quiet breeze rustled through the open windows of the mountain villa. Morning light crept in with soft golden fingers, brushing over tangled blankets and the lingering warmth of a fire long extinguished.
Kazimir stood at the far end of the room, shirtless, leaning lazily against the wall as he unwrapped a chocolate bar and bit into it with a low crunch. His silver hair, now free from the tension of war, framed a face no longer marred by pain.
Behind him, the blankets stirred.
Riah's red-and-white hair spilled like a river of living flame across the bed as she blinked awake, her voice still touched by sleep.
"You're finally up..." she said, stretching. Her eyes locked onto him. "You've been sleeping for a whole month. How are you feeling? Better?"
Kazimir gave a slow nod, swallowing another bite."Yeah... physically? I'm good. The scars are completely gone."
She stood, wrapping herself in a soft robe, and walked over to him. Without a word, she reached for his katana and drew it—not to wield it, but to reflect light back onto his chest. Her hand pressed against the spot where once, a wound too deep for mortal healing had lived.
"It's like you're a newborn..." she murmured. "It's completely gone. I wasn't sure I could heal you that much."
Kazimir glanced at her, still chewing."Probably your Pyre of the Origin state. I think it boosted your projection to the point your flames rewrote me."
Riah blinked. "Oh... I didn't even realize that."
He gave a soft grin. "I didn't either. Just guessing."
Pinch."Ow—what the hell?" he flinched as she gave him a warning pinch on the ribs.
"No more wild antics. You're not fully recovered, mentally or emotionally. You're resting. No training."
"What are you talking about? I'm literally a malfaction of lightning." He threw his arms out dramatically.
"And you'll short-circuit if you keep acting reckless," she snapped back. "You've done enough. From now on, let us help too."
Kazimir sighed, nodding."You're right. I need to make things right with Jessie… and Neve. Especially Gendai."
Riah raised a brow, curious. "Mm. I wonder how you'll react when you see her."
Kazimir's lips tugged into a soft, knowing smile."She did it, huh?"
Meanwhile, down the polished halls of the Prismic Gathering's mountaintop headquarters, Jessie, Neve, and Ingress addressed the assembled members.
"You've all grown," Neve said, her white hair shimmering in the sunlight. "Some more than others, but the improvement is undeniable. The stronger we are, the safer the world becomes."
She paced slowly."As you know, a Blood Moon is upon us."
"The Blood Moon?" Tyrone asked, arms crossed.
"Yes," she nodded. "But this isn't a lunar eclipse—it's a celestial phenomenon. A roaming planet, one that reflects a cursed red hue, passing between us and our sun. It acts like a blood moon… but it's far more dangerous."
Lihanna raised her hand. "So it's like a parasitic event, using us to manifest chaos?"
"Correct." Neve's tone sharpened. "Countries like Caphriha and Bruswa are in danger. Weaker vampires will descend on Caphriha… but the stronger, more evolved ones will seek out Bruswa. Feed. Multiply. Conquer."
"And where do we stand?" Mia asked.
"Jessie, Ingress, and I will deploy to Bruswa." Neve gestured firmly. "Riah will remain here, in case any last-resort threats reach this sanctuary."
Mia looked uneasy."Riah's strong, but… just her?"
Jessie smirked. "Don't underestimate your allies. They've all improved. And she's not alone."
James looked around. "Wait… where is she, anyway?"
Neve smiled faintly. "She's coming. With someone very special."
The grand doors creaked open—and silence followed.
Riah stepped in first, her cloak billowing like white fire, and behind her—
Kazimir.
He walked with calm power, dressed in the ceremonial colors of violet and white, his posture straight and unburdened. The months of sleep had not dulled him—they had reforged him.
Tyrone grinned. "Look at him. Dude looks like he never even died."
Mia muttered, "Great. Chaos just walked back in."
Kamaki shouted, "KAZIMIR! FIGHT WITH ME AND RAIJIN AGAINST THE VAMPIRES, PLEASE!"
Riah raised a hand to silence the room.
Kazimir stepped forward, gaze sweeping over everyone.
"I owe you all an apology," he began. "For isolating myself. For being selfish. For believing I had to carry everything alone. Jessie… I was arrogant when you tried to help me. Neve… you once told me I was meant to be a knight who would protect you. But instead, you protected me. All of you… I'm sorry."
He dropped to one knee.
"I hope you can forgive me."
Neve stepped forward without hesitation, lifting his hand and pulling him to his feet."You're forgiven. What you did was reckless—but look at the results. These people aren't just survivors anymore. They're warriors. You gave them that fire, Kazimir. Don't burn yourself alone again."
The room buzzed with emotion.
"Gendai," Riah called softly.
From the far side, footsteps echoed.
Gendai stepped into view.
Her horns were gone.
Her hair—long and gleaming emerald and silver—flowed like a river of purity. Her emerald eyes glowed softly. The air around her shimmered, not with darkness, but clarity.
Kazimir's breath caught.
She didn't look like a demon anymore. She looked like a legend.
She stood before him. Expressionless.
"You've done it," he whispered. "You… you almost look like someone completely new."
"I worked hard," she said simply. "I was tired of feeling like a burden."
Kazimir nodded. "I know. You finally faced it. A battle I couldn't fight for you… but I should've done more. I should've given you courage."
"You did," she said, her voice steady. "You told me to follow my heart. And my heart told me to stand by your side. You and Riah aren't alone anymore."
"Thanks." He smiled—genuinely, freely.
From the back, Ingress scoffed."Tch."
But Riah just smiled.
For once, it felt like things were beginning to settle.
Kazimir turned and stepped up to the podium with the Vandors, looking over the entire Prismic Gathering.
"I heard about the Blood Moon," he said. "I trust you'll handle it. Crush every vampire hybrid parasite that shows its face. Don't let my six months of rest go to waste."
He grinned.
"If it comes down to it, Riah and I will be right there beside you. You're not fighting alone. Not anymore."
The room erupted—cheers, laughter, resolve echoing from every voice.
The Blood Moon loomed.
But this time, they would be ready.
Together.