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00:05Five years ago, on the full moon night, I stumbled drunk into Ravensburg Castle.
00:11A chained man with crimson eyes and sharp feats stared from the shadows.
00:16I froze for a second, then looked him up and down with a playful, appraising gaze.
00:22Wow, committed vampire cosplay.
00:25Some of my patients love this kink, pretending to be vampires who bite and own you in bed.
00:32The chains, the fangs, very realistic.
00:38I am not playing.
00:40They all say that.
00:42I stepped closer and traced one bisque.
00:45It pricked my finger. Blood welled up. His eyes burned red.
00:49I pressed the bleeding finger to his lips.
00:53Go on.
00:55Taste it.
00:57He growled, chain snapping as he yanked me hard against him.
01:02His mouth crashed onto mine.
01:04One bisque nipped my lower lip.
01:07Blood mixed between our lips.
01:09I kissed him back harder.
01:12He lifted me and carried me upstairs into a moonlit bedroom.
01:15Tearing my dress open, his fangs sank into my neck.
01:19Then, a burning rose mark bloomed on my skin as the blood bond locked into place.
01:26We fucked for hours against the wall and on the bed.
01:31I came screaming while he mocked me with teeth, hands, and a cock.
01:38At dawn, I woke in an unfamiliar bedroom.
01:42My dress lay on the floor, and the rose mark still burned near my colivitane.
01:49What the hell?
01:50What did I do last night?
01:52My phone rang before I could think.
01:54Amelia, come to the hospital now!
01:55Your mother is dying!
02:00I dressed in panic and ran out of the castle.
02:06Behind me, Gabriel opened his eyes.
02:09Amelia Hart, I marked you.
02:12You can't escape me.
02:17Five years later, I woke to the sound of five boys fighting over breakfast.
02:22The curtains were shut tight.
02:25Five tiny pairs of sunglasses sat crookly on five little faces.
02:29The bottle of dark red heemlobin supplement was almost empty.
02:33Theo grabbed the last cup and grinned too wide.
02:37Theo, fangs away. Breakfast first.
02:41Theo covered his mouth.
02:43But mommy, I'm still hungry.
02:45Adrian's shadow stretched across the floor and pulled the curtain tighter before the sun could touch Julian's face.
02:53Julian rubbed his eyes.
02:55The light hurts again.
02:58I took a deep breath and reached for the list on the fridge.
03:02Photosensitivity, anemia, abnormal teeth, active imagination.
03:05We handle one symptom at a time.
03:07Elias sniffed the air, serious as a little doctor.
03:11Mommy, there's red stuff in the apartment upstairs too.
03:14I can smell it.
03:18That is not a sentence we say outside this house.
03:21My laptop chinged before the boys could argue.
03:24Ravensfirth Castle needed a live-in clinical therapist.
03:27The patient was Gabriel Ravensfirth.
03:30A wealthy recluse who insisted he was a vampire.
03:33Refused sunlight.
03:34And rejected every psychiatrist before me.
03:36The salary could pay my mother's medical debt and keep my sons fed for years.
03:44A man who believes he is a vampire?
03:47Good.
03:48I treat delusions for a living.
03:50At Ravensfirth Castle, Gabriel sat before several pale family projections.
03:54This family needs heirs.
03:56Choose a bride.
03:58As soon as the words were spoken, Sebastian walked in.
04:01My lord, the therapist candidate has arrived.
04:09I walked in with my file.
04:11Mr. Ravensfirth, I'm Dr. Amelia Hart.
04:15Gabriel's gaze fell to the faint rose mark near my colosone.
04:20Found you, little doctor.
04:25The interview happened at a dining table long enough for a royal wedding.
04:32Food covered the white cloth.
04:35But Gabriel touched none of it.
04:37He only lifted a crystal glass filled with dark red liquid.
04:43I kept my smile professional.
04:46Your file mentions blood craving, sunlight avoidance, no mirror use, and a fixed belief that you are a vampire.
04:53Which symptom troubles you most?
04:56Gabriel looked at my mouth instead of my notebook.
05:00You.
05:02My pen paused.
05:04That is not a clinical answer.
05:07It is the only honest one.
05:11I forced myself to continue.
05:14Do you experience loss of control around blood, touch, intimate proximity, or fantasy reinforcements?
05:20He leaned closer across the table.
05:24Your pulse.
05:25Your scent.
05:26The way your body tense whenever I come close.
05:30Heat climbed into my face.
05:35Mr. Raven's birth.
05:37Suggestive language may strengthen your delusion.
05:40Gabriel smiled.
05:42Then stay and treat me.
05:44He gave three conditions.
05:46I lived in the castle, answered when he called, and never abandoned the case without permission.
05:51The last word sounded less like a contract than a warning.
05:54I thought of five hungry boys and an overdue hospital bill.
05:59Fine.
06:00I agree.
06:02Sebastian me to a guest room larger than my entire apartment.
06:06Outside, the balcony door moved.
06:09Five small faces stacked one above another in the gap.
06:13Mommy, can we come in now?
06:16My blood frozen.
06:19Gabriel had already stopped walking.
06:23He turned his head toward the balcony.
06:27The moment Gabriel turned, Adrian grabbed his brothers and ducked beneath the balcony rail.
06:34I rushed forward and shut the glass door with whole body.
06:39Drafty old castles.
06:41No wonder your symptoms get worse here.
06:44Gabriel stared past my shoulder.
06:46Someone was outside your room.
06:48A bird, maybe.
06:50A very rich, gothic bird.
06:55He did not smile.
06:58Sebastian.
06:59Search the grounds.
07:00Sebastian bowed.
07:03Yes, my lord.
07:05Only after Gabriel left, did I pull the balcony door open.
07:11Five boys tumbled inside in a messy pile.
07:15Theo's small black wings were half out, caught in his pajama shirt.
07:19Adrian quickly shoved a cloak around him.
07:21Nobody climbs old castles.
07:23Nobody shows fangs.
07:25Nobody tells my patient he smells familiar.
07:27Elias looked up at me with worried eyes.
07:31But mommy, he does.
07:33He is my patient.
07:34Patients are not family.
07:36A knock came before I could say more.
07:38Sebastian entered with maids carrying black gowns, velvet cloaks, jeweled shoes, and a rose-shaped necklace set with a deep
07:46red stone.
07:47I stared.
07:49Your work attire, ma'am.
07:52Prepared according to his lordship standard.
07:58What is all this?
08:01One maid bowed.
08:06His therapist has a clothing standard?
08:11What?
08:20I laughed too loudly.
08:24Therapy props.
08:25Very useful for roleplay treatment.
08:30Sebastian's smile stayed polite, but his eyes sharpened.
08:41The maids dressed me in black velvet and pinned my hair with a blood-red rose comb.
08:48The mark is real.
08:50No wonder his lordship waited five years.
08:55I did not hear their thoughts.
08:58I only saw the necklace, the gloves, the cloak, and the row of guards outside my door.
09:11This is unnecessary.
09:13I am just a therapist.
09:15His lordship dislikes poor arrangements.
09:18Then he showed me the dining room set for one, the private carriage, the guarded corridor, and the closet full
09:24of gowns.
09:29Do all rich family therapists get treated like this?
09:33Far above the garden, Gabriel stood on the second floor balcony with a glass of red liquid in his hand.
09:40Sebastian reported softly.
09:48Dr. Hart is settled.
09:52Good.
09:55You said you would make her pay for running.
10:00Gabriel looked toward my window.
10:03Keeping her beside me is the payment.
10:09Outside, five small figures climbed from shadow to shadow.
10:15Aaliyah sniffed the air.
10:21This way.
10:25No.
10:28Noah whispered.
10:32Are you sure?
10:36Theo peeked over the stone rail first.
10:39His red eyes widened.
10:40A tiny fang showed between his lips.
10:43All five boys stared into the room.
10:46Daddy?
10:47Gabriel heard the word.
10:49He turned sharply.
10:51For one breath, moonlight revealed five little faces,
10:54five pairs of red eyes,
10:56tiny fangs,
10:57and a black wing trembling behind Theo's shoulder.
11:00Before Gabriel could reach the balcony,
11:03Adrian hissed.
11:05Hide!
11:07Five little bodies slipped behind the thick curtain and froze.
11:14Gabriel moved toward them.
11:16I rushed in so fast I nearly tripped over my own gown.
11:20Mr. Ravenshaft!
11:23I need to ask about your blood craving.
11:26Gabriel did not look away from the curtain.
11:29Now?
11:31Yes.
11:32Clinical urgency.
11:34Very serious.
11:36Behind him, Theo's wing rustled.
11:39Gabriel reached for the curtain.
11:45I grabbed his wrist.
11:48The reaction was instant.
11:51His skin went cold under my palm.
11:53Then his eyes burned red.
11:56Careful.
11:58I pulled him toward the therapy room before he could turn back.
12:05Inside, I placed a black-framed mirror in front of him.
12:10Please describe what you see.
12:12The mirror reflected the candles,
12:14the chair,
12:15the bookshelves,
12:16and me.
12:21Not Gabriel.
12:23My voice almost failed.
12:26Custom-reflective glass.
12:28Expensive,
12:29but not impossible.
12:32Gabriel smiled.
12:34You are the most stubborn human I have ever met.
12:37I stepped back,
12:38but he caught my wrist again.
12:42This time his fangs slid out.
12:44Just touching you is enough to wake my hunger.
12:50Then we practice impulse control.
12:53Focus on breathing.
12:55Gabriel leaned close.
12:57Doctor,
12:58I do not breathe.
13:01His fingers tightened around my wrist.
13:04You still have no idea
13:06how dangerous you are to me.
13:09That night,
13:11Gabriel's hunger worsened.
13:12He stood waist-deep in the cold spring behind the castle.
13:15His shirt clung to his body,
13:17his eyes unfocused,
13:18his fangs bared against the pain.
13:20Lily Ashburr walked down the stone steps in a silver gown,
13:24already smiling like a future queen.
13:26Gabriel,
13:27you do not have to suffer alone.
13:29She lifted her wrist.
13:30A thin cut opened across pale skin,
13:33and dark blood ran down to her fingers.
13:35Drink from me.
13:36My blood is noble.
13:38Hers is nothing.
13:40Gabriel did not even glance at her wound.
13:45Your blood disgustes me.
13:47Lily's smile cracked.
13:50You would starve before touching me,
13:53but you let that human sleep inside your castle?
13:56Gabriel's gaze turned lethal.
13:59Do not compare yourself to Amelia.
14:02Black mist burst from the water
14:04and threw Lily backward onto the stone path.
14:06She hit the ground hard,
14:08humiliated and furious.
14:10I heard the noise and rushed in with my medical bag.
14:14Mr. Ravensbad?
14:16Gabriel's head snapped toward me.
14:18The scent of my pulse seemed to hit him like fire.
14:22I stopped at the edge of the pool.
14:25You look feverish.
14:26Is this another episode?
14:28Gabriel's voice was horny.
14:31Don't come closer.
14:34Avoidance won't help treatment.
14:41I took one step.
14:43The next second,
14:44the water rose like a hand and pulled me in.
14:48Cold swallowed me.
14:50Gabriel caught me from behind,
14:52one arm locked around my waist,
14:54his mouth hovering over my neck.
14:55I warned you, little doctor.
15:01Gabriel held me in the cold spring,
15:04his chest pressed against my back.
15:07Mr. Ravensfail, release me.
15:09This is a serious boundary violation.
15:14Gabriel laughed roughly against my neck.
15:19You are soaked, trembling,
15:21and still trying to write a clinical note?
15:24Yes, because you are my patient.
15:30I am the lord of this castle.
15:35His fang grazed my skin.
15:37My body remembered the touch before my mind did.
15:43I forced myself to look away.
15:46The dark water stilled in front of us
15:48for one impossible second.
15:50The surface showed my face,
15:52my wet hair,
15:53my frightened eyes.
15:55Gabriel was not there.
15:56I froze.
16:01That is a trick of the water.
16:06Gabriel's arm tightened.
16:08Still explaining me away?
16:11I turned my head,
16:13ready to look directly at him.
16:15A cry echoed through the castle.
16:20In my room,
16:21all five boys woke at once.
16:23Adrian's shadow climbed the wall.
16:25Noah's eyes flashed red.
16:27Julian curled up,
16:28clutching his chest.
16:29Aaliyah pressed both hands over his ears.
16:32I can hear him.
16:33He's hurting.
16:40Theo's pajama shirt at the shoulders
16:42as his tiny black wings jerked open.
16:46Mommy!
16:50Gabriel heard them too.
16:53His head lifted from my neck.
16:58I pushed away from him
16:59and climbed out of the pool.
17:04Gabriel watched me run.
17:09I rushed back to my room
17:10and locked the door.
17:16Inside,
17:17the boys huddled together on the carpet.
17:20Julian's face was pale.
17:22Noah's fangs had not retracted.
17:25Theo's little black wings
17:27trembled behind him.
17:28Adrian stood in front of everyone.
17:30His shadow stretched like a shield.
17:32Babies, look at me.
17:34Breathe with mommy.
17:35Adrian looked up,
17:36far too serious for five years old.
17:38Mommy,
17:39stop saying this is normal.
17:41It isn't.
17:43My throat tightened.
17:44For five years,
17:45I had protected them with medical names,
17:47rare anemia,
17:48sun proteligage,
17:50childhood fantasy,
17:51but this castle had stripped
17:52every safe word from my hands.
17:55Elias crawled into my lap.
17:57The man downstairs sounds like us.
17:59His heart is quiet,
18:01but I can still hear him.
18:03Elias.
18:04A knock hit the door.
18:07All five children froze.
18:09Gabriel's voice came from outside.
18:12Open the door, doctor.
18:13I pushed the boys toward the bed.
18:16Under the blanket.
18:17Now.
18:18Fangs in,
18:19wings flat,
18:19no one speaks.
18:22Theo whispered.
18:23My back hurts.
18:26Do not scratch it.
18:28Nobody moves until mommy says so.
18:33The knock came again.
18:34Harder.
18:36Amelia.
18:38I opened the door just enough to block him.
18:40It's late, Mr. Ravensvale.
18:42We can continue treatment tomorrow.
18:45Gabriel looked past me towards the trembling blanket.
18:48Were you talking to someone?
18:52I was recording notes.
18:55A tiny sneeze came from the bed.
18:59Your notes sneeze?
19:01Before I could answer,
19:03Theo's muffled voice came from under the blanket.
19:06Mommy, can I breathe now?
19:10Gabriel's face went still.
19:13Gabriel stepped into the room before I could stop him.
19:18Mr. Ravenshurft,
19:19this is my private space.
19:23My castle.
19:26My boundaries.
19:28He ignored me and stopped beside the bed.
19:32The blanket shook.
19:35Gabriel reached down and lifted it.
19:39Five small faces stared up at him.
19:42Adrian tried to look brave.
19:44Noah smiled nervously.
19:45Elias stared at Gabriel as if he already knew the answer.
19:49Julian hid behind Adrian.
19:51Theo's tiny black wings were still half open.
19:53All five had crimson eyes.
19:56All five had fangs.
19:58Around each small wrist,
19:59a faint blood red rose mark glimmered under the moonlight.
20:03For once, I had no explanation ready.
20:05My mind reached for every diagnosis I had used for five years,
20:09and every single one collapsed.
20:11Normal teeth did not explain fangs.
20:13Photosinxivity did not explain red eyes.
20:16No childhood fantasy could make wings tremble in the moonlight.
20:19I stepped between Gabriel and the boys.
20:21They are not monsters.
20:22Whatever you think you are,
20:23whatever this family believes,
20:24you will not hurt my sons.
20:26Gabriel did not look angry.
20:27He looked stunned.
20:29Slowly,
20:29he knelt in front of them.
20:33Adrian's shadow rose from the floor like a shield.
20:37Gabriel stared at the living shadow,
20:40then at Theo's wings,
20:41then at the rose marks.
20:43His voice went low.
20:46Five years old.
20:48My heart dropped.
20:51Red eyes,
20:52fangs,
20:53blood rose marks.
20:55Amelia,
20:56you gave birth to my sons.
20:58Five of them.
21:01The room went silent after Gabriel said the words.
21:05My sons.
21:06My knees almost gave out.
21:09No!
21:10That is impossible!
21:11Gabriel rose slowly.
21:13Five years ago,
21:15you came to this castle.
21:17A broken memory flashed through my mind.
21:19Red eyes,
21:20cold sheets,
21:21teeth at my neck,
21:22a rose burning on my skin.
21:23I backed away.
21:25Gabriel's expression darkened.
21:28You still don't remember enough.
21:31Let me remind you.
21:32Before he could continue,
21:33Sebastian knocked sharply.
21:35My lord,
21:36Lady Eleanor has summoned the full family council.
21:38It is urgent.
21:39Now?
21:43Gabriel's jaw tightened.
21:47She has already the elders.
21:49Lily Ashbur is present.
21:53I hugged the boys closer.
21:57Go handle your family.
21:59My children and I are leaving.
22:01Gabriel looked at the five boys hiding behind me.
22:03No.
22:04You are staying under my protection.
22:07Protection from what?
22:09From everyone who will want to take them from you.
22:14He left before I could answer.
22:17In the family hall,
22:18Eleanor sat at the head of the table.
22:20Gabriel,
22:20we are done waiting.
22:21You will choose a consort and produce heirs.
22:24Lily lowered her eyes with practiced modality.
22:28I will serve the family if his lordship agrees.
22:31Gabriel did not look at her.
22:36No need.
22:38The hall went quiet.
22:41Explain.
22:44I already have five sons.
22:48The Ravensbroth family did not whisper.
22:52They swarmed.
22:54By sunrise,
22:55several pale, elegant relatives had gathered outside my room like vampires at a museum exhibit.
23:01Nathaniel adjusted his glasses.
23:03Five boys?
23:04All at once?
23:05Gabriel, that is statistically aggressive.
23:07Jasper leaned around him.
23:09Do they bite?
23:10I brought toys.
23:12And gloves.
23:13Felix stared at Adrian.
23:16That one looks exactly like Gabriel when he was small and furious.
23:21Milo waved at Theo.
23:23Can he fly yet?
23:24I slammed the door halfway shut.
23:29No one is examining my children.
23:32Behind me,
23:33Noah peeked out and smiled.
23:35Do you have snacks?
23:37Every vampire turned soft for half a second.
23:40Then Lily arrived.
23:41She looked at the boys,
23:43then at me,
23:44and her face went white with rage.
23:47This must be a mistake.
23:51Eleanor's gaze was sharp.
23:54Dr. Hart,
23:56what exactly is your relationship with my son?
23:59I lifted my chin.
24:01Professional.
24:02I was hired as his therapist.
24:04Nothing more.
24:05At the end of the corridor,
24:07Gabriel stopped walking.
24:08His eyes darkened.
24:11And the children?
24:14They are mine.
24:15I raised them alone.
24:18Lily's lips curved.
24:20How convenient.
24:21A human therapist enters the castle and suddenly produces five heirs.
24:25Gabriel stepped out of the shadow.
24:27Choose your next words carefully.
24:30No relationship?
24:33Gabriel was called away before noon.
24:35Sebastian stayed outside my door,
24:37but the castle had too many corridors and too many old loyalties.
24:41In the family chapel,
24:42Lily knelt before Eleanor with tears shining in her eyes.
24:45My lady,
24:45I do not question his lordship.
24:47I only fear for the family.
24:48Speak plainly.
24:49Those children appeared without record,
24:51without witnesses,
24:52without proof.
24:53If the elders accept them too quickly,
24:55every noble house will challenge ravens with.
24:58Eleanor's expression tightened.
25:00Let me bring them to the garden shrine for a preliminary check.
25:03Quietly,
25:03before the formal chalice ritual.
25:05Eleanor hesitated.
25:07Lily lowered her voice.
25:08If they are truly Gabriel's sons,
25:10nothing will harm them.
25:11If they are not,
25:12you will have saved the family from scandal.
25:14By dusk,
25:14the corridor outside my room changed.
25:16The usual guards disappeared.
25:18New ones arrived,
25:19with wooden restraints and cold faces.
25:23I pulled the boys behind me.
25:27Where is Sebastian?
25:29Lily stepped forward in a white cloak.
25:32Busy.
25:33Lady Eleanor has ordered the children brought to the garden.
25:38Adrian's shadow moved at my feet.
25:40No one takes my sons anywhere without Gabriel present.
25:43Lily smiled.
25:45Gabriel is not here.
25:48Theo gripped my skirt.
25:50Mommy,
25:51I don't like her.
25:55Lily's eyes dropped his tiny fangs.
25:58The guards closed in.
26:00Bring them.
26:01If Dr. Hart resists,
26:03restrain her too.
26:05The guards forced us toward the rose garden.
26:08I held Theo in one arm and Julian's hand in the other.
26:12This is illegal detention.
26:13I will report every one of you.
26:16Lily laughed softly.
26:18To whom?
26:18Human police?
26:19Tell them vampires were rude to you?
26:21A guard opened a silver case.
26:22Inside lay strips of raw red meat soaked in blood.
26:25The boys went still.
26:28Noah's eyes turned red.
26:30Julian's fingers dug into my palm.
26:33Elias whispered.
26:35Mommy, don't let us smell it.
26:37Put that away!
26:38They are children!
26:39Lily stepped closer.
26:41Children do not bear fangs at blood.
26:43She nodded.
26:45She nodded.
26:45The guards lifted wooden restraints, carved with old prayer marks.
26:49One snapped toward Theo.
26:52He cried out as his little wings burst free.
26:55I threw myself between him and the chain.
26:59Pain burned across my arm.
27:01Do not touch him!
27:02For a second, all I could hear was my own breathing.
27:06Then the truth stood in front of me with red eyes and trembling wings.
27:09The fangs were real.
27:11The wings were real.
27:14Gabriel had no reflection because there had been nothing to reflect.
27:17He was never the sick one.
27:20I was the one who refused to see.
27:23Lily watched my face and smiled.
27:25Finally, the human doctor understands.
27:29Adrian moved in front of his brothers.
27:32Stay away from mommy!
27:34Lily's smile vanished.
27:37Bind them before they get worse.
27:40The garden turned red under the rising moon.
27:44The guards surrounded us.
27:46Lily's voice sharpened.
27:48Do it.
27:50The first restraint flew toward Adrian.
27:53His shadow snapped up and swallowed it.
27:56The second guard lunged at Noah.
27:59Noah looked at him with frightened red eyes.
28:02Don't hurt mommy.
28:04Guard suddenly froze, tears filling his eyes as if he had remembered something terrible.
28:09Elias screamed and covered his ears.
28:11Too many hearts.
28:13Too loud.
28:15Julian, shaking, pressed his little hand against the burn on my arm.
28:20The pain eased enough for me to pull him close.
28:23Theo vanished from beside me and appeared behind my leg, sobbing.
28:27Theo?
28:28Lily stared at them, horrified not by danger, but by what they might become.
28:32Five children with gifts.
28:34If the family accepts them, I am finished.
28:36She grabbed a wooden stake from a guard.
28:40Then I will end this before Gabriel returns.
28:43She raised it toward Adrian.
28:47I threw myself over my son.
28:51Touch him and I swear I will kill you!
28:55A freezing wind cut through the garden.
28:58Every candle in the castle went out.
29:00Far away, Gabriel stopped in the middle of the council hall.
29:03His glass shattered in his hand.
29:10Black mist exploded behind Lily.
29:13Gabriel appeared between her and my children, eyes burning red, fangs bared.
29:17His voice was quiet enough to terrify the whole garden.
29:21Move one more inch.
29:24No one moved after Gabriel appeared.
29:28Lily's hand trembled around the stake.
29:30Gabriel, I was protecting your family.
29:33Finally, Gabriel looked at the wooden restraints, the blood bait, and the burn across my arm.
29:40Lily's face went pale.
29:43They have not been verified.
29:45They could be...
29:47Gabriel crossed the distance before she finished.
29:50He caught her wrist and crushed the stake to splinters.
29:55The guards to win me.
29:57My lord, Lady Eleanor authorized...
30:00Gabriel's eyes flashed.
30:01Lady Eleanor did not authorize you to hurt them.
30:04He turned to Lily.
30:06If you lay a hand on my woman or my sons again, Ashburn will have no daughter left to present
30:11at court.
30:12Lily shook with humiliation.
30:14Your woman?
30:15She is human.
30:17Gabriel stepped close...
30:18And still worth more than every title you own.
30:21I should have felt relieved.
30:22Instead, my mind stuck on one phrase.
30:26My sons.
30:29Gabriel came to me slowly, as if approaching a wounded animal.
30:33Amelia, let me see your arm.
30:37My children first.
30:39His expression softened.
30:42He knelt before the boys.
30:45Theo peeked out from behind me.
30:47Are you going to take us away from mommy?
30:50Gabriel's jaw tightened.
30:54Never.
30:56Behind him, Lily watched the boys cling to my skirt.
31:00Her gaze dropped to the rose marks on their wrists.
31:05Elinor arrived with Sebastian and half the council behind her.
31:08Her gaze swept over the broken restraints, my burnt arm, and five terrified boys.
31:15Lily, explain.
31:17Lily immediately knelt.
31:18My lady, I only followed your concern.
31:21The children became violent.
31:23Dr. Hart resisted.
31:24She used blood to provoke them.
31:27A human's accusation means nothing.
31:30Gabriel's voice cut through the garden.
31:33It means everything when the human is mine.
31:38The council froze.
31:40Elinor looked at him.
31:44Gabriel.
31:47Gabriel stood in front of me and the boys.
31:49No one touches Amelia.
31:51No one touches the children.
31:53Until the formal verification.
31:56They remain under my protection.
31:58Lily bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.
32:02My eyes had fixed on Gabriel's face.
32:05Red eyes.
32:06Fangs.
32:06The way he said my name.
32:08A memory tore open.
32:10Moonlight on a bedroom floor.
32:11A man's mouth at my neck.
32:13The same voice growling that I had started it.
32:15I looked at the rose mark near my colivone.
32:17Then at the faint marks on the boys' wrists.
32:24The silence was answer enough.
32:33Theo tugged at my dress.
32:36Mommy?
32:37I looked at Gabriel.
32:39Then at my sons.
32:42You are their father.
32:44Theo blinked at him.
32:47Are you really our daddy?
32:49Gabriel knelt.
32:50His voice low and firm.
32:52Yes.
32:53I am.
32:55The boys stared at Gabriel.
32:57Then Themo ran first.
33:00Daddy!
33:01Noah followed.
33:02Then Julian.
33:04Then Elias.
33:05Adrian tried to stay serious for three whole seconds before he hugged Gabriel's arm too.
33:10Gabriel froze.
33:11Five small bodies clung to him.
33:13His hands hovered awkwardly.
33:15Then slowly settled around them.
33:17I have you now.
33:19Noah looked up.
33:21Can you turn into a bat?
33:25Yes.
33:26Theo gasped.
33:28Then why are you a vampire?
33:30For the first time, Gabriel looked helpless.
33:34I almost laughed.
33:36Adrian pointed at the mirror by the wardrobe.
33:39Mommy said mirrors always show the truth.
33:41Why don't they show you?
33:43Gabriel glanced at me.
33:45Your mother explains many things very creatively.
33:47Your father enjoys making my job difficult.
33:50The word father left my mouth before I could stop it.
33:54The boys lit up.
33:55Elias leaned against Gabriel's chest.
33:58His heart is quiet, but he isn't empty.
34:02Gabriel's face softened.
34:04He looked at me over their heads.
34:06Let me protect them.
34:08You can be their father.
34:10You can know them.
34:11But you do not get to take them from me.
34:14His answer came immediately.
34:16Never.
34:18Sebastian knocked and entered with five small black cloaks.
34:21For the young masters.
34:23Temporary sun protection.
34:24Theo spun in his cloak until he fell onto the carpet.
34:27For one fragile minute, my sons laughed inside a castle that had almost hurt them.
34:32Then Sebastian's expression turned grave at the door.
34:34My lord, the elders have added one condition to tomorrow's verification.
34:40Gabriel's face darkened.
34:42What condition?
34:44Sebastian lowered his voice.
34:46If the chapless rejects them, the children will be removed from their mother before dawn.
34:54The next evening, Gabriel arrived with five crystal cups of warm red supplement.
35:00I stared at the tray.
35:03You know how to feed children?
35:06Sebastian wrote instructions.
35:11Adrian examined his cup first.
35:14What if it tastes weird?
35:16Gabriel took a sip from his own glass without blinking.
35:20Then blame Sebastian.
35:25Noah giggled and drank.
35:27One by one, the boys relaxed.
35:29Julian leaned against Gabriel's side.
35:32Theo climbed into his lap as if he had always belonged there.
35:36The sight hurt more than I expected.
35:38For five years, I had been mother, father, doctor, provider, and shield.
35:43Now this dangerous man held my smallest son like he had been waiting all his life to learn how.
35:48Gabriel noticed my silence.
35:51You are afraid of the verification.
35:53I am afraid of your family using one ritual to decide my children's future.
35:58Whatever that cup shows, they are yours, and I will not let anyone take them.
36:02Then watch what I do in front of the council.
36:08Sebastian appeared at the door.
36:12The Ancestral Hall is ready.
36:15The boys gathered close to me.
36:18Eleanor waited outside the hall, expression unreadable.
36:22For their sake, I hope you are right.
36:25The huge black doors opened.
36:27Inside, the Ancestral Chalice stood in the center, filled with dark red liquid.
36:36Gabriel took Theo's hand.
36:38Stay close.
36:41We stepped into the hall.
36:46The Elder lifted the ceremonial blade before any child stepped forward.
36:50One drop from each child.
36:52If the Chappas turns red, they are Ravensworth.
36:57His eyes moved to my son's.
37:00If it turns black, they leave this castle before sunrise.
37:05The Ancestral Hall was colder than the rest of the castle.
37:08Portraits of old Ravensworth lords watched from the walls.
37:12At the center, the Shapless waited on a black stone altar.
37:16A white-haired elder lifted a ceremonial nade.
37:19One drop from each child.
37:21One drop from Lord Gabriel.
37:23The Cappas will judge Ravensworth blood.
37:27I pulled the boys closer.
37:29Adrian stepped forward first.
37:31He did not cry when the blade touched his finger.
37:35Noah trembled but smiled at me.
37:37Elias watched the cup with wide eyes.
37:39Julian held Theo's hand.
37:41Theo sniffled once, then bravely offered his finger.
37:48Five tiny drops fell into the chalice.
37:52Gabriel cut his palm and added his blood.
37:56For one breath, the liquid glowed deep red.
38:00Gasps filled the hall.
38:04Eleanor leaned forward, hope flashing across her face.
38:09Then black smoke curled from the bottom of the cup.
38:12The red light flickered.
38:15The liquid turned dark, thick, and wrong.
38:21The elder stepped back.
38:24Impossible.
38:27Lily lowered her eyes to hide her smile.
38:33Gabriel stared at the chalice, his face colder than stone.
38:42Eleanor stood slowly.
38:44Read the result.
38:49The elder swallowed.
38:51The chapless rejects the claim.
38:54These children are not recorded as ravens by blood.
38:59My arms closed around the boys.
39:03Theo started to cry.
39:08Gabriel did not move away from us.
39:11He moved in front of us.
39:13Eleanor's voice shook with shock.
39:18They are not ravens for blood.
39:20Lily finally smiled.
39:26The hall erupted.
39:32Voices crashed from every side.
39:36If they are not ravens brewed blood, they cannot stay in the ancestral hall.
39:41Lily stepped forward at once.
39:42My lady, the law is clear.
39:44Unknown vampire children inside the castle must be removed before they threaten the family.
39:49You saw their shadows, eyes, teeth.
39:54Noah hid behind my coat.
39:57Mommy, are they sending us away?
39:59I knelt and held his face.
40:03No.
40:04Nobody is taking you anywhere.
40:13The elder frowned.
40:17The ancestral chapless does not make mistakes.
40:21I am a doctor.
40:23When a test result contradicts every visible sign, we repeat the test and check contamination.
40:28Several vampires looked offended.
40:32I did not care.
40:37Five years ago, I was with one man in this castle, Gabriel Ravenstord.
40:41These are my sons.
40:43If your cup says otherwise, then your cup is wrong.
40:47Lily's face twisted.
40:50Listen to her!
40:52A human insults your ancestors now!
40:55Enough.
40:56He stood before me and the boys.
40:59No one removes them.
41:02No one removes them.
41:02No one restrains them.
41:03No one calls them dangerous again.
41:08Gabriel, the ritual...
41:10We can wait.
41:11My sons cannot.
41:18Lily's smile vanished.
41:23Gabriel looked at the elders.
41:25Touch them and you answer to me first.
41:32An elder lifted a parchment sealed in black wax.
41:36Until verified, the children must be placed in family custody.
41:40Separate rooms.
41:42No contact with the mother during examination.
41:44My blood went cold.
41:48Absolutely not!
41:49If they are innocent, examination will clear them.
41:53If they are not, isolation protects everyone.
41:57Adrian stepped in front of his brothers.
42:02We are not leaving mommy.
42:07A guard moved toward him.
42:08Gabriel's hand closed around the guard's shoulder.
42:12The man dropped to his knees with a stringled sound.
42:19I said no one touches them.
42:21Elinor's face tightened.
42:23Gabriel, you are challenging family law.
42:28I am enforcing common sense.
42:30Nathaniel leaned over the chapless, studying the black smoke.
42:35The reaction is unusual.
42:37The first glow appeared before the darkening.
42:40A failed result is still failed.
42:46You seem very eager for five children to lose.
42:51Lily's eyes chilled.
42:54I faced Elinor.
42:56You want to know the truth?
42:58Then let me stay with my sons and let your experts test the cup.
43:02Not my children.
43:05Theo began to tremble.
43:07Mommy, I don't want the dark rooms.
43:10Something inside me hardened.
43:12Look at me, Theo.
43:14No dark rooms.
43:15No strangers.
43:17I promise.
43:18Gabriel stepped beside me.
43:20And I promise with her.
43:23As Gabriel spoke, the black liquid inside the chapless bubbled once.
43:28Elias stopped crying and stared at it.
43:32Mommy, why does the cup smell like the bad lady?
43:37The elders continued arguing as if my sons were evidence on a table.
43:42One guard reached for Julian.
43:44Julian flinched so hard he stumbled.
43:48I caught him, then grabbed the ceremonial blade from the altar.
43:54Gabriel's eyes sharpened.
43:56Amelia.
44:00Do not stop me.
44:02I drew the blade across my bond.
44:04Blood welled up, bright and human.
44:08The rose mark near my collarbone burned at once.
44:11Under the candlelight, five little marks on five small wrists looked brighter than before.
44:17Not a new law.
44:18Not a family ritual.
44:20Just the bond left on my body five years ago and carried by my children since birth.
44:24The hall fell silent.
44:29Noah sobbed.
44:32Mommy, your hand.
44:34I'm okay.
44:38I pressed my bleeding wom to the black stone before the chapless.
44:41You can doubt Gabriel.
44:42You can doubt me.
44:43But you cannot say these children appeared from nowhere.
44:47They are mine.
44:48I carried them.
44:50I raised them.
44:50I fed them when I had nothing.
44:52Any person who tries to separate them from me will have to drag me away first.
44:57Eleanor looked at the five boys,
44:59then at the matching rose marks.
45:01Her expression changed.
45:04Hold the guards.
45:07Lily stepped forward.
45:11My lady!
45:13Eleanor cut her off.
45:16I said, hold.
45:20Gabriel took my injured hand gently.
45:26You should not have had to bleed for them.
45:28I have been bleeding for them for five years.
45:32Then, behind the altar, the blackened chapless cracked softly.
45:39Nathaniel looked up.
45:42Wait.
45:44That should not happen.
45:47Gabriel wrapped my hand in a clean cloth while the hall watched in easy silence.
45:53Theo sniffled beside the altar.
45:57Daddy?
46:02Gabriel immediately looked down.
46:06What is it?
46:07Theo pointed at the chalice.
46:12Why is the cup dirty at the bottom?
46:15Every gaze turned.
46:18At first, I saw only black liquid.
46:21Then the candlelight shifted, revealing a purple-black stain clinging beneath the rim.
46:30Nathaniel leaned closer.
46:32That was not present when the chapless was brought in.
46:35Lily's fingers tightened around her sleeve.
46:41Children say strange things when frightened.
46:44Felix stepped to the altar.
46:47Theo is right.
46:49Theo is right.
46:49There is residue.
46:51Eleanor's face became cold.
46:53The chapless was sealed in the reliquary until tonight.
46:57Sebastian bowed.
47:00It was retrieved under Lady Eleanor's order.
47:03Eleanor looked at him.
47:05By whom?
47:07Lady Lily Ashburn.
47:09The hall shifted.
47:11Lily went still, then forced a hurt expression.
47:16My lady, I followed your instructions.
47:17I never opened the seal.
47:19Nathaniel picked up a thin glass rod and dipped it into the cup.
47:23The rod smoked black.
47:25This is not a failed reaction.
47:27It is interference.
47:29The word struck the room like a slap.
47:34Someone tampered with it.
47:38Nathaniel ordered the chapless emptied into a clear basin.
47:41The black liquid spread across the glass.
47:43At the center, five tiny drops of red remained bright, refusing to dissolve.
47:48The children's blood was not rejected.
47:52It was buried under poison.
47:55A murmur rushed through the hall.
47:58Eleanor gripped the arm of her chair.
48:03Can you identify it?
48:05Nathaniel added a pale testing powder.
48:07The black liquid hissed and turned purple.
48:11Jasper's face changed.
48:14This is deliberate poison.
48:19Lily's eyes widened.
48:30Felelic stepped forward holding a small broken vial wrapped in a cloth.
48:33Found behind the reliquary curtain.
48:36Same residue.
48:37The seal on the stopper belongs to Ashburn.
48:40The guard log shows Lady Lily entered alone before the ritual.
48:43No one else entered after her.
48:47The hall turned towards Lily.
48:52Eleanor's voice trembled with anger.
48:55Lily Ashborough.
48:57Lily stumbled back.
49:01No!
49:02This is a trap!
49:03She is human!
49:05She brought those children here to steal everything!
49:08My son stole nothing.
49:12Gabriel stepped toward Lily.
49:14Gabriel's eyes burned red.
49:17I want to see how far you get.
49:21Lily turned and bolted for the door.
49:24Before she reached it, Gabriel's shadow crossed the floor.
49:29The doors slammed shut.
49:34Lily crashed into them and fell, the broken vial rolling from her sleeve.
49:40The broken vial spun to Eleanor's feet and stopped there.
49:45Eleanor picked it up with shaking fingers.
49:50I trusted you.
49:52I nearly cast out my own grandsons because of you.
49:56Lily crawled toward her.
49:57My lady, please!
49:59I only did it because I love Gabriel.
50:01I was scared that human woman would ruin everything!
50:04Gabriel's voice was flat.
50:09Do not say love when you mean possession.
50:15Lily turned to him, sobbing.
50:18I trained for this place.
50:20I waited for you.
50:22She appeared with five children and took the crown that should have been mine.
50:26I held the boys closer.
50:28My sons did not steal your crown.
50:31You were never worthy of it.
50:34Noah peeked out from behind me.
50:38Mommy, is she the bad lady?
50:43Yes, baby.
50:46Eleanor stood.
50:50Lily Ashbourne, by order of Ravensgrowth, your claim as Gabriel's consort candidate is ended.
50:56Your access to this castle is revoked.
51:01Sebastian stepped forward and removed the Ashburn brooch from Lily's cloak.
51:06The room watched her lose everything.
51:11Lily's face twisted.
51:13You will regret this.
51:17Gabriel looked at the gods.
51:19Take her to the eastern exile carriage.
51:21No visitors.
51:22No messages.
51:23As they dragged Lily away, a black line crawled briefly over her wrist.
51:28At the altar, Nathaniel cleaned the chapless and repeated the test.
51:34This time, the liquid glowed red.
51:38Eleanor turned to the boys, voice low.
51:42Welcome home.
51:46That night, Gabriel doubled the guards around the children's room.
51:51The boys were supposed to sleep.
51:55They did not.
51:57Adrian stood in the hallway with the seriousness of a tiny general.
52:00Operation Mommy and Daddy Talk begins now.
52:05Noah carried a tray of cookies.
52:07Julian held a blanket.
52:10Aaliyah listened for footsteps.
52:13Theo grinned with both fangs showing.
52:16I get to lock the door.
52:18They lured me into my bedroom first.
52:21Mommy, I had a nightmare.
52:23Can you check under the bed?
52:27Then Gabriel entered behind me.
52:31Elias said you needed me.
52:34The door slammed shut.
52:37A key turned outside.
52:45I stared at the door.
52:47Theo Ravensfield Hart, open this door.
52:52Five sets of small feet ran away.
52:55Gabriel looked amused.
52:59They are efficient.
53:02They are five.
53:07They are ours.
53:08The word filled the room.
53:10I turned away, suddenly unsure where to put my hands.
53:16Do not use the children to corner me.
53:19Gabriel's expression softened.
53:21I don't need them for that.
53:22I have waited five years to stand in the same room with you again.
53:26Outside the castle, far beyond the guarded road,
53:29Lily sat in a dark carriage with shackles around her wrists.
53:31The black line on her skin pulsed once.
53:35A whisper rose from the shadows.
53:41Lily opened her eyes and smiled.
53:46By the next afternoon, the rose garden had been covered with dark silk canopies so the boys could play outside.
53:52Theo chased Noah between the flower beds.
53:54Julian made sure everyone wore gloves.
53:57Adrian pretended not to enjoy himself and failed.
54:00Gabriel stood beside me.
54:04They look happy.
54:05They are children.
54:07Happiness comes easier to them than trust comes to me.
54:10Gabriel accepted the blow without flinching.
54:13Then I will earn yours slowly.
54:17I looked at him.
54:18You lied to me.
54:20I waited because I wanted you to remember without fear.
54:24Then everything became danger.
54:26That is not an apology.
54:28Gabriel lowered his head.
54:30I am sorry, Amelia, for letting you run alone.
54:34For not finding you sooner.
54:36For making you face my family before you were ready.
54:39The sincerity in his voice hurt more than arrogance would have.
54:43Noah shouted from the roses.
54:46Mommy! Daddy! Theo is cheating!
54:50Theo vanished from one side of the path and appeared on the other, laughing.
54:56Theo, no disappearing during tag.
54:59Gabriel's mouth curved.
55:03He gets that from me.
55:08That is not comforting.
55:10Elias suddenly stopped playing.
55:15He turned towards the far wall.
55:18Mommy! Something is outside.
55:21I followed his gaze and saw only roses moving in the wind.
55:26Gabriel went still.
55:28A thin black mist slipped beneath the garden gate, then vanished between the shadows.
55:32A second later, Theo's wooden bat rolled by itself out of the toy basket and toward the garden path.
55:38Hey! I left that inside!
55:41Gabriel's smile disappeared.
55:47Gabriel ordered the guard and searched.
55:50The guards found nothing.
55:57The boys begged to fetch Theo's wooden bat from the side path.
56:01It was only twenty steps away, still within the garden wall.
56:05We can do it ourselves!
56:07We are not babies!
56:10I hesitated.
56:14Gabriel glanced at the guards.
56:17Stay where we can see you.
56:19They ran together, five dark cloaks fluttering behind them.
56:24Theo reached the toy first.
56:27Then the sunlight under the canopy dimmed.
56:33Black mist rose from the rose shadows and wrapped around the path.
56:39Elias clapped his hands over his ears.
56:42Adrian's shadow shot forward, but the mist swallowed it.
56:48Noah tried to scream. Julian grabbed Theo's hand.
56:55A woman stepped from the darkness. Hello, little thieves.
56:59Lily's face was pale, her gown torn, black lines crawling up her neck.
57:04Adrian bared his fangs.
57:06Lily smiled, still brave.
57:09Gabriel will enjoy watching that break.
57:11Theo vanished in panic, but reappeared only a few feet away, trapped by the mist.
57:16I heard him and turned.
57:18The path was empty.
57:20Only Theo's wooden bat lay on the ground.
57:23A black rose petal floated down beside it.
57:27The boys.
57:29Where are the boys?
57:31From the far trees, Lily's voice drifted back.
57:36Come find them before sunset.
57:39The pain hit my chest like a blade.
57:43The rose mark near my cholerone burned so hard I almost fell.
57:49Gabriel caught me.
57:50Amelia.
57:53This way.
57:54I did not know how I knew.
57:55I only knew my children were afraid, and every step away from the garden made the pain sharper.
58:00Gabriel followed without question.
58:02We crossed the outer wall and entered the black forest at the edge of Ravensburg land.
58:06The trees were too quiet.
58:07No birds.
58:08No insects.
58:09Only a cold smell of rot and old smoke.
58:12Then we heard Theo crying.
58:15I broke into a run.
58:16In a clearing ahead, five boys were trapped inside a tall iron cage.
58:21The cage had been dragged beneath a gap in the trees where the setting sun would soon fall directly on
58:25them.
58:26Adrian stood in front of his brothers, pale but upright.
58:29Noah held Julian's hand.
58:31Elias shook violently.
58:33Theo's wings drooped, too sweet to fold.
58:35Babies!
58:37Lily stepped out from behind the cage.
58:40The black lines on her skin had reached her jaw.
58:43Stop there.
58:44One more step, and I open the canopy now.
58:50Gabriel's eyes turned red.
58:52Lily.
58:54She laughed.
58:55You threw me away for a human and five children, so I will take them from you first.
59:02I looked at my sons, then at the dying sunlight.
59:08Gabriel, get them out.
59:10Lily smiled at me.
59:13You came just in time to watch them die.
59:16Bye.
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