Author's Note:
Hey everyone,
I wanted to start by sincerely apologizing for the long delay between updates. Life has been quite a whirlwind lately, and I deeply regret keeping you all waiting. Your patience and support mean the world to me.
I'm excited to announce that not only is a new chapter finally here, but I've also gone back and updated and fixed chapters 1 through 10. I hope these revisions enhance your reading experience and provide a richer, more engaging story.
Thank you for sticking with me through the ups and downs. Your feedback and encouragement keep me motivated, and I can't wait to share more of this journey with you.
"Careful now, son," called a loving voice, rich with warmth and tenderness. The child's laughter rang out, a bright and joyous sound that echoed through the air, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. She sighed, a contented smile playing on her lips as she watched him venture further into the vibrant greenery, his small figure darting among the flowers and trees. Rising from her seat, she moved to chase after the giggling boy, her heart light and full of love, when an explosion tore through the peace, the ground trembling violently beneath her feet.
"Lavi, get back here now!" she yelled, her voice sharp with fear. Lavi immediately turned and sprinted back, his small arms wrapping tightly around her leg in a frightened hug. She pried him free and scooped him up, her heart pounding as she ran toward the castle, her mind racing with a thousand desperate thoughts.
"Madam! Please hide quickly!" Izumi, her personal servant, came rushing up to them, her face pale with terror.
"Izumi, what's happening?" she demanded, her voice barely steady as she clutched Lavi close.
"The castle is under attack. I think the hunters have finally grown tired of this castle's rule over the vampires and humans," Izumi explained, her voice trembling with urgency.
"I see. Then go gather everyone who can fight. We will defend our home," she ordered, her resolve hardening like steel. Izumi curtsied and rushed off to carry out her orders. Lavi tugged on his mother's sleeve, his wide eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination.
"Yes, Lavi?" she asked, her voice softening as she looked down at him.
"I can fight too," he said earnestly, his small hands clenching into fists. She laughed lightly, a bittersweet sound, as she continued to run with him.
"You aren't strong enough to fight yet," she said gently. Lavi pouted, his face crumpling with frustration and disappointment, wanting so desperately to help defend their home like his father and older brother. Noticing his upset expression, his mother gave him a reassuring glance, her eyes filled with love.
"Everything will be all right, Lavi. Don't worry," she said, stopping in front of a wall adorned with intricate carvings.
"Promise?" Lavi asked, his voice trembling with hope. She smiled at him, brushing a few strands of hair out of his face, her heart breaking at the thought of what was to come.
"I promise, dear," she said softly. Lavi's face lit up at her words, his trust in her unwavering. She set him down and reached up to a lamp on the wall. Lavi watched in amazement as she turned it upside down, revealing a hidden compartment behind the sliding wall.
"Cool!" he exclaimed, walking into the small space. He frowned when he realized it was only big enough for him. He turned to his mother, who was now crying, tears streaming down her face.
"But where will you fit?" Lavi asked, his voice small and scared. She bent down to his level, placing her hands on his cheeks, her touch warm and comforting.
"I won't. This spot is just for you. I made it in case something like this ever happened," she said calmly, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes.
"But mommy…" Lavi whimpered. She hugged him tightly, hearing the enemy drawing closer, their footsteps echoing through the corridors.
"I'm sorry, Lavi. I love you so much. The wall will open when it's safe for you to come out. You must survive. You are the last pure blood," she said, pushing him into the hiding spot and watching as the wall closed, sealing him inside. Lavi pounded on the wall, his small fists hitting the hard surface as tears streamed down his face. He knew no one could hear him. Sinking to his knees, he sobbed, his heart aching with a loneliness he had never known. He wanted to be with his mother, father, and brother. He didn't want to hide. Lavi cried until he fell asleep, his body exhausted from the emotional turmoil.
When he finally woke up, he saw the outline of the wall opening. He quickly got up and stepped out, immediately overwhelmed by the smell of blood and ash, the remnants of fallen vampires. Lavi's foot hit something, and he looked down to see a candle. He picked it up, closing his eyes tightly to concentrate. Soon, he felt the soft warmth of the flame and opened his eyes, smiling brightly.
"I did it! I finally did it!" he cheered quietly, a small victory in the midst of his sorrow. He had tried many times to light a candle with his brother but had never succeeded until now. Holding the candle out to see more, he frowned as he walked through the castle. The once grand and majestic halls were now in ruins, with blood splattered on the walls and carpets. Human bodies were missing, leaving only traces behind.
Lavi walked through the entire castle, his heart sinking further with each step. Finally, he stood in front of the throne room. One door lay on the floor, broken into pieces, while the other barely hung on its hinges. He cautiously entered the throne room, bathed in moonlight from the large windows. Letting the candle flame die, he dropped to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
"M-mommy... d-daddy... b-brother..." he cried, his voice breaking with grief. The castle, once a symbol of strength and unity, was now a graveyard of memories and lost hopes. Lavi knelt there, his small body wracked with sobs, the weight of his loss pressing down on him like an unbearable burden.