Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

This was insane.

How did things end up like this?

I had expected to be confined for a while, but a while in vampire terms meant years.

I needed a plan.

"Still, I can’t just sit around doing nothing."

["And what exactly do you intend to do?"]

The moment I suggested anything, her eyes sharpened.

Yeah, I couldn’t say I was planning to leave.

Instead, I simply moved closer and wrapped an arm lightly around her.

Her mood softened just a bit.

Not long ago, she would have snapped at me for daring to touch her so casually.

Tyr had changed a lot.

"There’s not much to do, so I guess I’ll just play with a doll. Luckily, I have the perfect one right here."

["It is yours. Treat it however you wish."]

"I tried treating it however I wanted, but it seems to have developed separation anxiety."

["That depends on the user. Every tool has a proper way to be used, does it not?"]

I pulled her onto my lap and ran my fingers through her hair.

Even vampires, after a fierce battle, ended up with tangled hair.

One by one, I worked through the knots, smoothing them out.

Then, I asked:

"Tyr."

["Speak."]

"You want me to change, don’t you?"

I had already changed her.

Even if it was something she had wished for, it had been me who made it happen.

And that had only been possible because I had lost my power and become ordinary.

Tyrkanzyaka turned slightly, gazing at me as she asked:

["And if I did? Would you change for me?"]

"I’m sorry."

The King of Beasts speaks for all beasts.

That’s not the perfect analogy, but in a way, I am a reflection of all their desires.

That’s why I must be strong.

Even if I lost my strength for reasons I don’t fully understand…

Tyr turned away again, her voice distant.

["There is nothing to apologize for. Just as you hold firm to your beliefs, so too shall I act according to mine."]

"I’m still sorry."

["I said there is no need."]

"Not just for that."

I finished untangling her hair.

Then, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close.

Even though my hands were pressed against her chest, she didn’t resist.

Tyrkanzyaka placed her hands over mine, deep in thought.

["Binding Hughes like this… It is not the ideal relationship others would envy, is it?"]

["But no matter how wrong it is, it is better than losing you. I am sorry, Hughes… for making you suffer my greed."]

"…I’m sorry for taking advantage of your kindness like this."

The term demon refers to a revelation—an ultimate truth that changes humanity.

The knowledge that governs the body may be insignificant compared to the grand order of nature, but for humans, it is everything.

"Set. Frank."

Lightning surged in my palm.

A flash of light pulsed, resonating with the heart I had carved into Tyrkanzyaka.