When I opened my eyes, it was pitch black. The size of a pantry, as they called it, greeted me in the midst of all the pain. In fact, it's a cell, because which bedroom has a lock on the outside?

No nightmares tonight. A delightful change.

I heard footsteps coming. I don't even have a private space.

I learned a lot in a week.

Vampires "die" at dawn and wake up at or before sunset. During this time, we were defenseless. Sunlight kills us. The silver blade stung us deeply. The fire will turn us into torches, faster than saying "arson".

Our minds are easily distracted unless we hunt. In return, our bodies are superior in every way and can heal even the most serious wounds if given enough time and nutrition.

We don't need to breathe, poison doesn't hurt us, and we don't drown. Only the destruction of the mind and heart will bring some kind of end. This means that if one of the priests had given him blood, he might have survived.

Blood.

It is the red of the journey, the energy we need to expend in order to sustain the mimicry of life and keep us energized. It cannot be stored. It must be consumed from the source, and without it, our plundered part will take over until it tastes crimson nectar.

Vampires who lose control and are sometimes unable to regain control. They must be hunted down like wild beasts.

Hunger and thirst drive us. It defiles every aspect of our lives. It can never be completely overcome, and it can never be truly satisfied. For a newbie like me, try to control it every day and then try not to fall into numbness after we've drunk it.

For this, we have some tools. The vampire's saliva can cause extreme pleasure to the bite, and then the wound is stitched up and the wound disappears in record time. People who have been bitten develop an unnatural loyalty to vampires, albeit themselves.

Our eyes can confuse memory, although I'm sure it's more than I've been told.

So far, I can't leave this building, and every night a new human is brought to me. Use Jime

A method that I have been able to stop eating without letting Melusi

e hurt me too much. I could tell she was disappointed, and the cow's death would be a good excuse for her to belittle me.

The logistics of feeding eight vampires must have been staggering.

That's how the Battle Priest usually approached us. We have some distinctive features, such as claws and pallor, but our fangs are usually hidden, unless the thirsty grasp is too strong.

We also don't get reflected in the mirror, which I think is stupid. All in all, it seems that the people who created us wanted us to infiltrate the human world. It must be difficult to hunt us down.

When I asked about the pastor, Melusin became unusually tight-lipped and I had to give up the subject.

I heard a faint wheezing sound. Joan plucked up the courage to knock on my door. She doesn't shy away from vampires like servants. There was a fire in her heart that they hadn't been able to extinguish. Melusin knows this, and that's why I'm going to make her the first person I see in the morning. I mean, good evening.

If I drink her dry, Merusin will kill two birds with one stone. She's just that stingy.

So far, I've got myself under control, but it's getting harder and harder. Melusi

E asked me to stop taking the medication early. Every night, I find myself getting worse and worse in self-control.

Someone knocked on my door.

"Come in."

Politeness is a joke, we all know that, but I insist on any controlled appearance and every bit of politeness to keep the bay of desire.

"Mrs. Merusin invites you to attend, Miss Ariane."

I nodded, unable to believe I could speak, and she quickly left.

The breath of vitality caressed my nostrils, and thirst pounded in my intestines. I felt as if someone had dug open my guts with a frozen axe. It's been a long time since anyone has sucked Joan's blood. So it doesn't hurt for me to take a bite. Just taste. Melusi

e can punish me later. I just need a small bite. Only a few drops.

No. I can't.

When I woke up, my hands were gripping the doorknob and Joan was standing still with her back to the wood. She was silent, her eyes closed, her expression relaxed, but I could smell the fear in her sweat and hear it in her heartbeat.

She tried not to struggle, because she knew that a small act would irritate me.

So close.

Very, very close.

I let go of my hand one finger at a time and opened the door for her. As soon as I turned around, she was gone.

That was the most recent call, but I should have caught up with her and thrown her to the ground! And then—

No.

I won't.

I mechanically changed my clothes and went to Melusin's office. She was having an in-depth conversation with a gorgeously dressed and attractive man. He didn't know what he was facing. I could tell it by his flushed face and the smell of his excitement. And like Melusi

A woman like e who is alone together makes him excited. His mind has not yet been tainted by one of us.

of prey.

Melusi

e toy with a long introduction. His initial frustration at being interrupted turned into pure lust when he saw two beautiful women.

I can imagine what a lewd picture his twisted mind must have painted. How many more insults do I have to endure to end? I've only been here for a week; A week of non-stop wrestling with myself and Melusin's little humiliation.

In the end, I got a chance to hug him under some ridiculous excuses. I wrapped my hand around his shoulder and rubbed my nose against his neck.

I'm in a wooden house.

A lick, a bite.

At last.

I took two more sips instead of enduring the pain of that slut's paw in my neck. She drew blood.

After I was done, she carried him to some unknown place while I tried to wipe the memory of his manhood off my stomach. I wish cotton pants would become popular.

With a knock on the door, we were joined by two other vampires, Melusi

e continued her "lesson".

What happened next made my predicament almost unbearable. I have been dehumanized, and now the Princess of Lancaster wants my sanity too.

Her teachings are a tragedy of four people in two acts. First, she will demonstrate her knowledge of a particular topic, such as the superiority of Lancastrian philosophy, and show arrogance and ridicule as much as possible.

When she did, my classmates, Silly Charlotte and Silly Sophie, would gush on and on about Melusin's intelligence and overall strengths.

Praise must be properly piled up, and each day the princess will choose a different favorite, who will receive her kindness, while the other two accumulate harsh criticism and demeaning comments.

Suffice it to say that I am only involved to the extent of impunity.

After a while, she would test our understanding with tricky questions. She has a way of inserting snarky comments and casual humiliation into every sentence with the goal of putting the rest of us to shame.

She skillfully divides and conquers us, constantly pulling our team down, but giving enough encouragement to nurture a nasty form of competition. She was helpful and helpful, and she did her best to keep us on our toes.

I just have to bite the bullet. Her countless snubbing to me didn't insult me, it was more that she thought she was smart. She was only able to do this because the intelligence of my two companions between them was like a withered turnip.

I don't know who turned these two brainless fools into night monsters. I feel like they should have stabbed themselves in the groin.

"So we have a limited number of them due to the difficulty of creating farms. Dear Ariana, can you tell me why?"

"Only a master can create a monster, and it takes an average century to become a monster. The process itself is also laborious, and it will weaken the master for years. ”

"I'm sure you'll soon be the master, mistress, and I already feel your presence," Charlotte gushed the sow.

"So! Sometimes I can't tell if it's you or Mrs. Moore passing by!"

If the Battle Priest breaks down the door and sets us all on fire now, I'm sure I'll let them do it, and be grateful.

"Of course, we Lancastrians always pick the best stocks."

How could she say such a thing with a straight face?

I saw a malicious glint in Melusin's eyes, and I knew I should nod along with those two lackeys. I had to put up with her for a while more before she changed her goals.

"Yes, we have a duty to share the blessings of our good upbringing with those of other bloods, what do you say, Ariana?"

"Of course, the hostess and I will be forever grateful for your presence. I consider myself fortunate to have been taught by you. ”

I could feel the eyes glaring at me viciously, as I was clearly superior in rank to those two fools.

"Indeed, you must be grateful for such a favor, don't you?"

I nodded in agreement. I didn't like the way things were going, but I had to cooperate. Whatever Melusin asks me to do, I'm forced to do it. My only hope is that she loses interest in finding trouble with others.

"Due to the tragic betrayal of the ungrateful barbarians, we urgently need help to run the city. You'll agree to help us, won't you?"

I froze. With no heartbeat, no need to breathe, we vampires can reach a perfect state of stillness, as I show now.

I definitely need to show a little fear and give in. If she had guessed the truth, she might have withdrawn the offer and watched me suffer.

I feigned nervousness and swallowed, cringed a little, and gave her a nervous smile.

"Of course, Miss Merusin, I will be happy to repay you for your kindness."

I beg you, accept this lie. I'm willing to do anything to get out of this tea party farce, even if it's just for a few days. I'm going to shovel horse manure truck by cart. I'm going to crawl in the mud and catch frogs with my bare hands. Please, let me go.

Three cruel smiles told me that my little façade was successful.

"Then I'll start a separate class tomorrow to prepare for you!" After all, we don't want your poor performance to disgrace your benefactor. ”

For the next hour, I could barely contain my excitement. I forced myself to show proper concern and behave more submissively than usual.

At last.

I might be able to get out.

Broken

I woke up in a whisper.

The cow is a strange animal. They are unusually obedient and loyal, but their other shortcomings are all the more serious. They slander, conspire, and slander behind their backs to win the favor of creatures who will never see them as blood sources and warmers.

However, they also have their own uses.

After a week of inactivity, they began to be indifferent to me.

They didn't seek my help because of my outsider status and rumors about my lineage, and my unresponsiveness meant they lowered their guard when they were around me.

So, I've gathered quite a bit of information.

Most of them make me sick.

The vampires of House Lancaster are a mean, vicious, promiscuous bunch. Everyone has their own shortcomings, twisted desires, and bad habits. They are all abominations, each with its own characteristics.

Melusi

e likes to break up couples. She would stalk them for days, seduce their fiancée, and then arrange a public standoff. The more violent the breakup, the better it is for her.

Lambert is a compulsive con man whose prey is young and ambitious businessmen. He will deceive them, that they may perish. Only at the moment when they fall, he shows something more indifferent than usual.

Charlotte is a violent bully with an inferiority complex. She loves to destroy servants, and I'm sure she used to be one.

Sophie has only the wit and half charm of boiled potatoes. She didn't act too cruel because she lacked the cunning to do so. Of course, it could be a show, and I never let my guard down when I was around her.

The weasel is at the behest of Wilburn, who is a serial rapist. It's just that his fear of Melusin keeps me out of his attention. I guess what he did to her, and she made the lesson that followed unforgettable.

The burly, balding man's name was Harold, and he was very quarrelsome. Every contempt for him eventually turned into corporal punishment, and no amount of pleading and commitment could change his belief: everyone insulted him behind his back.

If their continued existence does not prove that God has forsaken this world, I don't know what else can prove it.

"My name is Ariane and I am my own. I'm going to live, get out, and go home. ”

Every evening, before hunger and thirst turned me into a demon disguised as a human, I would repeat it in that brief moment of tranquility.

I speak in Akkadian, the language of vampires. I was surprised to find that others were going to learn it as well. I don't know how this knowledge crossed my mind, and I'd rather not ask.

Soon after Joan came knocking on my door, thirsty. This time, I didn't invite her in. Instead, I quickly sent her away. I put on one of the four outfits and walked out.

All my clothes look shabby and outdated, but they are functional. I looked like the daughter of a troubled family, all to satisfy the image of the world that existed in Mellusin's twisted mind.

They're not even comfortable, especially in mine, um......

They're too tight.

Charlotte's circular form blocked the passage.

"Really?"

"Mrs. Melusin has told you to go to the training room. It's time to make yourself useful, bum. You can't live on our generosity all the time. ”

"The Lancaster family certainly welcomes people from humble backgrounds. It's a shame that some of us will never be able to surpass where they were before," I replied.

Her fat jaw trembled with anger from my reproach. Ah, but her master must have liked a Rubensian woman, and was short-sighted and deaf. Maybe he lives in some remote corner of Finland, and she's the only woman in a month. I can't think of any other explanation.

She didn't leave, her anger turning to a smirk, and I was ready for another stupid thought in her confused head.

"The hostess will instruct you on how to fight. Maybe a reprimand will force you to learn some politeness. ”

"Maybe I need a buddy to practice?" I'm sarcastic.

My smile.

I'm thirsty, and this stupid sow is in my way. Let her look at the fangs. Make her remember what my vampire siblings are known for.

She cowered and stepped back as I walked past her.

I may be weak, like all chicks, but she is weaker. She is the scum at the bottom of the barrel. I'm going to let every encounter hit her self-esteem hard until she learns to stay away from me.

The Lancaster training room is on the ground floor. Even if there was a basement, I hadn't seen it. Melusin was waiting. She wears a strange outfit that is somewhere between travel wear and armor. She also had a sword in her hand. Sophie was already sitting next to her, and Charlotte followed me in.

There are no humans.

It's not very auspicious. If Melusin invited the audience, it means that she wants to humiliate me. She gave me a training sword and showed me the correct maneuvers and some basic moves, while the two clumsy guys flattered her "grace and elegance".

Still no one.

I'm so thirsty.

I turned my attention back to the little princess. Looking at her reminds me of Jimena's comments about the Lancaster family. She mentioned that they lacked strength on the battlefield, which I can judge by comparing the two women, which is accurate.

Melusin may have formal training, but she is not a master. Her movements are too mechanical. She lacks the deadly grace and seamless poise of a Cadiz squire. Every demonstration that Shimena does is natural and effortless.

After a while, she ordered me to imitate her gestures, and I tried my best to learn. It was the most constructive activity I have participated in since I came to this fallen lair. No amount of undisguised insults can ruin my interest.

This physical activity even distracts me from my thirst. Since I don't talk and I don't think, life is simple. I rush, I cut, I move. I let my body and inner demons guide me. It already knows how to do it. I just need to listen and follow.

"Well, you're still clumsy, but I don't think I should expect too much from someone like you."

It seems that my enjoyment is too obvious.

"Now let's start with a light rod, this is the most important lesson of the day!"

It's time to accept the inevitable humiliation. I just want it to be short and not too painful. Melusin retrieved a strangely patterned, carved glove. I guess it looks beautiful to wear at a ball, but the amount of metal it's made makes it look like a knight's gauntlet.

"Now, attack me." She said very confidently.

Should I drive faster? That would make me thirstier.

In the end, my self-esteem wouldn't let me give up and let her win easily. My move.

When I walked up to her, she held up her gloved hand and said calmly.

"Explosion".

I dodged to the left. Something hit me in the waist and legs. I was released and spun.

How is it?

I crashed into the weapon rack. The steel beam hit my body and I fell to the ground.

My head was dizzy and pain clouded my mind.

"AAA class!"

It hurts my heart. Why fight this? It cannot be consumed. It's too strong. Door. Went out. of prey.

That's why no matter how hard you try, you can never surpass me Ariane. You come from an ordinary background. You were never a warrior. You are, at best, a decent peasant. I came from a noble family of mages, conceived by the Lady of Lancaster herself. No amount of time and personal effort can bridge this gap. The sooner you accept this fact, the better. ”

“…… Mage?"

"Yes, a mage. You're still an ignorant little thing, but don't worry. I will let you witness my ascension as long as you remember your place. ”

I need manna now. Need it, need it, need it.

The redhead woman saw something in my face and grabbed me by the neck. She took me out. I didn't resist this time. She's taking me to bleed. I know.

We found a dark-haired woman. Lovely. The smell of horror. She knows. My smile. Tears. Beautiful.

Wait, no, need to remember.

Log cabin.

Maybe not this time? Maybe this time I can let myself go?

Joan.

No, it's a scam. The redhead woman hurt me.

I sat in the cabin. Outside, the wind rustled sugar cane and the smell of wet earth. I'm safe. It's a great place. My name is Ariane. Melusi

E is a prodigal son.

Something is thumping. The pace is too fast, and

I pulled the wound out and licked it clean. Joan was unconscious, her face pale, but it looked like I stopped in time.

I'm not going to please that whore. If I kill a cow, it's because of my decision.

Finally, "Ahh Under my guidance, your self-control seems to have improved! Even the offspring of a devourer can make a difference if there is a stern hand to guide them. ”

It occurred to me that the deformed farce of her entire family was so twisted that she might be serious. In a few decades, I'll try to revisit this issue while peeling her skin alive with a rusty letter opener.

"Now you can finally repay us for your kindness."

Ah yes, I should be grateful to them for their precious gifts. They call it the gorgeous wardrobe of the bedroom and my four outfits.

I followed Melusin to the entrance. Obviously, 20 minutes of training will make me competent for the role of a soldier. I spent so much time listening to my dad until he allowed me to get an unloaded pistol.

I was distracted. I want to know how my family is doing. They must have thought I was dead. I remember waking up in the hospital the first night

I was in so much pain that I couldn't remember anything. I think my father was there too. Then the man dragged me out of the room and into the basement. On the third night, I died there. I pushed away the memories I didn't want.

If they see me again, they'll know. The losses are too great. I'll bear these scars for the rest of my life.

Should I give it a try?

I have to. I want a closure. I'm going to say goodbye to my old self. Bury the hopes and plans of the human Ariana. Sadness.

We got to the lobby and turned left, and I knew it was Potoan's office. I know he's mortal, but he's not a cow. I smell Mrs. Moore in him.

"You have to assist Potoan as he sees fit. I'm a busy woman and when you run errands for him, I'm going to go back and do something more meaningful. ”

She turned and left.

Curious.

I knocked on the door, and a boring voice called me in. I closed the door behind me and found Portoan staring at my ass as I turned around. I hissed softly, which was enough to remind him that I didn't play.

"Really? What are you looking for old Portoan?"

He had a strange accent, and even if I had heard the Arcadians and Choctaw speak English, I couldn't tell what it was.

"I'm here to help you."

"I don't need the help of a newbie who is less than a year old!" It takes a dexterous hand. Madame Moore herself said that I could let Melusin do the task. ”

I have to add laziness to Melusin's long list of shortcomings.

"She did say she didn't want to run errands for you."

"Really?" Well, you call her back, lest I tell Madame, okay?"

"Of course, Baudouin, I'll relay your message."

"No, wait." He said as my hand grabbed the handle. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Baudouin's office revealed a lot about himself.

I was impressed by the well-organized pile of documents, neatness, and emphasis on function over form. Beneath his appearance, he is a perverted and abnormal robber, in fact, he is a perverted and abnormal businessman.

That's even more dangerous.

"Maybe, you will."

I can understand the pain of forcing the little princess to do anything meaningful.

"What do you need?" I asked him.

The man leaned back in a comfortable chair.

"A young scoundrel named Andre Villeman has the audacity to occupy one of our warehouses. Yesterday he and his gang broke in and camped in the middle of our chests of fine porcelain. ”

Baudouin waited to see how I reacted. I motioned for him to continue. If he needs Melusin, it means that the problem needs to be solved with a scalpel, not a hammer.

"Normally, I'd let the boys sit up and then it would be done. Unfortunately, Velman is the son of two important people, and killing him would ruin our working relationship. ”

"I guess they can't keep him, right?"

"Unfortunately, Villemann is at an age of rebellion against authority. Because of his pedigree, he considers himself untouchable and flaunts his status to all who are willing to listen. To make matters worse, he attracts a group of children from good families, and any massacre could affect our bottom line for years to come. ”

"Do you need someone to convince them to leave without resorting to violence?"

"At least there won't be too much violence. He gets angry easily, while your fairy companions tend to be rough. I need to be careful. I also need to issue a clear warning. We simply cannot be trampled on. So I can't bribe him. ”

"It's a delicate balance."

"Now you know why old Baudouin is troubled, girl. What can an artist like me, who does not have the right agent to carry out my will?"

I scoffed.

"I'm willing to try, but I need some quid pro quo."

The cunning negotiator's gaze suddenly turned cold.

"What's that?"

"There are only general questions about the world. Even though I've learned a lot, I still have a lot to learn. ”

"Melusin chose ingredients that don't suit your taste?" Let me guess, you know all about the noble history of the Lancastrians, right?"

"From the War of the Two Roses, decade after decade."

He smiled softly.

"It's good, as long as it's not too serious. You're not going to provoke old Baudouin now, are you?"

"Of course not."

My smile. He swallowed nervously.

I'm sure I'll never get tired of the effects these eight fangs have on people.

"There was a small security concern before we left. I'm sure you'll understand. ”

I immediately became vigilant.

"When we go out, I want you to wear this."

He stood up and walked over to a safe. After a while, he pulled out a pair of ornately decorated bracelets from the box. It looks like jewelry worn by gypsies. All gold and bright colors.

"What's the matter?"

"A tracker, related to Mrs. Moore herself."

"Magic?"

"Yes. If you dare to do anything to hurt me or the Horde, she will be able to track you down and incapacitate you. It also means our reputation. Don't try to get rid of it. People who are better than you have failed. ”

I weighed my desire to get out of this filthy cave and my desire not to be leashed like a dog. Ultimately, I chose to remain sane over dignified. Besides, if it really gets to that point, I might be able to cut off my arm and get it back on later.

I was so desperate.

The bracelet was cold against my skin, and I could feel something lurking in the gold and stone patterns that adorned it.

"Then let's go."