The first time Alucard laid eyes on him—this time—was beneath the autumn canopy of a dense forest, where golden leaves drifted lazily to the ground. He was there, standing in the fading sunlight, a bow in hand, unaware of the eyes that had been watching from the shadows. He was a man in this life, but that changed nothing. He was still the same, always the same.

His beauty was inescapable, an undeniable force of nature. Even after centuries, after countless reincarnations, he remained ethereal, untouched by time. His hair, no matter its length or shade, always suited him perfectly, framing a face that Alucard could recognize anywhere. His expressions, the way his lips curled slightly before delivering some sharp remark—God, it was all the same.

Alucard watched in silence, leaning against the bark of an ancient tree, his golden eyes following every movement with reverence. He had seen this countless times, had stood in this same position life after life, waiting, watching, aching. And yet, it never lost its meaning. The moment he found him again, the moment he confirmed his presence in the world, his heart clenched with unbearable relief.

There he is.

His fingers tightened against his cloak, the weight of centuries pressing against him. He had already spent months ensuring he was safe in this life, observing from a distance, keeping the monsters of the night at bay. Every time, he vowed to keep him safe. Every time, he failed. Two years. That was all the time he had before the curse claimed him again.