CHAPTER 26: FINALLY, A FAMILIAR THAT DOESN’T TREAT ME LIKE GARBAGE...

«I never thought that, after my fight with Aron, you’d still sit at the same table as me,» I murmur, my voice uncertain but oddly relieved.

Kimberly Dulcar sits in her usual spot beside me.

This evening, at our secluded corner in the canteen, it’s just the two of us.

Gerard, after yet another defeat, is stuck in his room—not by choice, but because Priscilla’s lashes tore his thighs and calves so badly he can’t even get out of bed.

He’s a good man; he doesn’t deserve this.

I agree with Daphne that violence is always the wrong answer, yet in the face of such senseless cruelty my beliefs waver.

If Nova Aetas truly managed to wipe out all vampires and free us from this slavery, even these tortures would end.

I don’t say this for myself, but it would be selfish not to acknowledge what the other familiars endure every day.

«Well, why wouldn’t I?» Kimberly counters, her sea-blue eyes clouded with confusion. «You defeated Aron in a fair fight. Why would I hold a grudge against you?»

Her words reassure me, but I think she’s the only one who sees it that way.

As I walked alone toward the cafeteria, I couldn’t ignore the stares of the other familiars—heavy with hate and disdain.

Many of them bear wounds they didn’t have this morning, and I doubt they’re all from today’s matches.

If only there were a way to spare them this suffering... But what fault is mine?

I’m as powerless as they are!

«You seem different tonight... Did something happen?» she asks, a hint of concern in her voice.

I didn’t expect my melancholy to be so obvious.

And it’s not just because of the other familiars’ hostility—above all, it’s Ayra’s condition.

The doctors assured us she’s no longer in mortal danger, but there’s no guarantee her body will recover without consequences...

Damn it! I shouldn’t be worrying this much about a vampire, and yet I can’t help it.

Daphne’s words of love about her only deepened my admiration for my mistress.

I want to confide in Kimberly, to unload the weight pressing on me about Ayra’s health, but Daphne told me to stay silent, and so I will.

«Did Aron bother you again, or was it another familiar? If so, tell me. I’ll talk to them,» she insists, noticing my hesitation.

«There’s no need, really,» I reply. I can’t let her draw the hatred and resentment of the others just to defend me. «By the way, you once said you and Aron knew each other before becoming familiars. Is he... uh... your boyfriend?» I ask, embarrassed.

After all, they share the same room, so it’s not such a crazy thought.

«Why do you want to know? Are you jealous?» she teases, her smile mischievous as she eyes me with mock suspicion.

«N-No! Why would I ever be...?» I stammer, completely flustered, caught off guard by her question.

From her tone and gestures, it’s clear she’s only joking—probably trying to lighten the mood and make me smile.

Still, she’s always been serious until now, and this sudden playfulness takes me by surprise.

«It’s just that...» I add. «I don’t want Aron to get irritated seeing us eat alone at the same table, that’s all... I don’t know what kind of relationship you two have, so I’d rather avoid doing things that might fuel his hatred toward me and make my life in the dorm even harder than it already is. That’s the only reason I asked, nothing more...»

«Oh, Lyon, you’re worrying for nothing...» Kimberly sighs, rolling her eyes. «It’s only a passing phase, that’s all. I’ve already told you, no one truly has anything against you; you’re just the latest scapegoat for their frustration. There were others before you, and there will be others after. Soon they’ll find someone—or something—else to vent their anger on.»

«I hope so,» I mutter, resigned.

«Anyway, don’t worry. Aron and I are siblings—half-siblings, to be precise. Though honestly, I think our bond goes beyond the usual brother-sister relationship—nothing romantic, of course. Ever since his parents adopted me—»

Kimberly suddenly cuts herself off.

Her blue eyes welling up, reddening as if a wave of sadness had crashed over her without warning.

«Sorry, I was rambling, forget it. Anyway, I can assure you he’s a wonderful boy—the best I’ve ever known. I know I’ve told you a thousand times, but please, be patient with him. He’s not a bad boy...» she adds after a pause, inhaling deeply, as if trying to regain control.

I imagine she was about to share a painful memory from her past, and I’m certainly not insensitive enough to press her.

So I decide to change the subject completely.

«How did your match go today?» I ask casually, as if I had asked what she had for breakfast instead of the result of something as brutal as a forced fight between two humans.

But it’s the first thing that comes to mind.

«It was tough, but I managed to win,» she replies with a timid yet satisfied smile. «My opponent was relentless until the very end, but after nearly half an hour of fighting I finally triumphed. I think it was the longest match I’ve ever had, but when you face Tristan Narvok, you have to expect a long and grueling battle. His attacks aren’t particularly strong, but his endurance and tenacity are on par with a familiar from the Lunae Crescentis dormitory.»

«You managed to defeat such a formidable opponent? Then you must be really strong!» I praise her with genuine admiration.

«Of course, did you have doubts?» she shoots back, mimicking the voice and mannerisms of a haughty, vain noblewoman in an exaggerated performance.

Her act is so over the top that I burst into laughter, unable to hold it back despite trying not to seem inappropriate.

«With this victory, I’ve reached 600th place in the rankings,» she adds. «And you? How far did you climb? If I remember right, before your fight with Aron you were ranked 1514th, while he was 1291st. So you must have jumped quite a bit forward.»

«Yeah, I climbed almost a hundred spots, now I’m at 1421st place,» I reply, finishing the last bite of my bland, sauce-less pasta. «I’m still far from qualifying for the Lunae Crescentis dorm, but I’m sure that with Ayra’s support I’ll get there soon enough!» I add with a touch of enthusiasm.

«With your mistress’s support...» Kimberly repeats, then flashes me a radiant smile. «I’m really glad to hear you have such a special bond with your mistress. Apparently not all vampires are sadistic pieces of shit.»

«Yeah. She’s truly unique, I can assure you,» I affirm with conviction and admiration.

Then I rise with my plate in hand—one of the dorm’s rules is to return the dishes to the canteen staff before heading back to your room.

Plates that, of course, are never actually washed and all look identical, forcing us to eat every day from filthy dishes used by who knows who.

But then again, the alternative is to starve...

«I’m heading back to my room. I can’t leave poor Gerard alone after everything his mistress put him through,» I finally say, giving her a timid wave.

She does the same.