Chapter 1: A Warning in the Dying Light
Chapter Text
It had been a long day, and the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon. She was making her daily rounds, patrolling the nearby area for any signs of night creatures or potential threats. The day had been uneventful, with nothing out of the ordinary to report. With some time to spare, she occupied herself by gathering medicinal herbs and plants from along the path she was walking. The rhythmic task provided a sense of calm as she moved through the quiet landscape, her keen eyes scanning for anything useful.
Alucard had been watching her for some time now, his golden eyes glinting faintly from the shadows of the dense forest. His heart was heavy, his mind clouded by wine and bitter memories, yet something about the woman had drawn him from his refuge of solitude. He stayed crouched behind a gnarled tree, his long blonde hair falling untamed over his shoulders, his once-pristine attire now wrinkled and slightly unkempt. The soft rustle of her movements as she gathered herbs, the faint hum of life that surrounded her—it was all achingly familiar. She reminded him of Lisa, though he chided himself for the thought. But it wasn’t just her appearance. There was a quiet strength in her stance, a purposefulness in her actions that piqued his curiosity. And yet, fear gripped him. Was this another human who would betray his kindness? Another fleeting connection that would leave him more hollow than before? He leaned against the tree, watching her intently, his fingers brushing against the hilt of his sword out of instinct rather than malice. His voice was a whisper, a murmur to the wind.
"What are you doing here... so close to the castle? You should not linger in a place of death and ruin."
But of course, she would not hear him. He had no intention of being seen—not yet. Instead, he shifted silently, taking care to remain hidden. His golden eyes followed her every movement, and though his instinct was to retreat to the cold solace of the castle, he found himself lingering. Why did he care? Why did she matter? The questions only deepened his bitterness, but still, he stayed.
The woman had an uncanny feeling that someone—or something—was watching her. She paused, glancing over her shoulder, but saw no one and sensed nothing out of the ordinary. With a small shrug, she dismissed the thought and returned to gathering herbs and plants. After some time, she straightened up, stretching her limbs to ease the stiffness from crouching. Gathering her things, she began walking the path back toward the little village to the east, the setting sun casting long shadows along her way.
Alucard's sharp senses caught the subtle shift in her movements as she turned, searching for something—or someone. For a moment, he thought she might have detected him, and his breath stilled, his body instinctively melting further into the shadows of the tree. But when she resumed her task, seemingly dismissing the feeling, he allowed himself to relax. His gaze lingered as she stood, stretching, the faint orange hue of the setting sun catching the golden strands of her hair. She began to walk away, back toward the east. Toward the village. Toward life. For a moment, he wrestled with himself. He had no reason to follow her. She had done nothing to deserve his attention, no reason for him to intrude upon her life. And yet…
"You’re only going to get yourself hurt again."
The bitter voice in his mind was sharp and cold, but he ignored it. Against his better judgment, he took a step forward, and then another. His movements were silent, like a ghost gliding through the forest. As he trailed her from a safe distance, he caught the faint scent of the herbs she carried, the sound of her soft footsteps crunching against the path. Every part of her seemed to radiate warmth—an almost unbearable contrast to the cold, desolate place he had let himself become. And yet, his distrust and pain whispered louder than anything else. He debated turning back, retreating into the misery he knew so well. But instead, he hesitated by the edge of the path and allowed himself to speak—not to her directly, but loud enough for her to hear, should fate decide she was meant to. His voice was low, smooth, and carried the weight of centuries.
"The forest is not safe at night. You should not linger."
Even as the words left his lips, he cursed himself. It was foolish to draw her attention. Foolish to let her see him. But it was done. And now, he waited, half-hidden in the fading light, watching to see how she would react.
The blondes head snapped around, her body following just moments later. She had heard a voice—a low, distinct warning telling her not to linger. Instinctively, she shifted into a protective stance, her hand moving to her belt where a short sword rested securely in its sheath.
“Who’s there?” she called out, her tone cautious but steady, eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement.
Alucard remained in the shadows, his form shrouded by the encroaching twilight. He saw her movement—the way she turned sharply, how her hand instinctively went to her weapon. It was a reaction he respected, even admired, though it reminded him of how easily humans reached for steel when confronted by the unknown. He hesitated, debating whether to step forward or vanish into the forest. Her voice, cautious yet steady, gave him pause. There was no fear in her tone, only readiness.
"You should not draw your weapon unless you intend to use it,"
he finally said, his voice calm, almost disembodied as it echoed faintly through the trees.
"But I mean you no harm."
After another moment of silence, he took a step forward, just enough for the fading light to catch his pale face. His golden eyes glinted softly as they met hers, though his expression was guarded, as if revealing himself was an internal battle he hadn’t yet decided to finish.
"The sun is setting. This forest is not kind to those who linger after dark,"
he said again, his tone as even as before. Though he spoke plainly, there was a faint edge of something deeper—bitterness, sorrow—woven into his words. He stood still, his tall, lean figure partially cloaked by the trees behind him. His disheveled appearance made him look less like a noble and more like a ghost of one. Still, his presence was undeniably commanding, though his eyes held hers with caution rather than warmth.
"What brings you so close to the castle?"
he asked, the question weighted with curiosity but also suspicion.
The woman’s posture eased slightly, her back straightening at the assurance of no harm, but her hand remained on the hilt of her sword, ready though undrawn.
“ Thank you for the warning, ”
she said, her tone measured-
“ But experience has taught me that one can never be too cautious in these lands. ”
After a brief pause, her sharp gaze studied the man before her. Finally, she added,
“I’m a guardian of one of the nearby villages. I’m on my daily rounds, ensuring no monsters or creatures are lurking in the shadows near the settlement.”
Alucard observed her closely, noting the way her posture eased but her hand stayed near her weapon. A prudent choice, he thought, and one that spoke of experience. Her words carried a quiet confidence, though he could hear the edge of wariness beneath them.
"A noble purpose,"
he said, his tone even, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips—a rare expression, one that flickered and faded almost as quickly as it had come.
"Few would venture this far to protect others. Fewer still would dare to walk so close to this castle."
He stepped fully into the light now, revealing his full figure. Despite his disheveled state, there was an undeniable elegance to him, an aura of something otherworldly. The golden eyes that met hers were sharp yet weary, as though they carried the weight of centuries. His long coat, though wrinkled and dusted with the faint signs of his recent neglect, still bore the intricate details of something crafted for nobility.
"And yet, here you stand," he continued, his voice soft but firm. "Unyielding. Fearless—or perhaps reckless."
“Reckless?” The blonde-haired woman furrowed her brows, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. Who was this man to judge her so openly and without cause?
“I am simply carrying out the task I am bound to do,”
she replied calmly, her tone steady and unprovoked despite his accusation.
He tilted his head slightly, studying her with an intensity that might have been unnerving, though his expression remained composed. Something about her words—the mention of guarding the village—stirred a faint memory of his mother, of her endless compassion for humanity. But the bitterness within him quickly drowned it out.
"You speak of guarding against monsters," he said after a pause, his gaze darkening slightly.
"But do you know what kind of creatures roam these lands? The castle you stand near is home to horrors most humans cannot comprehend. Why would you take such a burden upon yourself?"
Though his words could have been seen as accusatory, there was no malice in his tone—only curiosity, and perhaps a trace of something more complicated. He stood still, his posture calm yet vigilant, as though he were as wary of her as she was of him.
Chapter 2: No Fear, no Farewell
Chapter Text
She held his gaze without faltering, her expression calm and composed. When she spoke, her tone was measured—soft but firm, carrying an air of quiet confidence that hinted at experience and resilience.
“I am no stranger to danger or monsters, even if I may not appear so. As for why I carry this burden, I don’t believe I owe you an explanation.”
Her posture eased slightly, the tension in her shoulders loosening as she sensed no immediate threat from the man before her. Despite his otherworldly appearance, there was something in his demeanor—odd as it was—that reassured her he wasn’t about to attack. Not yet, at least.
Alucard's gaze softened, though only slightly. Her words held a conviction he had come to expect from those who saw the world in black and white—duty and honor on one side, danger and monsters on the other. It was a perspective he had once admired, though now it felt distant, almost naïve to his jaded heart.
"Duty"
he murmured, the word lingering on his tongue as though he were testing its taste. His golden eyes flickered with a faint melancholy.
"A noble but heavy burden, especially for one so young."
He took a slow step closer, though he kept a respectful distance. Despite his guarded demeanor, there was no hostility in his movements—only a quiet curiosity tempered by wariness. His presence, though imposing, lacked aggression.
The corner of her mouth curved into a faint smile, her tone tinged with amusement as she spoke. “And how old do you think I am?” she asked lightly, a hint of teasing in her voice. Her expression softened, though her words remained steady.
“I appreciate your concern, mysterious man, who appeared out of nowhere in the woods, but I assure you, I’m well prepared for whatever might come lurking. This isn’t my first time guarding a village—I know what I’m doing.”
She paused for a moment, her gaze flickering toward him before continuing, her voice gentler this time. “But still… thank you for the warning. It’s appreciated.”
As she paused to thank him, Alucard tilted his head, studying her with a curiosity he hadn’t expected to feel. Her tone was sincere, a rare thing among humans he had encountered. For a moment, he considered retreating, leaving her to her duty and returning to his own solitude. But something kept him rooted in place, the faint echo of his mother’s voice whispering in his mind.
"For how old do I take you?" he echoed softly, his tone musing as his golden eyes regarded her with quiet intensity. Alucard arched a pale brow at her question, her slight smile tugging at the edges of his own guarded expression. Though he did not return her amusement, the tension in his posture eased ever so slightly.
"Old enough to wield a blade with confidence, yet young enough to still hold onto optimism."
She straightened her posture, standing taller, and even took a small step closer to the shadowy figure hidden amidst the green. Her voice was steady, tinged with curiosity but cautious.
“You speak as though you’ve witnessed this kind of optimism many times before,”
she said, her tone measured yet probing. Her eyes narrowed slightly, trying to adjust to the dim light and make out more details of the mysterious figure before her.
He took a slow step back, retreating toward the shadows of the trees as though testing the distance. Still, he did not leave. Instead, he regarded her carefully and added,
"If you mean to guard the village, then I suggest you finish your task before the sun fully sets. The creatures that roam this forest are far less courteous than I."
There was a faint wryness to his tone, though his expression remained stoic. Yet despite his words, part of him was reluctant to let her leave, as though the weight of loneliness that clung to him like a shroud was urging him to linger just a little longer.
She stepped even closer to him now, her movements confident and deliberate. Her hand dropped away from where it had lingered near her weapon, a subtle gesture to show she meant him no harm.
“It’s rare to meet someone deep in the woods who carries themselves the way you do,” Who might you be, kind stranger?”
She remarked, her tone calm but laced with curiosity, her demeanor free of fear or hostility, her presence open yet cautious.
Alucard’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stepped closer, though he made no move to retreat further into the shadows. Her lack of fear was... unusual, especially given his unkempt appearance and the heavy aura of something otherworldly that clung to him. Most humans would have kept their distance, their instinct for survival screaming at them to avoid the unknown. Her question lingered in the air between them, and for a moment, he debated whether to answer truthfully. Part of him wanted to keep the veil of mystery intact, to let her assumptions shield her from the darker truth of who—and what—he truly was. But something about her calmness, her lack of judgment, coaxed a flicker of honesty from him.
"Kind stranger,"
he repeated softly, almost amused by the title. His golden eyes met hers fully now, unguarded for the first time.
"I am neither as kind as you assume nor as much of a stranger as you might hope."
Chapter Text
"I am Alucard,"
he said finally, his voice quiet but firm, carrying the weight of the name like an unspoken burden. "Or Adrian Tepes, if you prefer. Son of the monster who once ruled this land—and son of the woman who tried to save it."
He let the words hang in the air for a moment, his expression impassive yet tinged with a quiet sorrow.
The woman furrowed her brows, searching her memory for the name. It was familiar, yet distant—just out of reach, like a word lingering on the tip of her tongue. She could almost grasp it, almost recall where she had heard it before, but the answer continued to evade her.
She tilted her head slightly, repeating the name the man before her had spoken with such an ominous weight.
“Alucard?”
Now it was Alucard’s turn to furrow his brows, his golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Why was she not trembling in fear? Why didn’t her eyes widen, her pupils dilate? Why hadn’t she turned and fled the moment she heard his name? The questions circled in his mind, yet he forced himself to remain composed.
“And who are you, then?”
he asked, tilting his head just enough for the fading sunlight to catch in his golden hair.
“What name belongs to the one bold enough to approach a castle like mine without trembling?”
Though his voice remained calm, even laced with curiosity, there was something else beneath the surface—something unspoken. A flicker of longing buried deep within his gaze, a quiet hope he dared not acknowledge, yet could not fully suppress.
The woman shifted her weight slightly, debating whether she should reveal her name to a stranger. But he had introduced himself—Alucard… or was it Adrian? If he had offered his name, it seemed only fair to return the gesture.
“I am Selene,”
she said, a quiet resolve lacing her voice.
A faint smile tugged at her lips as she added,
“It’s not a particularly bold name for someone who isn’t particularly bold either.”
With a step forward, she closed the last bit of distance between them, her movements steady and unhesitant. She extended her hand toward him in greeting, the gesture as natural as it was deliberate.
“Nice to meet you, Alucard. Or was it Adrian?”
Alucard’s eyes widened slightly at the offering. Such a simple act—a handshake, so common among humans—felt strangely significant to him. He hesitated for a brief moment, the faintest trace of uncertainty flickering across his face. It had been long since anyone had approached him with warmth, without fear or hidden intent.
After a pause, he reached out, his movements careful, deliberate. His fingers—cool to the touch, bearing the faint scars of countless battles—met hers with a light yet steady grip. The warmth of her hand against his own was startlingly real, unaccustomed.
“Selene.”
He repeated and released her hand, letting it fall back to his side, though the faint trace of that smile lingered. His golden gaze studied her face for a moment longer, as if trying to understand what had drawn her to step so boldly into his space.
“You´re… different,” he finally said, his tone quiet but sincere.
“Most would not have extended a hand to someone like me, let alone smiled.”
There was no bitterness in his words, only a touch of astonishment, as though he were speaking more to himself than her. He stepped back slightly, granting her space once more, though his posture was no longer guarded. Instead, he seemed to regard her with a quiet respect.
“Different? Me?” Selene echoed, tilting her head slightly. “I suppose so… maybe.” She pondered his words for a moment before continuing.
“I try to judge only by what I see and receive. And so far, you’ve given me nothing but sound advice and a rather pleasant conversation. I sense no danger from you—no malice, no ill intent.”
She gave a small nod, as if affirming her own thoughts aloud. She studied him for a moment longer before adding,
“I´ll admit, you look a bit disheveled - like you´ve had a bad day… maybe even a bad week? A month…? But there is something in your eyes, in your manner, that tells me you are no threat to me.”
As they spoke, the sun dipped lower, sinking fast beyond the horizon. The last glimmers of golden light threaded through the trees, stretching their final reach across the forest before the coming dusk.
Alucard inclined his head slightly, her words stirring a faint flicker of emotion in him—something akin to gratitude, though it was laced with the faint ache of disbelief. Her honesty was refreshing, and her calm demeanor, even in the fading light of the woods, was something he hadn’t expected to encounter.
"You judge with reason," he murmured, his voice low and steady, though there was a shadow of weariness beneath it.
He glanced upward, his gaze catching the last golden rays of sunlight as they filtered through the trees. The woods seemed to shift around them as the daylight waned, shadows growing longer and darker, the air cooler with each passing moment.
"The night is fast approaching,"
he observed, his tone quiet but edged with concern. His eyes returned to hers, their golden hue catching the dimming light like the glow of embers.
"These lands are not forgiving once the sun has set. Even the best-prepared can find themselves overwhelmed by what lies in wait. It is best, you return to a safe shelter.”
Selene glanced up at the fading light. Darkness fell swiftly in these woods, swallowing the landscape in deepening shadows. A slight grin played on her lips as she responded.
“And what do you take me for? I am neither a fool nor unprepared. I can handle myself in these lands.”
Her words weren’t defensive, but there was a subtle smugness in her tone—a quiet confidence that came from experience. She was no stranger to the dangers lurking in the wild. Night creatures, wandering bandits, desperate scavengers—she had faced them all before. With a casual gesture, she patted the hilt of her weapon, a silent signal of her readiness.
“And what about you?” she asked in return, tilting her head slightly. “Will you be able to handle yourself?”
Notes:
Hello lovely folks!
I rewatched the Castlevania series not to long ago and good obsessed with it (again.). So the only logical thing for me was to put my brain to work and write all the things on my mind. I hope you liked my story so far!
I will continue to publish shorter chapters, but in more frequent intervalls.
Let me know how you liked the characters, the writing and the dialogue! Also main characters name reveal!
Hope you have a wonderful day and see you next time !
Love, Sayuri
Chapter Text
A sound. At first, Selene couldn’t quite place it—subtle, low—but then her eyes landed on the man in front of her. A chuckle. Deep and genuine, from the sound of it. He was laughing?
She arched an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across her face.
“And what, exactly, is so funny about that?”
she asked, her tone inquisitive rather than offended.
As fleeting as the laugh had been, it had softened something in him. His eyes, once guarded, now held a trace of warmth—friendlier, less distant.
“I don’t believe there’s any need to worry about me,”
he finally replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“Any night creatures or bandits out there should be asking themselves if they can handle me.”
There was a subtle arrogance in his tone, but it didn’t feel boastful—just… matter of fact. And for some reason, somewhere deep within her, Selene didn’t doubt his words.
There was something about this man—Adrian—that made her believe him without question. Something unearthly, something powerful. He didn’t need to prove himself; his presence alone spoke volumes. Before she could dwell further on the feeling, his voice cut gently through her thoughts.
“Nevertheless… I thank you for your concern.”
He dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment, the gesture quiet but sincere.
He hesitated then, just for a moment, as if choosing his next words carefully. With a measured step forward, he continued,
“If you’re set on returning to the village tonight, allow me to accompany you. The path is perilous after dark—and while you may not see me as a threat, there are other things in these woods that will not hesitate.”
There was no demand in his tone, no force behind his offer. Only calm sincerity. He folded his hands behind his back, his stance composed—tall, elegant, and respectful.
“I’ll understand if you’d rather walk alone,”
he added softly. For the briefest moment, a glimmer of something passed through his gaze—perhaps a reflection of the loneliness that had gnawed at him for weeks, or perhaps simply a flicker of purpose found in the act of helping another.
Her eyes widened for a brief moment, surprised by the offer—and even more by the gentleness with which it was made. She hadn’t expected warmth from a man who carried such a heavy, otherworldly presence. He’s not what I imagined at all, she thought. There’s something old in him… but not unkind.
A soft smile formed on her lips.
“If you don’t mind,” she said after a pause, her voice quieter now,
“I might actually take you up on that offer. That’s very kind of you. Thank you, Adrian.”
Alucard inclined his head in a subtle nod, his golden eyes softening at her acceptance of his offer. There was something oddly reassuring about her smile—unpretentious and genuine, a warmth he hadn’t realized he missed until now.
"Then I shall accompany you,"
he said simply, his voice carrying the same calm, melodic quality as before. He stepped to her side, his movements graceful and deliberate, though he kept a respectful distance as they began to walk together.
The path back to the village was narrow and winding, the trees towering above them like silent sentinels. Shadows danced and flickered across the forest floor as the last remnants of sunlight surrendered to the approaching night. Alucard’s gaze swept their surroundings with quiet vigilance, his senses attuned to even the faintest rustle of leaves or snap of a distant twig.
After a brief stretch of silence between them, he spoke again, his tone low and contemplative.
“You said you’re not from this land… and yet, you carry yourself with purpose. As though you’ve faced its dangers before.”
He cast a brief glance in her direction, his expression unreadable—yet laced with a quiet curiosity.
“If I may ask… what draws someone like you into a forest so dark and unforgiving?”
There was no sharpness in his question, no edge of suspicion—only genuine interest. The quiet fascination he felt toward her was mutual, though he kept it carefully guarded. Selene’s presence unsettled something in him… but not in a way that made him wary. It was rare—unnervingly rare—to meet a human who spoke to him with such ease. Rarer still was one who looked at him without fear in her eyes.
She hesitated, considering her answer.
“Protection and diplomacy,” she said at last, her voice calm . “And the herbs that grow in these woods.”
The answer was honest, but intentionally vague. Still, the slight arch of his brow told her he wasn’t entirely satisfied. She exhaled softly and added,
“I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to reveal… but my organization is bound by duty. By honor. Not by faith or religion, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Alucard listened in silence, his steps steady beside hers as the forest darkened around them. Her words intrigued him—painting a picture of someone shaped by experience, someone who had fought her own battles and bore the weight of her mission with quiet determination.
“A life of service, then,” he said thoughtfully, his gaze fixed ahead, though his mind lingered on her.
“ You carry yourself like someone well-acquainted with danger,”
he continued, his voice low and reflective.
“But there’s a calmness in you—a clarity. It’s rare in those who’ve seen real hardship.”
He tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering across his features.
“Perhaps I’ve misjudged you.”
Selene offered a soft smile, an edge of playfulness appearing to her voice.
“People misjudge me all the time. No need to apologize.”
There was no trace of offense in her words—if anything, his admission sounded like a quiet compliment to her ears.
Alucard glanced at her, his golden eyes studying her face with subtle intensity. There was something in her poised confidence that stirred something in him—a quiet resilience that mirrored his own, though forged on a different path. He found himself wondering how much of her strength had been shaped by pain, how much of her calm was armor for deeper wounds. But he did not ask. The questions felt too personal… and perhaps, he sensed, they were not ready to be answered.
Notes:
Thanks so much for reading and until next time!
Let me know your thoughts, your guesses and what you liked or disliked about this chapter! <3
Love, Sayuri