Petals of Blood | Vampire Knight

CHAPTER 11

"How much is this?" the woman asked the vendor, holding a fresh apple in one hand.

The market was alive with people bustling around, each absorbed in their own activities.

The air buzzed with different energies, making the place feel vibrant and full of life. It was so full, in fact, that Juriki raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Dressed in a brown hooded cloak, Juriki was trying to keep a low profile. He wasn't here to be noticed, just to observe.

He glanced around, watching the mundane things humans did: buying their daily necessities, chatting with one another with enthusiasm, their faces showing emotions that he couldn't quite understand.

Maybe that was why his mother liked this race so much. They were... normal.

As far back as he could remember, his bedtime stories often involved humans, beings his uncle despised the most for their weakness.

"They embody the very definition of 'pathetic'," his uncle would often say.

"They get sick from the slightest change in weather. They bleed too easily, get hurt too often. Pitiful creatures made to be our prey."

Yet, his mother always countered his uncle's harsh words. At times, even Juriki began to think humans were indeed pitiful, only to be proven wrong by his beautiful, compassionate mother.

"They may be weak, but deep within them lies a powerful and unstoppable force. When provoked, it can cause untold disaster," Juuri would tell him, her voice filled with pride.

Her words made him curious. How could his mother, known for her kindness and fairness, hold such a high opinion of humans?

Too much, he thought. It was ironic, even for him, a pureblood vampire, to admire and respect a race that was supposed to be their prey. But he couldn't help it. He always listened intently as his mother spoke of her encounters with humans.

With a sigh, Juriki allowed his thoughts to drift deeper, his brow furrowing.

His wine-rose eyes were still focused on the crowd, watching them so intently that he didn't notice someone approach him until he felt a familiar hand pat his head.

He didn't bother swatting it away.

"Doll, ease up on the staring. We don't want someone to melt under the heat of your intense gaze, do we?" a voice teased.

Rido stood beside him, smirking, arrogant as always. Unlike Juriki, he wasn't trying to blend in. He made no effort to hide his otherworldly appearance, drawing the attention of passersby as they gawked in surprise.

Juriki narrowed his eyes. As a pureblood vampire, beauty was a weapon they wielded effortlessly to lure their prey. And Rido's looks were flawless, almost otherworldly. Of course, people would stare.

They were, after all, creatures born to be humanity's worst nightmare, and yet the most beautiful thing they couldn't resist.

"Uncle," Juriki said in a flat tone, "you insisted I wear this hideous cloak, and here you are in your usual clothes."