Memory and Regret

Blood Empire, Zeroland Town.

Selina drifted like a spirit above the unfamiliar town, her emerald eyes scanning the bustling vampire residents below, a trace of confusion in her gaze.

Her memory clung to the moment of their clash, when blinding white light engulfed everything.

A dizzying sensation had overwhelmed her, her senses numbed until the monochrome void gave way to this alien scene.

The clamor of voices snapped her back, the distinctive style of the shops and streets confirming this was vampire territory.

“Is this a city in the Blood Empire?” she murmured.

Unsure why her consciousness was here, she resolved to assess her surroundings first.

Controlling her ethereal form, she descended to the street, her translucent feet touching the ground without the weighty sensation of flesh.

Testing her state, she reached for the earth, her fingers passing through unhindered, like a glitch in a Blue Star game.

Her body could phase through or be phased through—a soul-like existence.

The setting, though clearly vampiric, was unfamiliar, not part of her memories.

Was I teleported somewhere random? A commotion drew her attention: two figures collided, tumbling to the ground.

A young vampire girl scrambled up, helping a cloaked woman in coarse linen, her face obscured.

“I’m so sorry, miss! I didn’t see you,” the girl said, her voice tender yet familiar.

Selina squinted, studying the girl’s features.

Despite differing hair and eye colors, the contours of her face and her aura sparked recognition.

This must be a young Avia. The contrast between this innocent child and the frenzied princess was stark, but Selina trusted her elven instincts.

The cloaked woman, half a head taller, stood silently, ignoring Avia’s apologies before moving to leave.

As she passed, Avia grabbed her trailing linen skirt. “Miss, you smell strongly of blood—are you hurt?” Her voice carried a child’s pure concern, her simple clothes belying the sincerity in her clear blue eyes.

Avia was this sweet as a kid? How’d she become such a lunatic? Selina thought, stunned.

The woman tried to pull away, but Avia’s grip held firm. “Miss, I knocked you down. If you’re hurt, please tell me. Even vampires can get sick if wounds aren’t treated.” Her stubbornness was endearing, like an adult taking responsibility.

“Let go. It’s not your concern,” the woman said coldly, her voice sharp. Avia paled but gripped the skirt with both hands, her blue eyes resolute. “Mama said if you do wrong, you fix it. I hurt you, so I can’t let go.” Her childish voice rang out, drawing glances from passersby.

Her ordinary vampire features were unremarkable, but her sky-blue eyes evoked boundless freedom, captivating onlookers.

“Such beautiful eyes,” Selina whispered, then froze.

Wait, who said that? The cloaked woman had echoed her thought, turning to face Avia.

Her crimson eyes softened with complex emotions as she patted Avia’s head.

“Your eyes are stunning, like your heart—clear as the sky, untainted.” Her voice, though weak, carried a regal undertone.

Startled, Avia stepped back. “Are you scared of me too?” the woman asked, grabbing Avia’s sleeve, her tone tinged with displeasure.

“No, miss, your eyes just… surprised me,” Avia said, steadying herself.

The woman muttered, “Even a child sees sorrow…”—inaudible to Avia but clear to Selina’s elven hearing.

The woman’s concealed aura and heavy blood scent screamed fugitive noble.

Most would avoid such a figure, but Avia’s genuine concern stood out.

She’s nothing like the Avia I fought, Selina thought. Accepting Avia’s kindness, the woman followed her home, Avia chattering to ease her guest’s nerves.

“Don’t worry, miss. My mama’s gentle. I hurt you, so we’ll take care of you. Rest at our house, and you can handle your business later.”

Her earnest words warmed the air.

The woman’s aura softened, touched by Avia’s purity.

But Selina frowned.

Taking a stranger home? Her intentions are good, but that woman’s eyes… The crimson gaze held a predatory desire, like a hunter eyeing a prized toy.

They reached a dilapidated shack, wedged between larger buildings—a slum hovel.

Avia burst in, calling for her mother with joy. The cloaked woman followed, her eyes deep and unreadable.

Selina tried to enter but was blocked by the closed door. Grimacing, she phased through.

Inside, Avia’s mother, Fagara, greeted them, her worn apron unable to hide her gentle warmth.

Learning of the incident, she smiled politely at the stranger. “My apologies, miss, for my daughter’s clumsiness.” The woman’s curt “It’s fine” was met with Fagara’s patient kindness.

She prepared tea and snacks, transforming the shabby space into a welcoming haven.

As night fell, Fagara and Avia cooked a simple meal, their laughter filling the room with cozy warmth.

So heartwarming, Selina thought, leaning against the wall. “Such a warm scene,” the cloaked woman echoed, startling Selina.

Why does she keep voicing my thoughts? The woman’s dark presence unnerved her, and an inexplicable pulse in her non-physical blood stirred, as if linked to this stranger.

Impossible. I’m pure elven royalty—how could I be tied to a vampire?

Dinner proceeded calmly, though the woman hesitated over the crude blood pudding.

Fagara noticed. “Is it not to your taste, miss?” The woman’s blunt “It’s too foul” didn’t faze Fagara.

“It may smell bad, but it’s tolerable to survive. Avia loves it.” She piled more into Avia’s bowl, her blue eyes mirroring her daughter’s, brimming with maternal love.

Avia, engrossed in eating, flashed innocent smiles.

“Where’s your husband?” the woman asked, her frown easing. “Avia’s father died five years ago in the war,” Fagara said calmly. “He enlisted to better our lives but never returned.” Her voice held no fresh grief, only quiet acceptance.

The woman questioned the lack of military compensation, and Fagara shrugged. “The government and nobles take their cut. We make do.”

Avia, finished, diligently collected dishes to wash, the sound of water filling the silence.

“You must be someone important,” Fagara said suddenly. The woman bristled. “Why say that?” Fagara smiled. “Your accent hints at the capital, Bloodwave City.” The woman scoffed, “Noble or common, I’m just a fugitive now.” Her bitterness was palpable.

“Your wounds are serious,” Fagara noted. “Are you threatening me?” the woman snapped, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Fagara coughed violently, blood staining her hand, quickly hidden. “I want to propose a deal… or a humble request,” she said weakly, glancing toward Avia’s washing sounds.

The conversation cut off as the scene froze, like a glitching screen.

Flickering darkness swallowed everything, then cleared.

The shack was now ablaze, flames devouring it. On the street, young Avia was restrained by two armored guards, dragged before a woman in a gothic dress, her silver hair gleaming, crimson eyes radiating regal dominance—the Vampire Queen.

“Your Majesty, we have her,” a guard said. Avia stared, horrified, as the queen unveiled herself from the linen cloak.

Behind, Fagara was bound to a cross.

The queen pinched Avia’s chin, her ruby eyes mocking. “Recognize me, little Avia?” Avia stammered, unable to speak.

“Such beautiful eyes, even in fear,” the queen purred. “I want to dye them crimson like mine. Embrace me, shed your filthy blood for my royal lineage. Forget your weak mother. Your past burns with these flames; your future rises in a sea of blood. You’ll be my third daughter, my precious princess.”

Her seductive voice was a devil’s whisper, chilling Avia’s trembling heart.