Goodbye seño

ita。 Time is short, and you have to listen to me. ”

Ancha's warm breath stung my ears and I shivered. We sat on my cot and I found her gestures distracting me.

"We finally have a chance to force you to escape. Unfortunately, it can only be tomorrow. Do you have anything that justifies our help? Please, my mistress wants to help you, but she can't do anything. ”

"Will a list of the Lancaster family's property, contracts, and associates work?" It's very comprehensive. ”

Ancha's eyes widened in surprise.

"Did you really collect that much?"

"Indeed."

"You're a prisoner, though. Did you keep it in a safe place?"

"Yes, I'll give it to you, but I have to ask," I added cautiously, "what prevents you from leaving with your papers?"

“Seño

Ita Ariana, you know my mistress. Do you really think she's going to do such a shameful thing?"

"I don't think so."

"You can ask me again after you've eaten, so you don't have any doubts."

"Am I not going to compete with your mistress for influence over you?"

Ancha smiled and shook his head.

"Please, let's do this. Everything will be clear. ”

I hugged the shorter woman, who bared her throat submissively. Undamaged skin greeted me, and the offerings were too tempting. I flicked my tongue and she trembled.

Well, that was so kinky and now I feel a little uncomfortable.

"Please...... Please! She urged me to continue.

Am I being harassed? Phew, quick, let me eat, stop thinking about that!

As I stood in the shelter, I realized something incredible. My relationship with that little woman was established a few months ago. That means Jime

A hasn't touched her companion in a long time! This also explains why she was able to find me without being recognized as someone from another tribe. There was no sign of a vampire on her other than my poor vampire.

I can only praise the squire's restraint and the servant's loyalty. It also meant that she was ready to infiltrate the Lancaster family before I joined them. My vampire friend is such an honor-bearer. I believe this separation has cost them dearly.

I should have pulled out a long time ago. The experience was too private and made me feel uncomfortable. Anteza's rosy cheeks and the smell of her excitement were enough to convince me that she and Ximena might have a Safi relationship. Oh dear.

"Ask me again."

"Well, are you and Jimena going to save me?"

"Yes, you're free tomorrow night. We have a plan. They'll think you're dead and won't chase you. ”

"May I ask, what is this plan?"

"Well, I wanted to tell you, but Shimena said it wouldn't work."

I wanted to ask her more questions, but Harold's footsteps stopped me. I quickly wrote her some directions to one of my hideouts. Time doesn't matter. I've been waiting for six months now. I could have waited another night. I can almost feel it. I am Ariane, I am my own, I will live, and tomorrow, I will go home and go to freedom.

I followed Harold through the labyrinth, wearing a dress reminiscent of the clothes we wore in Melusin during our very short sparring sessions. The warden looked back at me every five seconds, frowning at my bare arms. This vampire has no shackles! I can only assume that wherever we go, I will not show up as a slave.

Harold wished I could escape. I've already estimated him, and I don't believe I'll get away with him, so I'm patient. I will not jeopardize Ximena's plans with rash plans.

After a while, I climbed into a carriage and sat down as it left. Mrs. Moore sat across from me, dressed in her finest white robes. She stared at me with an assessive gaze. I felt measured, valued, and judged.

"Good evening, Ariane."

I bowed slightly in acknowledgment of his courtesy. The vampire society is ruthless, but polite. When everyone can remove the thorn from the body with their bare hands, etiquette and rules seem to be more important.

"Hello, Mrs. Moore."

"Looks like I'm wrong about you. After all, Baudouin's assessment was basically correct. ”

My eyes widened in shock. This sounds like a compliment and an apology! Or, at least, within the limits of what this arrogant fool can do.

They must be desperate.

"It reminds us of tonight. The Aikan clan issued a formal challenge, which was witnessed by the Roland clan. ”

"Challenge, ma'am?"

"The slave trade is heating up, and the jackals want a piece of the action. Nothing to worry about. ”

She waved her hand contemptuously.

"As the enraged side, we can choose the form of a duel. How much do you know about the conflict between vampires?"

"Nothing."

"I see. I would have liked Melusi

e will teach...... Phew, it doesn't matter. There are several forms of formal resolutions. I'm sure Kuaku is willing to fight me, but I don't want to take a knife against that barbarian and get my hands dirty. ”

I very much doubt that "that barbarian" will give her a well-deserved ass of ass that she deserves.

"So we're going to rely on the championship. According to the regulations, it cannot be a member of our House of Representatives. In this inhospitable place, this means an expensive mercenary or duelist. You've killed Merusin's competitors, so you're our best candidate. If you win, I'll officially make you Baudouin's right-hand man. ”

Despair indeed! Oh, but I can't be too eager lest she get suspicious.

"If I accept it, I want the right to have weapons and a decent bedroom."

"Yes, it is. You'll get Caitlin's empty room. She died in a raid on the fortress. You'll also be paid handsomely, and you can carry a knife, and before you ask, no, I can't let a man representing my tribe walk around with a musket. Women can't carry muskets in town! Let it be!"

She knew me well. When I realized that "Musket" means "Fi" in Akkadian

e staff", I think it's funny.

"Madam, it's a deal."

"Great! Now, as the offended party, you have the freedom to choose your weapons. ”

I asked Moore to give me a half-ear lecture on strategy. Now that the braces have been removed, I feel dizzy.

Soon, we stopped in front of an abandoned theater whose façade was made of pit-like stones. I walked in, accompanied by Harold, to an ornate entrance made of yellow stone and red curtains. Two curved staircases lead to a circular promenade, while a set of doors stands in front of us. The corridors open everywhere, bathed in shadow. Beneath the decaying exterior, everything here is spotless. Without saying a word, Harold led me down a narrow passage, and Moore strotted proudly forward. I followed him through the winding alleys, barely lit candles.

Freedom, close at hand, I can taste it all.

Harold opened several doors and golden torches illuminated the renovated opera house. The hut is intact, but the ground has been completely replaced by a sand arena. It must be the place where bloody games are held in winter.

I could sense that there were quite a few vampires among the tribunes, and a small number of mortals. There was a small group of people in front.

The silence is eerie.

Lady Moore and Lambert stood on one side, and Naminata and Lord Cuaku, whom I knew, on the other. The twin brothers, who had been Gaspar's subordinates at the time of the fortress, are now in the middle. I met the eyes of my Savior, and she drooped them in grief.

Belch?

I thought she would be a little naughtier.

"I introduce you to our warrior, Ariana from the Nilari clan."

Kouakou, who frowned, retorted, "There is no Nelari clan at all."

"Then it's not subordinate, but that's okay," Mrs. Moore said with a smirk of smirk.

One of the twins raised his hand, and both fell silent. Both are men with light brown hair, brown eyes, and tan skin. They are short and muscular, and I would associate them with dancers. They wore the same beige suits, and the overall effect was clearly monochromatic.

"Lancaster is right, Master Kuaku. When you both agree, there are no restrictions on the selection of champions. It's perfectly acceptable to borrow someone else's vampire for a wedding. ”

I was stunned. Oh dear. I finally got it. I was so immersed in my longing for freedom that I ignored Ancha's drunken words. "They'll think you're dead," she said.

Oh no.

It will be the most painful.

"In these auspicious words, let me introduce you to my representative: Gimena, the squire of the Cadiz clan."

I heard the Moorish take a quick breath. She clearly didn't foresee this.

"When did you become a Cadiz minion, Kuaku!" I thought ——!"

"You think our argument about the sugar cane farm is not settled, yes, I know."

Mrs. Moore was silent, and I took the opportunity to stare at Ximena as she approached. I thought I looked good in that weird combat suit, but she dwarfed me. She wore a well-fitting leather waistcoat, like an emperor. Her forearms are adorned with delicate metal bracelets, and her hand rests on the hilt of a beautifully crafted sword.

"Both warriors were approved. Both parties are likely to regain their seats. ”

Everyone else retreated, leaving me and the twins and my opponents. Shimena's face is a frozen mask.

The second twin turned to me:

"Ariana, as the offended party, the choice of weapon is yours."

"Allow me to ......"

We all turned to Shimena.

"Young man, I advise you to choose a sword. There's no need to make things worse. ”

Why are they so serious?

"I'm afraid she's right, young man."

"Very well, I'll choose the sword."

One of the twins left and soon returned, holding in his hand an identical duel blade, silver and without any ornamentation. I'll pick one, and Jimena will pick the other.

"It's a life-and-death duel. Once the door closes, you're ready to go. ”

Wait, what? To death!?

The twins walked away slowly.

"Don't let your situation discourage you, young Ariana, kill me as best you can."

Then, after the referee left, the door closed.

Oh dear.

I believe she had a plan, and she knew very well that I was using the sword with all my might.

"Fight me, Ariane."

Very good.

I moved, I tried to slap her sword to the side, then leaned forward to stab her, but she just lowered the sword and swept it back again, blocking my blow. I went farther and farther.

Every attack is deflected, every feint is ignored until I turn it into a real attack, and then it is blocked. I lunged at Gimena like an enraged praying mantis, and she dodged tightly. Sometimes, she retorted, but her movements were transparent and I avoided them effortlessly.

I accelerated to the limit of my strength, and hunger had regained its strength. I want to catch her, I want to catch her. I tried kicking her. I attacked her arms and legs. Nothing works.

The battle lasted longer than the battle with the werewolves. I've done no less than five quick sequences, and I'm approaching my limit when something weird happens.

My head swayed and I stumbled. My brain exploded like a soap bubble. All the desire to fight is gone, and so is the strength. My arm fell, and the blade rolled on the floor.

"Huh?"

What happened? I'm trying to think through thick walls of cotton.

Yes.

I have a knife in my heart. Thick blood flowed freely onto my feet. There are too many.

Shimena walked up to me, her face visibly sad.

Is that the end of it?

Is there a plan? No?

Her claws reached out to my throat.

No?

With a tearing sound, she ripped something off, and my vision darkened amid polite applause.

The night reigns absolutely in the Thorn Forest. Vines as thick as my legs twisted and crossed from all sides. They are covered with huge spines that can pierce the skull.

It's getting colder.

As I walked, the vegetation moved to the side for me to pass. Even though I knew my skin should have been torn to shreds by this contact, I got the most brief caresse. It's not enough to give me courage.

It's getting colder. I hugged myself to avoid the cold air, but to no avail. I'm supposed to go home, but I don't know the way. I'm lost. Dad must be worried. Maybe he's already looking for me.

Stars, if I see stars, then I will at least know where the north is!

As if by magic, I immediately came to a land that had been filled. There were stars in the sky, but they were too vague for me to recognize the constellations. I know what's missing in my heart, but what?

Ah yes, I know. Of course, stupid me, there will always be silent observers!

The veil lifted, and ominous orbs stared at me in an unknowable tranquility. Somehow, its presence feels even more acute today.

It was as if my heart had been thrown to the other side of the globe. The shock was enough to wake me up from my trance.

I was stunned. What just happened? But wait, no more time can be wasted. I'm going to die. This is not a false death of our sleep, but a true ending that no one can come back to. I need to move, to fight. I got up and ran towards the hut. I don't need to see it to know where it is. After all, we exist in my soul.

A cold wind whistled behind me. The forest writhed and shook, trying to stop it, but to no avail. I need to hurry up. Suddenly, an enticing scent came to my nose: the strongest was blood.

It smells so good. I ran faster. I need it. With such energy, such a life, I must make it my own. It's simply irresistible.

I finally reached the cabin and rushed through the door.

I woke up gasping for breath and coughing heavily.

Woke up. Thirsty. People were injured.

There was an incredible treat in my mouth and throat. Delicious. So strongly. Not enough. The prey in front of it, locked up, whimpered. I caught the prey. I drank deeply. Life in a hurry. No joy, too much pain.

It's dead.

I took a deep breath and coughed. Blood splattered on the bound corpse in front of me and my shoes. The front of the combat suit is completely red. The hole in my chest is closed, I understand.

Shimena barely broke my heart; Even then, the losses were enormous. I understood the look on Gaspar's face when he died. I haven't been so helpless since the night I met him.

My throat is still sore. I coughed again, trying to clear my airways. More crimson liquid dripped from my lips.

I'll take stock. I was in a wooden shed with nothing but the body of the kidnapped man, a backpack and a greased envelope. I approached the bag and noticed a silver knife with a sheath. Uninvited, a smile came to my lips. She succeeded, Ximena succeeded! I'm free!

"Ahh

Someone was screaming outside just now, and I didn't seem to be completely free.

I silently walked to the door and looked out of the keyhole. I'm in a yard and there are two people in the yard. The first is Anteza and the second is Charlotte. The cow woman took the servant's hand. The two fingers have been bent at an unnatural angle.

Cursed, what should I do? If I come out, I may be discovered, and it will all be in vain, assuming I survived, however, it doesn't feel right not to intervene. I am grateful to Jimena and Ancha. I'm not stupid enough to think we made a fair deal. They did everything in their power to make sure I could escape.

Ancha is begging now. She could be killed. Curse it all. This cannot be tolerated. If I let this happen, I'll never be able to face my friends.

I'm going to have to take that risk.

I opened the door and the hinges creaked like a stuck pig. Caution ends here.

Charlotte turned her pig-faced face to me and erupted triumphantly.

"Ha, I knew it! You think you can be smarter than old Charlotte? You won't get away with our services easily. Wait for Madame to know, you will be punished! In return for our gratitude—"

"So Madame doesn't know?" I said in a hoarse voice.

"No, but we'll soon—"

"So, only you know about the conspiracy?" I smiled, baring my fangs. The blood that flowed down my throat and the man who followed me comforted me, but the repaired damage kept me from paralyzing. I feel sober, strong, and happy. I'm free, and now Charlotte comes to me and no one knows? It's simply the icing on the cake.

I watched as anger and pride turned into hesitation, then fear. Yes, now realize your predicament, you brainless cold ham excuse.

"Y-you don't dare."

I walked closer, and slowly, she didn't panic. I don't want to chase her.

I stopped within reach.

"I almost ran away like that, you fat pig. Between me and freedom there is only your tongue, so I ask you: why not?"

She turned and ran away, and I moved. The silver knife slipped through her ribs, and my hand rested on her neck, burying her ugly face in the dirt. She was so sluggish and pathetic. Your opponents are close at hand, but you have your back to them? This is tantamount to suicide.

I adjusted my grip and took the blade out. She cried briefly, and I took advantage of her distraction and stabbed her in the heart.

Her struggles began immediately. As I pulled her neck up, I heard a whimper.

"Between life and death, you're always at the bottom, kid"

I drank her dry. As I stood up, a faint blue light began to consume her lifeless body. I felt like I was watching a piece of wood crack.

Even her taste was disappointing. Really, it's a waste of essence from start to finish. Oh.

I turned to Ancha. She came out of the fight and was now holding her injured hand. She was pale, but resolute.

“Ai

tza--”

"You must leave Ariane, or you'll risk us all."

"Will you be okay?"

"Yes, don't worry, this isn't the first time I've planned for Jimena."

"She seems to be too honest, and that's not good for her."

"She doesn't have a single bent bone in her body." She added with a warm smile and dreamy eyes. She loves her. If I had any doubts before, I don't have now. Even though our most recent bite made a connection, Shimena is still the most precious person in the world to this petite woman. I felt a wave of jealousy, but it was quickly suppressed. I don't need it. I don't want it.

"Then I'm going to take my leave. Thank you, thank you both, thank you for everything. ”

"Good luck, Lady Ariane. Read the letter carefully, it contains everything you need to know. ”

I nodded and rushed into the night. After six months of slavery, I was finally free.

I did it. Now, I'm going home.