Semua Bab The Vampire’s Obsession : Bab 71 - Bab 80

We stayed on that hill until the sun rose from the east. I didn’t ask Erikson any more questions, but he talked about Brix—the former Brixton Wenz Cardinal who used to be cheerful, friendly, and mischievous.I was shaking my head the whole time. I couldn’t imagine Brix ever being that way. Now that I think about it, I kind of want to see it too. I want to see the playful side of the devil.Just as we agreed, Erikson walked me back to the mansion. My heart was pounding so hard, I started to regret saying I wanted to live there. I think... I’d rather go back to that small house in the back, even if I had to live there alone.Mr. Billy and a few female servants greeted us at the entrance.“Good morning, Lady Astra,” Mr. Billy said with a smile. “Lord Severo has been expecting you. For now, Lady Ersa will help you get ready. After that, Lord Severo would like you to join him for breakfast.”A slender woman stepped forward—probably Lady Ersa. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Astra. I am

“Astra? Is that you?”Shit, shit. It’s really Eliyah. My cousin.I tried to approach, but one of the three men quickly stopped me. I couldn’t do anything except stare at my cousin. His eyes were blindfolded, but I recognized him instantly.“Astra? Is that you?” he asked again.I swallowed and turned to the man holding my arm.“W-what’s this? What are you doing? Let him go.”He shook his head.“We can’t.”“Wait... Is this really a syndicate?” Eliyah asked again. “Shit. Are you part of a syndicate now, Astra? Is that why you suddenly got rich? I don’t understand.”“What violation?” I asked calmly.“We caught him hovering around,” the guard responded. “He might be a spy sent by another clan. We need to report him to Lord Wenson. He’ll take care of it.”“Astra? Do you know him?” Celeste asked.“If I were you, I’d stay out of this unless you want to get involved too,” the man threatened. “Take the man away so the trial can begin.”“I-I’ll come too,” I said seriously. “I don’t care if I get

Brix stood there and looked down at me like I was just some pathetic crap in his way.“W-What did you just say?” I asked, fists clenched.He let out a heavy sigh and said, “I thought tears could blur your eyesight, not your eardrums. Uhm. I must be missing something here.”I nodded.I helped myself up, brushed off the dirt sticking to me, and faced Brix. His gaze was still serious. I wanted so badly to change that, to wipe the seriousness off his face.“First Evan, and now Celeste...” He shook his head. “How many more warnings do you need to finally learn? You’ll keep hurting yourself if you continue like this.”“Why did you come back?” I asked instead.He simply shrugged.“You look like you just came back,” I said, eyeing his dirty clothes stained with blood. “Weren’t you supposed to report to Lord Severo? Come on, Brix. Lord Severo wants good news from his underdog.”His eyes narrowed at my words, but I didn’t show any sign of fear. I’d already been through the worst—ruining things

“What?” I asked in confusion. I turned to Erikson, who looked just as puzzled. “If you're taking Erikson with you, then who’s going to watch over me? You know I tend to do reckless things, Master Brix.”Brix paused mid-sip of his drink. His head turned slightly, as if he too was confused.“Why don’t you just bring Master Resty instead?” I suggested. “We probably won’t be starting the preparations for Unus just yet. Besides, I think he’s more useful than Erikson.”Erikson coughed. “Looks like I have something to do right now. I’ll go ahead. Maybe next time, Lady Astra, Master Brix,” he said before turning around and leaving.I looked at Brix. I caught him staring at me, too. He shook his head and then stood up, still holding his drink, and walked away, leaving me behind.I exhaled sharply.“Seriously?” I mumbled.“You are fucking dumb,” I heard Brix mumble as well.I just rolled my eyes.I was about to leave the dining hall when Brix suddenly came back. He stared at me intensely.“You

“You once told me that someday, I might regret meeting you.” That was the moment he faced me. There was a melancholic feeling in his eyes as he looked at me. His hand was still resting on my waist. “It’s starting…”I couldn’t do anything but be consumed by his gaze.Moments later, Brix let go of me and sat down, shaking his head. He took a deep breath before turning to me.“Wait here. I’ll just get something from the barn,” he said before standing and walking away toward a nearby storage shed. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his sweatpants as he walked, head lowered.I was left staring blankly at the dark sky.What does that even mean? I don’t understand. Did I succeed in reaching him?If that’s the case… then why am I not happy at all?Brix returned shortly after and told me to sit down, which I did. We sat facing each other. I was suddenly reminded of what happened behind the Mansion—that time with the fireflies. This scene somehow reminded me of that.Brix showed me a can