The echoes of the sudden, horrific blast from the vampire guard had shaken the entire corridor. Luca stood in the shadows of the wall, and because of the deep darkness and heavy shade, he couldn't see exactly what had happened. He only heard a thunderous explosion and felt that something devastating had occurred.
Luca's mind was a storm of suspicion and questions, but he had no idea how much Lane's nature had momentarily changed. To Luca, Lane was still the same gentle and innocent child he had known.
As Lane emerged from the darkness and approached the wall where Luca stood, he asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
Luca immediately regained control over his emotions and composed himself. He stroked Lane's face lovingly with a smile and asked, "What were you doing there for so long? Why did it take you so much time?"
Lane flashed his same charming smile and replied as simply as before, "I just followed behind you... I don't remember anything else."
Luca grabbed Lane's hand and began leading him quickly away from that place. As they walked, Luca's mind was deeply entangled. He kept looking back at the dark corridor where the sound of the blast had just come from. Only one thought was racing through his mind— Why is Lane so complicated? I want to solve this riddle no matter what.
Lane felt as though the vampire had perhaps left him and gone elsewhere. He looked toward Luca, and a strange spark appeared in his eyes. He said happily, "I feel very good and safe with you."
Just then, Lane's eyes fell upon the bloodstains on the sleeve of Luca's clothes. Seeing those stains, a deep sadness and pain clouded Lane's face, as if he himself had been injured. He quickly grabbed Luca's hand and lifted it, trying to examine the wound.
As soon as Lane grabbed his hand, Luca winced in pain and pulled his hand back, saying, "I am feeling a lot of pain, don't touch it!"
Lane felt very bad hearing Luca's words. His eyes filled with worry and tenderness. He gently held Luca's hand again and said softly, "Don't worry so much, everything will be fine."
Lane leaned down and began to blow on Luca's wounds with great love and innocence. At that moment, Luca felt Lane's behavior was a bit strange. Lane did not lift his face, nor was he making eye contact with Luca.
As Luca tried to peer into Lane's eyes, Lane suddenly pulled Luca into a tight embrace. Luca was startled by this sudden act and tried to break free from Lane. He wanted to push him away, but Lane's grip was incredibly strong. Luca could not push him back.
Then, Lane spoke in a very low and emotional voice: "Please... just stay quiet for a while. Let me hug you for a little longer."
.
Luca stood there, completely stunned. In that dark corridor, a silence fell between them that was heavier than a thousand words.