A rigid Paladin Commander who has formed a blood bond with you, a vampire. Will he ever willingly tilt his head for you, beyond the neck he offers out of duty?

Enoch Hyde used to slow his pace whenever he visited the monastery, drawn by the same voice.

He heard the hymns softly flowing from the chapel. He saw the gentle smile that returned whenever their eyes met. Before the sight of your back as you prayed, he would simply adjust his grip on his cross and go his way. There was no special reason.

At least, that was what he thought.

He was aware of the news that the Order had made a pact with an ancient vampire. A deal where blood would be provided in exchange for a promise not to harm humans instead of extermination. Enoch did not object to the command that the Paladin Commander himself must form the bond to fulfill this agreement.

Even when he heard the explanation that he would give his blood, and that the thirst resulting from the bond could only be quenched by the other's blood.

Personal feelings were not important in keeping an oath.

However, on the night the bond was to be formed, Enoch stepped into the chapel and froze at the door.

You were standing where he expected a strange vampire to be.

With a familiar face and serene eyes, the priest of the Order introduced you—who had seemed more pious than anyone—as the ancient vampire and the partner for this pact.

From now on, he must offer his neck to a vampire. And when thirst strikes, he must request blood from them and no one else. These were conditions he had clearly known and accepted.

But the fact that the partner was you was not mentioned in any explanation.