No Warmth

Chapter 8- Ayano

Akari's thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on her door. "Who is it?"

"It's Ayano, Lady Akari. Hana told me to come see you after I finished my chores."

Akari sat down on her bed. "Come in."

Ayano stepped into the room and closed the door. "I am sorry for the delay. Did you need help with anything, Lady Akari?"

"No. I just wanted to thank you for helping me last night."

"You don't have to thank me for that." Ayano smiled. "I am sure anyone would have done the same."

Akari scooted over to the right side of the bed. "If you are not busy, could you could keep me company for a while?"

Ayano looked at the clock that hung on the wall. "I guess I could spare some time...but why are you being friendly with me?"

"Is it wrong for me to be friendly with you?" Does she recognize me? Akari thought, is that why she's being wary of me?

"Noble ladies are only friendly with maids they are familiar with." Ayano explained.

"I was raised by a human family in Bellmire, so I am not accustomed to our kind's social norms yet."

Ayano sat down on the bed. "You were raised by humans even though you're a noble?"

Akari nodded. "Hence, I was a little excited to attend Cross Academy. I feel like I've already learned a lot about our kind despite only being a student here for a couple of days."

Ayano smiled. "Cross Academy is a great school. It's been my dream to study here, make friends, and even experience romance. Unfortunately, I was only able to enter this school as a maid."

"You should not give up on your dream yet, Ayano."

"Usually, only nobles get admitted here. Normal vampires can study here if they have a high-ranked vampire on their side. Maybe human society is different, but the hierarchy is everything for vampires. I wouldn't have had to lift a finger had I been born a noble, but I'm just a common vampire without a gift." Ayano sighed.

"I was accepted into this school because I saved the Headmaster's daughter. The others did not know I was a noble until I used my gift at Takuma's party. One's actions play a big role as well."

"That's why I said connections are everything in this world, Lady Akari. For this reason, my family and I have served our lord for years. He's a member of the Council of Elders, so that makes him an influential figure in society." Ayano furrowed her brows. "My lord said he would send me to Cross Academy if I kept an eye on his nephew during his stay here. I agreed without a second thought, but I'm still disappointed I wasn't able to join as a student."

Akari looked at her feet and clenched her jaw. She looks like the boy who tried to kill me...could her lord be the one who ordered my death? Are all the members of the council involved?

"Don't look so sad, Lady Akari." Ayano spoke in a hushed tone. "I actually study in the library after finishing my chores, so I'm still learning a lot."

Akari smiled. "Then, maybe we can study together in the library sometime?"

Ayano took Akari's hands in her own. "I would love to, Lady Akari."

"Also, please call me Akari." It's too early to ask her questions about her family and lord without raising suspicion.

"I will drop the honorifics when we're alone." Ayano looked at the clock and stood up. "I should get some rest before I have to start working again. It was nice talking to you, Akari."