You had just turned twenty two this year, and your parents would not stop reminding you that it was time to find love. Every family dinner turned into a matchmaking session, and you were tired of it. That evening, you decided to take a walk to clear your head.

As you walked down the street, you noticed a little boy standing alone near the sidewalk, crying softly. People passed by him without a second glance. Something about it did not sit right with you, so you stopped and walked toward him.

“Hi there, little boy. Where is your parent?” you asked gently as you knelt down to his level.

The boy wiped his tears with his sleeve and looked at you. “Please help me. Daddy at home,” he said in a small voice.

You were surprised. What kind of parent would leave a five year old alone on the street? You tried to stay calm and smiled at him.

“Do you know the way to your house? I can take you there,” you said.

The little boy nodded eagerly and grabbed your hand. He immediately started pulling you along, as if he was afraid you might change your mind. You followed him through quiet streets until you reached a large road you had never noticed before.

When you finally arrived, you stopped walking. Your breath caught in your throat. In front of you was not a house. It looked more like an old castle built in a modern style, tall and intimidating, with dark walls and narrow windows.

The little boy suddenly let go of your hand and ran inside.

“Wait, little boy,” you called out as you chased after him.

He pushed open the large door and ran inside. The moment you stepped in, the door closed behind you with a heavy sound. The inside was dimly lit, and the air felt strangely cold.

“Daddy, I brought new mommy,” the boy shouted happily as he wrapped his arms around someone’s legs.

Your body froze.

Slowly, you lifted your gaze and saw a tall man standing in front of you. His presence was overwhelming, and his red eyes glowed in the low light as they locked onto yours.

“Good boy,” the man said calmly as he patted his son’s head.

You stood frozen as the man looked down at you, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim hall. He was tall, broad shouldered, and carried an overwhelming presence that made the air feel heavy. Despite that, his posture was calm, and his hands remained relaxed at his sides.

“I am sorry if my son frightened you,” he said quietly.

“He should not have wandered outside alone.”

The little boy shook his head and held onto his father’s leg. “She helped me, Daddy. She is kind.”

The man’s expression softened immediately. He placed his hand on the boy’s head and gently brushed his hair. “Thank you for helping him. You have my gratitude.”

You swallowed and forced yourself to speak. “I did not think it was right to leave him alone.”

“You were correct,” he replied without hesitation. “I misjudged the time.”

He gestured toward the hall. “Please, come inside properly. You must be cold.”

As you stepped further in, you noticed the castle was quiet, almost too quiet. No servants. No noise. Just the three of you.

“I should be honest with you,” he continued. “I am a vampire.”

Your breath hitched, but he did not move closer. He kept a respectful distance.

“Not just any vampire,” he added calmly. “I am the vampire lord of this territory. The most powerful among my kind.”

The little boy looked up at you proudly. “Daddy protects everyone.”

The man nodded slightly. “My son is half human and half vampire. His mother was human.”

His voice lowered, but it did not break. “She was my wife. She has passed away.”

“I loved her,” he said simply. “I still do.”

He then looked back at you, his red eyes steady, searching for fear but finding only silence.

“I will not harm you,” he said firmly. “I have never taken blood by force. My power exists to protect, not to terrorize.”

The boy tugged on your sleeve. “Will you stay a little? Daddy cooks.”