After hearing Senior Sister Thousand Feathers’ words, my mind couldn’t quite catch up.

What partner? What even was a partner?

And what happened next? Why had I become Senior Sister Thousand Feathers’ partner?

Seeing my utterly confused expression, her previously solemn face relaxed slightly, then returned to its usual graceful calm.

“It means exactly what it says, Misty,” she smoothed my slightly wrinkled skirt. “You are now my partner. We’ll spend the rest of our days together, never parting. As my contract-bound one.”

“Contract-bound one?” I frowned at the term. “Aren’t you going to eat me like other Bloodline members would?”

“Eat you? Never. You’re special. You’ll be the one beside me in the days to come. As for other Demon Hunters…” Her expression shifted abruptly. The Vampire Queen’s authority wasn’t absent—it simply hadn’t shown itself to me before.

“I’ll make them regret ever falling into my hands.”

“Ugh…” Her threat sent my heart pounding again, a primal instinct flaring at the brush with death.

Noticing my fright, she instantly retracted that chilling aura, her face filled with apology. She snapped her fingers.

Miraculously, my racing heart calmed like a startled fawn settling down. Relief washed over me—I’d narrowly escaped disaster.

Too scary, Senior Sister Thousand Feathers!

Choosing not to fight her last night had truly been wise.

Before her, I was like a newborn infant taking its first steps—utterly powerless to resist.

“What’s… wrong with me?” I shook my head. The sudden vanishing of fear felt strange, as if part of me had been gently removed—not painfully missing, yet undeniably gone.

“As your other half, frightening you is my fault,” she smiled, explaining softly.

“Awooo… this…” My mind was a tangled mess. I couldn’t accept last night’s events or her explanation.

I leaned against Senior Sister Thousand Feathers, slowly piecing everything together.

Truthfully… being near her felt incredibly safe.

As if reading my thoughts, she lightly pressed the ticklish spot on my waist. My arms went limp instantly. My head dropped into her stomach, filling my nose with her scent. My words died in my throat, unwilling to escape.

“Mmm~” Only a cute, muffled sound came from my nose.

“I’d never, ever harm adorable Misty,” she rubbed my cheeks. “But you must protect yourself too, okay~?”

I gave a token “Hmph!” to show I understood.

Whether that “Hmph!” meant I wanted her to keep rubbing my cheeks or not… that was no longer up to me.

“We’ve pledged a private lifelong bond to the Crimson Queen. She’s already blessed us. The collar around your neck is her symbol of blessing.” She pointed to my throat. Only then did I notice the new item there.

I instinctively reached up, tracing its surface—

It was a pet collar! The kind worn to show ownership in the city. Without it, strays got taken to shelters.

What would happen if I lost this?

Without thinking, I tried to yank it off. I couldn’t wear this to class!

So embarrassing!

Though… wearing it just for her was fine. Survival demanded compromise.

“It won’t come off. Forcing it would…” She raised her right hand again, ready to snap.

My Demon Hunter instincts screamed like an overinflated balloon bursting.

No matter what, I absolutely couldn’t let Senior Sister Thousand Feathers snap her fingers!

I had no idea what’d happen, but it’d be unbearable!

“No!” I jerked my hand back, terrified she’d snap a second too late.

“Now you understand, Misty? Be a good girl.”

“Mhm mhm mhm!” I nodded frantically, burying my face in her chest, too scared to move.

“Then remember my next words deep in your heart.”

“Mhm mhm mhm!”

“Misty, I don’t know why you entered this school. But it must relate to your mission. Demon Hunters don’t expose themselves to the public lightly, do they?” She combed my messy hair, her tone no longer light.