Blood And History

The air inside the vampire mansion shifted. The playful teasing, the lazy comfort—it was gone now, replaced by something heavier. Something serious.

Kikidori leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared at Coraline. Haruna, still completely naked, didn't bother covering up as she tilted her head, watching the tiny vampire cat with mild curiosity.

Coraline sat on the couch's armrest, her yellow eyes sharp. Her tail flicked as she spoke.

"The werewolves are attacking because they're pissed," she said flatly. "And not in the 'you stole our prey' way. They're mad about the afterlife."

Kikidori's brow furrowed. "What?"

Haruna finally sat up, her hair falling over one shoulder as she leaned forward. "Since when do werewolves care about the afterlife?"

Coraline huffed. "Since the vampires took it."

Silence.

Kikidori's eyes darkened. "Explain."

Coraline stretched, her claws unsheathing for a brief second before she hopped onto a nearby bookshelf. She balanced there for a moment, then—**without hesitation—**shoved a heavy, leather-bound book off the shelf.

THUD.

The book hit the floor, sending a small cloud of dust into the candlelight.

The cover was old, worn from time, but the title was still visible in faded gold lettering.

"Vampires & Werewolves: The War for Souls."

Kikidori frowned as he leaned down, picking up the book. He flipped through the pages until something caught his eye.

Haruna, now mildly interested, scooted closer, resting her chin on his shoulder as she read along.

The text was old. Ancient. But the message was clear.

"The Afterlife belongs to the strongest of the undead. And so, after centuries of bloodshed, the Vampires claimed dominion over it, sealing away all others who would challenge them. The Werewolves, unable to pass beyond the veil, were cast out, their spirits forced to roam the mortal realm for eternity."

Haruna blinked. "Huh."

Kikidori stared at the page, his jaw tightening.

Coraline sat beside them, looking far too pleased with herself. "Told you," she said.

Kikidori exhaled slowly. "So that's what this is about."

Haruna tapped the page. "They're pissed because we took the afterlife?"

Coraline nodded. "Yep. Apparently, the vampires didn't just win the war—we won eternity. And the werewolves? They never forgot."

Kikidori leaned back against the couch, running a hand through his hair. "That doesn't explain why they're suddenly attacking now."

Coraline's ears flicked. "That's the part I haven't figured out yet."

Haruna stretched her arms, completely unfazed by the revelation. "So, basically… this is an old grudge."

Coraline snorted. "More like an old war that never really ended."

Kikidori stared at the book, his mind piecing things together.

The werewolves weren't just attacking at random.

This wasn't about territory.

This was about revenge.

And if something had stirred them up again…

It meant the war between vampires and werewolves wasn't over.

It was just beginning.

The End of Chapter 8.