Chapter 13: Chapter 13 — Your Life Belongs to the Little Miss

To Kevin, there was nothing about Anderson that pleased the eye. It was as if the family’s prized, gold-framed cabbage had not yet matured, only to be uprooted midway by a wild boar.

He was so furious that smoke might as well have been rising from his head.

Chloe, of course, remained blissfully unaware. She even turned around to speak to Anderson.

“Where did you go earlier? I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

It must have been Anderson’s first time on a motorcycle; he seemed unaccustomed to it, his voice hoarse and unsteady.

“...I went to wash my face.”

After that, he fell silent.

Chloe nodded knowingly.

At least he cared about appearances — not bad.

Kevin, on the other hand, was grinding his perfect white teeth nearly to dust.

When they arrived back at the manor, Kevin’s expression was carved in stone. He lifted Chloe gently from the bike, then turned his cold eyes on Anderson.

Sensing the man’s hostility, Anderson said nothing. He merely placed his hands on the seat, jumped down, and stumbled slightly as he landed.

Kevin let out a soft, disdainful snort through his nose and led them toward the mansion.

“Little Miss, why bring this one back?”

He simply couldn’t comprehend it. Such a frail, filthy vampire — even if he died in the street, not a soul would pity him. What could she possibly see in him?

He glanced over his shoulder at the boy trailing behind them, head lowered, and his expression darkened further.

Chloe’s answer was simple. “Because I want to.”

A random act of kindness — was that not allowed?

Bringing one boy home cost her nothing. Even if he served as the manor’s lowest servant, it would still be far kinder than suffering in the Francis household.

Kevin asked where she intended for him to stay.

Chloe wasn’t particularly invested. “Wherever you think fit. Just don’t be too harsh.”

At that, Kevin’s lips curved faintly, a glint flickering in his eyes. “Understood.”

After escorting Chloe to her room, he turned back to face Anderson. Hands in his pockets, posture tall and imperious, he looked down on the boy with undisguised arrogance.

“What’s your name?”

Anderson did not look at him. His tone was calm, neither humble nor defiant, as he gave his name.

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Kevin nodded slightly and began walking toward a distant corridor. “Follow me.”

He led Anderson down three flights underground — not to the same basement where Chloe trained.

Here, the air reeked of blood, so thick it clung to the walls. Streaks of it stained the floor, still faintly visible.

In the distance stood ranks of vampires — young and old — all with black iron collars around their necks, clutching various weapons in their hands.

This was where the death-bound warriors of their kind were forged. Those who survived this place would one day serve as the most loyal subordinates of the vampire royal house.

Their entire lives would be devoted to the Progenitor.

Seeing this, Anderson began to understand what awaited him.

Kevin’s voice was almost casual. “See those people up ahead? From now on, you’ll train here.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added, “Of course, if the Little Miss ever asks, you’ll tell her you’re working as a servant. And if word of this place ever gets out...”

His eyes glowed crimson, sharp and predatory. “Your life will be forfeit.”

With that, he shoved Anderson forward.

“Since the Little Miss brought you back, your life now belongs to her. From this day forth, you exist to serve her. Understood?”

Anderson didn’t respond, but his steps were steady as he walked toward the ranks ahead.

Whatever this place was, it was an opportunity — his chance.

Here, he could find shelter, and perhaps, if he was capable enough, learn to fight.

Of course, surviving long enough to use that knowledge would depend entirely on him.

A shadow flickered in his emerald eyes.

To Chloe, meanwhile, the day’s events had already faded from mind — no more than a casual good deed.

After a short rest, she resumed her wing training.

Since the banquet, she had tried following the other fledglings’ methods, but perhaps because she had once been thrown from a balcony without a single safety measure, even being tied with ropes now stirred no fear within her.

In short, she was utterly calm — too calm.

That method, then, was useless.

So Chloe went back to her own way: jumping straight from the rooftop.

As before, she called Kevin to carry her up.

Nestled briefly against his shoulder, she frowned and sniffed. “Why do you smell so strange?”

Kevin lowered his eyes. “Do I?”

“You do,” she said, wrinkling her nose after another whiff. “You reek of blood. It’s disgusting.”

Kevin answered lightly, “Perhaps I brushed against something earlier.”

Was that so? Chloe didn’t press.

The scent was foul, yes, but oddly laced with a sweetness — not like the artificial blood she’d tasted before.

It reminded her faintly of the blood that had trickled from Xavier’s neck that day.

As much as she hated to admit it, her father’s blood had actually smelled rather pleasant — almost sweet.

She quickly pushed the thought aside.

Moments later, she was mercilessly dropped from the rooftop once again.

That familiar brush with death returned — though weaker this time.

As always, she tried to channel every shred of awareness into her back.

Her shoulder blades burned fiercely, yet the wings refused to emerge.

Chloe’s frustration boiled over; she wanted nothing more than to twist around and bite the spot herself.

But just as the ground rushed up beneath her, she heard the flutter of wings behind her.

With a flare of defiance, she poured all her strength into that sensation.

Seconds later, Kevin caught her in his arms — and at the same instant, something burst from her back with a pop.

Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Put me down!”

Kevin obeyed at once.

The moment her feet touched the ground, she reached behind her.

At her shoulder blades, hidden beneath her clothes, she felt two small, firm bulges.

They weren’t large, but they pulsed with startling vitality beneath her fingers.

Chloe was dazed. “Are these... wings?”

Kevin’s eyes widened with joy. “Wings?”

He touched them to confirm — two budding forms beneath the skin.

Without another word, he scooped her up and bolted toward the Progenitor’s office.

He moved so fast that Chloe barely had time to react before they burst through Xavier’s door.

Suppressing his excitement, Kevin knocked twice.

Once permission came, he all but sprinted inside.

“Lord Progenitor! The Little Miss has grown wings!”

Tucked under Kevin’s arm, Chloe lifted her head — and flashed her fangs at Xavier in open defiance.