Ch. 2: A Malevolent Gaze
Jay took me to a beautiful wine bar.
I think I’m a little tipsy…
Leaving the bar, the stars in the night sky seemed to be spinning. As we talked and drank, I noticed my footsteps were unsteady on the cobblestones.
Feels like I’m floating…
Jay: "You alright?"
OO: "I’m fine…"
With a wry smile, Jay held out his hand to me.
Jay: "Young lady, please take my hand."
[CHOICE]
-
Take his hand (SUN)
-
Decline (MOON)
Relying on his cool hand, we began walking down the street.
Then…
Clergyman 1: "Disgraceful…"
Eh...?
I looked towards the voice and saw a group of people whispering and watching. An older man walked by and glared at Jay.
Clergyman 2: "Tainted…leave this place."
As he left us with those words, I stared in confusion.
Jay: "…let’s go."
Jay walked off, still holding my hand.
OO: "Jay, what was…?"
Jay: "I wonder…maybe they were drunk?"
I looked up and Jay gave me a thin smile. Then we heard a different voice.
Man: "Yo. Half breed."
A man clad in jet black clothes was looking at us and smirking. From the corners of his mouth, sharp teeth like fangs caught the light.
He kind of looks like a vampire, like from the books I’ve read…
Jay: "It’s been a while."
Jay gave a light greeting and kept walking by the man.
Is that someone he knows? But what did he mean by ‘half breed’…?
Noticing my gaze, Jay shrugged.
Jay: "Oh, I didn’t tell you? I’m a dhampir, a half vampire."
Real vampires…!?
Looking behind, I saw the men who had called Jay a half breed watching us and laughing.
Jay: "Sorry you had to see that."
OO: "No… I don’t mind, really."
More importantly, I wonder if Jay is ok…
I hadn’t really noticed until now, but all the people walking down the street were watching and whispering about Jay.
I bet they’re saying mean things about him…
Kid: "Aaaah the half vampire! Even the king hates you! You’re not a real prince!"
How cruel…
I turned around, unable to hold myself back.
However…
Jay put his finger on my chin and turned my head back forward.
Jay: "You’ll ruin your cute face that way. Come on, smile, smile."
OO: "But…"
Jay: "It’s fine. It doesn’t really bother me. The fact that I’m a half vampire and my father hates me, and how people are always looking at me, it’s all just ridiculous. Come on, let’s go get another drink. There’s a place that has some really good vintage wine."
Jay put his arm around my shoulder and we left that place behind.
At the sound of Jay’s footsteps echoing on the cold cobblestones, my heart quieted.
OO: "I’m fine. I can keep walking…"
I hid my hand behind my back but Jay grabbed it.
Jay: "I’ll feel better if I know you won’t fall over."
OO: "…thank you."
My heart skipped a beat as Jay wrapped his large, strong hand around mine.