Bruno and the Crimson Veil

Hope?

The last thing to leave. Bruno vaguely remembered a conversation with his mother where she said that. His mood, which had been terrible, began to improve slightly, quickly. His eyes — now violet from the transformation — gained a curious spark of hope.

Without letting go of her, Bruno asked:

— Flávia, please tell me more about vampires.

Flávia seemed to awaken from her stupor and didn't want to leave Bruno's embrace. Then she began to say:

— Hmmm? Vampires... we are a race of the night, similar to what human stories tell. But we don't have so many limitations. The sun only burns low-level vampires, but we like the night environment. We drink blood, but we can survive on food marinated in blood for about 30 days. We are an ancient race and technically immortal to time. We live in the Night Dimension, Tenebris, which was taken by our progenitor, Count Dracula Tepes. We are one of the hundred superior races.

— The hundred superior races? What exactly does that mean?

Flávia lifted her eyes, her voice firm and almost solemn:

— The Hundred Superior Races are made up of lineages whose leaders hold power so immense that it transcends the ordinary. Each reigns sovereign over their domains, sustained by strength, legacy, and fear.

But above these... — she paused briefly, as if weighing her words — there exist entities not limited to a single race.

— They are the Primordial Powers: pantheons of ancient gods, who govern multiple species under their divine will...

Infernal legions, formed by horrors and demonic castes of countless origins...

And other forces that even vampires dare not name without caution.

Flávia stared intensely into Bruno's eyes:

— They do not belong to a world. They shape worlds.

Upon hearing those words, Bruno found himself focusing on something else. Something inside him began to change. For the first time, he didn't reject this world — he began to accept it.

A question arose in his mind:

"Is this what I need to do... to one day return to my family?"

With that thought, he tightened his embrace around Flávia and looked at her meaningfully, lost in silence.

Still entwined in the silent hug, Bruno began to ask questions. His voice sounded calmer but carried a new weight — the weight of curiosity from someone finally deciding to face the unknown.

— Flávia... what are the power levels among vampires?

She smiled slightly, as if she had expected the question, and kindly answered:

— We are divided into seven main levels: Apprentice, Warrior, Baron, Count, King, Ancient... and, finally, the Primordials.

Bruno absorbed the answer silently, then continued:

— Are there rules?

— Yes — Flávia said with a contained sigh. — But the stronger you become, the less they apply. The most powerful live above many laws... although there are always consequences.

— And you? — he asked, looking her in the eyes. — What is your level?

She looked away briefly, perhaps out of humility or habit, and replied:

— I am a Baroness. A median level... but stable.

Bruno simply nodded. No clear expression on his face, but inside, gears were beginning to turn.

Among all possible questions, Bruno chose the one that most troubled him. With his eyes fixed on Flávia, he asked quietly but firmly:

— What are you and I?

Flávia looked visibly embarrassed. Her face, usually pale, took on a rare rosy hue. Shy, she hid against Bruno's chest and whispered:

— Whatever you want us to be...

Bruno furrowed his brow slightly, confused, not knowing exactly how to react.

But Flávia didn't give him time.

— I know I am older... practically ten years older than you — she said, still hiding her face. — But whatever you decide, I will be by your side. Always.

Before she could finish, Bruno kissed her softly. And as he pulled away, he said firmly:

— Flávia... I want to learn about this world. I want to become stronger.

A determined and fearless smile appeared on his face. Then, in an unexpected gesture, he lifted her in his arms like a princess and, looking into her eyes, finished:

— Teach me.