The Pact: Bruno and the Crimson Veil

When Flávia heard my question, she didn't grow shy.

Instead, as if it were a natural step in our connection, she laughed beautifully.

Still wrapped in her arms, I felt something stir inside me.

I wanted to live.

— Flávia… can you tell me more about this world? — I asked timidly, still holding her.

She gently pulled back, surprised by my request.

Looking me up and down, curiosity danced in her gaze.

— What do you want to know?

— About the vampires… to start with — I answered honestly.

— Let me see... Vampires are technically an immortal race, similar to those in the movies.

But we're not weak against sunlight — at least not the way it affects the human world.

We're creatures of the night, and yes, we drink blood.

But we can also eat foods marinated in blood.

Those dishes help nourish apprentice-level vampires and provide temporary satiety.

We live in Tenebris — a realm of eternal night.

But we've been at war with demonic beasts for millennia.

And we're one of the 100 Superior Races.

— The 100 Superior Races? — I asked, intrigued.

— They're the races with the most exceptional innate abilities and a certain threshold of power.

— Are they the strongest, then?

Flávia's expression turned serious.

— No. Only the Dragon Race stands alone at the very top.

Beyond them, there are the so-called Supreme Powers: the Pantheons, the Legions of Hell, the Dragon Race, the Angelic Units, and others.

Then there are the Pseudo-Supreme Powers — alliances of similar races, ancient forces that aren't quite supreme on their own, but are still incredibly powerful.

For example, vampires are part of a pseudo-supreme alliance: the Alliance of the Night.

It's a coalition of nocturnal races that banded together to survive against the truly supreme.

— Whoa… — I murmured, genuinely impressed.

For the first time, I felt a slight acceptance of this strange new world.

No — not of the world itself.

I was trying to accept Flávia's world.

Looking at her — still sitting on my lap like a joyful little panda — I continued, curious.

— And… what are the power levels?

— We follow a simple structure:

1. Apprentice

2. Warrior

3. Baron

4. Count

5. King

6. Elder

7. Primordial

— Are there many rules? Is everything tightly controlled?

— Not really. Rules vary by region.

But just like in human politics — the stronger and more influential you are, the less the rules apply.

— And you? — I asked. — What's your level?

— I'm a Baroness. Average in rank, but stable.

— And me? Am I considered an apprentice?

— No. You're a newborn — a neophyte.

Only after your full transformation will you be ranked.

That's when you'll become an Apprentice.

I nodded slowly, still confused, but beginning to grasp the basics.

— Flávia — I said seriously — I have just two more questions.

In truth, I had countless questions racing through my mind.

But two of them stood above the rest — and I needed her answers.

She looked at me with calm eyes, noticing my seriousness.

— Go ahead.

— First… I'm at the lowest possible rank. You're a baroness.

Isn't it inappropriate for someone like you to be… sitting on my lap?

She also answered seriously:

— No. I'm strong — so I have that right.

No one will judge me. Don't worry.

— Alright. Then the second…

What are we? You and me?

Her seriousness faded, replaced by a flush of shyness.

Her once-pale cheeks now blushed deeply.

— Whatever you want us to be… — she whispered. — I love you.

So… if you'll have me…

Her eyes sparkled as she said it, holding my gaze.

I furrowed my brow slightly.

Her way of acting felt strange — too intense.

I wanted to ask something more, but she interrupted gently:

— I know it's strange, Bruno. But I really do care about you.

I understand it might be hard for you to accept.

But I'll be here for you, no matter what.

As long as it doesn't interfere with the barony, I'll be the perfect wife.

Her eyes gleamed with sincerity.

— You're such a strange woman… — I laughed softly, still staring at her.

Then, I raised my hand to her face and whispered in her ear:

— Of course I'll accept you.

Thrown into this world… I hope I get to see you even more.

When she heard my answer, her smile deepened.

She hugged me tightly.

— Just wait, Bruno. One day… we'll get married. — she said excitedly.

I found it a bit odd… but I was still far more curious about this world and its powers.

So I lifted her in my arms like a princess and sealed our moment with a kiss.

— Teach me, Flávia. Teach me everything about this world and its powers.

— Of course, my love.