By the time the towering chapel doors closed behind me, my legs were trembling so badly I could barely stand. The four vampire girls watched me from the shadows as if they were deciding who would take the first bite.
"This way," Lys commanded, her voice as smooth and cold as a midnight pond. She extended her gloved hand expectantly. Without thinking, I reached for it, and she laced her fingers firmly through mine.
Her touch made me shiver.
I didn't understand why my heart kept fluttering like this whenever she looked at me. Was it because of her beauty? Or because I knew she could drain every drop of blood from my body without effort?
A hush fell over the hallway as she led me past tall stained-glass windows. The other students parted in silence—dozens of girls in dark uniforms, their eyes glowing faintly red, their lips curling into curious or jealous smiles. I realized then that Nocturne Academy was an entire world unto itself, filled with creatures who barely pretended to be human.
"Senpai," I whispered, trying to keep my voice from shaking. "Where… are we going?"
"To your dormitory," Lys said without looking back. "As the reincarnated Blood Rose Maiden, you're not permitted to stay in the common quarters. You'll live in the Blood Contract Wing."
My stomach dropped. "B-Blood Contract…?"
"It means you are under the protection of a senior student." She finally turned, her crimson eyes meeting mine. "In this case… me."
My knees almost gave out. "B-But… I don't even know how to do magic. I'm not special—"
"You're very special." Her thumb brushed over my knuckles, a tiny, possessive gesture. "That's why everyone wants you. You're too… tempting."
I didn't know if she meant my blood or something else.
At the end of the hall stood a tall black door etched with silver runes. Lys placed her palm against it, and a wave of cold power rolled over my skin. The runes pulsed, and the door swung open with a low groan.
Inside was a spacious chamber lit by dozens of candles floating midair. Heavy crimson curtains draped the walls, and a carved canopy bed stood at the center, piled high with dark velvet pillows. A delicate scent—like night-blooming roses and something sharper—filled the air.
"This will be your room," she said softly.
I stepped inside, too dazed to protest. My old life felt like a fading dream. Here, even the air seemed thicker, more intoxicating. I turned in a slow circle, my gaze catching on the silver-framed mirror above the dresser.
A girl with long silver hair and frightened eyes stared back at me. So pale, so small. So obviously prey.
"Rena and Celene will probably visit later," Lys murmured, shutting the door behind her. "You should rest. Tomorrow, your classes begin."
I swallowed. "C-Classes…?"
"You must learn to control the Blood Rose power. And your… submissive nature." Her mouth curved into a smile that made my stomach twist. "Otherwise, the other nobles will eat you alive."
She stepped closer. My back hit the bedpost. My breath caught as her gloved hand traced my cheek, then my throat, stopping right over where my pulse raced frantically.
"You're trembling."
I couldn't answer. My voice had vanished.
"You don't need to be afraid," she whispered. "I will never hurt you, Airi-chan."
Her lips brushed my forehead in a kiss so tender I almost forgot she was a vampire. Almost.
Then she drew back, her crimson eyes bright with something I couldn't name.
"Sleep well, my little flower."
And she was gone, the door closing behind her with a click.
I collapsed onto the bed, clutching a velvet pillow to my chest. My heart wouldn't slow down. Every inch of me still tingled where she had touched me.
I didn't understand any of this. Why I was reborn here. Why I felt so… vulnerable. Or why, despite my fear, a tiny part of me already wanted to see her again.
Outside the window, the twin moons hung side by side, silver and red, watching over me. In that moment, I realized something with a cold certainty:
This was my new life.
And in Nocturne Academy, even love could be as dangerous as blood.
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Airi begins her first class in the Art of Bloodbinding—and discovers that being the Blood Rose Maiden means every vampire girl wants to claim her. But not all of them have pure intentions…