Bloodbound Flame

The airport buzzed with tired souls, echoing footsteps, and the occasional blare of an intercom. Alexandra Ignara stepped off the long-haul flight from New York with little more than a worn black backpack slung over one shoulder and a heavy, overstuffed duffle bag in her grip. She didn’t wait for help. She never did. Her fiery ginger waves bounced against her back as she moved through the terminal, blue eyes sharp beneath heavy lashes. The scars on her abdomen and back tugged slightly as she walked, a silent reminder of the past she never talked about.

“Miss Ignara?” a hesitant voice called out from the cargo pickup area. Alex gave a quick nod to the airport employee standing beside a large, black crate. “We’ve... got your motorcycle,” he said slowly, staring at the matte-black Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special like it was a piece of alien technology. “You ride this?” Alex raised a brow. “No, I push it with my mind,” she said flatly, snatching the keys from his outstretched hand.

The employee flushed awkwardly. She was used to that look—a girl like you riding a beast like that?—yeah, yeah. Men always assumed things. Screw them. With a practiced motion, Alex secured her duffle bag to the back of the bike, slipped on her black helmet, and straddled the machine like she was born to ride it. Her backpack stayed on her shoulders, her guitar secured tightly to the side.

The engine growled to life beneath her, a low rumble that turned heads as she peeled away from the curb and rode off, past the city lights, down winding roads, and finally into the forest where the trees grew taller and shadows stretched longer. By the time she reached the estate, the sun had begun to sink behind the trees. The Sakamaki mansion loomed at the edge of the woods like something out of a gothic dream: all towering stone, wrought iron, and centuries of silence. As Alex pulled up, the hairs on the back of her neck rose.

The air... wasn’t human.

She stepped off the bike, alert. Something was off her, almost too quiet. Her instincts flared, but she kept her expression neutral. After unstrapping her dufflebag and guitar case, she approached the massive front doors and knocked, three firm raps that echoed far too long.

It took a few minutes, but the door eventually creaked open. A tall, thin man with silver-gray hair, sunken eyes, and a perfectly pressed suit stood there. A butler. Of course. “Yes?” he asked, voice cool, suspicious. “May I ask who you are and what your business is here?” Alex reached into her jacket and held out a folded letter bearing an elegant wax seal. “Alexandra Ignara. I’m supposed to stay here while attending the medical program at the night school.”

The butler took the letter, eyes narrowing as he scanned it. Recognition flashed briefly in his expression. He stepped aside. “Very well. Please, come in.”

She sighed inwardly. ′Weird old butler, check. Dark creepy entrance hall? Double check. Very homey.′She stepped inside, boots echoing faintly on the polished stone. “This way, Miss Ignara,” the butler said, leading her through the shadowed hallways until they entered a lavish living room, warm with the glow of a fire burning in the hearth. “Wait here. I will inform the master.”

Alex dropped her duffle at her feet and glanced around. Ornate furniture. Antique books. Probably dust older than her. She stared into the flames and let out a long, exhausted sigh. ′Can they hurry up?′Sixteen hours of travel and a jetlag from hell, her bones begged for sleep. Ten minutes passed before the butler returned, this time, with a tall man behind him.

Sharp eyes behind thin-framed glasses, dark neatly combed hair, a formal suit. Every inch of him screamed control and superiority. He walked toward her with slow, deliberate steps. “I am Reiji Sakamaki,” he said, tone clipped and precise. Alex raised her hand awkwardly. “Uhm. Hi. Alexandra Ignara, but just call me Alex.” He blinked once, eyebrows rising at the casual tone. “We were not informed of your arrival,” he said. “But... no matter. I have heard of this new program.” His eyes raked down her body, expression unreadable.

Alex frowned. ′What the hell is he looking at?′

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. “I must say, I’m surprised. You don’t seem the type for rigorous study. Rather... rough around the edges, aren’t you?” She rolled her eyes. “Well, maybe don’t judge a book by its cover?” That earned a soft chuckle from him. “Well said. Please follow me. I will show you to your room.” She grabbed her dufflebag, guitar slung over her shoulder, and followed him in silence down several long corridors. Eventually, he opened a door.

The room was large, almost regal. A queen-sized bed with crimson and black sheets, a tall antique mirror, a makeup table, closet, nightstand. The color palette: crimson and grey. Dark elegance. Alex stepped inside, glancing around. ′Not bad. Could be worse.′ “Night school begins in three hours,” Reiji said. “Be downstairs on time. You will meet the other residents then. Your school uniform is on the bed.” “Okay. Thank you,” she replied, nodding. He gave her one final glance before turning and leaving, the door clicking shut behind him.

Alex exhaled, her whole body sinking. She walked over and leaned her guitar case against the closet, dropped the duffle beside it, then turned to the bed, only to recoil slightly. “What the hell...” she muttered, eyes narrowing at the uniform. It was way too girly, short maroon skirt, white blouse, navy jacket, and red bow. Her face twisted. “Oh hell no. Way too short. And why the damn bow?” She shook her head. ′I’m changing that later.′

She peeled off her jacket, then her boots, and flopped down on the bed with a long, relieved sigh. Finally lying down felt like heaven. Reiji wasn’t human—she could feel it. But what exactly he was? That would be a problem for future Alex. She pulled her phone from her pocket, set the alarm for 2.5 hours, and curled onto her side, cradling the device in her hand.

Sleep came quickly.

BZZZZZZ.

Her alarm buzzed like a demon in her ear. Groaning, she slapped it off. “Ughh... I need more sleep.” Rubbing her eyes, she sat up slowly and glared at the uniform like it had personally offended her. “Alright, let’s fix this disaster.” She dug into her duffle and found what she needed. Minutes later, she was dressed in black lace-up boots, fitted black pants, the school’s white blouse, and the navy jacket—no bow. Hell no. Her ginger hair was pulled into a loose, stylish ponytail with strands framing her face, accentuating her earrings and piercings.

Her sketchbook went into her oak-colored shoulder bag. She took a deep breath. ′Time to meet the rest of the freak show.′

Alex opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, her boots clicking softly as she walked toward whatever fate was waiting in the shadows. The sound of Alex’s boots echoed down the wide staircase as she descended from the upper floor. She tugged the strap of her oak-colored shoulder bag slightly tighter, steadying her nerves as she approached the glowing warmth of the living room.

Inside, the Sakamaki family had gathered.

Shu lay slouched across the fainting couch, headphones half-on, half-off, his usual blank stare directed at the crackling fire. Ayato lounged on an armchair, tossing a blood apple in the air, catching it with lazy confidence. Kanato sat cross-legged on the floor by the fire, rocking slightly, cradling his ever-present teddy bear, whispering unintelligibly to it. Subaru stood near the window, arms crossed, face tilted toward the shadows, scowling at nothing. Laito was on the couch with one leg draped over the armrest, spinning his hat on a single finger. Reiji stood by the fireplace with a glass of something dark and red, eyes closed in thought. And Yui… sat quietly on the edge of the love seat near the center, her hands neatly folded in her lap, shoulders stiff as if she didn’t quite belong.

Then Alex stepped into the room.

“Uh… hi,” she said, giving a small wave, her voice casual but tight. All eyes turned to her. Yui blinked, tilting her head in surprise at the unfamiliar girl. Kanato’s head jerked unnaturally to the side, eyes gleaming. Subaru’s expression darkened further. Laito’s smile widened into something more wolfish, his eyes gleaming with interest. Shu didn’t move, but one eye opened. Ayato sat forward, squinting.

“Who the hell are you?” Ayato demanded. “And why are you here?” Subaru growled, his voice low. “Another toy?” Kanato murmured, clutching Teddy tighter. “Is she going to cry?” Yui stood slowly, voice tentative. “Are… you new here?” Reiji, unbothered by the tension, stepped forward calmly. “This is Alexandra Ignara. She will be staying at the estate while attending the new night medical program.” Laito’s eyes glinted. “Ooh~ how official. But we weren’t told of any guest, Reiji.” “The letter had his seal,” Reiji said flatly. That shut them up. A few exchanged glances. Even Shu sat up slightly straighter. “…His?” Kanato hissed. Reiji nodded once. Alex raised an eyebrow. “So… you all know who that is, huh?”

Before any could respond, Laito grinned wider, standing. “Welcome to the mansion, Little Hellcat.” His fangs flashed in the firelight. Alex blinked. ′Vampires. Awesome. Again.′ Then Reiji’s voice cut sharply, “Miss Ignara, your school uniform is far from proper. That ensemble is—” Alex raised an eyebrow, glancing at the brothers. “Are your brothers also improper for not wearing their uniforms correctly?” She gestured at Ayato’s untucked shirt and Laito’s unbuttoned jacket.

Reiji’s eye twitched. “That is beside the point—” “Sure it is,” she muttered, shrugging. Yui suppressed a nervous smile. Kanato began humming. Subaru rolled his eyes. “Well,” Reiji said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Enough delay. We are leaving for school.” They all filed out toward the front doors. A sleek black limo waited by the estate gates.

But Alex turned toward her motorcycle, ignoring the limo entirely. “Wait… you’re not getting in?” Yui asked, confused. Alex swung her leg over her Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special. “No thanks. I’ll ride.” Reiji’s frown deepened. “That is highly unladylike.” “Good thing I’m not your lady then,” Alex said, fastening her helmet. Laito chuckled. “Fiery Little Hellcat indeed~.” Subaru stared. “You can ride that thing? What kind of girl—” Alex groaned. “Get in line with the other old-fashioned men.” Subaru scowled, fists clenched.

Ayato looked at the bike with a half-smirk. “Tch. It’s… not bad.” Alex winked. “See you there.” She revved the engine, loud and confident, and drove off into the darkening forest road before any of them could react.

“…She’s different,” Shu muttered. “Trouble,” Reiji hissed. “Unrefined trouble.”

The wind howled past her helmet as Alex raced through the trees, weaving through the cool night air. ′Man, I could ride forever…′ Her side mirror flickered with headlights. She caught sight of the limo behind her—closing fast. ′Huh… it’s driving way faster than normal.′

Then—

Screeching. A violent skid. The limo veered off the road and crashed, full force, into a tree.

BOOM!

An explosion of flames and shattering glass erupted. “Shit!” Alex hit the brakes, coming to a hard stop just before smoke billowed toward her. She threw off the helmet, sprinting toward the wreck—only to see Ayato, holding Yui, appear from the smoke. “What the hell happened?” she demanded. “No idea,” Ayato muttered, setting Yui down as she coughed. The brothers emerged, dazed but unharmed, save for slightly torn clothes and confused glares. Laito, unusually calm, looked up the hill nearby. “Maybe,” he said slowly, “ask them.”

Everyone turned.

Silhouetted against the moonlight, four figures stood atop the hill. Still. Silent. “Who the hell are you?!” Ayato roared. No reply. Alex’s ears twitched. A whisper. “Eve…” She stiffened. “What the hell…” Then, as if part of the fog, the figures vanished. “They smell awful,” Kanato snarled. “Like rot and filth.” Yui clutched her chest. “What… what were they?” “Not exactly like us,” Shu said grimly, “but… close.” Subaru’s gaze turned to Alex. He narrowed his eyes. “You knew we’re vampires, didn’t you?” Alex didn’t reply. Her silence said enough. “We’re not going to school like this,” Reiji snapped. “Back to the estate. Now.”

Alex sighed, walking to her bike. Ayato jogged up beside her, smirking. “Hey. How about a ride back?” Alex raised a brow. “Why should I?” “Because I’m Ore-sama,” he declared, puffing his chest. Alex laughed. “Give me a good reason.” “You should listen to me!” “Very funny,” she grinned, fastening her helmet. “But nope. Walk, fly. whatever you do, vampire boy.”

All of them froze. “She… knows,” Yui whispered. “How?” Laito murmured.

Alex revend the engine. “See you at home,” she called, then roared off.

Back at the estate, she parked, locked the bike, and wandered inside. Her body ached. Her head spun. ′Eve… vampires… what the hell is happening now?′ She changed into jeans, her crimson off-shoulder blouse with black leather belt, and laced her boots. Sitting at the window, she opened her sketchbook. She drew the limo engulfed in flames… and behind it, the shadows on the hill. She added glowing eyes.

Twenty minutes passed.

Then she noticed something outside. A lone figure in the rose garden. ′Yui?′Alex frowned. She closed the book, pocketed her phone, and walked downstairs into the night air. Yui stood before the blood-red roses, lost in thought. “Can’t sleep?” Alex asked. Yui turned, startled. “Uhm… no, not really. You?” “Jetlag,” Alex shrugged. “New York life.” “New York?” Yui’s eyes widened. “That’s… so far away.” “Yeah,” Alex chuckled softly. “Feels like another life.” Yui plucked a rose petal and whispered, “I heard it again… that voice. Eve.” Alex’s eyes narrowed. “You too?” Yui gasped. “You… heard it too?” Alex nodded. Then— “Eve…”

A voice whispered again. Both girls froze. Footsteps echoed around them.

Yui backed closer to Alex. “Wh-what’s—” Alex’s body tensed. “Get behind me.” A tall blond man appeared, stepping into the moonlight. Slim, stylish. “Good evening, ladies,” he purred, winking. Alex’s jaw tightened. Another boy emerged to their right. Slender, bandaged, with dead eyes and a scarred face. Yui turned to run, but collided with a wall of muscle. A massive figure with dark eyes and a smirk.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he growled. Alex’s eyes flicked to the fangs. “Fuck.” ′Vampires.′ She grabbed Yui’s wrist. “Come on!”

They ran, racing through thorns, moonlight slicing the path—until a figure blocked their exit. A boy in glasses, tall, lean, with the calm of a predator. “We came here… for you,” he said. Alex growled. ′Not now.′ But then—“They come from all sides. Watch it.” The growl in her head—Sam.

She turned to punch the closest attacker, but a cloth slammed over her mouth. She thrashed. The scent—chloroform. Her body weakened, vision blurred. “Son of a—” she hissed, then everything faded to black.