I didn't sleep much that night.
Even after Lys left, her scent—faintly sweet and dark—lingered in the velvet sheets. My body felt like it was still humming with her touch. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her crimson gaze and the soft curve of her smile.
It was almost dawn when I finally drifted into a shallow sleep.
When I woke, a maid in a gray uniform was already standing at the foot of the bed, her pale face expressionless.
"Lady Shirogane Airi," she said in a voice as flat as a bell toll. "It is time to prepare for your lessons."
I struggled upright, clutching the blanket to my chest. "M-My…lessons?"
"Yes." The maid stepped forward, holding out a folded black uniform trimmed in deep red. "You will wear this. Lady Lys has instructed that you report to the Hall of Crimson Arts after breakfast."
My stomach twisted. I wanted to hide under the blankets and pretend this was still a nightmare. But there was no point. This was my reality now.
You have to be strong, I told myself as I dressed, though my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
The uniform was softer than it looked, hugging my frame in a way that felt almost indecent. The skirt fell to my knees, and the high collar pressed gently against the hollow of my throat—right over the place where my pulse fluttered so easily.
When I stepped into the hallway, Lys was waiting. She looked perfect as always—her white hair falling like silk, her gloved hands folded neatly in front of her.
"Good morning, Airi-chan," she murmured, her gaze flicking over my uniform. "It suits you."
I dipped my head, my face burning. "G-Good morning, Lys-senpai."
"You don't need to look so frightened." She offered her arm, and when I hesitated, she smiled faintly. "Unless you prefer that I carry you?"
"N-No!" I grabbed her sleeve automatically. She laughed under her breath and began walking, guiding me through the winding halls of Nocturne Academy.
Every student we passed turned to stare. Some whispered behind gloved hands. Others simply watched me with that same hunger I was starting to recognize.
The Hall of Crimson Arts was a cavernous chamber lined with black marble columns. At least a hundred students sat at long tables, their faces lit by pale magefire lanterns. At the front stood an instructor—an older vampire woman with hair the color of fresh snow and eyes like cracked ice.
When we entered, she fell silent. Every eye turned to us.
Lys placed a hand on my shoulder. "This is Shirogane Airi," she announced calmly. "The reincarnated Blood Rose Maiden. She will be joining this class."
The murmurs began immediately.
"Impossible—"
"She's just a human—"
"Look how frail she is…"
I lowered my head, wishing I could disappear.
The instructor rapped her cane against the stone floor. "Enough. Take your seats."
Lys guided me to an empty table near the front and sat beside me, though the other seniors watched her warily.
"Today's lesson," the instructor began, "is the practice of Bloodbinding. As you all know, it is a sacred contract—a bond formed through the exchange of blood and will."
A heavy book appeared on every desk in a shimmer of dark magic. My fingers twitched away from mine.
"You will practice under supervision," the instructor continued. "And you,"—her gaze pinned me in place—"will participate as well."
"M-Me?" My voice cracked.
"You carry the ancient sigil. You must learn how to offer your blood safely."
My throat closed. "But—"
Lys touched my hand. "Don't be afraid."
I looked at her helplessly. Her eyes glowed softly, and for a moment, I almost believed her.
Then the instructor snapped her fingers. A silver goblet appeared in front of me, gleaming ominously.
"You will allow your chosen protector to take a single sip," she said. "Only a taste. To seal your provisional contract."
My breath stuttered.
Lys rose gracefully. In the absolute silence of the hall, she turned to face me and bowed, one hand over her heart.
"With your permission," she said quietly, "I will be the first."
Every student held their breath.
I couldn't move. Couldn't speak. But I nodded. Just once.
Lys stepped closer. Her gloved fingers tilted my chin back, and she leaned in, her lips brushing the side of my throat.
When her fangs slid into my skin, pain bloomed—sharp and bright—but it melted almost immediately into something hot and sweet that made me shiver. My hands clutched the front of her uniform helplessly.
She drank only a mouthful. But when she pulled back, her eyes were dark and her voice husky.
"You taste… exactly as I imagined."
And in that moment, I realized the truth:
I was theirs now.
Next Chapter Preview:
The first contract is sealed—but not everyone is happy about it. Airi meets Rena again… and the fiery vampire has her own plans for the timid Blood Rose Maiden