Reincarnated as the Vampire Princess' Familiar
Chapter 24 - 23 - Light in the darkness

Chapter 24: 23 - Light in the darkness

At the end of this apocalyptic hell, initial reports estimate over two hundred civilian deaths, primarily nobles and their butlers who lived near the battlefield. The toll could have been much worse, but most residents evacuated before getting caught in the skirmish. Ayra was rushed to the royal family’s private medical center in critical condition. According to the doctors, her body—unable to endure the immense power of the Shadowshaper form—collapsed, like an overinflated balloon ready to burst.

The medical center is the most advanced facility I’ve ever seen—straight out of a sci-fi movie. Despite Mildelar’s gothic, almost medieval architecture, its technological development far surpasses ours. Yet, I see no flying machines or futuristic devices, which leads me to believe that vampires are a highly traditionalist race, relying on technology only in emergencies when, presumably, magic isn’t enough.

Ayra is submerged in what looks like a massive incubator filled with semi-transparent red liquid. Countless tiny tubes connect her body to a large machine, carrying a darker, denser red fluid—likely blood. I sit beside the incubator, assigned to assist the medical team if needed. For now, my job is to watch over her, call for help if she wakes up, and press a button if the machine monitoring her vitals sounds an alarm. Of course, since this concerns a princess’s life, doctors and assistants take turns checking on her, never leaving me alone.

My eyes remain locked on her—I don’t look away for even a second.

The sliding metal door of the medical center—opening like an elevator—slides open once again. Who is it this time? A doctor? A nurse? A guard? I don’t even turn to check—I don’t care. My focus is solely on Ayra, still unresponsive. Seeing her like this—trapped between life and death—stirs something in me... compassion? Could I really feel such an emotion for her? Would a slave pity their master? I doubt it... so why am I here, silently praying for her to wake up?

«You’re worried about her, aren’t you? It’s written all over your face.»

A female voice beside me breaks my silent thoughts. Turning slightly, I see Daphne, dressed in a long coat resembling those worn in human hospitals, though hers is crafted from elegant golden fabric with intricate embellishments. She was admitted alongside Ayra, but only as a precaution—she suffered no injuries, just exhaustion from excessive Sanguis energy use. A large dose of blood was enough to restore her completely.

«Yeah...» I reply simply, my voice tinged with melancholy but without hesitation.

For a familiar, showing concern for their master must be the most foolish thing a vampire could witness. I’ve kept up an indifferent act in front of the doctors, as if I were here purely out of duty. But in truth, I would have stayed by Ayra’s side regardless. With Daphne, though, it’s different. I don’t feel the need to suppress my emotions. The way she cared for her familiar during the battle, and the way Kajetan spoke about her, make me think their relationship isn’t built on daily torture and humiliation—just like mine with Ayra.

«That means my little sister is doing a good job with you. That truly makes me happy,» she says with a gentle smile, though her worried, tear-reddened eyes remain fixed on her sister’s motionless body.

«You and your sister are so different from the other vampires...» I murmur, lowering my gaze. «The familiars I’ve spoken to told me about the daily torture and abuse they suffer. Even your younger sisters—Sasha and Levreshka—whip and electrocute theirs. Not that I mind the more humane treatment I receive—same for Kajetan, I assume—but I don’t understand why there’s such a gap in how familiars are treated. Is it because I’m a predestined familiar and Kajetan is the top-ranked?»

Daphne shakes her head, a faint smile on her lips. «Kajetan didn’t become number one the day he became my familiar, yet I never mistreated him. In fact, I removed his control collar in less than a week. The practice of training familiars through fear has ancient roots. We know that when humans experience deep fear, they either break or awaken an inner strength that pushes them beyond their limits. So, the most logical approach was to keep familiars in a constant state of fear—though, over time, punishment shifted from education to mere entertainment. A view I do not share. I have always treated Kajetan with the utmost respect—within reason, of course, since he is still a human, not my equal—because I believe a familiar performs best when they fight to truly make their master happy, rather than out of fear of failure’s consequences.»

Her gaze moves from Ayra to me. «I imagine you’ve noticed that my little sister has a considerable... admiration for me?»

«Well, it’s hard not to notice...» I reply, smirking at the thought of all the ways Ayra tries to imitate Daphne.

«I don’t know when or why she became so attached to me. It may sound strange to you, but vampires don’t feel affection the way humans do—not even between sisters. Yet, Ayra is an exception. She has always been unusually empathetic, even as a child. Unfortunately, the world she was born into leaves no room for such emotions. I’m certain that her almost human-like nature, combined with her admiration for me, is why she treats you so differently from other familiars,» Daphne explains in her sweet, mesmerizing voice. «I hope that answered your question.» She finishes with a melancholic smile, turning her gaze back to her sister.

I knew it. Deep down, I was sure Ayra was different from other vampires, and Daphne’s words only confirmed it.

«You are truly a fortunate human, believe me. And not because you’re a predestined familiar, but because you’ve found the only light in this world of darkness,» Daphne adds, sitting beside me. I listen to every word in reverent silence.

«A world of darkness...» I repeat. «So, your views aren’t so different from Vespera’s,» I say, not accusing, just seeking clarification.

«Vespera’s beliefs, and those of her organization, aren’t entirely wrong. Like my little sister, I’m cursed with strong empathy, and the injustices of our society are painfully clear to me. But exterminating an entire race over it is pure madness. Today, their so-called pursuit of justice and freedom caused over two hundred innocent deaths—just a drop in the sea of victims their insanity has claimed. Violence only breeds more violence, which is why I can never support those terrorists.»

A speech worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize. Even Gandhi would be proud.

She finally places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. «It’s dinner time for the familiars. After everything you’ve been through today—your spectacular fight with Luke Dulcar and the CrimsonRequiem ambush—you can’t afford to go to bed on an empty stomach. I’ll stay with my sister. Go and enjoy your well-deserved rest.»

«I’m not hungry, I swear,» I reply, but at that exact moment, my stomach growls loudly in the silence of the room, protesting my determination to stay by Ayra’s side.

«Seems like your body disagrees,» she remarks, laughing heartily for the first time since I met her. A laugh that only accentuates her already stunning beauty.

«One last thing, Lyon.» Her expression suddenly turns serious. «She may not show it, but she’s working hard to make you a familiar worthy of the surname you’ve been given. I ask only one thing: do not hurt her. For any reason.» Her eyes narrow slightly, fixing me with a vaguely threatening gaze. «If I ever find out that you’ve made her suffer, I will personally make you experience such unbearable pain that you will beg me to kill you. Am I clear?»

«I would never do anything to hurt her feelings, I promise!» I reply firmly, though a hint of fear creeps into my voice due to her tone.

At my determined response, she smiles again. «I’ll let you know as soon as she recovers. Enjoy your meal, Lyon. And... don’t talk to any of that person’s family about what happened today»

With those words, she teleports me straight back to my room.

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