Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Good Night

I had no idea what was going on, but Mr. Severo’s ecstatic laughter somehow lightened the mood. I didn’t know what was so funny, but since he was the only one laughing, I just laughed along. Brix’s face remained expressionless, but I could tell he didn’t like what was happening based on how tightly he was gripping me. Nathalia also seemed as clueless as I was.

“I didn’t expect this,” Mr. Severo said, still laughing. He accidentally nudged his glass of wine, but before it could fall, he swiftly caught it. I swallowed nervously at how fast his movements were. He took a sip while looking at his son.

“Don’t mind her, Dad. She’s just like that,” Brix said, bowing slightly. “I apologize for the impudent behavior this girl has shown you. I promise it won’t happen again.”

I mentally rolled my eyes. Can’t he stop insulting me already? Even if I did say something inappropriate, is it my fault they suddenly brought me here without warning? I thought Brix’s father would be worse than him—but no, it’s Brix who’s the real monster.

I gasped when Brix’s hand slid up my wrist. I felt his nails dig into my skin, causing a stinging pain. When I looked down, I was horrified to see blood dripping onto the floor.

“Stop...” Nathalia cut in. I swallowed again when I noticed her eyes had turned blood red. Yet, that didn't diminish her beauty—it even suited her, as if she were just wearing colored lenses. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Brixton.”

Brix immediately let go of my hand.

My eyes widened as I saw the wound on my wrist begin to heal. Seconds later, it was completely gone. Not even a scar remained. This is how powerful vampires are.

“Please, have a seat,” Mr. Severo gestured toward the chairs.

I sat down first since Brix didn’t look like he was planning to. When he glanced at me, I saw the fury in his eyes. I quickly looked away—his gaze was draining.

I looked at the food on the table. My stomach growled. I wanted to eat, but I didn’t move, afraid Brix would get even angrier. I just fidgeted with my hands and kept my eyes away from the food.

“Please, enjoy the food, Astra,” Mr. Severo encouraged.

That was my cue to finally serve myself. I filled my plate, yet Brix didn’t move. He just kept staring at my plate. I ignored him—maybe he wasn’t hungry yet.

“Oh my feels! Take it easy, sis Astra,” Nath joked with a laugh.

I heard Mr. Severo chuckle again, but I didn’t focus on it. I smiled at Nathalia when she handed me a glass of blood. I took a sip and found myself enjoying the food more.

“Damn it!” Brix suddenly cursed, startling me. I looked at him. He was facing Mr. Severo, who was calmly sipping his wine. “Can you give me more time, Dad? I’ll find a better one—someone who isn’t as stupid as this one. I promise.”

I stopped chewing. Did he mean I was free? That I wouldn’t have to return to this place?

Mr. Severo smirked and shook his head. “Why, son? You’ve got yourself a perfect one. Why change?”

Brix gave a bitter laugh and glanced at me, scanning me from head to toe before shaking his head. Even though it was insulting, I said nothing. He seemed eager to make it obvious that he despised me.

“She’s useless, Dad,” Brix added.

That stung. I had never been insulted like this before. I usually never let people walk all over me, but this time, I kept it all in. If I really was useless to him, maybe he’d finally let me go. Should I just play along until he gets tired of me?

“Useless, just because you can’t have her in your palms?” Nathalia cut in. Brix glared at her, but it didn’t faze her. “What’s wrong, little brother? You can’t stand her because you can’t control her? That’s how I see it. What happened to the ruthless heir of the Nightfall Clan?”

I looked at Brix’s hand on the table. His claws had scraped into the wood. He was barely holding back his rage. One more push and he’d explode.

“Is that it, son?” Mr. Severo asked with a grin.

Brix was visibly trying to calm himself. He loosened the tie around his neck.

I couldn’t keep eating either—the tension was suffocating. It felt like I was in a movie, waiting for the first strike so I could dive under the table.

Moments later, I heard Brix laugh—a sound that only grew louder. He grabbed his glass of blood and drank. The smile on his lips didn’t feel genuine. He was hiding his frustration behind it.

Then suddenly, his heavy hand landed on my thigh. I froze as he slid it under my dress. The heat of his touch made me flinch, but I couldn’t move fast enough to stop him.

“Don’t make me laugh, Nath. You think I’m submitting to this girl?” Brix said with another laugh as he stroked my thigh. “That’s very insulting, don’t you think?” His lips curled into a smirk.

He was ready to explode—and so was I.

I shut my eyes when his hand traveled higher. I’d never been humiliated like this before. I’d never even kissed a man, and now I was being touched like this by a monster.

I was on their turf, and no matter what I did, I didn’t stand a chance. That was the thought I clung to so I wouldn’t make a reckless move that might get me killed. But he was pushing my limits.

“You are useless, Astra...” I heard Brix mutter. His face was so close I could feel his breath on my neck. I stayed still, trying to calm myself. “Hear me? Useless human.”

When I felt his lips on my neck, I jumped to my feet. My hand grabbed the glass of blood and, without hesitation, I threw it in his face.

I heard Nath gasp. “Oh, snapped!”

“Replace me then. Who cares, Brix?” I was breathing heavily. I had never been insulted like this. “I’d rather die than serve a devil like you. I’m useless? Maybe you’re right. But at least I’m not a moron like you. You think you’re powerful? I hate to break it to you, but I don’t feel it.”

My heart stopped when Brix grabbed my neck and slammed me against the wall. My back hit it so hard my mouth hung open. He lifted me off the ground, choking me. I could only stare into his glowing red eyes, veins protruding from his neck in rage. He bared his fangs. He could kill me now.

I was terrified—but I grinned.

I was suffocating, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me break. That’s what he wanted—for people to fear him. That’s where he got his power.

“You deadhead, insensitive, pathetic human,” he growled.

Tears welled in my eyes as the lack of air choked me.

Then suddenly, Brix vanished from my view. I fell to the floor, gasping for breath and coughing. I turned and saw Brix pinned to the ground by Oscar, who held him by the neck.

“I don’t want to fight you, Brix. Not in front of our father,” Oscar said firmly. “Come to your senses. Show some consideration.”

“Hey.” A woman approached—gentle, smiling. She helped me up. “You’re the one Master Brix chose, right? Astra. That’s what I heard from Master Oscar.”

I nodded. She must be Celeste.

I glanced back. Oscar still hadn’t let Brix up.

Mr. Severo calmly sipped his wine and read the newspaper, unbothered by the chaos. Mr. Billy beside him simply watched, as if this scene was completely normal.

“That’s it.” Nathalia stood and approached the two. She grabbed Oscar by the collar and pulled him up.

Oscar fixed his white tux, glaring at his brother.

“Get a grip, brothers. I came here to relax, not to babysit. Ugh, my feels. I hate being the eldest Cardinal. I always end up stopping my troublemaker brothers.”

Oscar walked toward me. He glanced at my neck and let out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left. I didn’t watch over Kuya. Are you okay now?”

I didn’t answer. Do I look okay after what that asshole did?

Nath then went to Brix and grabbed him by the sideburns, forcing him to stand. He groaned in protest, but she didn’t let go until he was on his feet. Then she kicked him in the stomach, making him stumble back.

“Damn!” Brix grunted.

“Sit and eat,” Nath said simply, then turned to me with a sudden smile. “Sorry, Astra. This is just how they show affection. Come, eat.” She glanced at the woman beside me. “Oh hey, Celeste. It’s been a long time.”

The woman beside me hugged Nath. “It’s been a long time, Lady Nathalia. You look gorgeous as always,” she complimented, making Nath giggle. Clearly, she loved compliments.

“Same to you, sis. You’ve gotten even prettier. Looks like Oscar suits you?” Nath teased.

Celeste then approached Mr. Severo, bowed slightly, and kissed his hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Lord Severo,” she said politely.

Mr. Severo didn’t respond.

I felt someone staring at me. I turned to see Brix raising an eyebrow at me before rolling his eyes. He even mouthed, “That’s how you do it, idiot.”

We returned to the table, but this time Oscar pulled me to sit far from Brix. Brix didn’t say a word. I had lost my appetite anyway. I felt terrible—not from pain, but because of what had happened.

I gasped when I felt tears threatening to fall. I hid my trembling hands under the table.

I wasn’t the crying type, but a lot had happened today. First, I finally understood the strange things happening to me—I really did die that night, and I wasn’t human anymore. Second, I was forced to drink blood. And then this confrontation. It was too much.

I kept my head down, just listening. Celeste was clearly close with this family, especially with Nath. Neither Brix nor Mr. Severo said another word. I bitterly smiled at how Oscar treated Celeste with such care.

“You okay?” Oscar whispered. He must’ve noticed my silence.

I nodded, still looking down.

“Want to rest for a bit? I can escort you to your room,” he offered.

“I want to go home,” I whispered.

He didn’t reply right away. I thought he might say no, but he seemed to be waiting for the right moment to speak.

“Papa,” I heard Oscar say, “Astra isn’t feeling well. Maybe her body is still adjusting to everything. You’ve met her already, so may I escort her back so she can rest?”

I bit my lip to keep from crying. Not here, Astra. Don’t cry here.

I silently prayed that Mr. Severo would allow it. I couldn’t hold back the tears much longer. I didn’t want them to see me cry—especially not Brix. He already looked down on humans enough.

“Sure,” Mr. Severo replied. “Brix, take Astra home.”

My head shot up. My tears retreated once I realized what he meant.

I caught Brix’s gaze, but he quickly looked away and turned to his father.

“Pa—”

“I’ll take her, Pa,” Oscar interrupted. He took a drink, then wiped his lips with a tissue. “She’s had enough. At least let her go home without being insulted. So please, Dad. Let me do her this favor.”

Mr. Severo shook his head and wiped his lips with a towel. I wanted to say no one needed to take me home, but I didn’t even know where we were. I knew we were far from Tita Ophelia’s house. I just hoped Oscar would take me instead. Anyone but Brix.

“Celeste is here. You take care of her, Oscar,” Mr. Severo said, then turned to Brix, who showed no reaction. “You had me at first, son. It’s been a while since a human piqued my interest. I was pleased when you chose her, but now... I’m not so sure. Such a shame.”

Brix lowered his head, clearly not happy with what he was hearing.

I noticed Nath’s secret grin—she seemed to enjoy the scene.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Brix murmured.

“You asked for time to replace her? Fine. I’ll give you that. But take Astra home first.” Mr. Severo stood and adjusted his collar before walking away, Mr. Billy following him.

Only the five of us remained—Brix, Oscar, Celeste, Nathalia, and me. Nathalia continued eating.

“Shame. Dad was really proud of your choice, Brix. Have you ever heard him laugh like that before? Whatever. Poor Astra. But good pick,” Nath teased. “Take her home. She needs a break from all this chaos.”

“I’ll take her,” Oscar stood. “Let’s go, Astra.”

I stood too, bracing myself.

I looked at Nath. “This dress—”

“It’s yours,” she cut in with a smile.

“Thank you.” I turned to Celeste. “Nice to meet you, Celeste.”

“Pleasure, Lady Astra,” Celeste replied with a smile.

“I’ll be back. Stay here for now, Celeste.” Oscar walked ahead.

I was about to follow him when someone grabbed my arm. The warmth of his hand and the tight grip told me who it was without looking.

I turned. “I’m taking you home,” Brix said firmly.

“Oh, you’re not done yet, huh?” Oscar said bitterly. “Why? Got more insults to throw? Go ahead, say them all now. But I’m taking Astra.”

Brix gripped my arm tighter.

“I don’t want to argue, Oscar. You heard Papa. He told me to take Astra.” He tried to pull me, but I didn’t move. He frowned. “What? Don’t tell me you’re scared of me now? I thought you weren’t afraid?”

I shook my head. “I’m not scared of you. I just don’t want you,” I replied quietly.

I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. In the end, I couldn’t escape.

“You are my slave, Astra,” Brix said, staring straight into my eyes. “I make your decisions. No one else will take you home but me. Unless... you want to go by yourself.”

“Fine!” Oscar sighed. “It’s fine, Astra. He won’t bother you after tonight. Don’t worry. Just because you’re no longer part of this clan doesn’t mean you’re not my friend. You still have my support.”

I smiled faintly at his words.

I gasped as Brix dragged me out. I kept my head down until we exited the mansion. We stopped, and I looked up. It was dark, but the area was lit by lamp posts and other lights.

“Wait here. I’ll get the car,” Brix muttered.

I watched him until he disappeared from sight.

I sat wearily on a bench beneath a tree. So this was their mansion—not surprising anymore. The wind blew, and since I was only wearing a dress, the cold crept up from my legs to my entire body.

I absentmindedly played with the grass at my feet.

It wasn’t that I felt weak—I just didn’t have the energy for anything.

But… I’m finally going to be free from Brix.

I smiled faintly at the thought.

It meant I’d never have to see or speak to him again.

After all the terrible things that happened tonight, at least something good came out of it.

I flinched when a car horn blared in front of me.

I scowled. Was that really necessary?

I stood up, opened the door of the sleek black car, and got in. The familiar scent of Brix greeted me. I glanced around. The car looked expensive—modern design with black and maroon interior.

“Seatbelt,” Brix reminded. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

Lazily, I pulled the seatbelt over me and clicked it in. He began to drive. We passed by a giant, glowing fountain before heading toward the main gate. Guards were stationed there. They opened the gate as soon as they saw us approaching.

Once outside, I realized I was right. Their mansion was in the middle of farmlands.

It was already night. I was sure Tita Ophelia had been looking for me for hours. I didn’t even know what excuse I could give her. She was probably going to scold me again. But that’s fine—I could handle her words. They were repetitive, but at least she never hurt me like what happened tonight.

I stared out the window. There was nothing to see but darkness, but I preferred it. I didn’t want to look forward and risk meeting Brix’s gaze.

After a while, the car came to a stop.

I frowned. We hadn’t even left the farmland yet. The engine wasn’t broken either. Confused, I continued looking out the window.

“You’re still linked to me,” Brix said suddenly.

I turned to him. He was staring straight ahead.

“Then unlink me,” I challenged.

He turned to me. “I can’t do that.”

“So I have to die? Then kill me,” I said boldly. “Whatever you want, Brix. I’m your slave, right? You saved me—I owe you my life. You can take it back anytime you want.” My fists were clenched.

I hated this conversation.

“That’s suicide.” He shook his head. “Even if I let you go, you’re still a vampire. You’ll live the rest of your life as one. Everyone around you will be at risk. You’ve just completed the transition. You won’t be able to control yourself yet.”

I stared into his eyes. “What are you trying to say, Brix?”

He swallowed hard.

“You said… you were going to replace me—”

“What if I don’t want to?” he interrupted.

Tears welled up in my eyes. “Y-you’re only saying that because…” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You want to make your dad proud. When you found out he was disappointed with your decision to replace me, you changed your mind. You don’t really like me, do you, Brix?”

He fell silent.

There. I hit the bull’s eye.

“Why, Astra? Do you really want to be free from this world? Do you think you can survive out there alone? You’re not human anymore. And do you think we’re the only vampires in this world? No. Do you think I’m the worst man out there? Definitely not.”

I looked away when my vision blurred. Before the tears could fall, I quickly wiped my eyes.

“You need me, Astra. And I need you, too. We need each other.”

I looked back out the window.

“Just drive me home, Brix,” I whispered.

He didn’t respond, but he obeyed. The ride was silent until he parked in front of our gate.

I was about to open the door when I realized it was locked.

“I know our first meeting didn’t go well,” he said, making me look at him. He was staring at me. “I’ll pick you up again tomorrow. I’ll be gentle this time. I want us to get along. I’ll explain everything you need to know. We’ll make a peaceful agreement.”

Wanting to be free, I just nodded.

Before I could step out, he added one last thing:

“When all is said and done… it’s still nice to meet you, Astra. Good night.”