Chapter 3 Chapter 3

The morning air in the human city felt warm yet piercing with its unfamiliar scent. Vehicle exhaust, the aroma of coffee, and faint traces of human blood carried by the wind all assaulted my senses at once. I held my breath for a moment. The temptation to give in to instinct was strong, but I knew that if I lost control even once here, everything would end.

The sky above was brightening. Sunlight broke through the gaps between tall buildings, making this city look like another world. I stood on the sidewalk with a small bag in hand. It held only a few clothes, some money, and a courage that was beginning to fade.

Today was my first day truly alone. No Cassian to cover my tracks, no mother to hold me at night, no father watching from behind his throne.

It was just me and the human world that had no idea I existed.

I took a slow breath and began to walk, but froze when a voice called from behind.

“Elysian?”

My body tensed. That name. The one that must never be spoken in this world again. Slowly, I turned, and my eyes met the figure of a young man.

His black hair was tousled, a long gray coat framed his tall build, and his gaze was sharp yet calm. His aura... not human.

“Who are you?” I asked coldly. My hand moved to my waist, ready to draw the small dagger hidden beneath my jacket.

The man raised both hands slowly. “Easy, Princess Crimsonveil. I didn’t come to harm you.”

“Don’t call me that,” I snapped. “Tell me who you are before I regret letting you speak.”

He gave a faint smile. “My name is Kael. I’m a friend of Cassian.”

I froze, staring deep into his eyes. There was no lie there, but I refused to believe him so easily. “A friend of Cassian? You think I’ll believe that?”

Kael lowered his hands. “You can sense my aura. If I were lying, you’d have felt it. Cassian contacted me the night you left. He said if you managed to escape the palace, I should find you.”

“He contacted you?” I asked softly. “When?”

“That same night.” Kael exhaled. “He knew which direction you’d go. He told me to make sure you’re safe until things calm down in Archfangs.”

I looked down. My chest tightened. “He’s… alright?”

Kael held my gaze and nodded slowly. “For now, yes. But your father has started to suspect something. Several guards went missing that night. Cassian said he’d distract them for as long as possible.”

I let out a long breath. “He’s always like that. Always protecting me even if it means risking himself.”

“He cares about you,” Kael said gently. “More than you realize.”

I looked at him for a long moment. “Then why are you doing this? You owe me nothing.”

Kael gave a crooked smile. “But I owe him. Cassian saved my life years ago. This is how I repay him.”

I fell silent. There was something sincere in his voice—something that made me want to believe him.

Kael looked toward the street and said, “Come on. This place is too exposed.”

We walked along the sidewalk as it grew busier. Humans passed by carrying coffee, talking on their phones, laughing freely. I watched them with a mix of wonder and envy. Their world seemed so simple, as if there were no threats, no blood, no wars.

Kael glanced at me. “You’re not used to human crowds, are you?”

I shook my head slightly. “It’s too loud. Too many sounds, too many scents. Everything mixes together.”

He chuckled softly. “You’ll get used to it. But don’t forget, beneath all this noise, there are eyes watching.”

I turned quickly. “Whose eyes?”

“People from the underworld,” he replied. “They can sense noble blood from a kilometer away.”

I scoffed. “So you know about Bloodfang?”

Kael looked straight ahead. “Of course. Who doesn’t? They’re not just a legend. They’re a threat.”

“And I’m part of that world,” I murmured.

“You don’t have to be,” he said firmly. “Starting today, you’re no longer Elysian Crimsonveil. You’re Elena Sine, a new literature student at Valleria University.”

I stopped walking. “Elena Sine?” I repeated. “That even sounds strange.”

“It’s a common name in this city. It won’t draw any attention,” he said lightly.

I eyed him warily. “And you think I can live as a human?”

Kael shrugged. “You have a face that’s human enough, though… maybe you should learn to smile more often.”

I glared at him. “Are you mocking me?”

He laughed softly. “Not mocking, just giving advice.”

We kept walking until the sun leaned westward. The city began to change colors, golden orange light covering the narrow streets I didn’t yet know.

Kael stopped in front of a small alley.

I frowned. “Where are we going?”

“Your place,” he said casually. “Not far from here.”

“This alley looks… suspicious,” I muttered.

Kael turned, giving me a faint smile. “Trust me. I’m not dragging you into another vampire den.”

“It better not be,” I replied coolly but followed him anyway.

We walked through the damp, narrow alley until we reached an old iron door. Kael knocked twice. A moment later, an elderly woman with silver hair opened it.

Her face was kind, but her eyes sharp.

“Kael? You finally came,” she said. “Is this your niece?”

Kael smiled politely. “Yes, Mrs. Lira. Her name’s Elena. She just moved from out of town.”

The woman looked me up and down, then nodded. “Pretty face. Doesn’t look like trouble. Come in.”

I bowed slightly and followed Kael through a narrow corridor to a room on the second floor.

It was simple but clean. A bed, a small desk, and a window facing the back garden.

“This belongs to Mrs. Lira,” Kael said. “You can rent it daily for now. Once your documents are done, we’ll switch to a monthly contract.”

I touched the surface of the desk, cool but sturdy. “This place, feels peaceful.”

“Peaceful and safe,” he replied. “No one will look for you here.”

Mrs. Lira handed me a small key. “You can stay starting tonight, dear. If you need anything, just knock on my door.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” I said softly.

After she left, Kael leaned against the door. “I’ll come by tomorrow morning. We’ll sort out your university papers and ID.”

I studied him for a moment. “Why are you so sure you can hide me?”

He smiled faintly. “Because I’ve been hiding longer than you think.”

Before I could respond, he turned and left. His footsteps echoed down the stairs and faded into silence.

I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the evening light seep through the curtains and touch my skin.

For the first time in my life, I was free.

But before I could fully breathe in that freedom, Kael’s earlier words echoed in my mind.

“Not all the rumors about Bloodfang are true, Elysian. Some things were hidden on purpose.”

I opened my eyes slowly, gazing at the darkening sky. “What do you really mean, Kael?”

There was no answer. Only silence bouncing off the walls of the small room.

And somehow, his words made my heart beat faster, as if something was waiting for me beyond this fragile freedom.