and seething with frustration, as Kain knelt beside Mark, his voice soft, patronizing.
"Remember when you killed Rian Stryker? I promised you would replace him, didn't I? It's time to fulfill that promise."
Mark's breath caught in his throat as the weight of Kain's words hit him. The memory of Rian's death, the horrors he had committed under Kain's influence, filled him with dread. "You can't be serious..." he whispered, horror dawning on him.
But Kain's grin only widened as he bit into his own wrist, letting his blood drip freely. "Just like Stryker and Father Maxwell, you will be mine. You'll carry out every monstrous deed I command, bring me humans to feast on."
Mark's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Kain's blood drip onto his wound, the sight filling him with revulsion. He thrashed, desperate to escape, but the students held him down with unyielding force.
"No… You can't do this to me..." he gasped, panic tightening around his heart like a vice.
Kain's mad laughter echoed in his ears as he leaned in closer, his voice dripping with malice. "Too late, 'Little Mark.' Once my blood touches yours, you'll be mine forever."
Despair crushed Mark as the blood connected, a burning sensation spreading through his chest. He tried to resist, but his body and mind were already succumbing to Kain's dark influence.
"No..." he whispered, voice barely a breath as he felt the last shreds of his humanity slipping away. His eyes found Renne's, then Agnès's, and with his final breath, his lips formed a silent message, "She is the answer."
Renne's heart shattered as she deciphered Mark's last words. Even in his final moments, he believed that sacrificing Agnès was the solution. Anger and determination flared within her, her fists clenching tightly as she vowed not to let Kain have his way.
Kain turned his gaze back to the girls, a wicked grin on his face. "Now that we've taken care of the past, let's talk about our future, my soon-to-be concubines..."
Renne tensed, her jaw tightening as Kain turned his attention back to them. She instinctively positioned herself in front of Agnès, trying to shield her friend from his predatory gaze.
"We're not your concubines, you scumbag," she spat, her voice laced with defiance.
Kain's eyes glinted with amusement as he looked down at her. "Oh? Still some fight left in you, I see. I'll enjoy breaking that spirit of yours, turning you into my most devoted bride…"
Renne's heart pounded, and though she forced herself to glare at him, his words sent a shiver down her spine. She refused to let him see how much he unsettled her, even as a dark thrill coursed through her veins.
"I'd rather die than become your bride," she shot back, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and something far more dangerous.
Kain rolled his eyes, smirking. "Come now, I'm not that bad… Look at Agnès—she seems quite pleased, doesn't she?" His gaze slid to Agnès, who stood trembling behind Renne, her breath quickening as Kain mentioned her.
Renne's eyes flicked to her friend, a surge of protective anger flaring up. But it was tinged with something else—a gnawing doubt, a sick jealousy at the way Kain's attention affected Agnès. She whipped her gaze back to him, voice sharp with venom. "You're controlling her, manipulating her! That's not pleasure—it's coercion!"
Kain inhaled deeply, savoring her scent. "If you say so… But are you sure you're not curious? That you don't wonder what it would be like to let go and indulge… to feel pleasure without restraint?"
Renne's cheeks flushed, her mind immediately veering into dangerous territory. She cursed herself inwardly for even entertaining such thoughts, forcing her anger to the forefront to combat the treacherous heat rising within her.
"Shut up! Don't you dare talk about my private life, you sick bastard," she snapped, but her voice was unsteady, betraying her inner turmoil.
Kain's smirk widened. "What's wrong? Does the idea of a filthy vampire like me uncovering your darkest truths disturb you? Imagine the freedom I could offer—indulge in every dirty little fantasy without guilt, without care…"
Renne's blush deepened, her anger mixing with a shameful longing. His words stirred up images she tried desperately to suppress, thoughts she had buried deep within her mind, but now they clawed their way to the surface.
"Shut your mouth! You don't know anything about me," she hissed, though her voice lacked the conviction she so desperately needed.
"Oh, but I do… You're not as innocent as you pretend to be, are you, Renne?" Kain's eyes gleamed with a knowing light. "You've tasted forbidden fruit before… haven't you?"
Renne's breath caught, her heart racing with a mixture of shock and embarrassment. He was getting too close, too accurate, and it made her feel exposed, vulnerable in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
"That's none of your business," she snapped, but her voice wavered, betraying her.
Kain chuckled, the sound dark and predatory. "I knew it… Did you crave it, the feeling of being used? Or perhaps you've been sold before, made to serve…?" His words cut deep, each one a sharp blade slicing through her defenses.
Renne's face burned with humiliation, her anger giving way to something darker, something she didn't want to acknowledge. His words were too close to the truth, and the memories they stirred up were ones she had fought hard to forget.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" she shouted, her fists clenching so tightly her nails bit into her palms. But even as she fought to block out his voice, she couldn't ignore the heat pooling in her stomach, the sickening thrill of being seen, of having her darkest secrets laid bare.
Kain leaned in closer, his hand gently grasping her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "All you have to do is surrender, Renne… Give in, and I'll make all your hidden desires a reality. Immortality, power, pleasure beyond anything you've ever known…"
Renne's breath hitched as his cold fingers brushed her skin, sending a jolt of sensation through her body. The rational part of her screamed to pull away, to fight back, but a darker, more desperate part of her whispered that it would be so easy, so deliciously easy, to give in.
No… I can't… I won't… But the more she tried to resist, the more tempting his offer became. The thrill of power, the promise of pleasure—it tugged at her, weakening her resolve.
She tried to pull away, but her body betrayed her, a small part of her wanting to stay in his grasp, to give in to the dark allure of his touch. Kain's smirk grew as he watched her struggle, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
Then, with deliberate slowness, he released her, turning his attention to Agnès. Renne's skin tingled where he had touched her, a mixture of relief and disappointment washing over her as she watched him approach her friend.
Agnès' breath quickened as Kain drew near, her body betraying her with a shiver of anticipation as he gently lifted her to her feet. His touch was cold, but it sent warmth flooding through her, a warmth that left her trembling.
"Well, my dear," Kain murmured, his voice a velvet caress, "where were we?"
Agnès' mind was a haze of conflicting emotions, the memory of his hands on her body still vivid, still making her pulse race. She tried to resist, but her body was betraying her, responding to his touch with a treacherous thrill.
Kain's fingers traced her face, his smile dark and seductive. "You were being such a good girl, letting me explore… enjoying every moment. Weren't you, Agnès?"
Agnès' voice was barely a whisper, a mix of shame and reluctant excitement. "Yes… I was…"
The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she knew they were true. Even as her mind screamed to resist, her body craved his touch, his darkness.
Kain chuckled, clearly pleased by Agnès's breathless confession. His fingers traced her jawline, lingering over her lips as he savored the effect he had on her.
"I knew you would. You're so beautifully responsive, so eager for my touch. You can't help but surrender to pleasure, can you, my dear?" His voice was a seductive purr, each word sinking into her like a sweet poison.
Agnès nodded, the last shreds of her resistance crumbling. Heat surged through her veins, her skin alight with a desperate need that only Kain could satisfy. "I can't help it," she whispered, her voice trembling as her breath quickened. "Your touch… it's too much… I can't resist you…"
Kain's smile widened, dark satisfaction glinting in his eyes. His hand slid down her neck, tracing her collarbone before drifting lower, his touch setting her skin aflame. "That's right, my dear. You don't need to resist. Let go. Give yourself to me completely."
Agnès's eyes fluttered shut as her body arched into his hand. His fingers slipped beneath her dress, caressing her with a deliberate, torturous slowness that made her gasp. The pleasure built with every stroke, her body responding eagerly to his every command. "Please… don't stop…" The words were barely a whisper, her voice trembling with the intensity of her need.
Kain leaned in and kissed her, his mouth claiming hers with a hunger that took her breath away. Agnès gasped, her mind blanking as his tongue slid into her mouth, the taste of him intoxicating. She couldn't think, couldn't resist—only surrender to the overwhelming pleasure of his kiss.
As he pulled away, Kain's gaze shifted to Renne, his smile turning wicked. "Jealous, my dear?"
Renne froze, her breath catching at the question. A deep flush spread across her cheeks as she watched them, her heart pounding in her chest. The sight of Agnès in Kain's arms, of him kissing her with such intensity, twisted something inside Renne—a bitter mix of jealousy, longing, and an unfamiliar, shameful desire.
Kain turned back to Agnès, feigning concern. "Oh, look at that. Your poor friend is all alone, with no one to touch her…"
Agnès glanced at Renne, her own desire tangled with guilt. Seeing the longing in her friend's eyes, a pang of sympathy and something darker flared within her. She looked back at Kain, feeling the pull of his influence growing stronger.
His smile widened, knowing exactly what she was feeling. "Do you think what I think?"
Agnès' eyes widened, her pulse quickening. She knew what he was suggesting, and the thought sent a thrill through her, both exciting and terrifying her. "Y-you can't mean…"
Kain chuckled, leaning in to whisper in her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "Oh, but I do. I think it's time we gave your little friend some attention, don't you?"
Agnès shivered at his words, unable to deny the thrill they sent through her. The idea of Renne joining them, of sharing Kain's touch, was a heady temptation she could no longer resist. She looked at Renne, seeing the loneliness and desire in her friend's eyes, and felt her own resolve crumble. "Yes… let's go."
Kain took Agnès' hand, leading her over to Renne. His eyes raked over Renne's body, making her feel exposed, vulnerable… and inexplicably drawn to him. "Well, well, well… look at you, my dear. All alone while we were having so much fun."
Renne's heart raced as they approached, the sight of Agnès clinging to Kain making her stomach twist with jealousy and a shameful, aching desire she could no longer ignore. She wanted to speak, to push them away, but the words caught in her throat.
Kain's smile grew, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. "Cat got your tongue, my dear? Don't tell me you're feeling a little left out."
Renne's cheeks burned, her body betraying her as she felt the stirrings of something dark and forbidden within her. She hated how easily he saw through her, but the truth was undeniable. "I-I'm… no…"
Kain's eyes glinted with satisfaction as he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a sudden, fierce kiss. Renne gasped, her mind screaming at her to resist, but her body betrayed her. She found herself kissing him back, the taste of him fueling the fire that burned within her.
When Kain finally pulled away, he smirked, glancing back at Agnès. "Now it's your turn, my dear."
Agnès felt her breath hitch at the suggestion. She looked at Renne, whose flushed cheeks and glazed eyes mirrored her own. With a shaky hand, Agnès reached out, her fingers brushing Renne's jaw, tracing down to her neck. The touch was soft, hesitant, yet filled with an undeniable longing.
Renne's eyes closed at Agnès' touch, her body trembling. Agnès' fingers were so different from Kain's—gentle and tender, yet they ignited the same fiery need in her. Her mind fogged, clouded by desire, as Agnès' hands explored her, moving over her shoulders and down her arms, sending shivers through her entire body.
Kain watched them, his grin widening as he draped his arms around both women, pulling them closer to him. They gasped in unison, his touch adding a new, electrifying element to their shared desire.
Kain's voice was a low purr as he spoke, "So, ladies… still want to defy me as your lord and master?"
Agnès shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "No…"
Renne tried to respond, but all that came out was a soft moan as Kain's hands roamed her body, clouding her thoughts with desire. The idea of defying him was the furthest thing from her mind.
Kain's chuckle was dark and satisfied as he felt them surrender to him. "Good… you're beginning to understand your place. You belong to me now—body and soul."
He kissed Agnès again, his tongue delving into her mouth, then turned to Renne, claiming her lips with the same possessive hunger. Back and forth, he kissed them both, his touch igniting an inferno of desire that consumed them, leaving them with nothing but the need to please him, to be his.
As Kain indulged in his dark pleasures, the lifeless body of the old man, Mark, began to twitch. With a guttural groan, the corpse stirred, its movements slow and unsteady as it staggered upright.
The unsettling sound of the groaning made Agnès and Renne freeze, their eyes snapping open. They pulled away from Kain, terror gripping them as they watched the corpse stumble towards them.
Agnès gasped, stumbling back in fright, her heart racing as the grotesque sight drew closer. Renne, however, instinctively shifted into a defensive stance, her body taut with readiness.
Kain's laughter echoed through the room, amused by their reactions. "Don't worry, my dear women... poor Mark has merely fallen victim to the inevitable fate of those without remarkable traits when infected with vampire blood. They become the Dead—mindless, obedient slaves to the vampire who turned them."
Agnès trembled, her voice wavering as she struggled to process what she was seeing. "So… he's a zombie now?"
Renne, still poised for action, kept her gaze locked on the shuffling corpse, her muscles tensed, ready to spring into action if needed.
Kain nodded, his tone dismissive. "Yes... a useless pawn, easily discarded. But you two are different. I have far grander plans for you. You shall become like me… powerful Dead Apostles, rulers of my empire."
Agnès's eyes widened at his words, her heart pounding. "Like you… you mean, we'll become vampires too?"
Renne's expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes, despite the danger lurking behind Kain's promise.
Kain's smile was predatory as he confirmed, "Indeed… you'll be powerful and immortal, capable of feats beyond human comprehension. You'll join my inner circle, as my trusted confidantes and servants."
He moved closer, his gaze raking over them with a possessive hunger that sent a shiver down Agnès's spine. "But for that to happen, you must agree to be mine—wholly and completely."
Agnès felt a rush of conflicting emotions—excitement, fear, and an overwhelming temptation. The idea of becoming a vampire, of wielding incredible power and living forever, was intoxicating. But the thought of surrendering entirely to Kain, of giving up her freedom and becoming his, was terrifying.
Renne, however, hesitated longer, grappling with the gravity of the choice before her. The prospect of eternal life and power was alluring, but the idea of being under Kain's control for eternity filled her with dread.
Sensing their hesitation, Kain's voice softened, taking on a seductive, persuasive tone. "Don't worry, my darlings… I won't mistreat you. You'll be pampered, indulged, given everything you could ever desire. All I ask in return is your loyalty, your obedience. It's a small price to pay for eternal life and power, don't you think?"
Agnès's heart fluttered, the temptation growing stronger as Kain's promises swirled in her mind. She could see the same temptation flickering in Renne's eyes, though she tried to conceal it.
Kain smiled, sensing his victory was near. He moved even closer, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper, wrapping them in the seductive allure of his words. "Come now, my lovelies… don't make me wait. Give yourselves to me willingly. Surrender to the darkness, and let me claim you for all eternity. You know you want to."
Agnès felt her resistance crumbling, the allure of immortality and power too strong to resist. The thought of being Kain's forever, of serving him and indulging in his desires, was overwhelming her senses.
Renne, however, fought a silent battle within herself, torn between the allure of power and the fear of losing herself to Kain's control. As the temptation threatened to overpower her, she remembered a lesson from a certain bracer girl from Liberl—a lesson of strength and resilience.
With that memory, Renne closed her eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath, forcing down the desire that threatened to cloud her judgment. When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with determination and resolve.
Kain noticed the shift in Renne's expression, the steel in her gaze. It amused him. "Ah, I see you're still fighting, my little one. But you're battling a losing cause. I can see it in your eyes—you want what I'm offering. You just need a little… persuasion."
His voice dripped with dark promise, knowing that the battle wasn't over yet, but confident that it was only a matter of time before Renne, too, would fall under his spell.
Renne straightened up, her voice firm and unwavering. "You may dangle power and eternal life before me, Kain, but I won't surrender myself to you. I refuse to be anyone's puppet. You'll never claim me completely."
Kain chuckled, a sound dripping with dark amusement, and slid closer to her, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "Ah, my fiery little thing, you're making this so much more enjoyable. I can feel the desire in you—the curiosity, the longing for what I offer. You want it, even if you won't admit it."
Renne gritted her teeth, her eyes flashing with defiance. She didn't deny his words, knowing full well that her desire for power was strong, but her will was stronger.
Kain's smirk deepened as he leaned in, thinking he had her on the edge. "Why fight it, my dear? You crave what I'm offering—power, immortality, a life beyond the reach of mortals. Imagine what you could do with that power… what we could do together. Don't you want to be part of something greater?"
His words echoed in Renne's mind, the allure of his promises tempting her like a siren's call. But just as the pull of power began to tighten its grip, a wave of defiance surged within her. She narrowed her eyes, her voice cold and resolute. "No. I won't give in. I won't let you control my life, no matter how tempting your offer is."
Gathering all her courage, Renne added, "Yes, your promise of power and immortality is tempting… but it's empty." She recalled the strength of Estelle, a girl who had once rejected the seductive allure of power. "It's a hollow promise, Kain."
Kain's eyes narrowed, frustration flickering in his gaze. "Empty promise? What makes you think I'd go back on my word? If you give yourself to me, I will grant you power and immortality. I'll give you everything you desire."
Renne shook her head, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Even if you do give me power and immortality, I'd still be bound to you. I'd still be under your control, and I refuse to be controlled by anyone."
Kain's laugh was dark, but there was an edge of irritation to it. "Ah, so it's pride, is it? You're too stubborn to submit, even for power and eternal life. How noble of you."
Renne lifted her chin, defiance radiating from her. "It's not about pride. It's about refusing to give up my freedom. Power and immortality aren't worth losing my autonomy."
Kain stared at her, dumbfounded for a moment. This girl, with her purple hair and fierce determination, was more resilient than he had anticipated. His lips twisted into a smirk, but it didn't reach his eyes. His laughter started softly, then grew into a maniacal cackle that filled the room.
Renne's brows furrowed in confusion and irritation. "What's so funny?" she demanded. "Do you think I'm a fool for rejecting your offer?"
After a moment, Kain's laughter subsided, leaving only a dark smile on his lips. "A bit of both, actually. You're the first woman to resist me so strongly… It's both irritating and… interesting."
Renne's glare intensified, her voice sharp and determined. "I'm not like the others. I won't be swayed by your tricks and promises, no matter how tempting. Don't underestimate me, Kain."
Kain's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "You may be strong-willed, but I am still more powerful than you. I could snap your neck with a flick of my wrist. Maybe I'll have to break you, make you submit entirely to me." His smile returned, dark and twisted.
Renne clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with determination. "You can try, but I've faced worse than you, Kain. I've tasted despair and conquered it. You won't break me."
Kain's frustration was palpable, his amusement waning as he snapped his fingers. The hypnotized classmates moved swiftly, grabbing Renne and restraining her once again.
Renne's eyes widened in shock as they tightened their grip. She struggled against them, her heart pounding, but their hold was too strong. Her mind raced, desperately searching for a way out.
Kain's devilish smile returned as he watched her struggle. "Have your way with her until you collapse from exhaustion," he commanded, his voice dripping with malice. "And don't forget to smile at her the entire time."
The students, their eyes blank and lifeless, responded in eerie unison. "Yes, Master Kain."
They began dragging Renne toward a nearby table. Panic surged through her as she fought against them, her eyes locking onto Kain with a mixture of terror and seething hatred. "Kain! You can't do this! This is sick and twisted! Stop it now!"
Kain's laughter was cold and sadistic. "Sorry, my dear, but I am an evil vampire. Twisted and sick is my normal. Farewell, Renne… Face your despair once more. I'm sure you can handle it… hehehe."
Renne thrashed against her captors, her cries for help falling on deaf ears as they forced her onto the bed. "No! Stop!" she screamed, her voice filled with desperation. "Kain, you bastard, call them off!"
But Kain only chuckled, enjoying the spectacle. Her resistance, her fear, all of it entertained him. He reveled in her torment, savoring the power he held over her.
As the students began to tear at Renne's clothes, Kain turned to Agnès with a chilling smile. "Do you see, Agnès? Humans are foolish."
Agnès watched with wide, horrified eyes, torn between sympathy for Renne and a dark thrill at her suffering. Kain's words echoed in her mind, the twisted logic of his cruelty taking root. She couldn't deny the truth in his words: humans were weak, easily crushed under the weight of true power.
Kain continued, his voice smooth and persuasive. "You might be horrified now, but you'll get used to it. Many more will suffer by our hands. And you, my dear Agnès, will be a far better companion than Renne ever could be. The superior beings rule over the inferior. That is the natural order."
Agnès listened, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Part of her knew that what Kain was saying was wrong, that no one should wield such power over others. But another part, the darker part, was drawn to the idea of superiority, of having control and power.
She looked at Kain, still horrified by the scene unfolding before her, yet intrigued by his words. The allure of power, of being his chosen, was undeniable. "Do you really believe that?" she asked in a whisper. "That we're superior to them? That we have the right to rule over humans?"
Kain nodded, his smile widening. "That's right, my love. Soon, you'll understand our place in the grand scheme. Humans are nothing but prey, food for our insatiable appetite. We vampires are superior beings, meant to rule and dominate the mortal world. Remember that."
Agnès absorbed his words, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. Deep down, she knew that this was wrong, that no one should have this kind of power over others. But the temptation was strong, the allure of being above the rest, of wielding that power… it was irresistible.
She met Kain's gaze, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll remember… my love…"
