Once Upon a Story [ HIATUS ]

Not Castlevania (3)

Word count: 1584
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A loud wretch followed by a muted gargle reverbed in the room, and blood pooled on the floor as Hendrik weakly wiped his lips of the iron-filled red. His body trembled, kneeled on all fours, purging the load of another feed. Months he'd spent indulging in his father's gross behaviours: seducing women during the day and feasting on their crimson essence at night.

But most days, he could barely stomach what he drank. Only in the presence of his father could he keep everything down. When alone, his self-hatred boiled in his guts until his body revolted and curled him over, throwing up whatever was in his stomach.

It made him sick, more than drinking the blood; seeing the puddle at his feet, just how much he had consumed, made his head spin. And tonight was no different. Hunched over in a corner, he breathed slowly to stop his body from hurling a third time.

"How many times will I find you in this pitiful state?"

His father had entered the room. Hendrik held the wall and shakingly stood. Covered in sweat, face and eyes sullen, he looked defeated.

"Father..."

"Get dressed. I will take care of the rest."

Hendrik obeyed without question, gathering his items dispersed along the floor. He clothed himself, even fixed his hair and returned to his home. He greeted his mother in her room. Her eyes followed his voice. There was no smile, no joy, nothing in her eyes. Her face returned to the mirror on her vanity.

"Leave me," she rasped. Hendrik bowed, said his goodbye, and went to the library.

"Brother, you're back." His flat expression changed, gaining a smile. A young girl, aged ten, slid off the couch to greet him. She hugged his waist, receiving a soft pat from Hendrik's hand.

"I'm sorry. Father kept me longer than I expected." He took the book in her hand. "Psyche and Eros?"

"You left it on the couch before leaving," she explained. "I wondered why you wouldn't put it down, so I started reading. I still don't understand why you like the story. But I do like Psyche. She's funny."

Hendrik chuckled, running his hand over the smooth cover. His mother had gifted him the book after he parted ways with Maribelle. That same night, Hendrik sat on the couch and read. A few hours later, he closed the book, crying.

"The story of two lovers forced apart by a curse," he whispered. "I found myself in this myth, living an eternal life, longing for a woman I cannot have. One I may never see again. If I knew where to start looking, I'd search. But the world is vast; I could look years and never find her."

"Maybe Father could tell you if you asked. He's in a good mood these days. You could give it a try." Lina rocked on her heels, giving him sensible but useless advice. Still, he smiled and thanked her.

"Now, it's about time you went to bed. You're still human, after all."

"Only half."

"Lina, we are not discussing this. You've been awake for a few days now. Go to sleep."

"At least stay with me until I fall asleep?" Hendrik agreed and held her hand as they went to her room, well, his old room. He tucked her under the blankets and kissed her goodnight. Hendrik stayed at her side, his hand locked with hers, until she fell asleep. Quietly, he left.

"You care a lot for her."

Kristoph stood by the door in the hall.

"Who will if you don't?" Hendrik frowned, not moving from the door. "Why are you here?"