A/n: Thank you to the people reading this book! 🩷

Carried within the protective embrace of a magical room, Kousei's slumbering form traversed secret passages known only to those who existed at the crossroads of the supernatural world. The underground labyrinth and the hidden forest trails were veiled from the eyes of ordinary humans, leading the procession towards a sanctuary where the boundaries between vampire and vampire hunter blurred—the castle of Cair Luthien. The castle stood as a testament to the coexistence that had been achieved between two opposing worlds. Its ancient stones bore the weight of history, a history forged by both darkness and redemption. Vampire and vampire hunter seniors alike resided within its walls, a council of elders who understood the delicate balance that kept their kind in check.

As Kousei's unconscious form was gently set down in a room within the castle, the elders gathered around him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and understanding. Elder Akihiko's gaze lingered on the young vampire, his eyes carrying the wisdom of centuries. There was a weight to his presence, a sense of authority that spoke of a man who had seen the ebb and flow of time.

"He sleeps soundly," Elder Akihiko's voice was a rumble of thoughtfulness, his words carrying the weight of deliberation. "We must wait for him to wake before proceeding with the ritual."

The other elders nodded in agreement, their respect for Elder Akihiko's wisdom evident in their deference. They knew that this moment was pivotal, that Kousei's transformation held the potential to change the fate of vampires and hunters alike. Hours passed in quiet vigil, the room bathed in the soft light that filtered through the castle's windows. Kousei's form remained at rest, his slumber untouched by the passage of time. The elders waited with patience, understanding the gravity of what was to come.

As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky with its tender hues, Kousei's eyes fluttered open. His vision was greeted by the ornate surroundings of the room, the air heavy with a sense of sanctity. He sat up, the realization of his surroundings dawning upon him.

Elder Akihiko's gaze met Kousei's, the weight of his experience carried in the depths of his eyes. "Welcome, Kousei Arima. You stand on the threshold of a new existence."

Kousei's heart raced, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty swirling within him. He looked around at the gathered elders, their presence a mixture of reverence and hope. The moment had come for him to embrace his destiny, to confront the darkness within and find a way to coexist with his new nature.

As Elder Akihiko spoke of the ritual that awaited him, Kousei's breath caught in his throat. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges and choices that would shape the course of his existence. The elders' eyes held a mixture of expectation and encouragement, a silent understanding that he was not alone in this journey.

Bound by the sanctuary of Cair Luthien, surrounded by those who had transcended the boundaries of their nature, Kousei stood at the crossroads of his destiny. The echoes of his past and the promise of his future converged, a symphony of shadows and light that would resonate through the ages.

...

"Choose wisely, Arima Kousei," Elder Elastaari told him. "Do you want to embrace your nature or die as human with a stake on your heart?"

The elders' words hung heavy in the air, a choice that carried the weight of a lifetime. Kousei's heart pounded as he listened to their words—the option to end his life and escape the darkness, or to undergo a ritual that would transform him into a true vampire, capable of controlling his thirst. Elder Elastarii's warning about the loss of memories tugged at Kousei's heart. The prospect of forgetting the life he had known, the people he had loved, filled him with a sense of sorrow. But the glimmer of hope—the possibility of regaining those memories if he saw familiar faces—offered a sliver of comfort.

Elder Akihiko's voice echoed with the gravity of eternity, the promise of immortality tempered by the warning of becoming a living dead. The dichotomy of his choice was stark, a choice between embracing his new existence and acknowledging the sacrifice it entailed.

As the moments stretched into a silent eternity, Kousei's gaze met the eyes of the elders, their expressions a tapestry of understanding and patience. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of his decision heavy upon him. With a voice that trembled slightly, Kousei made his choice. "There's nothing I can do. I... I choose to be reborn as a vampire."

The room seemed to vibrate with the weight of his decision, the energy shifting as if in acknowledgment of his choice. The elders nodded, their expressions a mixture of respect and approval.

The ritual began, the atmosphere around Kousei charged with an otherworldly energy. He felt a searing pain surge through his veins, a fire that consumed his humanity and replaced it with something else—an essence that was both ancient and new. The room seemed to blur around him, the edges of reality fading into darkness. His senses became heightened, the world transforming around him. The pain was a symphony of sensation, an orchestration of his transformation. He could feel his humanity draining away, the memories of his past slipping through his grasp like sand through his fingers.

Yet, amidst the pain, a strange sense of clarity emerged. Kousei's vision sharpened, his senses heightened, as if he was becoming attuned to the very essence of the world around him. He felt a strange connection to the shadows, a familiarity that seemed to whisper secrets he had yet to uncover. As the ritual reached its culmination, Kousei's body trembled, a mixture of agony and rebirth coursing through him. The darkness receded, and he found himself standing amidst the gathered elders, his form altered and his existence forever changed. The pain ebbed away, replaced by a profound sense of transformation. Kousei's gaze met the eyes of the elders, his crimson eyes a reflection of the new nature he had embraced. He was no longer fully human, but something else—an immortal creature of the night, bound by shadows and secrets.

His journey had led him to this moment—the embrace of his true nature, the shedding of his humanity, and the birth of something entirely new. As he stood there, on the cusp of eternity, Kousei's heart raced with a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, ready to face the uncharted path that lay ahead.

...

As Kousei emerged from the depths of his transformation, his senses tingled with a newfound awareness. He found himself surrounded by Vampire Hunter Rowan, Rosen, and Aiza Hatoshii—the ones who had stood by him throughout his journey into the shadows. His gaze met theirs, his crimson eyes wide and curious, much like a child's.

Rowan chuckled softly, extending a hand towards Kousei. "Welcome back, little one."

Kousei's head tilted, his expression one of innocence and curiosity. "Little... one?"

Rosen joined in with a chuckle, ruffling Kousei's hair playfully. "You've just been reborn, Kousei. You're like a baby vampire now."

"Baby... vampire?" Kousei's voice held a note of wonder, his eyes widening with childlike fascination. He looked around, taking in his surroundings with a sense of awe.

Aiza's smile was warm as he knelt down, his eyes meeting Kousei's. "You might not remember much, but that's okay. You're starting a new chapter."

Kousei's lips curled into a small smile, a glimmer of understanding in his gaze. "New... chapter."

The trio of vampire hunters exchanged amused glances, their hearts softened by the innocence that radiated from Kousei. His transformation had stripped away his memories, but it had also given him a chance to start anew, free from the burdens of his past.

With gentle guidance, they led Kousei through the castle of Cair Luthien. He looked around with wide eyes, marveling at the grandeur of his new surroundings. His fingers brushed against the ornate walls, and he laughed softly, the sound like music to their ears.

"Pretty... castle," Kousei's voice was filled with wonder, his laughter infectious.

Rowan smiled, his voice warm. "Yes, it is. And you're going to be part of it now."

Kousei's gaze shifted to Rosen, who offered a mischievous grin. "And don't worry, we'll show you around. We'll teach you all the vampire hunter secrets."

Kousei's eyes lit up, his curiosity piqued. "Secrets...?"

As they walked together, the castle's halls echoing with their laughter, Kousei's innocence shone like a beacon of hope. He was a newborn in this world, untainted by the darkness that had once consumed him. His transformation had given him a second chance, a chance to explore, learn, and embrace the wonders that awaited him and so, with the guidance of his newfound companions, Kousei embarked on a journey of discovery, his laughter mingling with their own as they navigated the intricate dance of coexistence between the worlds of vampire and vampire hunter.

...

A/n: Thank you for reading my book! 💕