The Pact: Bruno and the Crimson Veil

I had just finished drying myself. I was tying my long silver hair.

"Should I cut it?" I wondered, tired.

I put on some of the clothes Flávia had bought for me.

One of the outfits was already ruined — I thought, laughing to myself.

Ignis was sleeping under my hand, exhausted, breathing deeply.

Astrel, on the other hand, Selena said she would leave with his own kind.

"When you need him, just go get him."

When I left the bathroom, I saw someone sitting at the edge of my bed.

A woman.

Extremely beautiful.

Black hair flowing like a veil of night, a perfectly sculpted body.

She wore simple pants, a pair of white slippers, and a black sweater.

But it was her eyes — brimming with tears — that froze my chest.

With a hoarse voice, she whispered my name:

— Bruno...

A sob started to form in her throat.

The silent tears were already falling.

I placed Ignis on the bed and approached.

Against what I expected, I did not hesitate.

I hugged Flávia.

Missing her. That was the word carved into my heart.

She cried on my chest, whispering apologies.

My tears also fell. Few, silent —

But enough to show the fragility I carried inside.

I didn't know what to say.

There were cruel words stuck in my throat.

But I couldn't let them out.

I knew — I was wrong to blame her alone.

So, the only thing that came out of my hoarse voice was:

— I'm back... my little Bat.

And that was the trigger.

Flávia began to cry intensely, with sobs and a broken voice:

— I'm... sorry...

— I left you alone...

Her tears fell over me, and I just held her tighter.

I missed her.

No matter what I lived through, what I endured —

I came back.

I knew things would be strange at first.

But I hoped that, with time, they would return to normal.

She cried for long minutes. Like a child.

I had no comforting words.

Nor could I comfort myself.

So I kept my presence, my silence, my embrace.

Maybe there was still a hint of hatred, but most of it had dissolved.

The problem was never her.

It was my loneliness.

It was the hope I had placed in her.

And despite everything, I still felt something intense for Flávia.

I saw her in my dreams.

I wanted to feel her again, to be with her — at least one more time.

And there we were:

A reunion worthy of tears.

When the crying stopped, she looked into my eyes.

And I looked into hers.

My hand stroked her cheek, still wet.

But something rose up in my throat.

Something I couldn't hold back.

The pain of trying to swallow your own tears.

The worst pain there is.

I asked, between tears:

— Flávia... why didn't you come to get me?

— I waited for you...

Even through everything, even wounded, even trapped...

I believed you would come.

Until the very last moment.

But...

— You didn't come.

My tears fell heavily.

My eyes reflected the hell I had lived through.

The pain in the flesh, the madness in the mind, the cold in the soul.

— So... why didn't you come?

Those words...

Carried everything I had lived that week.

The loneliness.

The despair.

The loss.

And the hope that broke.

She looked at me with eyes full of water.

— Bruno...

— There were moments when I could have gone after you...

Her voice was serious.

— But many things happened.

I won't lie.

I chose my people over you.

— I could have gone to save you...

But I might have lost everything.

So, faced with that cruel choice...

I decided quickly.

— My people.

— Thousands of lives...

I understood her choice.

Truly.

But why did it annoy me so much?

Did she have time?

I was in a cave, a few steps from the cliff.

With her speed...

Ten minutes?

No. Five would be enough.

I spent hours there.

I fainted countless times.

The pain chained me.

And then...

I wondered:

How important was I really, in her eyes?

Maybe... just a toy.

If it weren't me, how hard would it be to replace me?

My hands moved away from her body.

Did I really know her?

Was this crying genuine?

My inner conflicts were resolved.

I knew myself.

But... did I know Flávia?

If so...

Why did she now feel like a stranger?

Did she know what I went through?

There was no reason to forgive her.

After all, she was never guilty.

But... should I go back to her?

Who was she, really?

I had never thought about it.

After drinking her blood, everything happened so fast.

I started to get involved without realizing it.

Now, looking at Flávia, what I felt was not love — it was doubt.

And she noticed.

The reunion atmosphere had vanished.

And only one question remained:

Who was she?

Or rather... at some point, did I know the real Flávia?

Should I go back? Give myself again?

No.

I don't know her.

I know who I am.

I know who Ignis is.

I know who Astrel is.

I shared with them the field of war, life and death.

But Flávia...?

Everything was too fast. Too strange.

She always said she knew me so well...

But never showed it.

Always kind. Always beautiful. But...

Who is the real Flávia?

— Bruno, you should rest. We'll talk tomorrow — she said.

— No — I replied firmly. — Not here.

She looked at me, confused.

— Bruno?

— I don't think I should stay here.

— In this room? — she continued, still confused.

— No. Near you.

After all... I don't know you.

I never knew who you were.

Everything flowed too strangely.

She looked at me, surprised. Tears in her eyes.

— Bruno, I...

— Will you stop me? — I asked, a little scared.

She, with tearful eyes, just shook her head.

No.

With a trembling, frightened voice, she murmured as I picked up Ignis:

— I thought of you... every day.

— Me too — I answered. — And that made me see beyond.

— I was afraid you died — she said, almost crying.

I answered, a little irritated:

— I was afraid too, Flávia.

Every day. Every minute. Every second.

But I did everything to come back.

And you... did nothing to look for me.

I left the room with Ignis in my arms.

Outside, at the door, was Selena.

— Bruno... I... — she said, almost crying.

— I missed you, Selena — I said honestly.

And headed toward the pasture where Astrel was.

Under a not very big field, there he was.

My companion.

Astrel, among his kind.

They stared at me intensely, but backed off when they heard his firm neigh.

I approached and spoke to him:

— I'm glad you found your own, my friend.

I will leave... and I hope you stay well.

He looked at me with curiosity.

I put my hand on his head and caressed him.

My companion in life and death.

— Let this not be a goodbye.

He neighed loudly.

It was obvious.

He would stay with his own.

He was their king.

Our few days together... could not surpass a whole lifetime.

But then he neighed again and knelt before me.

An unknown, arrogant, and deep voice sounded in my ears:

— See you later, my brother.

Like the first time he recognized me, I also bowed.

— Thank you... for everything.

See you later, brother.

With our backs turned, I walked toward the world.

Leaving the castle, my steps grew slower.

I didn't know where to go.

I had nowhere to go.

Only me and Ignis remained.

There was never a place for me in this world.

I thought I had found one...

But it was just an unhappy disappointment.

Each step I took carried meaning.

A teenager.

A wyvern.

And a being who could not be compared to the ancient vampires.

POV: Bruno

A being who faced death...

And who now only wanted to live.

In this world, I only trusted Ignis.

I miss you, mother. Father. Brother. Uncle. Grandma...

I wanted to see you one last time.

I wanted to tell you how much I love you, mother.

I thank you for everything.

Pray for me, one last time.

Even though I am now a creature of darkness...

I just wanted to feel your hand on my head, one more time.

And there, alone, walking under the night, one word escaped the lips of a vampire.

An old word, buried, born of habit — but still alive.

— Thy will be done, Father... amen.

I didn't know where to go.

So... I wandered through the city.

The streets looked old. Like those from movies.

The houses were simple. A rudimentary world, almost without technology.

I walked, without money. Tired.

Wearing only the clothes on my back.

My steps were slow.

It was the second time I came to this place.

The first time...

I didn't want to remember.

My face, though still youthful, was transformed.

Marked by war.

It caught attention — my natural beauty combined with a hardened gaze...

Maybe it gave me two extra points in the eyes of others.

I walked calmly.

Without fear.

I could be considered an almost-Valtherion.

Even if one attacked me... I could retreat without major injuries.

I observed everything with curiosity.

Then I saw three neophytes.

They looked like recruits — fighting against a flying beast that had invaded the city.

They were injured. Tired.

I wasn't in the mood.

I grabbed my bone spear and threw it.

It pierced the beast, killing it midair.

The body fell heavily.

People looked at me. Curious. Surprised.

Some... grateful.

The three neophytes ran up to me.

The one in the middle was the tallest — black hair, strong body, a robe with a blood symbol on the chest.

They all wore the same emblem.

"A cult?" I thought for a second.

But I let it go.

The one on the left was smaller, blond and thin. But with a determined look.

The last was a woman — beautiful, green-haired, toned body and a snake tattoo on her arm.

— Thank you for your help, sir — said the one in the middle.

— It was nothing — I replied. — Helping should be our duty.

They smiled and nodded.

The woman stepped forward to introduce themselves:

— My name is Kiara.

This is Desmond.

And the little one is Cylan.

We're three army recruits.

I was going to say my name.

But... it would be a bad idea.

— It's a pleasure — I replied. — My name is Ashen.

— A hunter.

They nodded, eyes shining.

Maybe they saw me as older.

But... I was probably younger than all of them.

Desmond was about 1.85m tall.

Kiara, the same size as Flávia.

Silan must have been around 1.77m.

I wasn't in the mood for conversation.

Just wanted to grab my spear and leave.

But then... an old man appeared.

Short white hair. Muscular body.

He walked like he didn't owe life anything anymore.

— Hahaha! Young people really are lively! — he said, approaching.

Looking at me... and the spear in my hand, he nodded with respect.

And continued...

— You're really strong, young man. — he said, with a virile laugh that echoed like thunder.

— Where did you get that spear? Tell me.

— I made it. — I replied casually.

His eyes widened, impressed, and in a blink, he rushed to examine the weapon.

But I was still irritated by the day.

And I attacked.

A brutal kick hit his ribs and threw him away.

He fell to the ground, coughing... and laughing.

— Young man, you really are a hunter. Your aura... feels like death itself.

That presence only comes from killing hundreds of beasts.

Who are you? — he asked, panting.

— Ashen. — I said lightly, picking up my spear.

— Good, good! — he replied enthusiastically, getting up as if nothing had happened.

— I'm Tyler, one of the high-ranking army officers.

While he spoke, I prepared to leave.

But his excited voice cut my intention.

— Young man... how about joining my battalion?

Strong men like you, almost Valtherion level, are rare.

And from what I see, you're... unemployed, right?

I kept staring silently, but he seemed increasingly excited.

— The army salary is very good. And with your strength, I bet you could get a vice squad leader position.

He laughed loudly but was interrupted by a fireball that passed inches from his face.

Ignis — growling cutely but visibly irritated by the old man's noise.

Tyler's eyes widened:

— By Dracula's beard...!

— Your familiar is a... wyvern?!

Now his voice became serious.

— Young man... come join my battalion.

The war against demonic beasts is only getting worse.

With your strength, countless lives can be saved.

My expression stayed cold.

But I asked:

— How much does a vice-captain earn?

— A lot. Plus bonuses — he answered firmly.

I found myself pondering.

I should?

I was without money, without a home...

— We also provide free housing...

— Done. — I replied before he could finish.

High salary. Bonuses. Housing.

It was perfect for someone lost like me.

Old Tyler laughed loudly, almost gargling.

— Let's go! — he shouted, pointing at the recruits, ordering them to carry the demon beast's body.

Then, he grabbed me by the shoulders like I was his lost grandson.

Ignis growled softly and cutely at every exaggerated shout from the old man.

If he didn't stop, Ignis would attack him.

We walked together for about thirty minutes until we reached a monumental headquarters.

At the entrance, a huge symbol of the Syla Family dominated the façade.

Tyler told the neophytes to go rest and took me to a side building.

It was an office. He went in first, talked for about twenty minutes...

Then he came out:

— You can come in.

I entered.

And froze.

The army leader was... Sitha?

She looked at me, surprised.

— Bruno? So... you're Ashen?

I frowned, preparing to back away.

She noticed and gestured calmly.

— Sit down. Let's talk.

— I prefer... to talk standing — I replied, bluntly.

— Of course, of course. Always suspicious, aren't you?

— Reminds me of our first meeting — she said, laughing lightly.

— What brings you here?

— Old Tyler invited me to work — I said indifferently.

— Work? — she asked, confused.

— Flávia knows ab...

— Should she know what I do?

Or is that no longer under her control? — I cut her off coldly.

Sitha crossed her arms. Her tone changed.

— You've changed, huh...

— You're not the shy, lost boy anymore.

— I never was.

I just didn't know where I was.

But now I know.

She nodded silently.

— Why Ashen? — she asked, as if testing something.

— Because I was reborn from the ashes.

I was abandoned in hell... and I rose stronger.

And I came back.

— Came back where? — she asked.

— To control, where I decide fate with my own hands.

— And you don't intend to go back home? — she inquired, frowning.

— I don't have a home anymore, Sitha. I'm a vampire and can't go back to my family.

— And the castle?

— That was never my home — I answered dryly.

— After all Flávia did for you?

— Don't worry, I'll pay it all, even if I have to send money for the next ten thousand years.

— Bruno, you know it's not about money...

— I know, but that's the only way I can pay, not with the life I built.

— But, Bruno...

Before she could continue, I cut her off.

— I came here looking for a job, not to take a questionnaire, Sitha. Will you accept me or not?

I looked into the eyes of someone who was once a beautiful and kind little boy, now marked by pain, loneliness, and war.

— Yes, I will. — I replied sadly.

— With your strength, you can command a squad. Great salary, and you can choose low and medium level skills. Also, you'll have access to training facilities.

I was impressed but said little.

— What would I have to do? — I asked, genuinely curious.

— Squad leaders take their groups on extermination missions and defend the borders.

— Low and medium level skills?

— Exactly.

I felt relieved. Without the basics of a skill, it's impossible to master it. Now that I have my blood star, I can deepen them.

I leaned slightly and said:

— It will be a pleasure to work with you.

— Likewise. — she replied.

— I'll ask someone to accompany you to your quarters and for Tyler to take you to your squad. I'll tell him to serve with you.

— I don't think that's necessary... — I said, remembering the eccentric old man.

— It is. Wait outside. — she replied, serious.

I left calmly and sat on the chair.

After a few minutes, Tyler appeared and entered the room.

About ten minutes later, he left laughing loudly.

— Haha, who would've thought you'd be my captain!

— Let's go, I'll take you to your squad — he said, pulling my shoulder.

Ignis was alert and, when he touched me, advanced cutely toward Tyler.

— I should stop him...

— No.

Tyler stepped back, laughing at the curious wyvern.

— Let's go — he said, taking the lead.

After walking about six minutes, we arrived at a complex of rooms, countless quarters.

He shouted to about forty or fifty recruits:

— In a pyramid line!

The voice echoed, and everyone stood up startled, forming five rows.

— Today you'll meet your new captain. And are you in this mess?

— Captain? — someone whispered.

— EIN? — shouted Tyler.

I frowned slightly. Why was my battalion full of recruits?

I looked at Tyler suspiciously.

He laughed and explained:

— Since you're the new captain, only this squad was without a leader. They're weak but hardworking.

My cold expression scanned the group.

They were completely inexperienced, just beginner levels, having just formed their blood stars, but with no fight experience — nothing compared to a monster who survived the forest, like me.

Their eyes slithered like snakes, and as soon as they looked at me, fear ran through them.

Among them were the three recruits I had met earlier: Cylan, Desmond, and Kiara.

— It's a pleasure. My name is Ashen. — my voice smiled gently.

— You could say I was a hunter, and I'm not a good person. From what I saw out there, you'd all die, no exceptions, no mercy.

— I won't lie: I didn't expect to become a squad leader. I just wanted to kill and get paid.

— But since I'm your captain, I'm going to transform you.

— I'll pass on everything I learned in that hell.

— Get ready.

— Tomorrow, from 10 PM to 6 AM, everyone must be here.

Tyler laughed, agreeing:

— Haha, that's right! Only the strong can wake up whenever they want.

— And us, what time will we see you?

— Tyler, be here tomorrow at 5 to prepare the field.

— What? — Tyler asked, astonished.

While he complained, I walked toward the captain's room, the last door on the corridor. Next to it, two vice-captain rooms.

Upon entering, it was a luxurious room, incomparable to what I had at Flávia's castle. But this was different: I had conquered it by showing strength.

I went to the large bed, placed Ignis down, and lay down. It was around 4 PM.

But when I blinked, I found myself again in that snowy forest.

Every minute, second, and day I spent there passed through my mind:

When I was trapped on the cliff;

When Ignis took the branch off my leg;

When I fought that puma;

When I was surrounded by four level 2 wolves, twice.

Why? Why am I still here?

Help me.

I waited for you.

I woke up startled, sweating.

It was a dream as real, as frightening as those days in the forest.

I looked out the window; it was already night. The moon of Tenebris shone.

I got up and walked to the training field. There were countless practice weapons.

I wanted to find a new chain, but there wasn't any.

I grabbed my bone spear and began training, trying to forget what I lived through in that forest.

Ignis still slept deeply.

On the battlefield, it was only me and my bone spear — dancing in my hands.

Maybe, under the intense pressure of the forest, I was nearing the end of the apprentice level. Who knows...

After hours of training, Tyler appeared beside me, the recruits in front of me.

— Time to start! — he said, laughing.

— Get ready, soldiers!

.