The Vampire's Bride

Monday came in a flash. Waking up early in the morning, Mallory saw the stuff toy her grandfather had bought for her. She suddenly felt warm inside and headed to the bathroom to prepare for school.

A lot had happened ever since she met Leo. It was a good thing that the principal was on their side and allowed them to take a short leave from school, although they had a bunch of works piling up. Since the issue is finished, it was only normal for them to return to school. Remembering the class, Mallory could not help but shiver.

But then she suddenly let out a short and depressing laugh. How could she feel scared when she decided to follow Leo? Mallory took a deep breath as she looked at her refection in the mirror. There was no time to waste. She needed to get stronger to know the truth — about her second identity.

"Darling, why are you staring at your reflection? I thought you were ignoring me."

Mallory whipped her head towards the source of the voice. "Azazel! I-I'm sorry! I was thinking about something... Wait, I'll just get my bag."

Leo smiled and walked towards her. Gently holding her head, Leo placed a small kiss on her crown. "Morning, darling."

Leo's smooth movements made Mallory's heart beat faster. She still wasn't used to such interactions. Weren't they moving forward too fast? It's only been a while since they've properly met and talked to each other and just last week, they were engaged... Mallory would need time to get used to this.

Leo, on the other hand, could not help but be chuckle at her awkwardness. He gave another kiss before gently holding her hand and guiding her to the dining table where, surprisingly, Leo's father and grandfather were waiting for them along with Mallory's grandfather. Leo raised an eyebrow at the scene. Rayner decided to ignore the looks directed at him as he took a sip of his drink.

As they started eating, Grandfather Samael asked Mallory as gentle as possible, "Dear girl, how is school?"

"School?" The sudden question stunned Mallory, "Ah, yes, I wasn't able to attend recently because of what happened with, umm, Aldo. The principal did allow us to take a few days off because of this."

Grandfather Samael was a very keen man. From her reaction, he can already discern that something was indeed wrong in her school. As someone of high ranking, Grandfather Samael had done his share of research. He just wanted to be sure and judging by her reaction, it seems that the information that reached him was almost a 100% true. Grandfather Samael looked at Leo for a moment before asking another question. "Is your school fine? Do they know that you're a half-vampire?"

"No. Azazel was the first one to learn about my identity," Mallory softly replied.

"Why? The school welcomes vampires as well so why hide it?" It was understandable why Mallory wouldn't tell that she's a halfling but to hide the fact that she's a vampire was something they couldn't understand.

Mallory hesitated. Should she tell them? Both her grandfather and Leo's grandfather were listening... but she couldn't b.a.r.e to be disrespectful and not answer the question. "I was trying to hide the fact that I'm a vampire because I just... umm, just escaped to go to this school. Father had other plans in mind but I just want to join this school..."

"Hmm... you're pretty lucky this grandson of mine was the person who first found out about you. Not all vampires are on the good side. You'd better be careful of others as well," Grandfather Samael reminded as he gave a warning look towards Leo, signaling him to take care of his future granddaughter-in-law.

"Yes, thank you very much."

Grandfather Dan could not help but nod as he agreed to what his friend said. He casually placed down his cup and turned to Mallory to speak but...

"By the way, how's your school? Like is there anyone bullying you?" Grandfather Samael asked as he became oblivious to Grandfather Dan's seething emotions directed at him.

Hearing the question made Mallory smile. "I am fine. No one is bullying me."

Grandfather Dan saw the will in Mallory's eyes. Just like before, Mallory was finally claiming her stand. It took her long enough. This moment made Grandfather Dan proud and at the same time, made him realized how long he had left Mallory in the pits of ferocious animals.

Grandfather Dan smiled as he reached out to hold Mallory's hand when it seems like his friend was not done speaking.

"Still, little girl, you need to be careful. If you ever need help, you know that my grandson is near you – literally besides you. Don't hesitate to call us, no matter how trivial it may be."

Mallory felt warm at Grandfather Samael's words. She could not help but shyly look away. "Yes... Thank you very much Grandmaster."

Grandfather Samael frowned. Mallory's family had instilled in Mallory the hierarchy in a family to the point that Mallory did not know when to lower her guard. Sighing, Grandfather Samael requested, "No need for too much formalities. Just call me 'grandfather'. Besides, you'll be a part of the family soon. Don't be too stiff. Ah, are you comfortable if I call you 'little girl' or do you want me to call you by your name? Perhaps you have some nicknames?"

Mallory frantically waved her hand in refusal. "I-I'm alright with any as long as you are comfortable with it..."

"Do you have any nicknames?"

"Nicknames?" Mallory squinted her brows as she thought of what people would call her.

Trash. Disgrace. Halfling. Disgusting. Rotten. Were all these nicknames? Mallory could not discern.

In the end, Mallory could only give one. "Other than 'Mallory', there are others who would call me 'Lory'..."

"Then little girl it is! That's good." Grandfather Samael took a sip before turning to Mallory.

However, the moment he turned his head, a mouthful of saliva suddenly splashed on his face.

"AREN'T YOU TIRED, YOU BAG OF OLD BONES? SHE'S MY GRANDDAUGHTER! DON'T JUST KEEP HER ALL TO YOURSELF, YOU STINKY BONES!"

"G-Grandfather..." Mallory felt nervous seeing her grandfather getting agitated.

"Hmph!" Grandfather Dan calmed down as he looked at his granddaughter. "Lory, you don't have to call these bones 'grandfather'. You only need one grandfather (me)!"

Mallory could not help but miss such silly interactions she had back then with her grandfather. "Grandfather is grandfather."

"Mm! That's right, that's right! I see that you still eat little... Here, take this and this... Haven't tried this yet? Oh let me tell you, this is absolutely delicious. Just trust your grandfather!"

The meal continued peacefully. Leo knew Mallory was enjoying the company but they were raising against time. Leo and Mallory arrived early to school. Looking at the dark corridors, Mallory still haven't gotten used to the early school. Leo immediately knocked on the principal's office. "Sir, we've arrived."

"Come in."

"Good morning, Miss Klein and Orpheus. How was your little detective break? I heard that Miss Klein contributed a lot this time."

"N-Not at all, sir... we were just lucky that it was Aldo..."

The principal laughed at Mallory's humbleness. "Luck is part of the deal. Well, why don't you give me the report Orpheus? Oh, and I've heard that you finally agreed in joining the Night Class."

"Ah, yes sir. I did... but the test?" Mallory could clearly remember the principal's words.

Your test is Young Master Orpheus.

Even till now, Mallory couldn't figure out what he meant by that. She tried asking Leo but Leo also did not understand the principal. Therefore, there was only one way to find out – by asking the principal directly.

"Oh that?" Honestly, even the principal had forgotten about it. "You don't have to worry about that. You'll be taking an ongoing test while you are in the Night Class."

"Ongoing test?" Leo was the first to react. "Principal I've never heard of that before."

"Of course it is your first time hearing something like this, Young Master Orpheus. This is a special test that is rarely given and it's perfect for Miss Klein who is a rare halfling!"

And this was clear to the principal. The principal just smiled at Leo's warning. "Don't worry. This will be something that you and Miss Klein will need, Young Master Orpheus. It will not cost your life. There's nothing much to worry about. Now go straight to your new classroom. Miss Klein, Orpheus will be the one in-charge of you. Think of yourself as a transfer student. If you feel any discomfort, just tell me or Orpheus. We'll deal with it."

"Y-Yes, thank you very much." After receiving a new badge and a notebook that symbolizes those who are in the Night Class, Leo and Mallory headed towards the door. Just before they open the door, the principal suddenly stopped Mallory.

"Miss Klein, a word of advice. The opportunity for you to enter the Night Class can be seen as something you've earned secretly and you're only acquiring the recognition now. However, the survival to stay in the class is a different issue. You must learn to show your strengths but not all. Of course, you can hide your weaknesses pretty well now but please remember when you must draw the line. It is all up to you to survive. After all, the world of vampires are cruel just as the world of humans are. Make sure to survive. With all that said, I wish you luck."

The green eyes seemed to focus all his attention to Mallory as the pair left the room. The principal could not help but softly smile. "I knew it... I wasn't wrong to let those two meet. I'm sure they can solve the puzzles little by little... and perhaps..." The principal looked at the locket in his hands. There was a picture of the woman he loved. "Perhaps they can solve what we failed to solve... dear."