|| Chapter 1.6 || Make It Up To Me

Droplets fell on the bushes lying against the wall. As the sun peeked out of the gray clouds, rays of sunshine caressed the green grass gently, and a soft breeze graced the yard picking up whatever negativity the storm had brought. With a faint creak, the manor's doors opened, welcoming the soothing light of day within the door's entrance.

Stepping out of the door was a young man, faced down and lost in deep thinking. The ends of his hair brought shadows over his eyes. He stopped a few steps away from the door, and he lifted his gaze. He could not describe the emotions swirling within his chest. The tall gates in the far distance seemed overwhelming, and the thought of exiting through it made him feel... reluctant. Perhaps, it was just guilt he was feeling.

Cedric drew his brows together. He was made to complete his trials and succeed as the head of his clan. Every little move he made was with a purpose. Every decision he made was significant. In the first place, he wondered why he had agreed to stay in this lonely place. It had nothing to do with him, and he was a stranger to the people residing in the manor. Suddenly, he recalled Cadel's bright, welcoming smile and his persistent actions of trying to please him.

'You still care...'

Cedric shut his eyes. No, he was a cold, pitiless being incapable of valuing someone else's intentions aside from his alone. All he would bring with him was cruelty and harm. That's all there is...

Perhaps, it was better to leave. Nevertheless, he could still catch up no matter how far behind he was from the other competitors. He didn't have any attachments here. He wouldn't lose anything. Perhaps, that boy would be relieved by his disappearance and forget him the next day. Both of them were just strangers who coincidentally met.

...

The grass swayed, dancing along with the breeze. The dark-haired boy stepped forward. It was a step pulled by hesitation. However, after a few moments, he began walking, leaving whatever emotion he had with this place behind him. His eyes stared at the gates unwaveringly.

At the same time, on the window on the first floor of the building, cautiously eyeing the young boy heading towards the gate, Mary slightly lifted her chin as she gazed at the departing hunter. Yes, this was how it should've been. However, her heart didn't feel at ease. This boy discovered the secret location of the manor. She couldn't harm him, for she would risk being discovered by her young master. The last thing she wanted was her being hated by Cadel. In her heart, she only hoped the boy would encounter a trap or an accident so that their secret would forever be concealed.

She pulled away from the window and headed towards her master's room. Opening the door slowly, her steps softened as she entered. Suddenly, she stopped. Someone abruptly pushed past her, bursting out of the room and rapidly running through the halls!

Mary's eyes widened. "Young Master!"

Meanwhile, the distance between Cedric and the gate grew lesser. He refused to look back, glancing at the silver band around his wrist. The blinking red light was reflected within his eyes.

When he finally reached the gate, Cedric paused. His brows are drawn together. The scent of rain lingered within the air, and the cool breeze blew around him, playing with the strands of his raven hair.

"WAIT!"

Cedric flinched. His eyes widened, and he turned. His gaze met innocent crimson eyes. They dazzled like fiery rubies as daylight shone within them. His pale skin was graced with a flush, exhausted and sweaty. For a moment, Cedric's heart pounded.

Cadel panted heavily. His hands pressed on the curve of his knees, and his back was bent wearily. The pajamas he wore were slightly moistened from the sweat underneath his clothes, and heat flared on his skin. His delicate fingers were trembling. Anyone who would witness his state would feel their heart soften and look at the beautiful boy with pity. When he finally caught his breath, he raised his eyes and spoke hoarsely.

"Where... are you going?"

Cedric stared at him. Silence dawned between them, and only the wind's whispers entered their ears.

After a few seconds, Cedric turned away. "Are you alright?"

"..."

"You shouldn't be moving too much. You're sick. Don't exhaust your body, or you will-"

"Are you leaving?"

When Cadel spoke, his eyebrows furrowed. Sadness filled his expression. As the wind picked on the pure-white strands of his hair, it felt as if a blizzard was coming to bury him. He pressed his lips together as he straightened his back. The locks of his hair swayed over his downcast eyes.

Cedric furrowed his brows. "The storm is gone. I should hurry and leave. There's no reason for me to stay here."

"..."

Cadel stared at the ground silently. After a few seconds, he spoke.

"You're really rude to me." He began to play with the hem of his shirt.

Cedric flinched at the young vampire's voice. Somehow, nervousness filled his gut.

Despite his discomfort, Cadel continued. "I saved you, and you give me the cold shoulder. I try to be nice to you, giving you food and clothes, and you act like I was annoying. I want to make friends with you, and you shun me away. This time, when you were stupid enough to go out in the middle of the storm, I had to go and get you. And what I get in return is you leaving without even a goodbye?" His sudden accusatory tone instantly brought guilt into Cedric's consciousness

Cedric scratched the back of his head awkwardly. This was the first time he was acting like this, and he didn't even realize it. When he hesitantly turned to look at Cadel, he stiffened. The teenager's eyes were glaring at him in almost a spiteful way. His eyes were squinted, and there was a faint pout on his lips. Somehow, he looked pretty endearing.

Cedric didn't know how to reply. He was suddenly conscious about his past actions, and guilt poured into his chest. Therefore, the only thing he could say was, "I'm sorry."

Cadel's eyes deepened. He didn't look convinced. " I'm not buying it. If you're really sorry, you have to stay with me for dinner."

Cedric abruptly raised his gaze. Reluctance brimmed in his eyes. He was about to speak before Cadel beat him into it.

"Are you changing your mind now? It's the least you could do for me. If I hadn't gone out there to rescue you, the storm could've torn you into pieces."

Cedric pressed his lips together tightly. 'Technically, I was the one who had to save you in the end.'

However, he felt he would only make Cadel angrier. It was the first time he saw the boy's displeased expression. Cedric felt strange under the vampire's gaze.

"So?" Cadel pressed as he took a step closer.

"..."

After a few moments of silence, Cedric glanced at the gate behind him before turning back with a sigh.

He replied.

...

The sound of utensils filled the room. Concurrently, Cadel was happily munching down his vegetables, glancing at his seatmate with a cheerful gaze. Looking at him, it felt as if they were flowers fluttering around him. His aura was vibrant and joyful.

On the other hand, two people were stuck in cold silence, sitting across each other. Cedric, who was seated on Cadel's right, was glancing at the red-eyed female android who was eyeing him with murderous eyes.

Mary calmly stabbed her knife on Cadel's beef while staring at Cedric. It looked as if it was the black-haired boy's face she was stabbing and cutting to pieces. No, he didn't even deserve to become her young master's food. 'So in the end, he didn't leave...'

Mary could not suppress the anger in her heart. She grew even more cautious around Cedric. Maybe, he does have evil intentions against young master Luke. And her young master...

How was he so persistent in keeping this stranger by his side?!

"How's the food?" Cadel turned to Cedric with a smile. His cheeks bulged as he spoke while chewing.

Cedric looked at him, ignoring Mary's threatening gaze. "It's good."

"Hehe, I'm glad. Tonight how about we read some books together before going to bed?" Cadel suggested.

Cedric stopped and drew his brows together. "But..."

Cadel squinted his eyes at him while pursing his lips. 'Backing out now, are we?' He mentally conveyed.

Cedric flinched. He was about to agree when Mary interrupted them helplessly.

"Young Master, you have to rest more. Your body is weak, and you have suffered today. I advise you to sleep early tonight." Said Mary as she poured some juice into Cadel's glass.

Hearing her words, Cadel frowned. He couldn't go against Mary. Unable to object, he could only mutter an "oh" and sigh hopelessly.

"Then... " He hesitantly raised his gaze to Cadel and spoke. His voice was soft and gentle, like the wind tickling tree leaves. "Can you stay for the night?"

"..." Cedric absorbed the youth's look. His heart thumped, and he held his spoon tightly before turning away. Argh, how cunning he is to use his face against him. And strangely, Cedric only felt soft inside. What was happening to him?

Those matters aside, it was already night, and it wouldn't hurt for him to stay. The youth was welcoming him in a fawning away, and he could bear to refute him.

Cedric faintly nodded. "Yes..."

Brimming with joy, Cadel happily finished his meal. He and Cedric had to separate as Mary took him away to check his wounds and his medicine.

Sitting on his bed, wearing another set of pajamas, Cadel watched the shapes on the lamp on his bedside with a smile. Mary brought a metal tray, and a particular glass bottle stood out from the equipment.

Mary unwrapped some bandages on Cadel's arm and sighed in relief when the little wounds had already healed. She then proceeded to give him the bottle. The liquid was deep red, and Cadel didn't need to ask to know what it was.

Mary washed her hands in a nearby basin as Cadel removed the bottle cap. She watched the boy sniff it before drinking. "Drink it. It will help you heal your sudden illness. Your grandfather will be sending another batch next week."

" Mn. Grandfather Nikolai sure has many sources." Said Cadel as he wiped his mouth before handing Mary the empty bottle. There was sweetness left on his tongue.

Mary's eyes softened, and she turned to pat the boy's head. "That's because he loves you, and he would do anything for you to be safe."

"Mn..." Cadel nodded.

An hour later, Mary switched off the lights in Cadel's room before she left. Cadel was lying on his side, facing the windows. His fingers tapped the bedsheet as he talked with the system.

Cadel: Where is she?

Kerpuffle: She's in the cellar. She's monitoring the area surrounding the estate. Host, I think it's good for you to move now. She'll be distracted until dawn.

Cadel: Good.

Kerpuffle's almost jumped: Is that a praise? For me?

Cadel: Eighteen percent of it. It's mostly directed to the information you gave. Keep trying next time.

Kerpuffle cried invisible tears: Tsk, so stingy!

After a few moments, Cadel slipped out of bed, wore his slippers, and took out a few of his favorite books from his bookshelf. He slowly opened the door carefully and left his room. Walking down the dim hallway, he was smiling faintly.

After a minute, Cadel arrived before Cedric's room, and he entered with a soft creak. "Cedric? It's me-Ah!"

He was suddenly pulled into the room, and a sharp blade pointed at his throat. Cadel's eyes widened, and the books in his arms fell on the floor in a series of thuds. Golden eyes captured Cadel's soul, imprisoning him within them. They were cold and ruthless as if he would eat Cadel raw.

Cadel wasn't usually affected by this type of alertness and threat. However, he had to pretend to be a bit shocked. Honestly, if anyone else were in his shoes, they would be screaming for their mother.

"Umm," Cadel muttered softly, eyeing the paper knife.

Realizing who it was, Cedric's eyes widened. He loosened his hold on the youth and pulled the knife away. "You, what are you doing here? I almost got you hurt!"

"Ah. Stop shouting" Cadel made a shush gestured as he began picking up the books from the floor. "Mary is busy, so I snuck out. I wanted to read with someone, and it is still early."

Cedric furrowed his brows as he glanced at the knife in his hand. He immediately put them away before kneeling on the floor and helping the youth collect the books. "Sorry. I was too cautious."

"It's alright. I understand. This place is very foreign to you, and you have to be on your guard for your own safety." Cadel smiled. "It's good to be careful."

Cedric didn't feel at ease, and he still felt a little bit guilty. "Still, I should've-"

He stopped when his fingers accidentally touched Cadel's slender ones. The young vampire also stopped, and he raised his gaze to meet Cedric's eyes. Within the silence between them, moonlight shone through the windows and covered their figures. Cedric felt something warm pour into his chest as he gazed at the youth. The vampire's delicate features seemed to glow before his eyes. His gem-like eyes twinkled with magnificence and beauty. The soft lush on his lips looked wonderfully delectable.

Suddenly aware of his thoughts, Cedric felt heat rush up his neck. He quickly turned away, muttering softly. Looking at his reactions, Cadel chuckled. His laugh was genuine. This looks like a scene from a romance novel. How cute...

Cedric Gray possessed all the magnificence of a pure hunter. Although he was still young, his determination and thirst for power were intense. Coupled with his godly looks, he is every man and woman's dream. Honestly, when he grows older, he'd be making people crawl on their knees to beg for even a look at his silhouette.

Cadel picked up the books with Cedric, and together they settled on the small couch and table before the bed. It was always cold at night, so Cadel bundled himself up on the sofa that was just beside the heater. He urged Cedric to read one of his books before he began to read on his own.

Cedric kept sneaking glances at the teenager who was busy reading. Several minutes passed, and he saw Cadel yawn, snuggling deeper inside the blankets.

Cedric looked away and began to force himself to focus on the book in his hands. After a few moments, he couldn't resist anymore. Thus, he looked up from the book and found Cadel leaning on the armrest and sleeping soundly. The blankets began loosening around the youth's chest.

"..."

With slow steps, Cedric walked towards the boy. Hesitantly, he took the end of the blanket and covered the boy's shoulders. He made sure to do as quietly as he could, for he didn't want to risk waking up the little vampire. Cedric crouched on the floor as he scrutinized the deep sleeper on the couch.

"Good night..."

This was the first time Cedric told this to anyone.