Sweet Nights with A Vampire

Chapter 3: That Was Simply a Monster

That morning, just as Luna stepped out, she ran into Nathan Rivers who was rushing out: "What are you doing, in such a hurry so early?" Nathan Rivers, in his panic, didn't slow his pace: "My father's been injured and is at Eternal Hospital."

Luna had never seen him so anxious, so she quickly followed. She had originally planned to study in the library before having lunch with Xavier Storm, but now she had time to visit Uncle Rivers at the hospital.

Nathan Rivers' father, Dr. Nicholas Rivers, was a renowned biologist with a notable reputation in the national biological field, known for his unique thinking and innovative research. He owned a private biological research institute at Eternalis, specializing in unexplored areas of biology. This incident was unexpected, as he had always been one to quietly conduct his research.

At the hospital, they first encountered Assistant Fang just leaving the patient's room, looking exhausted with dragging steps. Seeing Nathan Rivers' worried expression, he walked over and patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, it's fine. Just some external injuries. The doctor mainly suffered from shock, but the doctor says he'll be fine after a few days of rest." Nathan Rivers finally relaxed slightly, nodding to Assistant Fang.

When Luna entered the ward, she was still startled - Nicholas Rivers' face was covered in scratches, and various parts of his body were wrapped in bandages. The room was quiet, with Nathan Rivers' mother, Li Li, sitting aside silently wiping her tears.

Thank goodness they're just surface wounds, Luna secretly wiped her sweat.

"Dad, who did this? Did you offend someone?" Nathan Rivers asked anxiously upon entering. Nicholas Rivers, seemingly trying to avoid aggravating his facial injuries, replied briefly: "No."

Even Luna could tell he was concealing something. Assistant Fang coughed, gesturing for Nathan Rivers to come outside, apparently having something to say. Though Nathan Rivers wanted to press further, Luna quickly pulled him into the hallway.

Nathan Rivers gazed reluctantly toward the ward before turning to face Assistant Fang.

After glancing around, Assistant Fang spoke softly: "What I'm about to tell you might sound unbelievable, but every word is true." Nathan Rivers nodded gravely, signaling him to continue.

"Remember how the doctor was involved in investigating that murder case? The one at Red Moon Mountain that people have been talking about these past weeks." Hearing this, Luna recalled the broadcast from opening day, realizing that Dr. South was Uncle Rivers.

Indeed, among Eternal City's biology experts, only Dr. Nicholas Rivers had such prominence.

Assistant Fang continued: "Somehow, the rumors have taken a strange turn. They're saying Dr. Rivers discovered... vampires."

Vampires.

Luna was startled, then found it incredible, expressing disbelief. How could vampires, creatures only seen in American and Korean dramas, be real? In this scientific age, either Assistant Fang or Uncle Rivers must be confused.

Nathan Rivers found it absurd too: "Didn't Dad say they found some bones? How did this turn into vampires?" Assistant Fang continued nervously: "These rumors came from somewhere unknown, but strangely, the doctor hasn't responded. Usually, he would immediately challenge any slight against his research, but this time he's silent. What's terrifying is, that I saw it myself early this morning. The doctor had stayed overnight at the institute with me. Around 3 AM, I heard things being knocked over and the doctor's voice. When I ran over..."

Assistant Fang's voice suddenly dropped, speaking with a trembling tone: "I saw a dark figure about to jump out the window. It turned when it heard me, and what I saw wasn't human - it was simply a monster..."

Luna's eyes widened, feeling a chill run down her spine.

"Its face was extremely gaunt, practically just skin over bone, but covered in blood vessels. The pupils were red, glowing in the darkness. The finger joints were long and thin, with sharp extended nails that left deep scratches on the glass. It had two long fangs with fluid dripping from them. When it opened its mouth to threaten me, I fainted from fear. When I came to, it was daylight, and I found the doctor collapsed on the floor, so I rushed him here."

Assistant Fang finished with a trembling voice, trying to maintain composure as he looked at the two speechless listeners.

After a moment of silence, Nathan Rivers recovered, softly consoling Assistant Fang, though it wasn't clear whether he believed the story or not.

Luna stood dazed in the hallway for a long while before coming to her senses.

After all this commotion, she realized it was almost noon. Remembering her lunch appointment with Xavier Storm, she quickly said goodbye to Nathan Rivers and hurried to catch a taxi.

Xavier Storm had finally returned and even initiated having lunch together - she absolutely couldn't be late. Luna kept asking the driver to hurry.

When she reached the school's east gate, it was already 11:20. Luna thought, oh no, I'm late.

She remembered in their second year of high school, she was late once and kept Xavier Storm waiting for nearly an hour. Xavier Storm had just stood downstairs, watching her descend with an extraordinarily calm gaze. The whole way, Luna had kept apologizing repeatedly, until finally, Xavier Storm sighed: "Luna, do I look that frightening?" "Huh?" "You don't need to keep apologizing. I'm not angry." Luna had been frustrated then - Xavier Storm, please just be angry... not being angry makes me feel more guilty...

Now, Luna searched the entire east gate area but couldn't find any trace of Xavier Storm. She raised her hand against the sunlight, looking somewhat pitiful: "Did Xavier Storm leave because it was too hot... but to give up after just twenty minutes when he once waited an hour without complaint..."

Ten minutes later. Luna found some shade to rest, her thoughts complicated: Would Xavier Storm be the type to be late? Was he deliberately late... or did he completely forget about it?!

Suddenly her phone rang. Luna thought it might be Xavier Storm and quickly pulled out her phone, but it was her mother calling.

"Luna, your father and I are at the hospital visiting Uncle Rivers. Have you eaten? Should we all go to a restaurant later?"

Luna quickly declined: "Mom, do you remember Xavier Storm? He's back and at my school now. We agreed to have lunch together. Though he hasn't arrived yet..."

Her mother fell silent on the other end.

"Mom?"

"Luna, wait there. Your father and I will come with Xiao Ze to check on you."

Before Luna could respond, the call ended.

Noon. Xavier Storm still hadn't appeared.

One o'clock. Luna patted her growling stomach and walked toward the supermarket to buy bread, looking back every few steps.

After making her purchase, she stretched her neck searching the east gate area once more, but still saw no sign of Xavier Storm.