On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Ileana Roșuluminel

Blood And Iron, Solar And Lunar Vampire Princess

Blood And Iron Bride

 Bonded Kin

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

201

Fortune

4

Fortitude

331

Majesty

10

Intellect

180

Charm

50

Resilience

179

League

15

Alacrity

178

Determination

3

Precision

180

Foresight

 2

Aether

2301

Fate

30

[Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

[Aetheric Skills]

Silver Cord

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Demon Heart Chakra Network

Rank 5

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Vampiric Mesmerism

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Principle (7)

Vampiric Blood Regeneration

Rank 6

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

Demonic Black Heart

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

[Elemental Skills]

Light Manipulation

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

    Third Eye Chakra Of Light

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Darkness Manipulation

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Throat Chakra Of Darkness

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Blood Metal Manipulation

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Solar Plexus And Root Chakras Of Blood Metal

Rank 4

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

[Unique Skills]

   Iron-Souled Bloody Mistress

Rank 4

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

Kin Creation – Bondwoven Lunar And Solar Vampires

Rank 2

Imperious (6)

 Law (8)

True Daywalker

Rank 1

Noble (5)

Law (8)

Boiling Blood

Rank 2

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Boiling Blood Resonance Link – Oshiro Moonstone Akio

Rank 1

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Mystic Eyes Of Mesmerism, Perception And Burning Blood

Rank 3

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Lovers’ Link

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Blood And Spirit Million Droplet Blood Link

Rank 1

Legendary (7)

Law (8)

[Level]

16

[Classes]

Atavistic Reversion 10/20

Solar And Lunar True Vampire Princess 1/30

Demonic Succubus 1/20

Dark Temptress 6/10

Blood Manipulator 1/20

Blood Blade 1/10

Kami-Blessed Demon 12/20

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 1/10

[Mastered Classes]

Demon-Blooded 10/10

Vampire 10/10

Lunar Vampire 20/20

Just… where do I begin with this?

Seeing I was hesitating, Ileana smiled, and with her fuller, much richer physique, and her amplified Charm, my body reacted, despite me trying to keep calm. Ileana flushed, as my tent pitched against her still damp jeans, only for her to giggle enticingly.

“See? Why fight fate? I… I am too exhausted to.” She licked her lips, and suddenly the innocent Ileana was back. “I yearn for a family, for comfort, for a place to belong, to… never replace, what is gone is but the dust of history and memory, but… to fill that void. My Blood Child worries…”

“Of course I do. You hardly know him! You’ve been here, what, a couple of weeks at best, my little light… it’s so very frustrating to keep track of time between this other world and here… but how can you fall so quickly? Is it the blood…?” Valeska asked.

“That reminds me. You held up quite well.” I praised, and she laughed, a sour edge to it.

“You could unhand her and be a gentleman. No, it’s probably far too late.” At her words I realised that while Ileana was hugging me, I’d started responding, my arm on her back, feeling her through the thin cloth of her t-shirt.

“Oh, sorry…” I went to pull my arm away, but Ileana grabbed it, gripping me tightly, and while I could have resisted, I didn’t want to hurt her. Seeing that, Valeska gave up.

“My Ileana thinks just because she… grew up… all of a sudden, she is a hunter. But no, foolish little light, you are the prey. A little goat throwing herself willingly into the jaws of the wolf. But all I can do is advise you to be patient. You are young yet, there is no need to rush. If he is the one for you, time will tell.”

“I have had enough of sleeping. Now I am awake, I wish to seize what life I can. I am not losing again!” Ileana clung harder to me, and I gave up, the sensation, while not as bold as when Mae was doing it, still the sort any man would envy. Shiro-class, for sure…

“Fine. I know when I am beaten. Don’t worry, my little light, I’ll be here to soothe your tears. I’m no prude. After all, didn’t I mistake you for a poor, unfortunate woman of the night when we first met…?”

“Don’t say that!” Ileana blushed, lapsing into her newer, more casual speech. “I’m not, I’m a chaste, well-bred young lady!”

“No, I was right. Just a different night. Yes?”

As Ileana giggled, shame colouring her cheeks, unable to refute that claim, being as she was a Vampire, Valeska tapped her nose. “I am wearing nose plugs. Not ordinary ones, either. As I would still be able to taste the scent of your blood. I asked that odd ratman to solve the problem and he did. Though I don’t quite understand. Water and wind elements, bluesteel… it hardly matters. What does is, my sense of taste and smell is completely suppressed. The world feels a bit dull, but… I’m too old to be stealing the man my little light has set her heart on.”

“Valeska!” Ileana was both amused and scandalised at that quip, but the older woman merely shrugged.

“I’m not a fool. His blood is like a drug to us. But… there are more to your desires than simple addiction, else I wouldn’t stand for it.” She crossed her arms sternly. “I can let you make your own mistakes, we learn from taking hard knocks, and a broken heart, and a broken chastity aren’t fatal, but I’ll let no granddaughter of mine sell herself, or become dependant on drugs, even if those drugs are his blood!”

Ileana was touched by her care, and giggled, tongue licking at her exposed canines. Releasing me, she glanced down at my swollen crotch, flushing, eyes sparkling and shifting between colours like a beautiful prism. She then walked over to Valeska. “If… if you were my grandmother in truth, I would be content. But I would have us be closer. For I would not be without you. You saved me, after all, and died for it, rising to become my Blood Child. Yet…”

She slid a hand under her t-shirt, and I swallowed. Her back was to me, so I couldn’t see, but the slit I’d made gaped open, a smooth expanse of the side of her chest popping free for a moment as she gasped in pain. Withdrawing her hand, a single drop of black blood was on her sharp, pointed fingernail, and she touched it to her fang, before sinking her teeth into the unresisting Valeska’s neck.

Even as I watched, a transformation occurred, and oddly enough, I could feel Valeska change, entering my Path. Not only that, but she was growing… not younger in appearance, precisely, but her hair continued to thicken, darkening to a rich brown, white vanishing, and the lines and wrinkles on her face, and mottled blemishes on her neck and hands which were inevitable as one aged, shrank and then dissipated, leaving smooth, youthful skin behind. She now had the appearance of… a mature woman, who somehow also seemed like a woman in her early twenties? It’s impossible to describe unless you can see it for yourself, I suppose. Speaking of…

My Eyes shone, and I appraised the change. Valeska had become a Bondwoven Vampiric Blood Child Under The Sun And Moon now, her Chakra network, Silver Cord and other Skills strengthening, her Statistics too. She also gained a Demonic Black Heart which formed around her heart Chakra, though instead of central, like the Middle Dantian, or behind, like the lunar Chakra, it was to the front of the spiritual body.

A Demonic Black Heart is the primary Spiritual organism of the species of Spiritual beings called Demons. It strengthens abilities relating to…

Demons, huh? I thought Vampires were undead…

IT STRENGTHENS ABILITIES RELATING TO the essence of Demonic natures and Adherence, such as Predation, Theft, Usurpation, Power and Control. Though to claim such are Evil is to mistake the nature of things. Just as humans can be wicked or wise, so too can Demons be brutal or benevolent, though it is more usual for Demons to be strongly affected by their traits and tendances, so benevolent, kind Demons are indeed anomalies, few amongst the teeming throngs of greedy, base creatures.

It seemed Yggdrasil was a bit irked by my mental interruption, as she overwrote some of the amber words in my Eyes, before beginning anew. She then added a further, unasked for explanation.

Vampires are not undead, but a Demonic lineage. Though here it was rather diluted. Undead are not, as you surmise, dead beings in the truest sense, but those who have parts of themselves slain, be that the Material, or the Spiritual, yet what is left continues to function. I surmise that true undead would be those whose Truesoul is somehow destroyed or removed, and the Material, Spiritual or both are somehow animated and continue to function. Such would be a blasphemy that would not be tolerated, however…

Thanks. That… makes sense, actually. It explains Kiku, her husband the Samurai, Haru, the Kijo Matriarch and her ability to become a spiritual body even in the Boundary… Haru was as alive as any of us, just having eschewed her mortal body. Therefore, even as an Onryō, despite her jokes, she wasn’t truly dead, just… an existence lacking part of what most living beings had. But her self remained.

Anyway, knowing that Vampires were a type of Demon, and seeing the way Ileana had suddenly bloomed, I now understood more of Tsukuyomi’s prophecy of the Six Princesses. I had seen it as obvious how Shiro, our Hungry Ghost, could have caused destruction. Rather, it would have been Tan doing it. But now, Ileana, pushed to the brink of death, hunted, losing even Valeska, the only one who helped her in her time of need and despair… if she snapped, managed to drain enough blood and Soullight from her enemies during a desperate struggle, to somehow awaken her atavistic nature…

Atavistic Reversion is a Class given to those who awaken a prior, deeply buried lineage within themselves. In this case, it was that of a True Vampire, though how such a bloodline was found upon your world is a question worth pondering. It strengthens all abilities, Skills and Statistics relevant to the nature of the reversion, and Classes relating to such a reversion will Level swiftly.

Thanks. Helpful as ever. No, more so, adding in the bit about Ileana was thoughtful. Thanks again.

… … …

… …

…

Solar And Lunar True Vampire Princess is a Class granted to a particularly pure strain of Vampire. Solar is a branch which comprises of those possessing affinity for Light Elemental natures, and as such do not fear the light of the Sun. Their aptitude is for physical combat and strength. Lunar Vampires are those which have affinity for Darkness Elemental natures and focus on Charm and Spiritual attacks. Both bloodlines have been awakened here, or perhaps the Lunar nature was brought into being by your blood, a fluid which can increase Charm if imbibed?

…You’re asking me? I don’t know…

… … … Vampiric Blood Regeneration is the ability of a Vampire to recover from serious injuries both Material and Spiritual. This power is from the black blood that flows within them, impregnated with their Demonic nature. However, this Vampire’s Regeneration has become abnormally integrated with your own blood, which she is now constantly replicating within herself and absorbing, dyeing her in your unique shade.

Okay, so you’re giving me details on things I’m not even checking yet? Makes sense though. Good job!

… … … Vampire Princess is in recognition of her nature as the last lineal descendant of a pure-blooded family of Demonic heritage, albeit greatly diluted by time and intermarriage, as well as… … …

??? ????? ?????? ?????????!

Oh come on. I’m certain there’s nothing in this Class I can’t unravel. Never mind. You’ve still been a huge help…

Yes. It was as I suspected. Perhaps my blood had cascaded her far more rapidly down this route than might otherwise have happened, but if she awoke her latent nature, she could have continued killing and draining the life from others, birthing an army of Blood Children, growing ever stronger, and certainly reached a threat large enough, like Tan, to impact the chances of Earth, or at least humanity, surviving.

“Fortunately, such did not happen.” Ileana answered me, smiling as I was lost in momentary thought. As I raised an eyebrow questioningly, she tittered with gentle laughter.

“Everyone is correct. You are trivially easy to read when you do not guard yourself. And, around us, you know, you don’t like to. It’s endearing and reassuring. You do it so we can feel safe, don’t you? Just like you let Haru access your memories and thoughts freely.” She changed from elegant to casual speech halfway through, enjoying my reactions. “But yes, perhaps, if we did not seek the embassy and come under your care, we would have been tracked down. And cornered, desperate, perhaps I would have awakened like this. Though surely, not with such magnificence.” She licked her lips, and the newly blessed Valeska shook her head.

“It seems my words are futile. My little light… no, not so little anymore…” Ileana crossed her arms playfully, knowing how that strained her torn t-shirt, and Valeska tutted. “…at least have some modesty and make him work a little for your body and heart.”

“I think he has done more than enough. Now…” Ileana’s Eyes met my own, and I felt her already extreme Charm, only exceeded by Mae and Tan, though of course Tan’s was limited by what Shiro could manage to contain, spike higher. “…I know you’ve been peeking. Tell me, what do you see when you look at me? And… does it please you?”

I swallowed at the sheer sultry nature of her smile. Yeah, I think Demonic Succubus is right for her, even if I’m sure it’s offensive.

Demonic Succubus is a Class granted to those of Demonic heritage who have a particular affinity for Charm, seduction, mental manipulation and beauty. Charm rises significantly, the effect of Charm grows, and any Class, Skill or Ability relating to such is easier to grow. Please note this does not mean she is of the race of Succubae. Such are a Demonic species of their own, but as the pinnacle of such mastery of Charm, even above the other races who embody such, as indeed Vampires are, this Class is aptly named after them. If you meet one, beware, as they will have mastered this Class and many other talents related to Charm even before reaching the age to take to the battlefield.

Thanks again…? Oh, it’s true, things that will happen twice happen a third time. After Eri, and then the unexpected Chiaki-chan, now it’s Ileana with Dark Temptress. Though with her Demonic Succubus Class it makes sense, I guess…

Vampiric Mesmerism is the latent Charming ability of the Vampire race. The effect of Charm increases, and they can exert mental control over those who meet their eyes, though this will not function on those with significantly higher League, or great Determination and Resilience. Limited Telepathy can also be established between those affected by such Mesmerism and the wielder of this power.

Mystic Eyes Of Mesmerism, Perception And Burning Blood are Eyes which have awakened the Solar Vampire power of Burning Blood, which via expelling significant Aether or Adherence into the target, can trigger the target’s blood to begin boiling, an agonising and damaging attack. There is potential for this to be achievable with far greater effect using Soullight, but it is not advisable for a novice.

The Lunar Vampire ability, Mesmerism, fortifies and strengthens the Vampiric Mesmerism all Vampires possess, allowing it to overcome much Resilience and Determination, though stronger League is still a barrier.

A Third ability, that of Perception, which allows her to perceive the flows of Aether, Adherence and Soullight more clearly, as well as related energies, has awoken through significant absorption and integration of your blood, Aether, Adherence and Soullight.

“What do I see, you say?” I chuckled. “Uh, I guess some of the Vampire abilities in myth are true. You need to be careful with your Mesmerism, just like Shaeula is with her Winds And Waters.” I told her about her abilities then, though I omitted the Class name for Demonic Succubus, rolling the boosts into another, to spare her blushes. When I was done, Valeska snorted.

“You’ll not be popular with women if you are constantly peeking at their secrets, young Akio.”

“I have none from him.” Ileana declared, and Valeska rolled her eyes.

“Oh, to be young, stupid and in love. Wait, I never was such a fool. Preferred my own company, never really meshed with others. It’s for the best, I think. This is frustrating enough. But…” She sighed, conceding. “…you’re not wrong, in that I doubt any other man could have awoken your true nature like this, little light. Though that doesn’t mean you have to go so far as gratitude.”

“I would not. I do have pride, as the last Roșuluminel.” She swallowed then, eyes shimmering not just with shifting colours, but with sadness and loss. “Perhaps the last of my entire kind.”

“I hope not. And if any did survive, perhaps in hiding all these years, or buried like you, we’ll find them.” I promised her. “And it might not be the same, but… there will be Vampires like you out there on other worlds.”

“Not quite like me.” Ileana frowned. “After all, you remade me. Your blood is a part of me, and I you.”

I nodded. “It seems so. Sorry about that. We’ve…”

She moved quite quickly, and I realised she was using Boiling Blood, and not her Eyes, which were an attack, but the copy of my advanced version of Body Enhancement. She put a finger to my lips playfully, silencing me.

“I have no wish to hear apologies. A ‘you are most welcome’ would be sweeter.”

“But you are welcome, Ileana.” I promised, and she giggled.

“Say it again? Please.”

“What? You’re welcome?”

“No, her name.” Valeska then swore in Romanian, English, Japanese, even Kunlun dialect. “I can hardly fathom why you can’t grasp that.”

I rolled my eyes. “I call her by her name plenty.”

“Yes, but… now it makes me shiver.” Ileana came close to me again, face pink. “Do you have mirrors for eyes?”

“No…?” I was puzzled, and she leaned her head on my shoulder.

“I thought you did. For when I gaze into yours, it is I who feel mesmerised.”

Wow. I blushed at the corny yet achingly romantic line. “Uh, well, you’re very charming yourself. And I don’t mean in a Vampire way. I’m having a hard time myself right now…”

“I can see that.” Ileana licked her lips, glancing down, and I blushed like a teenage girl, her Charm coming in waves.

“Anyway, moving on…” She tittered at me as I hurriedly changed the subject, before I did something inappropriate and started kissing her. I get it. Sometimes it feels like I’m fighting the inevitable, and Ileana is definitely someone who deserves to be happy, and she’s gone from pretty, if far too frail, to absolutely stunning and sexy, in a way few others I know are, but… it also feels a little bad, as I’m her protector… ouch!

Ileana bit my neck. She didn’t drink my blood, it was just a playful nip, but she then chastised me. “I have made it plain.” She switched her tone back to modern and playful. “I’m interested in you. Whether you took us in as refugees or not, that doesn’t change things. I’m sure if you give me a chance, you won’t be… unsatisfied.” She giggled. “Oh, I’m being too bold. I’m actually rather nervous and I have no experience, but I’m confident in my body now!”

“Stop that!” I rapped her head gently with my knuckles. “I’m serious. But… I guess you are too. Still, we’re in no rush, Valeska is right about that. Now then…”

Boiling Blood Resonance Link – Oshiro Moonstone Akio is the Boiling Blood Resonance Link Skill but tied to you. She can only Resonate with you in this manner, taking over the effect.

Blood And Spirit Million Droplet Blood Link is a… Bondweaver… Path Skill, Woven upon the Loom that is your Connections, and it has never existed before. Should your nascent, fragile Path endure and impose itself upon the multiverse, then this Skill will become available for others to use, tying them back to your Path, yet due to the… exacting… criteria to create it, the utility of such is questionable, and the chances of it being replicated slender.

Ouch. But yes, it is a fairly difficult Skill to make work. Ileana’s Level cap is gone though, so that part of my efforts worked. One thing though, I wove Connections through a lot of our shared, mingling blood, but a million? Not even close. Orders of magnitude less, else I’d have fried my brain, even using all my Split Thoughts…

The Million Droplets are constantly being created, as the Vampire is mingling her sanguine essence with yours, and the Connections are propagating. This Blood Link magnifies the benefit she gains from your Blood, and allows Resonance, with significantly ameliorated penalties. If her supply of blood ever runs low, your Spatial Elemental energies can be consumed to transmit it through these Connections, refreshing her supply. Though it likely does not compare to drinking from you directly, in… certain… aspects.

She has also adapted to your Soullight somewhat and can draw on a little through these Million regenerating Bonds. In theory, were she able to control her own Soullight, the reverse would be possible. Her Vampiric Blood Regeneration is strengthened, and she can effectively use a portion of your Soullight Healing ability to accelerate her already rapid recovery to abnormal levels.

“I am… so powerful?” Ileana clenched her fist, playfully clinging to me. “I… will not be pushed around again!” She bit down on her own wrist, and blood bloomed, forming a bladelike whip of black and crimson which settled into her hand. With a smile, she mentally manipulated it, and it lashed out with blinding speed, causing sonic booms, so I hurriedly blocked off the shockwaves with wind element lest it disturb the mansion and those within, and Ileana pursed her lips, cheeks pink.

“My apologies. It’s just… if I was to face that hateful Alexandru Ardelean and his zealots again, I would not retreat!”

“I know. I… still think putting a burden like this on you is a bit rough, when you’ve only just woken from a long slumber, but…”

“If that Liena woman can survive, having suffered the same, I can too.” Ileana agreed. She leaned up and kissed my cheek playfully, before smiling happily to herself. I felt the warmth spread from the damp patch on my skin and knew that I was beaten.

“Setting that aside...” I cleared my throat, trying not to blush at her Charm again. “A blood whip-sword. You can do more, I think. While the Skill I made for you says iron, likely because it’s in both blood and the weapons Seaxnēat would have wielded…”

Iron-Souled Bloody Mistress is a Skill made from mixed Soullight and fragments of a Truesoul, spread across a million droplets of mingled blood. Significant affinity for Metal Elemental energies has been gained, and the Metal Element has mutated, drawing on the nature and Adherence of Blood.

Weapons can be forged from blood and metal, and the bearer’s blood can absorb and consume metal, adding new affinities and properties to the Blood Metal mutated Element.

While the bearer’s blood supply is adequate, resistance to mental manipulation and abilities which are specifically designed to target Demonic beings increases substantially. Resilience will naturally increase over time if blood supplies are maintained, and fear of battle will be suppressed.

Further affinity for your Soullight has been obtained.

In addition, we had…

Blood Manipulator is a Class gained by those who can manipulate and utilise not just their own blood, but that of others, as both weapon, armour, fuel and resource. Abilities to manipulate blood and also the vitality of others are significantly increased. This Class also increases affinity for Metal Elemental energies, especially those associated with blood, of which there are more variants than you would imagine throughout the multiverse.

Blood Blade is a Class gained by those who can harden their own blood into a weapon and imbue it with Aether, Elemental energies, Qi, Adherence, Soullight or other energies. While this may seem a rather esoteric Class, it is surprising how often such a Class is utilised, by Vampires, other Demonic species, some Sects of Cultivators, and many others. Combat Skills are easier to raise and show a greater effect with weaponry from one’s own blood or other fluids.

“Hey, do you know how to use a sword?” I asked, and Ileana shook her head.

“I’m afraid I don’t. Like all young ladies, I carried a dagger with me, though…” She swallowed, eyes sad, as she stared into my eyes, head still on my shoulder. “…nobody expected me to fight off an armed mob. Even with our somewhat greater abilities than the humans. It was to use…”

“I know.” I took her hand gently. “But we’ll be having none of that now. But still, you’ll need to master some suitable Skills to make use of it. Can you…?”

“Reabsorb it?” Ileana nodded, and the bloody blade was sucked back into her body. “But from what you say, I need metal too?”

I passed her a small nugget of bluesteel from storage, and she stared at it, before her blood bloomed again and spread over it like a slime from various computer games. It looks a bit like dark red jelly. The metal dissolved after a few minutes, and Ileana pricked her finger with her fang, and a tiny blade of blood which glimmered with a blue luminesce sprouted. She then channelled her darkness element into it, and the blue glow bloomed brilliantly for a moment, before she withdrew the blade, sweat on her brow.

“That was… taxing.” Ileana breathed, as I gently wiped her sweat with a gust of wind. “But I believe I can do it.”

“Great. More metals then. Looks like you’re going to have an iron-rich diet.” I made a joke, which Ileana didn’t really get, but Valeska leaked a rusty chuckle. “But…” I assured Ileana. “…we’ll start you off easy. More bluesteel, before moving onto other metals. Hihi’irokane from Hinata might be a good one to start with too…” My Eyes started to lose their glow, the changes to Ileana mostly assessed, though I wanted to check one last thing. “…You have Resonance Link. I’m currently running some mitigation on the buffs on Asha’s Tree, as usual. It’s not anywhere near as bad since everyone’s picking up the slack, but…”

Ileana understood, eyes flickering from blue to green, to copper, red and gold. “If I have a specific talent… a Skill, you call it, for the task, then I will likely show great results?”

“Yeah. It can be painful, so I hate to… ask...” Iliana nibbled on my neck again, and I amended what I was going to say. “…but I know you’re determined, and part of the team now, so…”

“I would prefer you put it a different way.” She pouted, still managing to look more adorable than sexy doing so, despite her significant filling out. “But yes, I… no, we…” She glanced at the upgraded Valeska. “…are. And I am not too proud. If it hurts too much, I shall tell you. So please…”

She squeezed shut her eyes for a moment, and I felt my blood shiver inside, quite a strange feeling. Hundreds, thousands of tiny Connections triggered, though not millions, forming a larger one, and almost the entirety of what I was shouldering leaked into Ileana. I was concerned, as it was more than I expected, but as our blood Resonated, she seemed a little dazed. She then shuddered, and her arm gripped me tightly, her legs, clad in her still rather stained jeans, rubbing together.

“Ah… hah… oh my…” Her voice was quiet and breathy, and warm, damp air from her mouth brushed against my throat. Concerned, I shook her gently, and she opened her eyes, a crimson light shining brilliantly.

“This is… uh… an amazing sensation…” Her legs coiled around mine, and I could see her flushed face was dripping sweat.

“Not painful?” I asked, though it certainly didn’t seem like she was hurting. If anything, she seemed…

“No, though I have never… hah… felt like… mmm… this…” Ileana’s fangs were lengthening, and she opened her mouth, only for Valeska to come and smack her shoulder.

“That’s enough.” she huffed. “Little light, if you are determined to be a fool for a man, I can hardly stop you, but if so… at least save it for the bed.” She thwacked her again, glowering at me, and I understood. With an effort, I seized back control of the Resonance, and her breathing became more even, the red in her flushed flesh and crimson eyes dying down.

“Are you okay?” I asked, and Ileana nodded, still hugging me, as if reluctant to let go.

“I am. It was simply… unexpected. And rather thrilling.” Ileana giggled. “To feel our connection burning inside me, as if my body was aflame, hot and…” She paused as Valeska smacked her gently again.

“Have some decorum. There lies your charm, little light. And don’t look at me like that. I’m sure you aren’t as innocent still as you appear. Only a few days, and you’ve already picked up bad habits. Those girls…” Valeska tutted, and Ileana, still clinging to me, giggled playfully.

“I apologise, my Blood Child. I cannot help but feel free right now. After all…” She gazed at me fondly then, tongue licking at her protruding canines. “After all, it is as you have said. I have been here but a few scant days, and I have already become greater than ever my ancestors were!”

“It’s hard to argue with that. I wish I had a mirror…” Valeska grumbled, and I conjured one for her out of water. She glanced at her face, touching her smooth, elastic skin and dark hair, expression complicated.

“At least the rumours Strigoi do not appear in mirrors are false. It’s strange. I am not young again, but my body feels full of energy, far more than even after you turned me, Ileana, and my skin and hair are as if I’m a woman a third of my age. As for you, little light… oh, what’s the use? I don’t know about Strigoi, but…” She used the Romanian term. “…while I may have never married, I do know about men. I doubt very much he would be pleased were you to drink another’s blood.”

“Why would I wish to?” Ileana seemed confused. “After all, compared to his rich, thick…” She tittered playfully again as Valeska’s expression shifted. “…fragrant, delectable blood, which has combined with my own, all others smell at best like water, at worst, rank and unpleasant. No…” She lightly placed her lips against my neck, and I thought she was going to bite again, instead, she made a kissing noise, leaving a smudged wetness there. “…we are perfectly compatible. It was meant to be. Eri is a wise young woman. And Tsukiko, she will be relieved that I, Princess of Hell, a true Demon, it seems, shall be under your protection from here until the end of days.”

“That seems like a proposal, little light…” Valeska sighed, exasperated.

A proposal, huh? As Ileana playfully considered that, her Charm deadly, that reminded me, and my Eyes flared into amber light for one final time, at least for now.

Blood And Iron Bride notes the Connection between you and Ileana Roșuluminel, for Blood And Spirit Million Droplet Blood Link is a never before seen Bond, mediated by your nascent Path. Your Bloods have mingled and shall forever be joined, and the Iron that is your will to protect her, and her desire to never lose what is precious to her again, has congealed into a stronger Blood Pledge.

Okay, I get it, but… even so, we’re not married. We’re technically not even dating yet, although… It was surely too late for me to complain and try and get out of it now. Not that I want to, if I’m being honest. Ileana’s frailness and slow recovery did help me stay firm on her, but it was impossible not to listen to Eri’s predictions and not at least consider it, and once I thought it could happen, I rapidly grew comfortable with the idea. Yes, how I’ve changed. We can treat any absurdity as normal with enough exposure…

What is marriage but a Connection, a Bond? Just as Ver Valkyrju relies upon the sacred Bond between Verr and Brúðr, so too are your Oaths binding. Even if you intended nothing of the sort, your Path is that of the… Bondweaver… and so, you have Twisted these Strands of her emotions and yours into gentle chains, Woven them on the Loom of your determination into Bonds, and with the Blade you Severed her Misfortune, and also… Severed your own retreat. Power is indeed a double-edged sword.

Why do I feel some satisfaction there?

… … …

After that, nothing crossed my vision, as Ileana spoke up. “My parents, our family, the Blood Children of my siblings, all wished me to grow up to find happiness. So I shall. Though, marriage…” She blushed prettily. “…I would hardly hate it.”

“Yes, you are painfully easy, little light.” Valeska gave up. “That’s the trouble with girls who don’t understand the world like you, sheltered little princesses. Along comes a man you like, and he seems like a prince from the fairytales. Now, come on. I daresay Akio has other things to do. Always busy, he is.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I should probably be getting back to London through the Ring Gate. The situation there was… mostly… resolved, but it’s still rather delicate.”

“I see. We shall go with you. I hardly feel like sleeping. It has been quite the night. Or is it the evening, considering?” Ileana tilted her head as she released me, a trace regretfully.

“Time zones are tricky, yes. I don’t suppose it really matters though.”

“Indeed. What does is… I would very much like to speak to the others, and appraise them of what has happened here, and ask their pardon.”

Oh, we know. Shaeula’s cheeky voice echoed, followed by my sis, who was in… if not good spirits, at least she wasn’t as depressed and miserable as before.

Yeah. Another one snared in your web, my Cassanova bro. Wow, at least we all saw this one coming. But to think she’d grow like that. Damn, she’s gorgeous. Bro, get her to dress up in some proper gothic, lacy clothes…

I think we have bigger things to worry about… Eri chimed in. …but yes, we’d like to congratulate her… on becoming someone who can protect herself and those she cares about, if nothing else. Although…

I have a bad feeling about this. Yggdrasil, you’ve screwed me here!

As I sent that thought, not knowing if the World Tree was paying attention, Eri’s thoughts were wicked, but did contain some genuine heat.

Oh, you know me well, Akio. And it’s not just me. Why does Ileana get a fancy Bride title, when none of us have one? And… now she and Aiko have a unique Bond, you’d best get to making all of us one too. It’s only fair, right, right?

Everyone agreed, and that included Rose, which while surprising, wasn’t as shocking as Lin giving emphatic agreement too.

As Ileana stretched, heading into the house to quickly shower and change her clothes, as we couldn’t take her back to London in such a state, I split my focus between the demanding chaos Yggdrasil had unleashed, and glancing at the small mansion where Liena was being watched by Mae and the others. What a day, huh? We’ve certainly had some highs, and definitely some lows.

Hurting our parents that way certainly wasn’t our intention, but… time is a great healer, I guess. And maybe, just maybe… mom will perk up a little, seeing the new Ileana, who’s still muttering ‘marriage, marriage’ and giggling to herself, even as she enters the house…