NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Binding of Fate
In the quiet room filled with anticipation, Sayaka-san stood with a confident poise, her voice cutting through the tension. “That is where I will come in,” she stated, her eyes locking onto mine. “I am here to train you after all, since your parents are part of the non-vampire branch of our clan.”
My heart raced with excitement and a bit of nervousness. “If that’s the case, I would like to get started as soon as possible,” I stated with newfound conviction. Yuna's and Emi's dedication had ignited a fire within me. Their commitment meant I had to be just as committed and serious.
“I'm glad you are serious," Sayaka-san replied with a nod, "but let’s take this one step at a time. I take it from the cut on your mother's finger you have already consumed some blood. Do you know why your mother did that instead of having you bite her?”
I pondered her question, feeling slightly perplexed. “I thought it was to make me believe that I was truly a vampire,” I said, my brow furrowing in thought.
Sayaka-san smiled, a mix of understanding and wisdom in her gaze. “You are both correct and incorrect. Your mother did indeed cut her finger to prove you were a vampire. However, there was another reason: it was so you wouldn’t accidentally turn her into a blood servant. When a human is bitten by a vampire, they turn into the vampire's servant and, in turn, into a lower-class vampire themselves, bound to protect their master.”
The revelation sent a shiver down my spine. “Doesn't that mean that the human turned into a lower-class vampire needs to drink blood as well?” I asked, my voice laced with concern, especially for Yuna and Emi.
“No, lower-class vampires don’t need to consume blood because they are meant to be the source for their master. Our powers are not activated in a constant state like yours are, so we can get blood if we need any from lesser-cooked meat and, if the master permits it, we can consume some of their blood. But that is only if the master and servant wish to be together and seen as a couple because the servant will evolve into a high-class vampire and gain stronger abilities but will only be able to feed on the master's blood. That is what is called a mutual blood contract,” Sayaka-san explained, her voice even and informative.
I glanced over at Yuna and Emi, and both of their eyes seemed to sparkle with a mix of excitement and determination, which made my face flush with a mixture of embarrassment and delight at the thought of a mutual bond between us.
Sayaka-san and our mother exchanged a serious glance before Sayaka-san continued, “Please don’t get any ideas you three, a mutual blood contract should be saved for when you reach adulthood or in worst case a dire emergency.”
Yuna, Emi, and I exchanged a dejected look, our minds seemingly read by Sayaka-san.
“Do you girls understand?” My mother asked, her tone firm yet filled with a maternal concern.
“Yes, Ma'am,” we all stated together, our voices overlapping in a chorus of obedience.
“Good. So to start all of your training, I will teach you the proper technique to form a blood servant contract with Yuna and Emi, so they can train with you. Please listen closely," Sayaka-san instructed. She explained the process in detail, emphasizing the importance of being gentle and precise, from tilting the neck to the application of numbing saliva to the critical moment of biting and drinking.
"We will leave the room during so," Sayaka-san added with a light chuckle, "because I know most don’t like to be seen feeding, especially in front of the servants’ parents."
A wave of relief washed over me. "Thank you for that; I was feeling nervous about the thought of being watched," I admitted, feeling slightly more at ease with the privacy.
My mother and father left the room, their parting words filled with encouragement and a subtle acknowledgment of the unusual situation. Sayaka-san also exited after speaking briefly with Emi, leaving us alone.
The room felt suddenly more intimate, filled only with Yuna, Emi, and me. After a moment of awkwardness, they both tilted their necks, exposing the nape of their necks to me, a vulnerable and trusting gesture.
"Onee-chan, please do me first. Just be gentle, okay?" Yuna's voice was soft, her eyes conveying a mix of trust and a hint of fear.
"I promise, I won’t do anything to hurt you, Yuna," I assured her, my voice steady and filled with determination.
I leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on the nape of Yuna's neck, feeling the numbing effect of my saliva spread. Then, with great care, I sank my fangs into her skin, feeling the rush of her warm blood fill my mouth. As I drank, I felt the aphrodisiac effect take hold, calming her and making her subservient to me. Her blood tasted sweet and gave me a sense of cheerfulness, and longing.
“Ahh...Onee-chan, what is this feeling? It feels amazing,” Yuna murmured, her voice a mix of wonder and pleasure.
I took only half of what I needed from her, then released my bite. I gently caressed Yuna's head, reassuring her, before turning to face Emi. “Are you sure you want to be my servant as well, Emi?”
“Of course, I have wanted to stand beside you for years now. It hurt knowing I couldn’t until your seal finally broke on your birthday, and your powers awakened. I promise I will help you with anything you need, once again it is a pleasure to see you again Harumi,” Emi stated, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Please be gentle.”
My own eyes welled up with tears, moved by her words and the depth of her feelings. I gently kissed Emi’s neck, then bit into her skin. Her blood tasted flowery and herbal and it gave me a sense of calmness and loyalty.
“Mmmh...finally, I am Harumi’s servant. This feels amazing,” Emi breathed out, her voice filled with a sense of completion and bliss.
Once I had consumed enough blood, my thirst quenched, and my fangs retracted.
As I looked into Yuna and Emi's eyes, I saw not only a willingness but a depth of devotion and affection that was entirely new to me. Their gaze, once casual and friendly, now carried a weight of loyalty and love that made my heart swell.
“Thank you, both of you,” I said, my voice heavy with emotion, gratitude pulsing through me for their willingness to become my blood servants. The very air around us seemed to vibrate with the strength of our growing bond.
They both smiled warmly at me, their faces lighting up in a way that made my chest tighten pleasantly. "Please continue to be with us from now on, Harumi," they said in unison, their voices harmonious and filled with an earnest plea that I knew came from the bottom of their hearts.
Character Images and Book Covers:
Harumi:
Yuna:
Emi:
