The Healer of Shadows

Chapter 4 Shadows Beneath the Celebration

Back in his school days, Nocturne was never truly alone. He had once defended a classmate who was constantly bullied. That moment sparked a bond that would last for years. The classmate, loyal and brave, remained by Nocturne’s side even after learning his deepest secret—that he was a vampire. Instead of recoiling in fear, he chose acceptance, becoming Nocturne’s most trusted friend and unwavering companion.

Elio, a brilliant scientist, developed a groundbreaking medicine to help his best friend Nocturne transform into a fully natural human.

In the city where Nocturne lives with his best friend Elio, their home is anything but ordinary. Inside, Nocturne has set up specialized equipment designed to detect vampires—sensors, scanners, and even enchanted relics that react to supernatural energy. He’s also armed with weapons specifically crafted for vampire hunting, including silver blades, UV grenades, and a crossbow modified to fire wooden stakes.

During a medical conference, Nocturne’s father’s old enemy—Dr. Henry—was the featured speaker. He discussed advanced surgical techniques and how to manage patients in critical condition, including the development of cutting-edge medicine tailored to individual patient needs. Before beginning his presentation, he introduced himself with authority:

Dr. Henry: Hello, good morning everyone! Let me introduce myself. I’ll be your instructor this morning, and I am also your Medical Director.

Nocturne was in the audience, quietly listening. As Dr. Henry spoke, he suddenly sensed something strange—an energy in the room that felt familiar. His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Nocturne. In that moment, Dr. Henry knew: Nocturne was like him—a vampire.

After the conference, Dr. Henry secretly followed Nocturne, driven by curiosity and suspicion. He trailed him through the halls until he discovered Nocturne’s room, determined to uncover the truth about his identity.

Later that day, in the operating room, Nocturne was assigned to lead a surgical procedure alongside Joy and other assistant doctors. Joy began the operation, but complications quickly arose. She called out to Nocturne for help, unable to continue on her own.

Before entering the operating room, Nocturne had taken a special medicine—one designed to suppress his vampiric nature and help him function like a normal human. But he didn’t realize the drug was ineffective. His body remained unchanged, still bound to his vampire instincts.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry, Uncle Joy, and several other doctors were observing from the upper level of the operating room, watching the procedure unfold through a glass panel.

Dressed in his surgical gloves, mask, cap, and gown, Nocturne stepped in to assist. As he began the procedure, a wave of dizziness hit him—just like the first time he transformed at age eighteen. His hands began to shift, his eyes glowed faintly, and sweat poured down his face from anxiety. But through sheer willpower and focus, he calmed himself. His body returned to normal, and he continued the surgery with steady hands.

At the moment the surgery was successfully completed, Joy smiled with relief, and the other assistant doctors clapped their hands in celebration. Their voices echoed through the operating room:

Joy and Other Doctors: Congratulations, Dr. Nocturne! That was a job well done!

Nocturne: No, it’s not just me. We all made this operation a success—together.

On Sunday, Nocturne joined the surgical team for a celebration to honor the successful procedure. The atmosphere was lively—they laughed, drank wine and beer, and sang songs late into the night. But hidden in the shadows, Henry’s followers, who were also vampires, had been secretly watching Nocturne.

That night, two innocent people were attacked and killed by Henry’s followers. They drank their victims’ blood without mercy. Suddenly, Nocturne’s heightened senses picked up something unusual—his ears twitched at the faint sound of cries for help.

Nocturne: What was that? Why do I feel something strange in my hearing? I need to follow this sound…

Nocturne rushed toward the source of the noise, but he was too late. The victims had already died. Enraged, he chased Henry’s followers, who moved with supernatural speed. Nocturne matched their pace, attacking Nocturne behind. She fired her gun, hitting Nocturne with a tranquilizer dart.

But the chase took its toll. As he neared the hospital, Nocturne’s vision blurred. He felt dizzy, his legs weakened, and he collapsed on the road.

Joy was going to join celebration but who had been nearby, saw Nocturne lying unconscious. She ran to him, trembling with fear. His pulse was gone. His skin was ice-cold. His heart had stopped. Without hesitation, she rushed him to her uncle’s hospital.

Hours later, Nocturne woke up in a hospital bed. He slowly removed the IV needles from his arm. Beside him, Joy had fallen asleep, her head resting gently on the edge of his bed. As Nocturne stirred, Joy’s eyes opened suddenly. She gasped and hugged him tightly, placing her hand on his forehead.

But Nocturne gently pushed her hand away.

Nocturne: I’m okay now. Don’t worry. I need to go home.

Joy: Why? You just woke up! You need to rest and recover. Please stay here.

Nocturne didn’t respond. He stood up, ignoring Joy’s plea, and walked away—his mind already focused on the next mystery, the next danger, and the truth he still needed to uncover.