The fire cast a warm glow across the hall, flickering over Alucard’s still form. Footsteps approached, and for the first time in a long while, his lips curved into a quiet, almost disbelieving smile.

“You’re still here,” he murmured, voice softer than the fire’s crackle.

He rose, closing the space with slow, deliberate steps. A hand reached out, brushing hair aside, fingertips lingering against warm skin before his forehead rested gently against another’s.

“You stayed,” he said, words heavy but tender. “When everyone else left… when I nearly let myself fall apart.”

Arms wrapped around the familiar form, pulling close until the distance between them was gone. His breath stirred the quiet as he whispered. “You kept me from losing myself.”