Vampire Master - English Version

Mysterious Vampire

I woke to the soothing sensation of a hand brushing against my forehead, its warmth both foreign and oddly comforting. The remnants of a dream clung to me, like shadows refusing to let go.

"Don't leave me," I mumbled in my half-conscious state, my voice soft and vulnerable.

"It's okay. I'm here," came a deep, velvety voice, filled with an inexplicable longing. The tone was gentle, almost hesitant, as though he feared his words might shatter the fragile moment.

I stirred slightly, the fog in my mind lifting just enough for me to sense another presence beside me. Slowly, my eyelids fluttered open, and the world around me began to take shape. The warm sunlight kissed my skin, dappling through the dense greenery above. The gentle roar of water met my ears, rhythmic and calming, yet unfamiliar.

I pushed myself upright, a dull ache spreading across my head like an echo of whatever had happened before. "Where... am I?" I whispered, my voice hoarse and laced with confusion.

As my surroundings came into focus, I gasped. I was sitting by a waterfall, its cascading waters sparkling in the sunlight, creating a misty veil that danced in the air. The greenery around me was vibrant, almost surreal, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the freshness of the water. It was breathtaking—and yet, unsettlingly familiar.

My thoughts were interrupted by a deep voice. "How are you feeling?"

Startled, I whipped my head around, realizing for the first time that I wasn't alone. There, a short distance away, sat a man. How had I not noticed him before?

He exuded a strange mix of casualness and intensity. He wore a simple white cotton t-shirt and khaki cargo pants, his black-and-white sneakers dusted with dirt. Despite the casual attire, something about him commanded attention—an air of quiet confidence, coupled with a striking presence that seemed almost otherworldly.

"Are you okay now?" he asked again, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

My instincts flared, warning me to be cautious. "Who are you?" I asked, trying to steady my voice, though my heart raced.

He didn't answer immediately, his expression remaining unreadable. "You still don't know how to be careful, do you?" he said instead, his tone carrying a mix of annoyance and a strange, underlying concern.

"Excuse me?" I snapped, narrowing my eyes. "Do I know you? Wait... are you with that creepy vampire from earlier?" My suspicion grew as fragmented memories of my last moments before blacking out returned.

The man scoffed, his jaw tightening as if offended. "Do I look like I'd associate with someone like that?"

His words were curt, but his tone lacked malice. I studied him carefully, taking in the sharp lines of his face, the way the sunlight glinted off his dark hair. His eyes—deep blue and impossibly expressive—seemed to hold secrets I couldn't quite grasp.

When he caught me staring, a faint blush crept up his cheeks.

Did he... just blush?

Unable to suppress my amusement, I let out a soft giggle. His reaction was unexpected, disarming even.

"Can you not look at me like that?" he muttered, his hands flying up to cover his face. The vulnerability in his voice was endearing, a stark contrast to the mysterious aura he projected.

"A shy vampire... who would've thought?" I teased, laughter bubbling up again despite myself.

He sighed, clearly flustered, and turned his gaze away. "What's your name?" I asked, leaning slightly forward, my curiosity piqued.

For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a quiet resolve, he replied, "Zymeth."

The name rolled off his tongue like a secret, and for reasons I couldn't explain, it felt familiar. "Zymeth," I repeated softly, testing it on my lips. "That's a beautiful name."

He stiffened at my words, his shoulders tensing as though I'd struck a chord. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he stopped himself. Instead, he offered a faint smile, one tinged with a bittersweet quality that made my chest tighten.

"I've missed hearing that," he murmured, so quietly I almost thought I imagined it.

A chill ran through me. "Wait... where are we?" I asked, trying to focus on the bigger picture. "This place... it feels familiar, like I've seen it in my dreams."

His expression darkened at my words, a flicker of fear passing through his eyes.

"And you..." I continued, my voice trembling. "It feels like I know you, like I've known you for a long time."

Zymeth looked away, avoiding my gaze. His silence only deepened the unease pooling in my chest.

Puzzled, I stood up slowly, stretching as I inhaled the crisp, fragrant air. I absentmindedly pulled my hair up, letting the cool breeze touch my neck, unaware of the effect it had on him.

When I turned back, I saw his hands clutching his throat, his body trembling as though he were fighting something within himself. His eyes glowed faintly, betraying a struggle that seemed to consume him.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my concern genuine.

"I'm fine," he said hoarsely, forcing a strained smile. "Let's get you home."

Before I could protest or ask what he meant, he moved. In the blink of an eye, I found myself back in my room, the sudden shift leaving me dizzy.

"What the...!" I gasped, clutching my head as I stumbled.

Zymeth caught me effortlessly before I could fall, his arms steady and warm against my frame. Flustered, I tried to pull away too quickly, causing us both to lose balance and tumble onto my bed.

Time seemed to freeze.

I found myself lying beneath him, our faces mere inches apart. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, the air between us crackled with unspoken tension. His eyes flickered to my lips before his focus shifted—to my neck.

The sound of my heartbeat thundered in my ears as I saw his fangs glint faintly in the light. He clenched his jaw, visibly struggling against whatever primal urge was rising within him.

Then, as abruptly as it began, he pulled away, his movements sharp and deliberate. Before I could say a word, he was gone, leaving only the faint scent of him lingering in the air.

"Zymeth," I whispered, his name slipping from my lips like a plea as I stared at the empty space where he had been.