Chapter 94 – A Need Unspoken

Elena Brightwind's POV

Elena stood outside the alchemy building, her fingers gently grasping the small pouch of herbs she had brought. The sun had begun its descent, casting golden hues over the academy grounds.

Today, she was going to do things differently.

Alden's words lingered in her mind. "Forget what she 'wants' for a second. Figure out what she needs."

It was frustrating because she didn't know what Anneliese needed. Friendship? Safety? Freedom? Acceptance?

Or was it something deeper?

Taking a deep breath, she walked inside. The air smelled of herbs, potions, and something faintly metallic. She made her way down the rows of workstations, each occupied by students working on their experiments. At the farthest corner, where the light barely reached, she found Anneliese Nocturne.

The half-vampire girl sat hunched over a set of vials, her pale fingers carefully measuring a dark red liquid. Her silver-streaked hair fell over her scarlet eyes, obscuring her expression.

Elena hesitated before stepping forward. "Anneliese."

The girl flinched.

"…What do you want?" Anneliese asked, her voice quiet but edged with weariness.

Elena placed the pouch on the table. "I brought some high-quality duskrose petals. I thought you might need them for your alchemy."

Anneliese stared at the pouch, then at Elena, her expression unreadable. "…Why?"

Elena folded her arms. "Because I want to help."

A humorless chuckle escaped Anneliese's lips. "Help?" She turned her gaze to the side. "I don't need help."

Elena frowned. "Are you sure about that?"

Silence.

The room around them buzzed with activity, but in their little corner, time seemed to slow.

"…What do you need, Anneliese?" Elena finally asked.

The half-vampire stiffened.

Something flashed in her crimson eyes—something raw, something guarded.

For a moment, it looked like she wanted to say something.

Then, just as quickly, her gaze darkened. "…It doesn't matter."

Elena wasn't going to accept that.

She softened her tone. "You say that, but you've been struggling alone for so long, haven't you?"

Anneliese's grip tightened on the vial she was holding.

That's it, Elena thought. She's not rejecting me—she's afraid to accept.

"…Just take the duskrose petals," Elena said, stepping back. "No strings attached."

Anneliese didn't respond, but when Elena turned to leave, she saw from the corner of her eye—

Anneliese reached for the pouch.

It was small, but it was progress.

Alden Blackwood's pov

Several days had passed since Elena first tried to reach Anneliese. Despite her best efforts, she had only made small progress. The half-vampire never outright rejected her, but neither did she fully accept her presence.

Elena was too kind. Too patient.

But patience alone wouldn't work here.

That's why Alden was here now, standing in the dimly lit hallway of the alchemy building late at night.

He had given Elena her chance. Now, it was time to push things forward.

He leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed, watching as Anneliese emerged from the alchemy lab. Her black-and-silver hair was slightly disheveled, and faint exhaustion lined her scarlet eyes.

She froze when she saw him.

"…What do you want?" she asked, voice sharp but tired.

Alden studied her quietly. Then he spoke, his tone even.

"A deal."

Anneliese's eyes narrowed. "I don't make deals with people I don't trust."

Alden smirked. "Trust is earned, not given. So let's not waste time pretending."

She didn't deny it. Instead, she crossed her arms. "What kind of deal?"

Alden straightened, stepping toward her. "You've seen how Elena keeps trying to help you. And you haven't completely pushed her away."

Anneliese scoffed. "She's persistent. That's all."

"No," Alden said. "She cares. And deep down, I think you know that."

Anneliese looked away.

Alden continued. "You're strong. But no matter how skilled you are in alchemy, you're alone. And being alone in this academy?" His voice dropped slightly. "It's a death sentence."

She flinched, just barely.

"You don't have to trust me," Alden said, his voice calm. "You don't even have to trust Elena yet. But I'm offering you something better."

Anneliese stared at him warily. "…Which is?"

"A place. Protection." His black eyes gleamed in the dim light. "Join Elena's group"

Silence stretched between them.

Anneliese's fingers curled at her sides. "And if I refuse?"

Alden's gaze turned colder.

"Then you'll continue being an easy target for those who think they can do whatever they want to you."

Her breath hitched, but she hid it well.

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "I've already made sure those vampires who bullied you won't try again."

Anneliese's eyes widened slightly. "What…?"

Alden smirked. "Let's just say they won't be causing problems anymore."

He had confronted them earlier that evening—a simple warning, backed with enough force to make them understand their mistake.

They wouldn't bother her again.

Anneliese searched his face for a moment, as if trying to read him. Then, finally, she sighed.

"…Fine," she muttered. "I'll consider it."

Alden didn't push further.

That was enough for now.