The Pact: Bruno and the Crimson Veil

POV: Bruno

I was at the training facility.

I was trying to master telekinesis. According to the fundamentals, it was best to start with small objects.

I expelled my Vitae and attempted to control a small rock on the training field.

This wasn't a difficult power — I quickly managed to move the stones and make them float.

But I'd need to evolve this skill to the point where I could manipulate larger objects at a distance.

So I began picking up small stones and throwing them at Ignis.

One of them hit him, and he looked at me with glowing eyes. That look clearly said:

"Is that a challenge?"

I grinned and tossed another stone.

Excited, he retaliated by launching tiny fireballs, as if saying:

"Then take this."

It worked as training — and we started going at each other.

Sometimes I hurled small flames at him.

But amid the excitement, the pain in my arm returned.

I had forgotten the bone was still out of place.

In pain, I ended the session.

I should've expected it, but I was so focused I ignored my limits.

— Gonna keep training? — I asked Ignis.

He simply nodded, as expected.

I got up and made my way to the medical facility.

It was free for all members, but I had no idea where it was.

I wandered around for fifteen minutes, passing multiple buildings — and found nothing.

In the end, I had to ask someone.

— Excuse me… could you tell me where the medical center is?

I saw a young vampire — he looked like a delivery kid.

He walked slowly, carrying a heavy satchel, with short blond hair and maybe 1.50m tall. He couldn't be older than 12.

— Of course. I'm heading there now. If you don't mind, you can walk with me — he said politely.

— You're saving me. I'm Ashen — I replied, taking the bag from his hand with my left arm.

— It's nothing. I'm Gabriel S...

— Gabriel?

He seemed to cut his own last name short.

I didn't think much of it and asked:

— Aren't you a bit young to be working?

— How could I be? My family comes from an honorable line. I must work hard to honor them.

— That's some serious determination — I said, chuckling.

After a few minutes, we reached the medical building.

It was white — like a human hospital — but with a medieval touch… and vampire tech.

Interesting.

I handed the bag back to Gabriel and moved to a hallway with rooms.

Some injured soldiers lay resting while around a dozen doctors bustled around.

One approached — an older man with a sharp expression.

— Gabriel! Why did you take so long?! — he shouted at the boy beside me.

There was worry in his voice… and a hint of irritation.

— He was guiding me here. Is that a problem? — I asked, letting a sliver of aura leak out.

The old man swallowed hard.

All the doctors nearby stopped to stare.

— Of course it's a problem! — he snapped.

And then — he smacked me on the head with a wooden staff.

— WHAT THE HELL, OLD MAN?! — I shouted, genuinely pissed.

— Brat… think I won't beat you just 'cause you're a captain? — he laughed.

Before I could react — smack. Another hit.

Right on the head again. It hurt like hell.

Who the hell is this guy?!

I've always been on the front lines. Since I was a child.

No one — besides my mother — had ever dominated me like this.

And now this geezer hits me like it's nothing?

I launched an attack with my left hand, aiming for his throat — but he vanished like a shadow.

— Impressive, brat... — his voice came from behind me.

— I've heard of you. The White Demon of the Snow. The one who hunted hundreds of beasts.

But I didn't expect you to already be near Valtherion-level.

You could probably fight someone at that level... unless they enter their true Count form.

— Sit down. I'll treat you — he said, hitting me again.

I sat on the bed, seething.

Who is this damn geezer?

Eventually, he returned and sat in front of me.

— Brat, I'm Dr. Malven. A doctor nearly at Baron level — he smirked.

— Pleasure, old man. I'm Ashen — I replied, just as sarcastically.

— You're bold, little bastard… I should break you instead of healing you.

— Just tell me what's wrong. You think I have time to waste?

— The bone's healed… but it's in the wrong place — I explained.

He grabbed my arm with terrifying precision and pressed several spots — causing unbearable pain.

— You damned old man! — I shouted through gritted teeth.

— How'd you do this to yourself, brat? — he asked, more serious now.

When the pain eased, I exhaled and began:

— I fought a fire horse. We fell off a cliff — into Moon Wolves territory.

My chain wrapped around my arm and the horse. It saved me… but shattered the bone.

— That's all? — he asked, skeptical.

— No… later a puma grabbed my arm. Then I was surrounded by level 2 snow wolves.

One of them slashed down to the bone.

— You're like a bad clay pot… always the last one to break — he muttered.

— Your bone's partially healed but misaligned. I'll prep a surgical room. Stay here.

Surgery?

Clay pot?!

What the hell does that even mean?

After about ten minutes, he returned with ten other doctors.

I was laid down. Five gathered near, and then—

— Goodnight, brat — he muttered... and knocked me out with something strange.

---

DREAM

I swung my half-broken chain, fighting seven level 1 wolves.

I danced with the chain over snow, striking, deflecting, bleeding.

One lunged for my throat — Ignis pounced and killed it, despite my order not to fight.

More came. My body screamed with pain.

Then — a whistle.

A piercing arrow struck my ribs.

— AAAARGH!

I screamed. That hit was too clean.

Too deadly.

Voices rang out.

— A snow demon! Kill it!

People ran. Screamed.

Was I dying?

Not yet...

I dragged myself forward. Even if I had to die, I'd drag them to hell with me—

The last beast lunged—

—and tore off my head.

---

I woke up.

In pain. Bandages covered parts of my body.

Still lying in that same bed among the wounded.

— Awake, princess?

I turned.

Of course. That damn old man.

I glared at him and started getting up.

— Before you leave, listen:

You need to drink a lot of blood, brat.

You were nearly starving. Your wounds won't heal if you stay like this.

— Fine. Thanks, old man. I'll pay you back one day — I muttered, walking out.

— Damn brats… — he chuckled.

---

Outside, the golden light of sunset painted the sky.

It was beautiful.

I walked slowly to the training grounds.

— Hungry, spoiled brat? — I asked.

Ignis came running — excited.

He sat before me and — for the first time — his voice came out:

— Vuh... vuh... huunt?

I froze.

And laughed.

— Hahaha! So you talk now?

No. Not today. We're going to the squad's dining hall.

When we got there, the recruits were in five rows. Tyler stood before them — all of them looked exhausted.

I walked up and leaned on him, grinning.

— Have they eaten?

— No — Tyler said bluntly.

— Dismiss them. Let's eat.

He seemed surprised but followed me to the mess hall.

A few cooks came up.

— Any preference, sir?

— No. Just give me the same as the recruits — just... more of it.

Tyler laughed and pulled me to a table.

— You really are a hunter. No taste at all.

— But... what exactly are we eating?

Vampires can only consume blood or specific foods marinated in blood — fruits, meats, sweets...

Soon they brought my tray.

A blood-banana fruit cluster, a chunk of meat for Ignis, red soup, and a few candies.

Tyler's tray was the same, just smaller.

— Eat up. Food soaked in blood is nutritious. Better than beast blood.

I nodded and began eating. Ignis devoured his meat like a beast.

The fruits were sweet, the soup rich.

The candies — surprisingly delicious.

Better than I expected.

Well... except for Flávia's blood.

No — don't think about that.

I looked at the recruits.

They laughed, they ate. They were... happy.

— They look cheerful — I noted.

— Of course. Our barony is important.

Many feel honored to die for it.

— Is it that impressive?

— Absolutely. Lady Flávia gives her life for us.

And Lady Selena manages almost everything.

Honestly... I wish I could marry someone like them.

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

Maybe I should kill him.

No... I'm not theirs anymore.

— Good for you. I'm going to sleep. Thanks for today.

Tomorrow, I take over the recruits.

— Sure! Hahaha!

---

Back in the room, Ignis fell asleep instantly.

I laid down too... but couldn't sleep right away.

What came to mind... was that day.

Watching movies. With Flávia and Selena.

It was amazing.

But now...

As the memories circled... my eyes closed.

Sleep took me.

---

POV: Flávia

It was nighttime, and I was still handling matters of the barony.

Signing papers, resolving issues, sorting reports.

And waiting for Sitha.

She was coming to report some recent events — and, by the sound of her message, they were urgent.

Selena was with me, as always.

She managed the economic side — trade, property, income.

Since my breakdown, I had taken a long bath and buried myself in work.

It had been eight hours of uninterrupted duty.

While reading another document, the office door opened.

A figure stepped in — beige dress. Of course, it was Sitha.

— Hello. How are you two? — she said, glowing.

— Hi. I'm fine... — I replied, voice slightly hoarse.

— I'm okay... and you? — asked Selena, softly.

— Why so gloomy? — Sitha teased.

— I've got news. And one thing you'll love to hear.

She walked up and dropped her signature suspenseful tone.

— First: A war broke out at the border of Mount Sitron.

Lord Fullhier and that beast are already fighting — it's been two days.

At least eight Counts are involved... fifteen Greater Demons... and hundreds of Barons and level-3 beasts.

Selena and I stared at each other, shocked.

A war like that would reach us soon.

— Second: The Supreme Elder of the Varnhael family advanced to Arcane Baron level.

He's trying to conquer something inside the ruins — that's why the gargoyle came here.

There's a new front opening there. Battles happening constantly.

I had a feeling he would advance...

But to seek something in the ruins?

What could be there?

Those ruins are ancient. Practically forgotten by history.

— And third... — Sitha smiled devilishly.

— I know where Bruno is.

My heart skipped.

— Where?! — I leaned forward. I needed to speak to him.

— In the army.

He was recommended by a vice-captain.

Goes by Ashel.

He's now a squad captain.

— Captain?!

— Ashel?! — Selena and I said at once.

— Why? — I asked, stunned.

— He seems resentful... for being left alone in the forest.

I'm not sure. But he's colder. Distant.

His name escaped me like a whisper:

— Bruno... — I murmured, voice trembling, eyes glistening.

Sitha spoke softly, but firmly:

— Flávia. Give him a few days.

Then... go apologize.

If you truly want him back, this is your one chance.

But it'll be his choice.

She placed a folder full of documents on the desk and turned to leave.

— Think carefully.

It's your only shot.

And then she was gone.

Apologize...?

Bruno...

A fire lit in my eyes.

I knew what I had to do.

— One week.

I'll go to him... in one week — I said, with shining eyes, between hope and tears.

.