Erika woke up in her dorm room, surrounded by a pile of stuffed toys on her bed. Yes, she still slept like this. When she was younger, her vampire blood made mornings a struggle, but now she had grown used to it.
As her eyes adjusted to the morning light, memories of yesterday came rushing back. She had finally met Akira again after seven years, and he was the same as before; he hadn't changed at all, and he had even kept his promise by creating a spell that suppressed her bloodlust. That thought made her chest warm with relief.
But then, the rest of yesterday weighed heavily on her. Going down to his basement, finding his twin sister in Asterisia, and learning the truth about his family. It was overwhelming. She had always known Akira was special, but discovering his true background left her at a loss.
Back then, seven years ago, when she started learning magic, she had at least wanted to close the gap between them, even if just a little. But now… it felt like that gap had only widened further. She didn't even know what she truly wanted anymore.
She sighed, then shook her head. Dwelling on it wouldn't help. Today, she had promised to go out shopping with him, mostly to fix his hopeless sense of style. She was nervous, but also excited. It would be their first outing together in seven years.
Erika got ready quickly and left her dorm. Unlike when she lived in the house across from his mansion, now she had to walk a bit to reach him. As she was leaving the school grounds, her brother's cheerful voice cut through the air.
"Oh! Erika-chan!" Iori waved at her with his usual stupid smile. "How have you been? Did you have so much fun with Akira-kun yesterday that you forgot to even contact me? You wound your big brother's heart, you know!"
She didn't have the mood to deal with his teasing, so instead she asked directly, "Oni-san, do you know Selena?"
Iori blinked in surprise, then smiled knowingly. "Oh? So you finally met her, huh? That's good."
Erika's eyes narrowed. "So you do know about her."
"Of course," Iori replied casually. "She's Akira's twin sister. Though I only saw her when she was a baby, I knew she existed."
Erika's frustration bubbled. "Then why didn't you tell me?"
Iori chuckled. "We didn't even tell Akira about her, you know. Besides… since you've met her, it means a lot of plans are going to start moving. So, Erika-chan, if you don't want to get left behind, you'd better up your game."
"…What do you mean by that?"
"You'll find out later. Don't worry about it." He grinned, then leaned forward. "Anyway, are you going somewhere with Akira? Want me to come along? Just like old times?"
"Get lost, oni-san. Don't bother me." She turned away, then looked over her shoulder. "I'll bring him to meet you later."
Iori only laughed. "Then good luck, little sister."
Ignoring him, Erika made her way to Akira's mansion. The door, as always, was unlocked. Akira never bothered with such things; no one he didn't want could enter anyway. She slipped off her shoes and stepped inside. The house was eerily silent. Normally, his parents would greet her. Now, it was empty.
"Good morning, Erika-chan~"
The sudden voice made her jump. The hall was empty, but she recognized the source. "Selena…?"
"Mhm. Don't be so jumpy, Erika-chan," Selena's voice purred in her head, playful and pouty. "If you're always on guard like that, I'll start feeling unwanted."
Erika steadied herself, then asked, "Wait… how can you speak directly into my mind? Is this telepathy?"
"Yes," Selena answered smoothly. "As long as you're inside the mansion or near my brother, I can speak to you. Soon, when my power grows, I'll be able to talk to you anywhere.
That claim made Erika pause. But before she could ask further, Selena added, "By the way, my brother is still asleep. Yesterday wore him out. Could you go wake him up for me?"
Erika sighed, then smiled softly. "…Alright, I'll check on him."
She climbed the stairs and gently opened the door to Akira's room, only to freeze.
He was there, sprawled across the bed, sleeping peacefully. Normally, the sight alone would have softened her mood. But something else caught her attention.
The air carried a faint scent. One that didn't belong here.
Her sharpened vampire senses easily picked it out, and she knew this room better than anyone. This wasn't Selena's scent. It was someone else's. it was faint, but distinct. Feminine. And strongest on the bed, of all places.
Her eyes narrowed. "…Who was here?"
"Ehhh~?" Selena's voice carried a mock gasp. "I-I can't say, Erika-chan. I promised I wouldn't reveal my brother's secrets to anyone, so I can't help you with this."
"So, she did know". Erika's suspicion deepened, her smile didn't falter, but her eyes turned sharp. "Selena."
but Selena only added in a sing-song voice, "Sorry, Erika-chan. You'll have to ask my brother yourself."
Erika moved closer, leaned down, and shook Akira's shoulder gently. "…Akira. Wake up."
He stirred, muttering groggily, "Five more minutes…"
Her eyes softened for a moment, but then narrowed again. Slowly, his eyes blinked open, and he finally noticed her expression. Calm smile. Soft voice. Yet his instincts screamed danger.
"Why are you angry?" he asked cautiously, his drowsiness vanishing. "What did I do this time?"
"…Who was here?" Erika asked calmly.
"Huh?" He blinked at her in confusion.
"You heard me. Who was here?" she repeated.
Akira frowned, still half-asleep. "What do you mean…"
Before Erika could press further, Selena's voice rang out again; this time, both of them could hear it.
"Ah, sorry, brother. I tried my best."
Akira stiffened. Cold sweat prickled his skin. Erika's smile didn't move an inch, but he could feel the air in the room drop several degrees.
"…Sister," he asked out loud, "what did you say to her?"
"I said nothing," Selena answered innocently. "Didn't I promise to keep your secret? I never told her what happened in your room."
Akira's stomach dropped. "She set me up".
And Erika's face drew closer as she asked again, her smile still calm, her tone unshaken. "…Who was here?"
All Akira could do was scream inside his head. "Someone please save meeeee…"