Chapter 1

A couple of days later...

"You still haven't stopped, Silverie? It's been ten years since your brother Trevor went missing!"

I lowered the picture of my brother and picked up the thick stack of printed flyers bearing his face—the ones I had been distributing and posting on trees, hoping that someone, somewhere, had seen him.

"I believe my brother is still alive," I said, my voice firm despite the tremor in my hands and body. Sometimes, I wonder if my coworkers are right—if my brother is truly gone and will never come back. The thought weakens me. But deep inside, I refuse to accept it. I refuse to give up on him.

I know he's out there. I just need one small clue, something to lead me to him. I won't stop searching. He never gave up on me when I was young. He stayed. He protected me. And now, I will do whatever it takes to find him. Even if it means risking my own life.

He's my only family. Without him, I'm alone.

Kite shook his head at my words.

"Have you ever considered that maybe he really did leave you?"

My jaw tightened, and I clutched the flyers even harder. Before I could respond, Glenn spoke up.

"He would never do that."

I couldn't bring myself to tell them the full truth about what I witnessed that night. Even I still struggle to believe what I saw. If I told them, they'd probably dismiss it as a dream—something my mind fabricated to escape the painful truth. That my brother gave up on me. That he abandoned me because he could no longer take care of me.

Just then, Eclise put down his phone, his expression grim.

"A crime just occurred in the neighboring town!"

I was certain someone had reported it to him. My team immediately sprang into action, and I had no choice but to lower the flyers and follow them.

Twenty Minutes Later

When we arrived at the crime scene, chaos greeted us.

A crowd had gathered, their voices blending into a cacophony—whispers, gasps, speculations. Rumors spread like wildfire. Fear clung to the air, thick and suffocating. Conversations filled every corner, the collective unease palpable.

We pushed through the mob, shoving bodies aside as they strained to catch a glimpse of the scene. Why do people always flock to tragedies as if they were mere spectacles?

I stepped forward, positioning myself between them and the taped-off zone, arms outstretched to keep them from getting closer.

"Stay back," I warned, though my voice barely cut through the noise.

Then my gaze fell upon the victim.

His lifeless body lay still, moments away from being placed on a stretcher. I stepped closer, committing every detail to memory before he disappeared beneath the body bag. Pale skin. Lifeless eyes staring into nothing. His face frozen in an expression that seemed like a mix of shock... and terror.

But it was his neck that stopped me cold.

Two small puncture wounds—clean, precise—marked the flesh. Tiny, yet impossible to miss. They sat there like a cruel signature, spaced apart just enough to resemble a colon.

No... fangs?

My stomach twisted. His pallor wasn't natural—it was too extreme. Like someone—or something—had drained the life right out of him.

I swallowed hard, the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

What the hell is going on?

And why does it feel like this is only the beginning?

The Start of the Hunt

In my two years as a police officer, I had never seen a crime scene like this.

I thought it was a one-time case, but the following night, another victim was found under the same circumstances. And then another. And another.

In just a week, the pattern repeated itself over and over, throwing us into a state of panic. Whoever—or whatever—was behind these murders was impossible to catch. The attacks happened at night, and we had no leads. No witnesses. No evidence. Nothing.

Each victim was found lifeless, drained, beyond saving.

We relied on the doctors' findings, but their conclusion made my stomach churn: they claimed it was the work of a wild animal.

I refused to believe it.

Something inside me told me otherwise. This wasn't the work of a beast. But if it wasn't... then what was it?

The Search Begins

"Silverie."

I jolted in my seat at the unexpected voice behind me. It was Lieutenant Javier.

"L-Lieutenant!" I quickly stood and saluted him, and he returned the gesture.

"I want you to join the search team," he ordered. "We need to hunt down the criminal lurking at night, killing people with the same pattern. The other half of the team will remain here on standby in case we need backup."

I didn't know why, but his words felt suffocating. A strange, gnawing sense of unease gripped me, warning me that something dangerous was ahead.

But I had no choice.

That night, I packed my things and left my house, determined to fulfill my mission.

We searched. We hunted. Every single night.

But we never caught the killer.

Every time we got close, we were always one step too late. Or worse, the murderer struck where we weren't looking.

The death toll kept rising. The city was drowning in fear. People were starting to lose faith in us.

Then—

"In the forest!"

I shot up from my seat, gripping my gun tightly before sprinting after my fellow officers as we infiltrated the dark woods.

Strange sounds filled the air—the crunch of dry leaves, the snapping of branches. A suffocating presence pressed down on us. It was watching. Waiting.

And then—

One by one, my companions vanished.

A scream echoed in the distance—brief, sharp—before silence swallowed everything whole.

I was alone.

"Shit!" My breath came fast and uneven. My heart pounded violently in my chest. "Who the hell are you?! What do you want?! Why are you doing this?!"

I shouted into the abyss, my voice filled with frustration, anger, and fear. My team was gone in an instant. Just like that.

My grip tightened around my gun. I pulled the trigger, firing a shot into the air. Birds scattered. Bats took flight. But the momentary chaos was followed by something worse—

Silence.

Pure, suffocating silence.

I turned in every direction, my body tense. My gun was raised, my finger steady on the trigger. I was ready. Or at least, I told myself I was.

The forest was dark, the moonlight barely peeking through the thick canopy above.

I reached for my flashlight—

Nothing.

It was dead.

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

This is bullshit.

I started walking, trying to sense my surroundings.

"Show yourself! Come on! Show yourself!" I screamed, trying to sound brave, even though fear was already creeping into my bones. I nearly jumped when I turned around and saw a figure standing not far from me. It was staring intently at me—I could feel it. But what truly drained the color from my face and sent shivers down my spine was when the moonlight revealed its eyes—glowing, fiery red.

My hands trembled as I forced myself to lift them, aiming my gun at the creature. But before I could pull the trigger, it vanished from sight, and at the same time, a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

I was about to scream when I heard a soft "shhh." I shut my eyes and forced myself to stay silent until the grip on me loosened. Quickly, I turned around and pointed my gun at whoever it was—only to see an old woman staring at me. Her face was illuminated by the moonlight. She looked harmless. Familiar, even. Just an old woman lost in the forest. Or was she?

Wait… she's the same old woman from last night.

"What are you doing here? It's dangerous," I asked, lowering my gun, though my hands still trembled. "You're the one I spoke to last night, aren't you?"

"You should be the one answering that, hija. The forest is dangerous at night. Why are you here?"

"I'm a police officer. We're searching for a criminal who attacks at night," I explained.

"Criminal?" She let out a chilling laugh that made my skin crawl.

"Hija, what you're looking for isn't just a criminal. The ones you lock up are nothing compared to them." Her expression turned serious as she studied me closely, tilting her head slightly as if inspecting every detail of my face.

"W-What do you mean? What do you know?"

She smiled—a sinister, unsettling smile—before tilting her head back to gaze at the moon, now turning red for some unknown reason. I had thought she was strange the first time we met, but right now, she was something else entirely.

Creepy.

"Lunar eclipse. The blood moon. La Luna Sangre. The moon turning red…" she muttered before lowering her gaze back to me.

"The one you seek is no ordinary criminal. They come from the depths of hell. Servants of darkness. And no ordinary gun can destroy them. They are vampires—creatures of the night. Blood is their lifeline."

A cold chill spread through my body, and my stomach twisted uneasily. I felt an overwhelming sense of dread at her words.

"When the moon turns red, the path to the other world opens. This is your chance to find what you've long lost."

At that moment, I didn't understand what she meant.

The eerie silence of the forest was suddenly broken as she shoved me backward. Only then did I realize there was a cliff behind me. My screams echoed through the night as I fell fast. I saw her peering down at me from above, but as I plunged deeper, her figure blurred and disappeared from my vision.

I instinctively shut my eyes—until I felt the crash of cold water.

The salty ocean burned my throat when I accidentally swallowed some. I was drowning. When I opened my eyes, I saw the enormous blood-red moon. The sound of the water became distant, muffled in my ears. And even though I was sinking, I felt strangely… weightless.

What's happening?

I didn't know.

The next thing I knew, the waves carried me to a shore. I coughed violently as I crawled onto the sand, dragging myself away from the water. Forcing myself to sit up, I lifted my gaze to the moon. From here, I could see it clearly.

That crimson glow—it was both magnificent and terrifying.

I turned my head and saw a boat resting on the shore. Something inside me urged me toward it, and before I knew it, I was pushing it into the water. I climbed aboard, grasping the oar tightly. My body seemed to move on its own, rowing forward without thought or direction.

I could no longer think clearly.

The only thing on my mind was to keep rowing until I found myself surrounded by a dense fog. I couldn't see what lay ahead.

Silence.

A dangerous silence.

Even the ocean was still. The water was unnervingly calm. It was cold—too cold. A shiver ran through me. Slowly, I paddled forward until an island emerged from the mist.

A dark, unknown island—one I never knew existed.

Shrouded in fog, the air was still, the temperature icy. An eerie feeling settled deep in my bones. As I stepped out of the boat and onto the shore, a strange heaviness weighed down on me, intensified by the crimson moon above.

I started walking.

For some reason, all the weapons I had earlier were gone—probably lost when I fell into the water. My clothes were tattered and ruined. I tore the legs of my pants, turning them into shorts. My jacket was useless, ripped beyond repair, so I took it off, leaving me in my beige sleeveless top. The entire place was silent, though now and then, I heard the faint calls of birds.

I walked empty-handed toward the entrance of a dense forest.

But what truly puzzled me was the sight of a tall, rusty iron gate standing before me, an old placard nailed to it: "No Trespassing."

I turned my gaze to the wooden post beside it, where another weathered sign hung.

"Welcome to Crescent."

"Why aren't you going in?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of a voice behind me. Spinning around, I saw an old woman clad in a red cloak.

"I-I don't live here. I can't trespass," I stammered.

She studied me, tilting her head slightly as if scrutinizing every inch of my face.

"What nonsense are you saying, Primrose Agatha? What do you mean you don't live here? Come now, we must hurry. He's about to wake up."

My breath caught in my throat.

How does she know my name?

"W-Wait, I—"

I didn't even get to finish my sentence before she grabbed my wrist and pulled me inside. A strange force seemed to swallow me as we passed through the gate. But before I could dwell on it, my attention shifted to the path ahead.

"How do you know me?" I asked, still confused.

She glanced at me like I had gone mad. There was clear disbelief in her expression.

"What are you talking about? You only said you were going to the shore for a visit, and now you've forgotten everything?"

Me? I said that?

I frowned in confusion. "I-I did?"

She stopped in her tracks, scanning me from head to toe before shaking her head.

"I may be old, Primrose, but my eyes cannot deceive me. Now hurry. Midnight is near—he's about to wake up."

I had no idea what she was talking about, nor did I know who "he" was. I simply followed her, keeping my questions to myself. We soon arrived at a massive, hidden house in the middle of the forest.

A mansion? In the middle of the woods? On this island?

Why does this place give me such an eerie feeling?

"Take this to the kitchen. I need to prepare the master's meal," she said, handing me the basket she was carrying.

I hesitated but took it, watching as she disappeared up the grand staircase. Left alone on the ground floor, confusion swirled within me. After a few moments of standing still, I finally moved, following what I assumed to be the way to the kitchen.

Strange.

I feel like I won't get lost in this house.

Even though I've never been here before… I somehow know where to go.

As I opened the door, a clean and spacious kitchen came into view. I immediately placed the basket on the table and looked around. It looked like a normal kitchen to me—nothing unusual. Leaning against the kitchen counter, I tried to recall how I ended up here. I wasn't even aware that an island like this existed. It wasn't even on the map. If only I hadn't lost my phone, I might have been able to use it to search for this place.

I was still in that position when I heard rustling sounds. I quickly straightened up, and soon after, I heard footsteps approaching the kitchen where I was. I held my breath as I waited for whoever it was to reach me, but I exhaled in relief when an elderly woman entered.

"Are you alright, Primrose?" she asked. I nodded and watched as she walked toward the basket and took out the fruits inside.

"Wh-who are you again?" I asked hesitantly. She looked at me, confusion evident in her eyes.

"What happened to you?"

"I-I slipped earlier and hit my head. I don't know why, but I even forgot who I am," I lied. Worry immediately replaced the confusion on her face.

"Are you sure you're okay? Did you get any wounds or injuries? Let me check," she said, stepping closer and reaching for my head to examine it. I didn't resist and just let her do it. After a moment, I received a light smack on my shoulder.

"You reckless child! Be more careful! You mustn't get wounded or scratched at all," she scolded, making me frown.

"Wh-why not?" I asked, puzzled. She paused for a moment, avoiding my gaze before continuing what she was doing.

"Just because. I'm Nana Marty. Now, go to your room and rest. We'll talk about what happened to you tomorrow. Let me know if you feel any pain, okay?" she instructed. I simply nodded before following her orders.

Just as I had found the kitchen earlier, I quickly located the room Nana Marty mentioned was mine. It was across from another door, though I had no idea who stayed there. I stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of a slightly old but sturdy-looking bed. A lampshade sat on the side table, and there was also a cabinet. The room was filled with a scent similar to mine. It smelled like me. How was that possible? I had never been here before. This was something that needed an explanation. The longer I stayed here, the more questions filled my mind.

Instead of lying down, I walked towards the swaying curtain, moved by the breeze coming through the open window. Peeking outside, I saw the moon slowly returning to its usual color. The redness, as if stained with blood, was fading. The night breeze caressed my skin as I watched the trees and leaves dance. I could also hear the sounds of animals, but I didn't pay much attention to them—especially when I suddenly felt as if someone was watching me from the side. However, when I turned to look, there was nothing there—only the terrace of the neighboring room. I frowned and shook my head. I must have been imagining things. Maybe I was just getting carried away by the eerie ambiance of this place.

I decided to go back inside and shut the curtain completely. I needed to sleep because tomorrow, I was determined to find out what had happened to me and where in the world I was. I closed my eyes, and an image of my brother flashed in my mind. That was the last thing I saw before I felt myself falling into darkness.

I didn't know how long I had been asleep when I suddenly felt something warm puff against my face, as if someone was right beside me, breathing close to my skin. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. The sensation was different—it was unsettling. My eyes snapped open, and I immediately felt a chill run through me. I turned to look beside me, but no one was there. Was I dreaming?

But I had felt it—like someone was whispering in my ear while caressing my hair! I could still feel the lingering touch of fingers running through my hair while I slept, yet no one was there. Fear gripped me, and I quickly sat up, deciding to find Nana Marty. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep again after this.

I grabbed a jacket from the closet and wrapped it around myself, hugging my shivering body. With arms crossed tightly over my chest, I carefully made my way down the dark hallway, instinctively knowing where Nana Marty's room was—even though I couldn't explain how.

But just as I was about to take a step toward her room, I was stopped by three consecutive loud thuds coming from the opposite direction. They came from another room—one near mine.

I frowned and turned toward the sound, straining my ears for any more noises. The house fell silent for a moment, and just as I was about to move, another thud echoed, followed by a faint voice. Without hesitation, I followed the sound. It led me to a closed door, one I had no idea what lay behind. But the more I listened, the more fear and curiosity swallowed me whole.

I pressed my ear against the door. I could hear a muffled scream, filled with pain and desperation. My heart pounded loudly against my ribs. Panic started to creep in. Should I open the door or pretend I didn't hear anything?

But something inside me pushed me to act. Before I even realized it, my hand had already turned the doorknob.

It was too late to turn back. I had already stepped inside.

The room was dark, with only the dim glow of a lampshade on the nightstand providing light. I was about to take another step when a groan—like a suppressed scream—made me freeze. I turned my head and was horrified by what I saw.

Someone was taped and shackled.

My eyes widened, filling with tears as I recognized who it was.

His face was exhausted and full of worry. He looked at me, silently begging for help. He was sweating, his hair disheveled, his body covered in bruises and wounds. My hand flew to my mouth as tears spilled down my cheeks.

I couldn't believe I was seeing him like this.

I couldn't even believe I was seeing him alive.

That man in the forest was right. I would find what I had long lost here.

"K-Kuya..." My voice cracked. Before I knew it, I was running toward him, sobbing uncontrollably. He was shaking his head at me, his eyes filled with terror, as if he was telling me to run away. But I ran toward him, not away from him.

"Kuya! Thank God! Thank God you're safe! I searched for you everywhere—I never stopped. I never forgot you," I cried, wrapping my arms around him. My whole body trembled, and so did his. His shoulders shook—I was sure he was crying too. I clutched his hair and stroked it gently.

My heart started to calm. I had found him. He was alive.

But—

Before I could fully rejoice in finding my brother after ten long years, a cold hand grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

The next thing I knew, another hand gripped my neck, lifting me off the ground.

I kicked my legs, struggling to break free. The pain was unbearable—I was suffocating. My brother's screams were fading as my own heartbeat pounded loudly in my ears. Something sharp pierced my skin—it felt like claws. It burned.

"I warned everyone not to enter rooms they're not allowed in. And yet, here you are—a foolish and stubborn girl breaking my rule."

His voice was deep and menacing, sending shivers down my spine.

"L-let me go!" I gasped, clawing at his arm.

"Let me go! And my b-bro—ackkk—ther!" My voice cracked as I fought to breathe.

The creature tilted its head, as if observing my face. In the darkness, I couldn't see him clearly—except for his burning, crimson eyes.

A vampire.

I had no idea they existed—until now.

He had my brother.

What did he want?

"I am. I am bloodthirsty... and I want your blood."

"Never!" I shouted defiantly.

His blood-red eyes darkened as he gripped my jaw. My brother's cries filled the room, and my heart nearly stopped in terror when, with just a wave of his hand, my brother was thrown against the wall. A tortured scream tore from his lips as unseen chains bound him in place.

"Nooo!" I wailed, my voice breaking with fear and desperation. Seeing my brother in pain made my whole body tremble. I was terrified he would die because of what this monster had done. I tried to move, to run to him, but some unseen force kept me frozen in place.

"Look at how easily I can do whatever I please. Your brother will suffer... and it's all because of you."

"What do you want?! What the hell do you want in exchange for sparing my brother's life?" I demanded through my tears, my voice shaking but firm. I was desperate. I had spent years searching for my brother, only to find him like this? No. No.

"I already told you. I want your blood."

"In return, you'll let my brother go?" I hated even considering it, but I had no choice. I couldn't risk my brother's life. We had no chance of fighting against this creature. The only thing I could do was agree to his demand.

"Of course. He will be free. He will be safe. I have no interest in men's blood." He tilted his head slightly, as if observing me. "I prefer women. And I want yours."

I tried to see his face, but the darkness concealed his features. He stood tall, his presence exuding power, his figure strong and commanding. Yet, despite my fear, there was an odd sensation stirring inside me—something I couldn't explain. Something about this beast before me felt strangely familiar.

But before I could dwell on it further, my brother's pained groans snapped me back to reality. I could hear him desperately protesting, but there was nothing I could do.

In the next instant, searing pain exploded in my neck. Two sharp, burning fangs pierced my flesh, and a deep pull followed—a sensation like my very life was being drained from me. The pain was unbearable. My fingers clutched his shoulders, but my strength was slipping away. I could feel him drinking my blood, his grip unyielding.

All of this... in exchange for my brother's life.

Welcome to my world, Primrose Agatha.

. . .