Chapter 7 - Family?

Throwing open the gates, Auren shouted, "I'm back, old man!"

The towering crimson doors creaked open with a familiar groan. Marble floors shone under the chandelier's cold light, and the heavy scent of incense clung to the air.

Servants barely flinched—Auren coming and going without notice had become routine. As a half-vampire, born from a noble vampire father but a human mother, Auren was one of the few in the Valemir bloodline who was allowed such freedom. He'd vanish for weeks—sometimes months—coming back with the strangest of things, and no one questioned it. This time, though, he came back with something more unusual than others, a human. Piera questioned in his heart while keeping his calm demeanor.

From the grand staircase above, a tall figure began descending. Eyes as red as Auren's, but colder. Sharper. His presence alone made the air tighten. "Hoh," the man muttered, his tone dry. "Who or what have you brought back this time? Auren"

Auren didn't hesitate "Well, a human that could survive in a corrupted mana zone for a whole year, he became my age a few weeks ago, I've taken a liking to him and would like you to adopt him."

"You disappear for 2 months and you come back with a human? That's... amazing. He's got some talent for a little child, I'll adopt him, but under one condition. You'll only leave the mansion once in a month and for 2 weeks at the max. If you aren't back within those 2 weeks, your sister will come for you. There are 2 reasons I'm implying this rule, one, this house is already full of absurdities and creatures that have "intrigued" you. We can't have any more of that and two, entrance try-outs for Kriel academy is in one year. Take it seriously you dumb cucumber"

As Auren's father finished his sentence, Piera blinked—once, then twice.

Adopted? The word felt foreign. Like a cloak too rich for his shoulders, stitched from a world he didn't belong to. He had lived a year surviving off scraps, battling beasts, trusting no one but a voice in his head. And now… just like that, he was being offered a place? He didn't speak, didn't smile. Just lowered his gaze slightly and muttered, "...Alright."

But inside, Croti whispered: Don't get used to this. Something may be looming around. Stay safe.