Whispers of the Forgotten Eve

The night sky hung heavy with dark clouds swirling ominously above the towering Sakamaki estate. Yui’s heart hammered in her chest as she stepped off the taxi, the cold wind tugging at her coat. The mansion loomed before her, a haunting silhouette against the stormy sky. What unknown awaited her behind those ancient gates? She didn’t know, and the uncertainty made her breath hitch.

Before Yui could move toward the grand front door, a sleek black taxi glided quietly to a stop just behind hers. The driver’s door opened, and out stepped a girl who immediately caught Yui’s attention.

She carried a duffle bag slung over one shoulder and a worn guitar case in the other hand, both looking well-traveled and loved. Sora’s long black hair shimmered with crimson streaks that caught the faint light, falling around her face and down her back. Her molten amber eyes, flecked with crimson, scanned the estate with a strange mix of calm determination and faint fear.

Her outfit was casual but distinct: an oversized vintage-style white and black shirt under a dark red denim jacket, black ripped jeans hugging her legs, and black platform boots completing the look. She slipped off her red-and-white headphones and looped them around her neck, giving the estate a bored glance before finally noticing Yui.

Yui blinked, confused but curious. The other girl’s presence seemed almost too composed. “Hey, I’m Sora,” Sora said casually, voice low and relaxed, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. “Looks like they sent me here, too.” Yui nodded nervously. “Nice to meet you, I’m Yui Komori. Me too… I don’t really know why.”

The two girls started walking toward the massive front door. Just as they took a few steps, thunder rumbled overhead, and rain began to fall in heavy sheets.

Yui gasped and broke into a hurried run toward the door, her fear of the storm evident. Sora, however, walked calmly, unfazed by the thunder or the rain. ‘This is nothing,’ she thought, remembering every nightmare and horror she had survived, nothing compared to what she had been through.

Yui’s shaking hand raised to knock on the door, but before she could touch it, the heavy wooden door creaked open on its own. Yui jumped back, startled, while Sora raised a single eyebrow, amused. “Okay…” she muttered.

The girls stepped inside cautiously. “Hello?” Yui called out, her voice echoing through the vast, dark foyer. Sora’s sharp eyes darted around, taking in the cold, almost unnatural atmosphere. ‘This estate... this air... it screams not human.’

Suddenly, Yui’s eyes caught movement. A boy sat slouched in a chair, seemingly lifeless. She hurried toward him, and touches his hand, startled feeling he is ice cold. “Hey! Are you okay? Do you need help? Should I call an ambulance?” Her voice was panicked, hands trembling as she reached for her phone. Sora’s gaze narrowed as she felt a strange, vibrating aura around the boy. The air crackled with irritation, like the boy was annoyed at being disturbed.

Before Yui could call for help, the boy’s eyes snapped open, revealing sharp, predatory amber eyes. He grabbed her phone swiftly and muttered, “You shouldn’t be here.” Then suddenly grabs Yui’s waist pulling on the couch under him.

Yui gasped, calling "What are you doing?!" frozen as the boy smirked ‘What do you think, I’m about to take you’, baring his long, pointed fangs as he lunged forward, licking her neck, attempting to bite her neck.

Sora frowned deeply, watching the scene unfold. Around Yui, a violet aura flared wildly, fear, confusion. Then she saw it clearly. ′Vampires.′

Sora stepped forward, ready to intervene, but before she could, another figure appeared: Reiji Sakamaki, arriving with perfect timing, scolding, “Ayato, this is the entrance hall to greet out guests, this behavior is only allowed in your bedroom.” Ayato growled in annoyance at being interrupted, while Yui darted toward Reiji, desperation in her eyes.

Reiji’s cold gaze swept over them. “Who are you?” Yui swallowed hard. “I’m Yui Komori, I was sent here to live.” Sora awkwardly raised a hand. “Uh… I’m Sora. Same here.”

Reiji blinked, surprised. “I didn’t know about this.” He looked toward Ayato, “Ayato, explain this to me”, Ayato shrugged, “I don’t know, that Pancake didn’t say anything about it.” Making Yui blush furiously. Sora barely held back a chuckle. ′Kinda true, she is pretty flat.′

“Come to the living room. We’ll talk,” Reiji said, gesturing toward the butler waiting nearby. The old man, creepy and stoic, approached. Sora dropped her guitar case and duffle bag on the floor, muttering, “Better not lose these…” The butler took the bags silently and Sora followed Yui to the living room.

Inside, the boys gathered. Ayato sat in a chair, watching them coldly. Yui settled on the couch, hands folded nervously in her lap. Sora leaned against the fireplace, hands shoved into her jacket pockets, already growing restless.

Reiji’s voice cut through the silence, asking Yui for more details about why she was here. Suddenly, a voice called down from the stairs. “ What’s this, two cute girls here?” Laito sauntered into the room, a mischievous grin on his face. He suddenly appeared beside Yui, leaning in to lick her cheek. Yui gasped, shocked. “How sweet you taste,” Laito murmured.

Sora smirked inside. ′Yuki used to do that teleport thing to startle me. Annoying most of the time.′

Kanato appeared behind the couch, his pale face close to Yui’s ear. “I want to taste you too,” he whispered, licking her ear. Yui yelped, nearly jumping out of her skin. “Enough, don’t you two think that behavior is proper?” Reiji scolded, but Laito and Kanato just grinned, clearly hard to resist the ‘sweetness.’

Ayato growled possessively. “Ore-Sama saw her first. She’ll be my first everything.” From somewhere, a harsh voice called out, “So lame you call yourself Ore-Sama.”

Subaru appeared suddenly standing at the wall, eyes flashing red with irritation. Yui asked where he came from, but he growled his question first, punching the wall, making Yui flinch. Sora sighed quietly, feeling the tension spike as Subaru’s aura vibrated angrily.

Reiji looked around. “Does anyone know why these girls are here?” Laito blinked. “Girls? Wait, who’s this?” His eyes finally landed on Sora, leaning casually against the fireplace, catching him off guard.

Ayato growled, “I saw her first too. She’s mine for the first everything.” Subaru smirked, exchanging barbs with Ayato who growled annoyed. Laito grinned. “Who are you?” “Uh… Sora,” she replied nonchalantly. Laito leaned closer, flashing a flirtatious smile, but Sora dodged his gaze, clearly bored. Laito frowned slightly.

Just then, Shu appeared, stretched out on a couch. Kanato demanded answers. Shu explained that he’d been contacted a few days ago by him about expecting two guests, one from the church, the other fresh out of foster care. Sora internally groaned, ′Did he have to say that?′

Ayato muttered, “Those two are sacrificial brides?” Shu warned, “Oh, and he said not to kill them, especially the one from foster care.” Sora blinked in confusion. Laito chuckled knowingly. “Then we will have a very long relationship with those two.”

Yui stood, trying to back away from the strange atmosphere. “No, this must be a mistake.” Reiji shook his head. “It’s not.”

He then introduced the brothers properly as Ayato called Sora “Curvy,” and Laito teased her with a nickname, “Ruby”, because of the crimson highlights in her hair, making Sora roll her eyes.

Yui’s nerves cracked. “I want to call my father. You’re all so… weird.” Ayato smirked, holding up her confiscated phone. Sora breathed a quiet sigh of relief, thinking, ′Phew, glad mine’s still safe in my bag.′ Yui struggled for her phone, but Ayato laughed mockingly. Subaru suddenly grabbed it, crushing it with a snap. Yui stared in shock.

Kanato and Laito continued bothering Yui suddenly standing behind her grabbing her shoulders, ready to lick her neck, causing her to yelp. When she tried to run, she stumbled, scraping her knee. The brothers all stared, their vampire nature now undeniable.

Yui shocked, “V-Vampires...?” She quickly grabbed her cross holding it out to them. Sora rolled her eyes silently. ′Oh come on… you’re really doing the cross thing?′ Reiji growled at Yui for believing in such superstitions about vampires and garlic and sunlight, clearly annoyed. Sora watched the fear in Yui’s aura grow heavier, glowing more and frowned. She could practically feel it radiating from across the room.

Suddenly, Yui screamed and bolted from the living room. Reiji scolded her poor manners.

Sora cleared her throat, drawing attention. “Uhm... can someone show me to my room?” Subaru’s eyes narrowed, growling, “Aren’t you scared? We’re vampires.” Sora gave a sheepish grin. “There are funnier things in the world, right? Hehe.” Subaru stared oddly. Laito smirked. Reiji studied Sora carefully, then nodded. “I will show you your room. The others will get the other girl.” As the brothers teleported away, Sora nodded silently and followed Reiji up the grand staircase, the storm outside now only a distant memory.

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The corridor was dim, bathed in the golden glow of oil lamps and candles, flickering like wary eyes. As Sora walked behind Reiji, her hands remained buried in the pockets of her jacket. Her gaze drifted across the rich walls and towering gothic windows. Somewhere far off in the vast mansion, she heard Yui’s voice again, sharp, frightened, and echoing faintly.

‘Sorry, Yui…’ Sora thought dully, ′...but it’s a cruel world. Can’t help you now.′

Reiji stopped abruptly in front of an intricately carved crimson door. With his usual poise, he opened it. “This will be your room,” he said, stepping aside.

Sora walked in, her eyes scanning the space. Her expression didn’t change, but inwardly, she gave a nod of approval. The room was steeped in deep, luxurious reds, blood crimson velvet drapes pooled on the dark wooden floors, drawn halfway over tall arched windows. The walls were papered in an antique damask pattern, maroon against black, and gold sconces bathed everything in a moody warmth. The queen-sized bed stood at the center, covered in a thick, red satin duvet with jet-black pillows and lace accents. A matching black wood vanity and wardrobe sat along the left wall, while a tall bookshelf stood to the right, half empty but impressive. An ornate mirror gleamed across from the bed.

Near the foot of the bed leaned her duffle bag and guitar case, perfectly intact. “Good,” she muttered to herself, “not damaged. Heh.”

Reiji stood still near the doorway, hands behind his back. “We’ll be leaving for night school in one hour. Your uniform is laid out on the bed. Be on time downstairs.” Sora glanced at the pristine outfit, white blouse, black blazer, short pleated skirt, knee socks, and of course… bows. Her expression fell deadpan. ‘Yeah… not happening. So girly it hurts.’ She sighed and muttered without much conviction, “Alright… thanks.”

Reiji didn’t leave immediately. She noticed the way his gaze swept over her, sharp and calculating. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his aura gave a faint pulse, curiosity, laced with a touch of confusion. ‘She didn’t ask anything. No shock, no fear. She didn’t even flinch when I mentioned night school…’

Sora felt it too, the way his energy fluctuated. She tilted her head slightly. “Uhmm… something you need?” she asked flatly, raising a brow. Reiji stared another moment before adjusting his glasses. “Don’t be late.” He turned and closed the door with a soft but firm click. Sora exhaled. “So bossy,” she muttered to the empty room. Her lips curved into a faint smirk. ′He’s probably confused why I’m not acting like Little Miss Sunshine next door. Yuki, being a vampire, went to night school too, so no surprise there for her.′

She turned to the closet and began hanging a few clothes from her duffle bag, pausing to pull out something she kept close, her old, worn journal. The cover was scratched, the attached pen barely hanging on by its loop, but it was hers. She’d written in it since the system dumped her in foster care. It wasn’t just a diary. It was survival.

She sat cross-legged on the bed, back resting against the frame, and flipped the pages open. Her pen scratched quietly as she wrote:

“Yui’s emotions when she found out they were vampires: fear. Violet. Confusion, shimmering, vibrating. It was thick enough to choke a room. If I’d stayed any longer, I would’ve been smothered by it too. I don’t fear them, not like her. But strong emotions like that… they stick. I hate it. Always have.”

Sora paused. Her fingers twitched. ′It never helped me in the orphanage. Or in those goddamn homes. Every time someone got angry, I got angry too. Fights, suspensions, bruises. Because I couldn’t shut it out.′

She snapped the journal closed with a sigh and placed it beside her. Leaning forward, she rummaged through her duffle bag again, pulling out her sketchbook. Inside were drawings of the people she encountered, detailed with their aura colors as she saw them, streaks, shadows, sometimes violent, sometimes faint.

She flipped to a blank page and began to sketch Subaru. His face sharp, annoyed, stormy. Around him, red, but not just any red. A dark, pressurized red, like a boiling current just under the skin.

Minutes ticked by. Then an hour. Glancing at the antique clock on the nightstand, she sighed. ′Almost time.′

She groaned, stretched her arms with a pop of her joints, and stood up. Her eyes flicked back to the uniform. “The day I wear bows and skirts is the day I dye my hair blonde,” she snorted. She already knew how this was going to go.

A few minutes later, she stood before the tall mirror near the wardrobe. Her reflection met her with cool defiance. She still wore her black pants, knees and thighs ripped. Platform boots. The uniform blouse hung loose over her hips, and the jacket, at least, she wore properly. But the bows? Gone. Rejected entirely. Her hair was pulled into an elegant ponytail, framing her sharp face and revealing her piercings.

She grabbed her shoulder bag, slipping her journal, sketchbook, a plain notebook, and a water bottle inside. Zipping it shut, she exhaled with a sigh. “Oh boy. School time,” she said sarcastically.

Opening the door, she stepped into the hallway, and came face to face with Yui, already dressed in her full, proper uniform. “Sora!” Yui blinked. “Are you alright?” Sora shrugged. “Fine. You?” Yui looked confused. “Weren’t you… afraid? I mean, after finding out they were vampires…” Sora scratched her neck with a sheepish grin. “Guess I don’t scare easy.” She gestured down the hall. “Shall we?” Yui gave her another puzzled look but nodded, following as they descended the stairs. The six Sakamaki brothers stood waiting at the bottom, dark silhouettes in the candlelight.

Reiji’s eyes narrowed the moment he saw her. “You are not properly dressed,” he said sternly. “Take example from the one beside you.” Sora rolled her eyes. “Hate bows. Hate skirts. Too bad.” Laito chuckled, amused. “Fufu~ So rebellious. I like that.” Reiji sighed deeply. “Just get in the car.”

They all filed into the limo. Yui took a window seat beside Ayato, while Sora ended up between Reiji and Subaru. Her arms were crossed, head leaned back against the seat, looking profoundly bored.

Ayato poked at Yui. “What’s on your mind, Pancake?” “Don’t call me that,” she protested with a blush. “I have a name, Yui Komori!” Ayato snorted. “Shut up. Your name doesn’t matter to me, Pancake.” Reiji closed his book with a sharp clap. “Must you behave like a child in public?” Ayato scoffed and crossed his arms.

Reiji then handed them both juice boxes. “Drink. It replenishes blood faster and increases its quality.” “Thank you,” Yui said politely, clutching the juice box with trembling fingers. Sora took hers, stared at it blankly. ′Oh god… how naïve is this girl?′ Reiji’s voice cut in coldly, “No need to thank me. As our prey, you’ll need it to stay healthy.” Yui gasped, her small hands trembling harder.

Sora glanced over at her. That same violet aura of fear again. Even more vivid this time. Her shoulders tensed. ‘Come on… hold it together, girl…’

Finally, the limo rolled to a smooth stop in front of the school gates. They stepped out into the cold night air. The towering gothic building loomed in front of them. “Yui is in Ayato and Kanato’s class,” Reiji said. “Follow them. Do not cause trouble. Understand?” Yui nodded meekly. “I understand…” She walked off, Kanato beside her cradling his doll creepily.

Reiji turned to Sora, who stood slightly slouched, her eyes scanning the courtyard like it was just another stop in a long string of disappointments. “You’ll be in class with me, Shu, and Subaru,” he said. “Do not embarrass us. Understood?” Sora held up a hand with a lazy two-finger salute. “Yoo.”

His aura pulsed again, sharp irritation. Sora caught it and quickly corrected herself. “Yeah, yeah, I understand.” He sighed, the tension dropping slightly. “Then follow us.” As she trailed behind them, Sora thought dryly, ′They’ve all got sticks up their asses. So much temper in one place… Phew.′

She pulled her bag tighter on her shoulder and kept walking. Let the night begin.