Predator

14. June, 8 am

I woke outside the cage for the very first time in my life. The couch was much cozier than my cage's floor, which helped me fully relax. All I could think about at first was going back to it, but I refused to succumb to my fear. I finally managed to sleep on the couch last night.

Luise wished me luck as she went to bed. She laid on the right side, avoiding the part where I had laid the day before. I wasn't sure if she was aware of it or not because she never said anything.

I'll simply act like she doesn't know so I don't have to stress about it all day. Furthermore, my sister should be on her way here right now.

I've been waiting for her ever since I woke up. Luise said she'd be here first thing in the morning.

We both skipped breakfast. I, for one, didn't want to be out of the room when my sister arrived, and I believe Luise didn't have much time for it either, since the first thing she did when she awoke was return to her work.

The only thing that could be heard was Luise's writing in the silent room.

Today I didn't have that empty feeling, and I'm not sure if it was because I didn't sleep in the cage or because my sister was coming. In any case, I was giddy with anticipation.

Before I finally heard the knock on the door, I counted hundreds of seconds. She arrived at last. I stood up from the couch but did not take any steps towards the door.

Leroi was most likely with my sister, and I had no interest in meeting him. Luise opened the door as she walked past me.

"I apologize for the delay. This one didn't want to get out of bed this morning." Leroi remarked.

"Oh, that's fine; I was so preoccupied with the work you assigned me that I didn't even notice." She gave a response.

While they resumed their chat, my sister was gently pushed inside the room. I was still hesitant to approach her.

"Can you tell me when Mom and Dad will be back?" Luise inquired, leaning against the doorframe.

Leroi shrugged his shoulders. "It'll probably be tomorrow."

"Finally." With a big smile on her face, she said.

They continued to chat about something else, but I wasn't paying attention. My only wish was to hug and talk with my sister. She was right next to me, but I didn't move because I was afraid of what her master would do if I approached her.

She did appear to be in better health than the previous time I saw her. If nothing else, I suppose he's feeding her. She was dressed in black leggings and a long-sleeved black top.

"I don't want to return and find her dead here, so keep an eye on her." Leroi joked.

"Now, now, brother. I'm not you. There's no need to be concerned." With that, the conversation was over.

Luise closed the door behind her and walked over to her table, not looking back at any of us. I took advantage of the short seconds she turned away from us and dashed over to my sister, hugging her tightly.

She was shocked, but she still hugged me back. Luise sat in her chair, and I knew she could see us, but it didn't care. I just wanted to keep my sister in my arms for a little longer.

"Are you okay?" I whispered softly in her ear.

"Yeah, you?" she replied meekly.

I gave her a small nod, and we parted.

Taking her hand I guided her to the couch, where we sat. I had so many questions for her but didn't know where to begin. I hadn't yet let go of her hand. I wanted her to know I was there, and even if she couldn't see me, she could feel me.

"Did he bite you?" I asked, finally choosing a question.

She said, "Yes."

"Did it cause you any discomfort?" I inquired once more.

"Not in the least. I know we were informed that when a vampire feeds on us, it hurts a lot, but it merely tickled me." She gave an explanation.

That's hard to believe because all wounds hurt, but perhaps she's different.

"What about you?" She inquired.

"Not yet, but soon," I said, casting a glance at Luise.

I have no reason to be afraid if it isn't as terrible as she claims.

"Can you tell me where you sleep?" I inquired primarily to see if she was as attached to her cage as I am.

"It's all up to Leroi."

Is she allowed to call him by his given name?

Even the vampires besides his siblings aren't allowed to do that.

"Does he tell you where to sleep?"

"It's more like his actions do." She paused for a moment to consider her thoughts. "If he's bothersome, I'll sleep on the couch."

A chuckle came from Luise's direction, but there was no sign of her laughing when I looked at her.

"So, no cage?" 

"I don't think there's a cage in that room at all,"  She gave a response.

So, judging on her demeanor and the fact that she doesn't sleep in the cage, I think I'm the only one who has an issue.

"Do you sleep in the cage?"  She inquired.

"I didn't today," I smiled, pleased with myself.

She smiled at me.

"The other day, I noticed you outside. Were you attempting to escape from your master?" I inquired.

"I'm usually outside these days, so I'm not sure when you saw me, but I never tried to escape from him. He mostly just trains me how to run without colliding with someone." She laughed. "It took a long time for me to figure it out."

She's fine, thank God. I was terrified that he was harming my sister. Now that I know she's okay, I can unwind a little.

"I was really worried about you." As I squeezed her hand, I said. Not hard enough to hurt her.

"I'm perfectly fine. You should be concerned with yourself." She hugged me as she spoke.

"Did your master give you a name?". She asked.

"Aster."

"It's lovely. Mine is Lina."

"Well, Lina, it's nice to finally meet you," I said while moving away from her and grabbing her hand so we could shake hands.

"It's also nice to finally meet you, Aster."

We have names for the first time in our lives. Our shop's pets were not given names, so it was up to the vampires who bought us to decide. The fact that we have normal names is great in and of itself because most of them didn't bother naming their pets.

We didn't have much time to talk after that because the time for lunch was approaching quickly. However, I was able to inform her of my panic attacks in case she experienced them as well. It turned out, however, that she didn't.

Soon enough, Leroi knocked on the door, and we were on our way to the dining hall.