Drip…

Drip…

The sound of liquid falling echoed in her mind, as if right beside her.

A cold, steady trickle brushed against her forehead…

Some even slid down between her brows, sending icy shivers through her.

Yueci Porcelain sensed something was wrong even in her sleep. She frowned slightly, blinking her eyes open with a dazed look…

Irritated, she reached up to wipe the annoying liquid from her brow—only to feel a sticky residue, nothing like clean water…

She lowered her hand, bringing it before her blurry, double-visioned eyes. Her palm was stained crimson.

The sight jolted Yueci fully awake, scattering her drowsiness.

She realized instantly: something was terribly wrong.

She scanned the room warily. Hadn’t she fallen asleep at Nishikino An’s place? What was this?

The decor was classical and solemn—elegant wood grain, priceless antique oil paintings on the walls, thick with a medieval air.

A massive bed dominated the room, draped in a soft down comforter. Delicate oriental porcelain vases adorned the bedside.

Memories she’d tried to bury surged back…

She glanced down at herself.

Beneath her sat a sturdy wheelchair…

She tried to shift, but her body felt weak, utterly powerless…

This sensation—so strangely familiar yet alien…

What’s happening…?

Was everything before just a dream…?

Questions flashed through her mind.

But she shook her head lightly. No. She wasn’t delusional. Reality and dreams were clear to her.

She rubbed her thigh—no foreign sensation there.

That meant she was Yueci Porcelain now. Not Yueci Ru.

Maybe *this* was the dream.

Her real self was probably still fast asleep at Nishikino An’s house.

People dream of what occupies their waking thoughts, yet she rarely dwelled on this life…

What a terrifying nightmare…

As she pondered, a soft chuckle drifted from above.

The sound echoed through the room, raising goosebumps across Yueci’s skin.

Instinctively, she tried to flee—but her weak body betrayed her. She tumbled out of the wheelchair, stumbling and crashing to the floor.

The impact didn’t hurt; only a numb tingling spread through her. *Just a dream*, she thought, more certain than ever.

She struggled to rise, but her limbs refused to obey.

Then—icy, soft hands encircled her waist from behind…

Before she could react, the world spun. In an instant, she was pinned to the bed.

Sticky crimson droplets fell onto her face again. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to open them.

Slender, powerful fingers gripped her neck, locking her head in place.

She clawed desperately at the hands, but they held firm—immovable as a mountain…

Her efforts were mere kitten scratches to them.

"Darling," a sibilant whisper brushed her ear, "you look utterly delicious right now~"

Warm breath ghosted over her skin. The tender tone only deepened her dread, stirring primal fear.

The voice carried a faint British lilt, each word curling upward like a hook.

Yueci felt the breath grow hotter. Something cold and soft pressed against her forehead…

A slick, sliding sensation traced her cheek, paralyzing her like an electric shock.

The crimson smear on her face was slowly licked away—until, with a final flourish, icy lips sealed over hers.

The metallic tang of blood flooded her mouth…

She forced her eyes open…

The first thing she saw was her own reflection in a pair of crimson eyes.

Her disheveled expression. Her damp, wide eyes. She looked utterly breakable…

"You’re mine…"

"My blood flows in your veins…"

Silver-white hair cascaded around her face as she stared up at the stunning, wild beauty above her.

Those crimson eyes gleamed with madness.

*This is a dream. Wake up. Wake up now…*

"No matter how long you run…"

"I will always find you…"

Cold palms covered her eyes, plunging her into darkness.

Warm breath teased her neck…

"We belong together… forever…"

—

"Good morning, Yueci-san."

"Mm. Morning."

Hiru Kawakami set down her bag and slid into her seat, eyeing Yueci’s exhausted face.

"Yueci-san, you look really tired…"

Yueci rubbed her weary eyes and sighed inwardly.

"Bad dream. Didn’t sleep well."

Hiru nodded understandingly, adding a few gentle words of concern.

"Thank you…" Yueci offered a small smile.

Hiru shyly turned away.

Yueci glanced around. Class would start soon, but Gangmen Yanzuo—the guy from the bookstore yesterday—was absent. Did he rarely attend?

Tanaka Kenta’s seat was empty too. No surprise there. He probably preferred skipping class.

"About yesterday… I asked you out but left first…"

"I’m really sorry…"

Hiru’s voice, thick with guilt, reached her ears.

"It’s fine. I don’t mind."

"If it was urgent, anyone would understand."

Yueci was comforting *her*, even though Hiru had apologized.

*She blames herself too easily*, Yueci thought. *Maybe it’s her family situation?*

Hiru sighed softly.

"My uncle got laid off."

Her eyes flickered toward Tanaka Kenta’s empty seat.

Yueci understood. That must’ve been why she rushed off yesterday.

For Yueci, it wasn’t entirely bad news.

"Excuse me—are Yueci-san and Hiru-san here?"

A gentle voice floated from the classroom doorway.

The moment students spotted the visitor, the room erupted into chatter…

"Why is Doi-senpai here?"

"What does she want with the scholarship students?"

"…"

Yueci looked up. Yukiho Doi stood at the door, her smile perfectly poised.

Her gaze locked firmly onto Yueci.

Exchanging confused glances, Yueci and Hiru stepped outside.

Yukiho didn’t explain why she’d summoned them. Disappointed onlookers retreated from the windows.

She simply gestured for them to follow.

They trailed her all the way to the administration building.

Above the door, golden letters spelled "Principal’s Office."

Even Yueci was startled. Hiru looked utterly bewildered.

Yukiho smiled and swept her hand toward the door.

"The police officers are waiting inside…"