Shadows Of The Past

The storm rolled in hours before dawn, its thunder shaking the mansion's ancient walls. Rain lashed against the windows, creating a relentless rhythm that mirrored the turmoil in Maya's chest.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her trembling hands. Kazuki's revelation from the garden echoed in her mind, each word carving deeper into her growing fears.

You're powerful, Maya. More powerful than me, than Amara. And that makes you a target.

"What does that even mean?" she whispered to herself, her voice drowned out by the storm.

A knock on the door made her jump. Before she could respond, Kazuki stepped inside, his expression weary but resolute.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.

Maya crossed her arms, the anger she'd been holding back since the garden spilling into her words. "You keep saying that, Kazuki, but you never tell me anything useful. Just vague warnings and half-truths."

Kazuki sighed, his shoulders sagging. "You're right. I owe you more than that. But this isn't easy, Maya—not for me, and not for you. There's so much you don't know yet, and if I tell you everything at once—"

"You're afraid I'll break?" Maya cut him off, standing to face him. Her voice was sharp, her pain clear. "Newsflash, Kazuki: I've already broken. You shattered the life I had and dragged me into this nightmare. So don't act like you're protecting me by keeping me in the dark."

Her words hit their mark. Kazuki flinched, his gaze dropping to the floor. For a moment, the only sound between them was the pounding rain.

Finally, he spoke. "You're right," he said quietly. "You deserve the truth. All of it."

Maya's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but she knew she couldn't keep living in uncertainty. "Then start talking."

Kazuki moved to the window, staring out at the storm as if searching for courage. "When I said you're different, I wasn't exaggerating," he began. "You're not just a vampire, Maya. You're something entirely new. Something we call a sangreal—a being born from a transformation gone… wrong."

"Wrong?" Maya echoed, her voice a mix of confusion and dread.

He turned to face her, his expression grim. "When I turned you, I didn't account for your bloodline. Your ancestry carries a latent power, something that's been dormant for generations. My blood didn't just change you—it awakened that power. Now, you're stronger, faster, and more resilient than any vampire I've ever known. But that power comes with risks."

Maya's legs felt weak, and she sank back onto the bed. "Risks?" she asked, barely able to form the word.

Kazuki nodded. "Your power is volatile. Unchecked, it could consume you—or worse, draw the attention of those who want to control it. Amara is the least of our worries, Maya. If the High Council learns what you are…"

He didn't need to finish. The fear in his eyes said enough.

Maya swallowed hard, trying to process the enormity of what he was saying. "So what do we do?"

"We train," Kazuki said without hesitation. "You'll learn to control your strength, your instincts. And I'll do everything I can to keep the Council—and Amara—off your trail. But you have to trust me, Maya. If we're going to survive this, we need to work together."

Maya studied him, searching for any trace of deception. All she saw was exhaustion and a deep, unyielding guilt. Against her better judgment, she nodded. "Fine. But if you lie to me again, Kazuki, I'm gone. Understand?"

His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "I understand."

Before either of them could say more, a loud crash echoed from downstairs. Maya and Kazuki exchanged a tense glance before rushing to the door.

The mansion's dimly lit corridors stretched before them as they descended the staircase. The storm had knocked out the power, leaving the halls bathed in eerie shadows.

In the grand foyer, the shattered remnants of the front door lay scattered across the floor. Standing amidst the wreckage was a man dressed in dark leather, his sharp features illuminated by the lightning flashing outside. His eyes, glowing faintly red, locked onto Kazuki with an unsettling smile.

"Long time no see, brother," the man drawled, his voice dripping with malice.

Kazuki froze, his face a mask of shock and fury. "Ren."

Maya glanced between them, her confusion mounting. "Brother?"

Ren's gaze shifted to her, and his smile widened. "Ah, you must be the infamous Maya. I've heard so much about you."

Kazuki stepped in front of her, his stance protective. "What are you doing here, Ren?" he demanded.

Ren shrugged, his expression mocking. "Oh, just thought I'd pay a visit. Family reunions are so rare these days. And, of course, I couldn't resist meeting the little sangreal everyone's whispering about."

Maya's blood ran cold. How did he know?

Kazuki growled low in his throat, his fangs flashing. "You're not welcome here. Leave."

Ren chuckled, unfazed by the threat. "You're in no position to give orders, Kazuki. You may have hidden her from the Council, but I know what she is. And I know what they'll pay to get their hands on her."

Maya stepped forward, her anger outweighing her fear. "I'm not some prize for you or anyone else," she snapped.

Ren's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Feisty. I like that. But let's see how long that fire lasts."

He moved faster than Maya could track, his hand reaching for her. But before he could touch her, Kazuki intercepted, slamming Ren into the wall with a force that shook the mansion.

"Maya, run!" Kazuki shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.

But Maya didn't move. Instead, she clenched her fists, a strange heat building within her. For the first time, she felt the raw power Kazuki had spoken of, surging through her veins like wildfire.

She wasn't going to run. Not this time.

Hello my minions I'm very sorry for not posting for a while also..

HAPPY BELATED BDAY TO ME 🎂💖❤️‍🔥

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU GUYS😄