Vol 5

The moon shone beautifully that night. Amelia sat by the window, humming softly to herself.

She couldn't wait for nightfall, eager to sneak back into the castle once again.

This time, she had hidden many things—not only a flashlight, but also food and a warm drink she planned to give to Griffon.

His face had looked pale, and she worried he wasn't eating enough. She hoped the warm drink would help ease the coldness in his hands.

For some reason, she felt unusually happy that night, even though Griffon clearly didn't like her. She knew she shouldn't push her presence on him, but she simply needed a friend during her stay in the village.

Her cousins had already left, unable to bear staying any longer. They hadn't even waited for the seventh-day memorial of their grandmother's death. Amelia could have left too, but she didn't want to abandon her parents.

Time passed so slowly. The moonlight grew brighter as midnight approached. When the clock struck eleven, Amelia saw her chance.

Once again, she slipped out unnoticed. She had become quite skilled at sneaking around. Fortunately, the rumors spreading through the village had kept everyone indoors.

People were still shaken by the strange events in the village—bodies found dry and lifeless. No one dared go out at night anymore. But Amelia defied all the warnings.

She returned to the castle. Her scent was already detectable from several meters away—Griffon had sensed her presence long before she arrived.

This time, he waited in the shadows, wanting to know why she continued to ignore his warnings. Yet he didn't reveal himself immediately.

"Griffon, I'm back!" Amelia called out cheerfully, as if they had known each other for years.

Only his family had ever spoken his name so casually. And now, a human dared do the same?

"Hey, are you hiding again?" Amelia stepped forward carefully. This time, she wanted to see how Griffon changed the castle's interior.

"Griffon?" she called again. Just like before, he suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She nearly screamed but quickly covered her mouth.

"You scared me! Why do you always appear so suddenly?" She clutched her chest. The man was more like a ghost than anything else.

"Didn't I already tell you not to come here again, Amelia?" His voice was cold—his very presence icy.

"Why won't you heed my warnings?!" He grabbed her chin firmly, intending to drive her away once and for all.

"I was worried about you, Griffon."

"What?" No one had ever said that to him before.

"You look so pale… and your hands are freezing," she said, gently touching him. "Why? Do you live here alone?" Her voice was full of concern.

"That's none of your business!" Griffon brushed her hand away and took a step back.

"I brought food and a warm drink for you. How about we enjoy it together while we talk?"

"I don't need it. Leave!" he growled. Human food meant nothing to him—what he craved was fresh blood.

"Come on, you should try it!" Amelia offered the food with a hopeful smile, but Griffon knocked it away instantly.

"I told you—I don't need it!" The food tumbled to the floor, the drink spilling everywhere.

Amelia looked heartbroken. She had worked hard to prepare and hide it all.

"You're just making a mess in my castle. You'd better clean that up!" he ordered sharply. He didn't want anyone from his clan to sense her presence.

They were still hibernating, but they could awaken at any time. If they discovered Amelia, he wouldn't be able to protect her—even as their leader, his duty was to protect the clan first.

"I'm sorry," Amelia said quietly. She crouched down and began cleaning the mess.

Griffon glanced at her over his shoulder, letting her finish what she had started.

"I was too bold… I shouldn't have disturbed you," Amelia said once the floor was clean.

"Leave. This is your final warning—don't ever come back!" His voice was cold and final.

Amelia gave a small, sad smile as she walked toward the door. Griffon didn't follow—he only watched her leave. But just before she reached the exit, she stopped.

"I'm sorry. I won't come back if you truly don't want me here."

"You were never meant to be here," Griffon replied, floating backward into the shadows.

Amelia didn't notice his departure. The room fell silent. She turned and saw that he was gone.

No need to be sad, she told herself. Her curiosity had been satisfied. The rumors were true—a noble did live in the castle.

There was no reason to return anymore. Besides, she would be leaving the village in a few days.

She walked away from the castle. But before she got too far, she turned and looked back.

That dark place… She wondered how Griffon could live in such darkness, unaware that he was born into it.

From the window, Griffon watched her. He hoped that would be the last time she came.

An old man stepped from the shadows and approached. He stopped nearby and bowed.

"My Lord, there are matters that require your attention," said the man—Bastian, Griffon's personal attendant.

"Are the humans causing trouble again?"

"They're starting to rebel, my Lord. It seems they want more money and are trying to pressure us."

"Greedy as always. Did you follow through with my instructions, Bastian?"

"I discovered that two foreign clans have entered this town. It's likely they're behind the unrest."

"Good. Find them and bring them to me. We can't let the humans believe our clan is responsible."

"Yes, my Lord," Bastian said, then vanished into the darkness.

Griffon remained by the window, watching Amelia disappear into the night. His eyes, more powerful than any human's, could still see her even from far away.

At least he had succeeded in driving her away—and they would never meet again.

But he had made one mistake.

He hadn't erased her memory.