NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: Unveiling Shadows
As we gather around the table for tea and snacks, the air is tinged with a mixture of comfort and underlying tension. I sit, fiddling with the teacup in front of me, my thoughts racing. The conversation meanders from mundane topics to more personal inquiries about my transformation. Each word spoken is a reminder of the surreal reality I'm now living. Every now and then, I catch Sayaka glancing my way, her expression somber, suggesting the weight of what's to come.
Finally, as the last of the snacks are consumed, Sayaka turns to me, her gaze earnest. "Harumi, we need to discuss something important. As you're aware, Emi and I are bound to the Blossom clan," she starts, her voice steady yet revealing a hint of unease.
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. I sense the gravity of what she's about to divulge.
Sayaka leans forward, her eyes locking with mine. "You need to understand something crucial. You are not biologically related to your mother, father, or sister," she reveals, her words falling like heavy stones.
Shock jolts through me, rooting me to the spot. "What do you mean? How is that possible?" I manage to stammer, a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief engulfing me.
With a deep breath, Sayaka continues, "Your real parents were prominent members of the Blossom clan. In a tragic twist of fate, they perished, leaving you an orphan. Your current parents, also members of the clan, took you in, raising you as their own."
Tears well up, blurring my vision. A sense of betrayal slices through the shock, leaving a raw wound. "Why wasn't I told?" I whisper, the words barely escaping.
"It's complicated, Harumi," Sayaka responds, her voice laced with sympathy. "Your adoptive parents wanted to shield you from the dangers and complexities of clan life. They believed you'd be safer and happier growing up in a normal human environment. But with your recent transformation, it's crucial you understand the entirety of your heritage and the responsibilities that come with it."
The room spins as the magnitude of Sayaka's words sink in. The family I've known and loved all my life... aren't my blood relatives. The floor seems to slip away as I stand abruptly, excusing myself with a shaky voice. I can feel the eyes of my family on me as I retreat to my old bedroom, the one place that's felt like mine through everything.
Once inside, I slam the door shut and collapse onto the bed. The sobs come in waves, each one a mixture of grief, anger, and an aching sense of loss. I bury my face into the pillow, trying to muffle the sound, to keep my breakdown as private as possible.
Time slips by, marked only by the softening of my sobs and the gentle knock at the door. "Onee-chan, it's me, Yuna. Can I come in?" her voice is tinged with concern and confusion, mirroring my own.
I hesitate, not wanting to face anyone, but eventually, my need for comfort outweighs my desire for solitude. I unlock the door, allowing Yuna to enter. She sits beside me on the bed, her presence a silent support.
"I know this is a lot," Yuna begins softly. "And I'm just as confused and surprised as you are, Onee-chan. But please remember, no matter what, you're still my sister."
Tears continue to stream down my face as I look at her. "But we're not really sisters, are we? Not by blood," I reply, the words tasting bitter.
Yuna wraps an arm around me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "Blood doesn't define family, Harumi. We've lived as sisters, cared for each other, and shared countless memories. That's what truly matters."
I allow myself to lean into her, the warmth of her embrace easing the chill of my revelations. "I know, Yuna. It's just a lot to process," I admit, my voice muffled against her shoulder.
"We're in this together," she whispers. "We'll help you through this, every step of the way."
Gratitude washes over me, mingled with the lingering shock and sorrow. "Thank you, Yuna. Having you here means the world to me."
Yuna smiles gently, a small beacon in the storm. "Let's go back, Harumi. There's more we need to understand, and we can face it together."
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I nod, finding a semblance of composure. Hand in hand, we make our way back to the living room, where the journey of discovery and acceptance continues.
As Yuna and I re-enter the living room, the weight of the room's atmosphere hits me anew. My parents' eyes are brimming with tears, their expressions a mix of sorrow and love. The sight triggers fresh tears from my own eyes, and before I know it, I'm rushing forward, enveloping them in a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry, Mama, Dad," I choke out between sobs. "I shouldn't have run out like that. No matter my origins, we are still family, and I love you both so much."
We remain locked in the embrace for what feels like an eternity, sharing in our collective grief and love. Eventually, we part, and Sayaka, with a solemn nod, begins to speak again. She recounts my origins, detailing the accident that claimed my biological parents — both powerful figures within the Blossom clan. They were the clan heads, respected and renowned. My powers were sealed to allow me a chance at a normal life, but with my transformation, the seal broke, awakening what lay dormant within me.
Sayaka pauses, allowing the information to sink in. She then explains that Emi and she were sent to aid in my transition and training. Emi, in particular, was designated to become my blood servant as part of an ancient pact within the clan.
I turn to Emi, who's been silent up to this point. "Are you sure about this, Emi? We've been friends for so long, and I don't want to force you into anything."
Emi meets my gaze, her expression serious yet filled with an unmistakable warmth. "Harumi, it would be my honor. This was always meant to be my path, even before your powers were sealed. I'm here for you, entirely."
It's then that Yuna stands, her voice firm yet full of emotion. "If Emi is going to be a blood servant, then I want to be too. I can't stand the thought of not being by your side, Harumi."
Sayaka interjects, her tone gentle yet stern. "You understand what this means, Yuna? It's a lifelong commitment, binding you to Harumi."
Yuna's resolve doesn't waver. "That only makes me more determined. I've always been with Onee-chan, and I always will be."
The room falls silent, the gravity of her declaration hanging in the air. I feel a warmth spread through me, touched by their dedication and love. "Thank you, Yuna, Emi," I say, my voice steadier than before. "Your willingness means everything to me. But please, understand the weight of this choice. It's not something to be taken lightly."
"I understand, Onee-chan," Yuna responds, her eyes shining with determination. "I want to be by your side, no matter what."
Our parents, after a moment of silent communication, nod in agreement, signaling their acceptance of our decisions.
"Alright," I affirm, a sense of resolve fortifying my spirit. "We'll do this together. But first, we need to focus on understanding and controlling my powers. I don't want anyone to get hurt."
"That's where I come in," Sayaka states, stepping forward. "As your guide and mentor, I'm here to train you. Your parents, as non-vampires of the clan, have done their part. Now, it's time for you to embrace your heritage fully."