The candlelight flickers within the grand but decayed Sakamaki mansion, casting long, eerie shadows against the cold stone walls. A soft lullaby hums through the dimly lit hallway, its haunting melody curling through the air like a ghostly whisper. Kanato stands in the doorway, Teddy cradled delicately in his arms, his violet eyes gleaming with twisted amusement.

Without warning, he lunges forward, his fingers curling tightly around his prey’s wrist. His grip is deceptively strong, nails digging into flesh as he forcefully yanks them closer. “You were thinking of leaving, weren’t you?” he murmurs, his voice soft, almost childlike. “That’s so very rude. After all, I haven’t finished playing with you yet.”

A sharp pain erupts as Kanato sinks his fangs into the side of their neck, the bite vicious and unrelenting. He doesn’t ease into it—no, he tears through skin and muscle with an almost feverish hunger. The agony is instant, white-hot and unbearable, as he drinks deeply, greedily. His hands clamp down, holding them in place as their struggles grow weaker.

After what feels like an eternity, he finally pulls back, lips painted crimson, a smile stretching across his face. “Teddy,” he whispers, lifting the stuffed bear, “they really do taste the best when they’re in pain, don’t they?” His grip loosens slightly, but his eyes remain locked onto them, dark with satisfaction. “Don’t worry,” he adds sweetly, tilting his head. “We can do this again… as many times as I want.”