Dawn Xiang's choice to face Ningqu City's undercurrents alone didn't mean his family back in Suling City was oblivious.
Marcus Xiang, Eleanor Zhuang, Arthur Xiang, Grace Zu, Victor Ji, and the other elders constantly kept watch over the young master they had coddled since childhood. The series of attacks plaguing Ningqu City had long since made headlines across neighboring cities, causing an uproar. Seeing those horrifying reports, the elders' worry grew like rampant vines within their hearts.
Yet, worry aside, Marcus Xiang and the others had deeper considerations. The world of vampires, at its core, adhered to the jungle law of survival of the fittest. Even though their family had long integrated into human society, their lifestyle nearly indistinguishable from humans, the instincts etched deep in their bloodline remained unchanged. Dawn was an adult now. He had to learn to confront the world's harshness independently, to protect himself in a perilous environment. A flower nurtured in a greenhouse could never truly grow strong. This turmoil, perhaps, was the necessary tempering Dawn had to endure.
After deliberation, the elders ultimately only reiterated their safety warnings and urged vigilance over the phone. They didn't suggest sending protection or demanding his immediate return. They buried their concern deep down, viewing this crisis as an indispensable whetstone on Dawn's path to maturity.
On the other end of the line, Dawn felt his family's care, but deep down, he lacked a tangible sense of the city-wide panic. He was inherently optimistic, even a bit thick-skinned and oblivious. He always felt those terrifying attacks were distant, unlikely to truly befall him. In a way, the elders' worry was justified—Dawn indeed needed the baptism of hardship to shed his naive innocence.
Therefore, aside from closing the tea shop earlier, Dawn's life seemed largely unaffected. He still cheerfully opened the shop each day, clumsily assisting Mia Yao and Kevin Kong, "chatting" with the robot assistants SYN-01 and SOL-02. What he anticipated most remained his unwavering "ritual" – faithfully positioning himself by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing longingly at Twilight Tower's main entrance, waiting for that black luxury car to appear.
And recently, this "ritual" seemed to have progressed. When Ethan Yan stepped out of the car, he no longer merely glanced over. Instead, he would pause briefly, his gaze deliberately fixed on the Sunrise Bubble Tea shop, as if confirming the presence of that familiar figure. For Dawn, this was immense encouragement and satisfaction! Each meeting of their eyes set off little fireworks in his heart, stretching his grin wider and wider.
Ethan Yan himself seemed unaware that this brief pause had quietly become a habit. Each time he saw that young face behind the glass, bright with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes, a strange, utterly unfamiliar feeling flickered through him. He could clearly perceive the intense, almost instinctive, desire for closeness radiating from this fledgling vampire. Those amber eyes brimmed with unreserved trust and pure delight.
As an ancient being standing at the apex of power, Ethan's senses were sharp enough to discern the finest details. He could easily detect the faint aura of longing emanating from Dawn. Yet, he couldn't comprehend it. What did this little creature want from him? Power? Protection? Or... something else?
Unconsciously, Ethan's fingertips lightly brushed the spot on his left forearm. The wound had long since healed without a trace, yet a faint, peculiar tactile memory seemed to linger there – warm, wet, soft, carrying a subtle friction... the imprint left by Dawn's tongue and small fangs.
An indescribable irritation stirred within him. Ethan detested unnecessary contact with any living being or object; it induced a physiological discomfort, even nausea. Being licked and bitten?! Such intimate contact was an absolute, unimaginable taboo in his vast, uncountable lifespan. Yet, that reckless little creature had shattered it with ease.
His gaze drifted unconsciously towards the window. The sunset's last glow was slowly devoured by the horizon; the hated sunlight finally relinquished its bite. At the street corner, Sunrise Bubble Tea still glowed warmly, the busy figure visible behind the glass window.
That evening, nearing closing time, the shop received a few last-minute orders. Dawn checked the time and decisively told Mia and Kevin, "You two head home first! I'll handle these orders. SYN-01 and SOL-02 can help me. It'll be quick!"
Mia and Kevin exchanged a glance but didn't refuse. With the recent unrest, leaving early was safer. They gave Dawn a few reminders before gathering their things and leaving.
Dawn worked efficiently with the robot assistants, quickly finishing the orders. After tidying the counter and locking the shop door, the sky wasn't fully dark yet; the last vestiges of sunset still clung to the horizon. He waved at the dormant SYN-01 and SOL-02. "Good work! See you tomorrow!" Then, slinging his small bag over his shoulder, he set off for home.
His small apartment wasn't far from the tea shop, just a ten-minute walk at a leisurely stroll. A quick jog could get him there in five minutes. The streets were still bustling with traffic and crowds, the commotion of rush hour not yet subsided, presenting a lively scene.
Dawn was in good spirits, humming a tuneless melody as he rounded a familiar corner. Just a few hundred meters ahead lay his apartment building. However, as he passed an old residential building, his steps abruptly halted!
A strong, metallic-sweet scent assaulted his nostrils without warning!
Blood! The smell of fresh blood!
Dawn's heart skipped a beat! He stiffly turned his head, his gaze drawn to the deep, narrow alleyway squeezed between two tall buildings. Inside the alley, dimly lit and cluttered with debris, usually deserted, the thick, cloying scent of blood now emanated powerfully!
Fear coiled around his spine like a venomous snake! Every hair on his body stood on end! Run! Turn around and run now! The thought exploded like thunder in his mind! His legs trembled slightly, ready to bolt.
But... what if someone was hurt inside? What if... there was still time to help?
Conscience and fear waged a fierce battle within Dawn. He bit his lower lip hard enough to taste blood. Ultimately, the kindness rooted in his bones and a sliver of courage overcame his instinctive terror. He took a deep breath, as if drawing strength from his entire being, then mustered his resolve. Step by step, with extreme slowness and caution, he moved towards the ominous depths of the alley.
The deeper he went, the darker it became, the stench of blood growing heavier, more pungent, almost suffocating. Deep within the alley was a corner; the source of the nauseating odor seemed just beyond it. Dawn's heart pounded like a war drum. He took another deep breath, nails digging into his palms, forcing himself to step around the corner!
The sight before him made his scalp crawl!
A figure entirely shrouded in a large black cloak crouched over the ground like a bloodthirsty bat! Beneath it, the faint outline of a curled-up human form was visible!
The cloaked figure seemed incredibly alert, sensing Dawn's movement the instant he turned the corner! His head snapped up! Beneath the hood, a pair of eyes glowed with madness and greed! Sharp fangs were bared, stained with glaring crimson! Far from fleeing in panic at being discovered, he slowly rose to his feet, fixing Dawn with a stare filled with savage menace from those blood-red eyes!
Dawn's mind went blank! Fear drenched him like icy water! The aura radiating from this vampire was brutal and powerful, far beyond anything he could oppose! What should he do?!
As the cloaked vampire, reeking of blood, took a step forward, seemingly ready to pounce, Dawn was scared out of his wits! In his panic, he couldn't devise any clever strategy. Instinct for survival drove him to the most primal, direct reaction—
He threw his head back, opened his mouth wide, and poured every ounce of strength into a deafening, earth-shattering scream!
"HELP—!!!!!!!!"
The sound was piercing, high-pitched, trembling with strain, echoing massively in the narrow alleyway. It cut through the evening clamor like an alarm, carrying far into the distance! Dawn abandoned all pretense of composure; this was the only idea he had to deter the attacker or summon aid!
The cloaked vampire clearly hadn't anticipated this! The sudden, ear-splitting shriek froze him mid-motion, a flicker of surprise crossing his demeanor.
Now! Dawn seized the fleeting chance, fumbling frantically for his phone. His fingers shook so violently he could barely press the screen! He unlocked it, frantically dialed the universal emergency number from memory! The call connected almost instantly!
"Hello?! 110?! Help! There's a vampire attacking someone! At... at..." Dawn's voice trembled uncontrollably. He rattled off the approximate location while shakily pointing his phone camera at the cloaked vampire, though he knew it might be useless. "I... I've called the police! You... you won't get away!" He tried to intimidate the assailant.
Just then, hurried footsteps and voices sounded from the alley entrance!
"What was that sound?!"
"Sounded like someone yelling for help!"
"Go check it out!"
Several people seemed drawn by Dawn's scream!
The cloaked vampire clearly didn't want to be cornered by more people. His blood-red eyes glared venomously at Dawn, then flicked towards the alley entrance. In the next instant, his form blurred, melting into the shadows, vanishing instantly into the alley's murky depths. Only a faint trace of blood and a lingering sense of dread remained.
Only when the terrifying figure completely disappeared did Dawn feel utterly drained. His legs gave way; he stumbled back several steps, his back slamming hard against the cold brick wall before he managed to steady himself. He gasped for breath, his heart still pounding wildly against his ribs, sweat beading on his forehead.
The dispatcher on the phone urgently asked for details. Dawn stammered, his words jumbled, describing the horrifying scene and the killer's disappearance.
Soon, the wail of sirens approached. An ambulance followed close behind. Paramedics swiftly loaded the unconscious girl onto a stretcher and rushed her away. Dawn leaned against the wall, his face pale, eyes filled with worry and lingering fear, wondering about the girl's condition.
A small crowd gathered at the alley entrance, drawn by the commotion. They looked at the shaken Dawn, then peered into the now-empty alley depths, murmuring among themselves.
"Oh my god, that was terrifying!"
"Thank goodness for this young man! If he hadn't yelled for help, who knows what would've happened!"
"Yeah, yeah! Quick thinking! And he called the police too!"
"Young man, well done! So brave!"
People chattered their praises, their gazes towards Dawn filled with admiration and gratitude. They saw his delicate, handsome face, now devoid of color, his eyes slightly reddened from fright, his breathing rapid. Naturally, they assumed he was a human youth who had bravely stepped forward in a crisis, smartly alerting the authorities.
No one noticed the fleeting flicker of dark crimson—the telltale hue of a vampire—deep within Dawn's pupils, contracted by extreme tension. On this heart-stopping evening, Dawn Xiang, the timid yet kind-hearted young vampire, was, through a twist of fate, mistaken for a brave "human" hero.