Twilight's Embrace

Chapter 7

As Amara changed out of her school uniform and into a more casual outfit, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation mingled with dread as she prepared to meet Subaru. He had promised to teach her about the supernatural world she'd stumbled into, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his motives. She tried to shrug the thought, telling herself that her curiosity outweighed her caution, but deep down, she knew that venturing into the unknown came with risks she couldn't fully comprehend.

Nevertheless, once she was ready, she made her way down to the garden, where Subaru told her to meet him after school.

The garden was beautiful, decorated by roses, both red and white. It seemed well kept, and Amara took a moment to let the beauty sink in. The waxing moon gleamed in the clear night sky, illuminating her path. The moonlight casting shadows on the blooming flowers, their thorns glinting ominously in the dim light.

Amara's steps came to a stop, as she halted to smell the roses, their scent inviting and alluring. A smile curled on her lips, enjoying the floral feminine fragrance.

"What are you doing?" a familiar voice suddenly broke the silence, causing Amara to look up. Her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the owner of the voice, Subaru, his eyes gleaming like rubies in the moonlight.

"N-nothing. I-I was just appreciating the roses," Amara said, resulting in a scowl from Subaru as he clicked his tongue in impatience. "Perhaps coming here was a mistake. The flowers outweigh your scent," he mumbled, more to himself then to Amara.

"C'mon, let's get outta here."

"What? But why?" Amara asked, confused, causing Subaru's temper to worsen. "Don't think too hard about it, just.. come," he replied, agitation evident in his voice. Not wanting to wait around for Amara to follow him on her own, he grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her away from the rose garden, into the forest instead.

"H-Hey! Let me go!" Amara commanded, trying to wriggle free from Subaru's grip.

"Lesson one," he said, while still dragging Amara along, deeper into the forest. "No matter how much you'll try, you're no match for a vampire's strength." Hearing him say that made Amara realize that he's right, and she eventually stopped struggling to try and get her wrist free.

"Lesson two," he said once they arrived at a lakeside, while still inside the forest. He effortlessly threw her against a tree, pinning her against it. "When you're told something? Don't question it, and just obey." Subaru nearly growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Amara's heart pounded in her chest, her rational mind yelling at her to run away, yet for some reason, her instincts told her not to. Even if she were to act on her rational thinking, she wouldn't be able to run away anyways—not as long as Subaru held her pinned against the tree.

Subaru could feel his irritation ebbing away as he held Amara against the tree. The sweet scent of her blood was intoxicating, and he couldn't help but relish the power he held over her. Despite her initial resistance, she was finally beginning to understand her place. He leaned in closer, his lips nearly brushing her ear. "Are you afraid?" he whispered, already knowing the answer.

Amara's heart thundered in her chest, her fear mingling with a strange sense of excitement. There was no denying the danger she was in, but a part of her was undeniably drawn to Subaru, and the thrill of the unknown. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Yes," she admitted, her voice trembling.

A low chuckle escaped Subaru's lips. "Good," he murmured. "Fear is what keeps you alive in this world." He pulled back slightly, allowing Amara a moment to process his words. "But don't worry," he added, his tone almost mocking. "I'll teach you how to survive."