Chapter 22 — The Journey to Noctis Sanctum

The dirt road stretched endlessly beneath the fading orange sky, winds carrying the scent of pine and distant rain. Kai walked in silence, hood drawn, eyes scanning the treeline for monsters or opportunistic bandits.

At his side, Selene clung to his arm with a smile far too cheerful for someone marching toward the city of vampires.

“…And then, when I become queen, I’ll—”

“Are you even listening?” Selene asked suddenly, narrowing her crimson eyes.

“No.” Kai’s voice was flat. “You talk too much.”

Selene pouted, cheeks puffing slightly, waiting for an apology that never came.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kai halted near a riverbank. “We’ll camp here. Water, fish, enough cover from the road.”

Selene sighed but nodded. “Fine. As long as I get to be with you.”

Kai ignored her, setting up the tent with practiced efficiency. Once the stakes were in place, he glanced at her. “You’ll keep watch tonight, right?”

“…Why me?” she asked.

“You’re a vampire. Don’t need sleep.”

Selene twirled a strand of her hair, lips curling into a sly grin. “Yeah, but I don’t want to. I’d rather stay in the tent with you.”

“No.”

Kai ducked inside without another word.

The night was quiet, filled only with the murmur of the river. Hours passed before Selene silently slipped into the tent, settling beside Kai’s still form.

“What are you doing?” Kai asked, eyes closed, his breathing steady.

“Nothing,” Selene said quickly.

“…Whatever. Do what you want.”

She smirked, slipping closer. Soon she was pressed against him, her cold arms wrapping around his chest as she drifted off to sleep.

Morning light streamed through the tent flap. Kai opened his eyes to find Selene still holding onto him, crimson lashes fluttering as she stirred awake.

“It’s rude to stare at a lady,” she teased.

“You’re a vampire,” Kai replied bluntly. “And a noble one at that. Don’t vampires not need sleep?”

Selene stretched, her expression softening. “…I’m only half vampire. That’s one of the reasons I want to become queen.”

She didn’t even try to hide it.

Kai studied her quietly. “…You were ostracized, weren’t you?”

Her smile faltered. “Yeah. How did you—?”

“I’ve read that vampires see themselves as elegant, perfect beings. They wouldn’t tolerate someone… in-between.”

Selene blinked at him, then suddenly smiled again — a genuine smile this time. She hugged him tightly.

Kai froze. “…What are you so happy about?”

“Nothing.”

They broke camp and continued toward Noctis Sanctum. Along the way, they dispatched packs of wolves and low-tier beasts with ease, their teamwork wordless but efficient.

By midday, they reached a trade town along the main road — Graveshade — a settlement caught between human and vampire lands, where both races mingled uneasily.

Kai took the chance to resupply, counting coin for dried food, herbs, and replacement tools. Selene trailed him, unusually quiet.

Finally, Kai asked, “…Since you’re half vampire, you eat food too?”

Selene nodded lightly. “Yes, but it doesn’t really do anything for me. Not like blood does.”

Her crimson eyes glimmered as she said it, as if daring him to react.

Kai simply shouldered his pack and walked on.

Selene’s lips curled into another pout.