Gangster Hybrid

A while later, we see Draven, having finished his meal, walking through the castle hallway. Lyriana and Aldric followed closely behind him. He suddenly stopped in front of a grand door and opened it, stepping inside. Lyriana and Aldric remained outside, standing silently by the door.

Inside the opulent room, Elliana, Draven's mother — still visibly pregnant — sat serenely on a plush chair, engrossed in a book. She looked up as he entered, her face softening into a warm smile.

"Hey, honey."

Draven walked behind her chair and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her from behind.

"Hi, Mom," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

As you can see, Mom is still pregnant, Draven mused inwardly. Turns out nine months isn't enough. Unlike human babies, vampire babies take much longer to be born—about four to five years.

Elliana hummed, her smile widening.

"Wow, look at you, honey! Giving Mommy a kiss without even being asked! That must mean you love Mommy soooo much, huh?"

Draven felt a blush creep up his neck, but he managed a bright smile.

"Just wanted to check in. How are you feeling today, Mom? Can I get you anything?"

"Aww, thanks for checking in on me, honey," she replied, her voice soft and reassuring. "No need to worry. Mommy's alright. I'm actually feeling pretty good today. I was just a little bored, but now that you're here, I'm not anymore. It really means a lot that you checked in." Her eyes twinkled warmly as she smiled.

Draven watched her carefully, clenching his jaw almost imperceptibly. He kept his smile up, but concern churned beneath it.

I know she's just saying that so I won't worry, he thought, a wave of unease tightening in his chest. She might look fine on the outside, but I know she's getting weaker every single day.

---

(How would I even explain this?)

Even though they're babies, they're still vampires. And vampires need blood to grow. But since they can't get it on their own, they take it from the mother. Now, if the mother's a vampire, it's no big deal — she just drinks more blood to replenish it. But if the mother isn't a vampire, things get complicated. Her body can't keep up. The babies drain her from the inside, and no matter how much blood she tries to take in, it's never enough. She wasn't built for this.

Most people wouldn't survive even one, but she's carrying two. And she hasn't taken a single drop of blood since she got pregnant.

No matter how many times me and the old man asked, she always said the same thing:

> "I don't need to drink any blood. I'm their mom, and they're my babies. They're growing inside me. If they ever need blood, they can have mine. As their mom, I'd give it without a second thought — that's what a mother does. And honestly, I'm pretty sure mine is better anyway."

And she's been feeding them for four years like this.

If she keeps going… I just feel it won't end well.

---

Outwardly, Draven kept his smile.

"Mom," he said softly, "you'd tell me if something was bothering you, right?"

He met her eyes gently, trying not to let his worry show.

It's all I can do now—stay close, support her… and hope it's enough.