My wrists and ankles were tied to the chair in huge shackles of steel and silver. The scarlet runes glowed ominously.

"Doesn't it look tasty, Ali?"

The long table unfolded in front of me. I sit in the most honorable place, which is the "patriarch", that is, where the father should sit. This is not normal. These dishes are not normal. They flickered in the semi-darkness like red-hot embers.

"Yes...... Aunt Sarah, of course!"

"And now?" She smiled and replied, "So, should we begin?"

Her eyes weren't the usual gray. They are as dark as the places between the stars, and they are just as empty. My right hand was handcuffed towards the fork. I couldn't resist. When I touched it, the dishes glowed blue and my skin developed bloody blisters. I held back my screams of pain.

"What's wrong, Ali?" You're Ali, aren't you?"

"Of course something happened, my dear." Uncle Roger sat down as he spoke, and soon the rest of the family followed. There are black eyes everywhere.

A strong hand grabbed me by the hair and pulled my head back.

"Nun, have you forgotten to say the prayer?" Of course, only a filthy slut who sold herself to the devil for her life would forget to say these words?"

"Nope! No, I'm just waiting for everyone to take their seats, as it should be!"

"Appropriate, huh? Well, since you are so polite, dear sister, you can say it first. ”

"But Akili, it's supposed to be Daddy's doing, isn't it?"

Father walked into the room. Every step he took shook the earth. He was so strong, strong enough to break my arm with his fingers. He had a cross of the Order of Gabriel hanging from his collar, and in his hands he held a wooden nail and a silver mallet. He sat in the seat across from me, at the end of the table.

"Tsk, daughter. We have been waiting for your return. Just this time, you can do the ritual in my place. It was a great honor that only a slutty prostitute would refuse. You agree, don't you?"

"Oh...... Of course. ”

"Good. Now that we're all here, you can get started. ”

They were all staring at me, their hungry mouths wide open. As the darkness spreads, the skin around their eyes cracks.

"Bless us, cough, oh, cough, O God, cough, cough, these ......"

My throat was burning, and with every word I spoke, clumps of ash and droplets of burnt blood bubbled up. I have to go on, oh no, they stood up, no, please....

I woke up to a strange sight: the canopy of a canvas tent.

I'm in a metal box with the lid open. I don't remember how I got there.

I sat up and a simple brown piece of fabric fell off of me. Underneath it, I was still wearing the stained garment I wore when I was asleep.

I enjoy the scenery. A lamp flashes a soft blue light in the vast interior. A chest and a neat cot occupy one side, while the other accommodates a copper bathtub filled with water. Soap and folded cloths were placed on the chairs next to them.

"Hello?"

"I'm outside, girl."

I stood up. The box I was in looked a lot like a coffin, except that there was a lock inside that allowed the occupants to lock it tightly, and a symbolic quilt. It was quite thoughtful and tried to make me feel a little better after this nightmare.

I walked to the door and stuck my head out.

We were standing in an open field. Two torches illuminated a circle of grassy land with tanned stakes. Large patches of black, scaly skin are left there to dry. Loth is easily dismantling the first one, which says a lot about his experience.

The tannery usually smells like a toilet of a toilet, and I was surprised when my nose only smelled chemicals and herbs.

"Good evening, Rose."

"Good evening, Ariana, I've bathed you, you can tell me if this dress fits."

"Wait, you skinned and tanned the crocodile and made me clothes and a coffin in one day?!"

"I prefer to use the word sarcophagus," he replied with a smile, "yes." You slept for more than 16 hours, you know? You must be exhausted. ”

"I see, um, okay, I'll talk to you later."

The thought of undressing made me feel a little wary because there was only one layer of fabric separating me from a man. When I walked into the bathroom, all my worries vanished.

“Aaaaaa.”

After more than a week on the road, it feels great to immerse yourself in piping hot, clean water. I submerged my head in the water for a full minute, enjoying that weightlessness without air interference.

I sat up and grabbed a bar of soap. It has a scent! Is that jasmine? I apply a thick layer to my hair and body.

"Oh, that's great!"

It feels incredible. Beware, world, Ariana, the clean-cut vampire queen!

I heard Roth snickering. He heard! Hi!

I walked out and dried myself with a delicious clean towel as my thirst began to manifest. I pulled out the last set of relatively clean underwear and put on my skirt.

It's a miracle. The cut is very simple and without any frills, but comfortable and flexible. The dark green and brown cotton provides a natural camouflage and I can tell it's reinforced on the sleeves. And, a miracle of miracles, pockets! And it suits me perfectly!

I came out in a hurry.

"No, it's incredible!" How do you know my size?"

"I promise I haven't touched Ariana, I just have, well, quite a bit of experience with women."

“Oh…”

I'd blush if I could.

"Wait a minute, I'll go pack my bags."

"Oh, let me help you."

While he was collecting the skins, I was in charge of the tent and the contents inside.

"Thank you. Now let's move all of this to my car. ”

I picked up my bag and case and followed him. Across the clearing stood a large metal box. I noticed huge wheels sticking to it and realized it was a horse-drawn carriage. If I had to transport all the jewels of India from one side of the continent to the other, I would put them here.

"Wow."

What kind of beast can draw such a monster? I circled curiously.

"Wow!"

Loth laughed happily and giggled. When I saw a mastodon-like pack beast, his huge chest trembled with joy.

Someone must have managed to cross a bison with a blue whale! The shaggy four-legged carriage was bigger than most of the carriages I've ever seen. A set of horns that can pierce a horse protrude from its cow skull.

"Ha, this is Asni. He's amazing, isn't he?"

"What's wrong?!"

"Ah, don't care about its size, it's not the biggest thing around. Instead, get closer. ”

I hesitated.

"Hmph, Rose, the animals don't respond very well to my presence."

"Asni is special. Come, come!"

We walked in front of the animals. Its eyes were obscured by its thick mane. Only its jaw was moving, busy chewing.

"Touch him."

I was surprised to see that Asni had not yet reacted to my presence. I slowly put a hand on its mouth and stroked it slowly. Its fur was surprisingly soft, and I found myself enjoying the experience. Rose stood proudly in front of me. He put one hand on his back and the other for Asni. He looks like a businessman presenting his latest investment.

"Have you ever let your mount run away after a werewolf's howl, or panicked at the sight of a giant magical hyena? Does the smell of blood make your ride unreliable? Worry no more, Slopes of Scolagher has a solution. This majestic beast is the result of decades of hard work and selective breeding, making it the absolute dumbest animal. ”

I giggled.

"Yes, ladies and gentlemen!" The beast was too stupid to be afraid. With a calm heart and an empty head, Asni will experience the infinite courage of stupidity!"

I applauded, and Loth bowed perfectly.

"Let's go, lest we ......"

It starts with a whistle, then a trumpet, then a whistle, then a trumpet, and finally the sound of a damp cloth flapping in the wind.

It lasted almost ten seconds.

I stared at Rose in horror.

"yes, that's a problem. Before we can smell it, let's go. That's why I never park it near an open flame. ”

I would love to sit in the back. I do admire this beast, but I'm not inclined to succumb to this huge flatulence. I know I don't need to breathe, but it's just a matter of principle!

We left everything in the back of his compartment and it was very quiet. I noticed that his armor was stored in the center and could be used freely. The interior looks defensive. This was deliberately designed to allow him to protect himself in the event that the carriage was intercepted.

When I was done, I sat next to him. He took out a huge stick and hit the beast in the ass with it. He put it back to the side and we waited.

and waiting.

and waiting.

Finally, the beast began to move forward at a calm pace, pulling the moving fortress as if it had no weight.

"It takes a few seconds for the signal to reach the brain. You have to anticipate when you want to stop. ”

I smiled and let the exercise distract me from my thirst. I know our truce only lasts until midnight, and if I want to think about being with him, we'll have to talk. I decided to start with basic politeness.

"I want to thank you for your concern. You exceeded any reasonable expectations. I noticed that you even grazed my gun. ”

"No thanks, girl. Now let us go and take your reward and your blood. By the way, how long can you last without eating? More than a day?"

“No.”

"I thought you were young. You're not a courtier, are you? You're a fledgling. ”

"How do you know we have so much?"

"I remember mentioning that I met one of you near Boston. His name was Constantine, and he was a scholar. We talked a lot, and under his protection, I did some good work. ”

"I see, to answer your question, yes, I'm a newbie."

"How old are you?" By the way, you don't have to answer. All I know is that young vampires have more needs, so I know to adapt. ”

I hesitated. I have no reason to share this with him. The less he knew, the less likely it would be if the deal fell through and I didn't kill him.

Loth gave me a sad smile. For some reason, it made me uncomfortable to see the pain on his bushy face. Between his rosy nose and gorgeous beard, he looks like a favorite uncle or grandfather. It's a face designed for shouting and laughing, not for the raw damage I see now.

"You know, I can see the gears behind your blue eyes turning. I know we've only just met, but I'm sure I've always kept my word. Even if we go our separate ways, I'll swear to keep it a secret. You don't have to be afraid of me. ”

I believe in him. I've spent so much time with the scum that I've forgotten that there are some people whose only purpose isn't to make my life as miserable and short as possible.

"I'm twenty years old."

"Oh, I thought it was less. Then you're pretty much a courtier. ”

He stopped.

"You know that vampires count their age from the day they are resurrected, right?"

"Well, since you mentioned it, I think my friend mentioned it on the first day we met. I was six months old at the time. ”

It sounded wrong when I said that, as if it didn't matter who I was before, as if you could throw away nearly twenty years of life experiences on the grounds that I was human when I had them.

Luo thought for a moment. He looked angry.

"That's not right, girl, that's not right at all. You haven't committed any terrible crimes, have you?"

"You mean beyond existence?" No. If you must know, my hands are covered in blood. ”

"All vampires are like that. It's not right to force a new acquaintance to run away. To be on the safe side, one-year-old pups should feel the need to squat down and nest. If you had to go down this path, I can't imagine what you've been through.

I don't have a problem anymore, so you know, I want to invite you to stay with me. I will protect you, and in return, there are things I need your help with, and you are an immortal killing machine. I'll certainly compensate you, it's going to be exciting work, and you can trust me. Oh, don't bite me. Ask your questions. ”

"Before we begin, I want to be clear. I wouldn't do anything for anyone...... Grace. ”

Rose suddenly became very embarrassed, and his nose became redder than usual.

"Well, once again, I apologize for yesterday's faux pas. I thought you were a lot older, and vampires were a bit of a celebrity after that...... Please forgive me. I've never gone against a woman's wishes, and I never will! Of course, I would never have expected anything like that to happen. Come on! Let's not talk about it again. Rest assured, I will never do anything unpleasant. My shame ......"

"It's all right, Rose," I replied with a smile, "I trust you. I just need to say it. ”

"Human resource management! Of course, of course. ”

"I don't have any problems at the moment. Tell me, what do you recommend?"

"Yes, very simply, girl. I have a manor house with a basement in the town of Higginsville named after its founder, Philip Higgins. I've met him, you know? A nice lad, a bit obsessed with garters and Rubani ......"

"No?"

"yes, I said. A manor. I will give you a safe room to protect you during the day. I was one of the two doctors in town. They thought I was a bit eccentric, a gentleman of science. Why, one time, young Tim Lightson came to me and ......"

"Nope."

"I'm sorry, but as the doctor in town, I'm asking everyone to donate blood in lieu of pay, understand?" I would say it's for experimentation. So you can drink straight from a fresh communion cup. You'll need a few drinks a night, once in a while, but it should be fine. In return, I need your help with things like hunting dangerous beasts, exploring caves, and killing strange bandits and werewolves. Also helped me carry heavy loads. All I ask is that you don't kill the people in town. Limit yourself to criminals and outcasts. ”

I stared at Loth, who was now focused on the path. He's giving me time to think.

It sounds too good to be true. I can hide in a small town in the middle of nowhere, where no vampires will come to me, and there is a gentleman of repute who will protect me and hide me, not out of his own volition. I was able to survive the most vulnerable years. I can build something. I can learn something. I can write letters to Jimina and Dad.

I can live, not survive.

"It's a very generous offer."

"Yes, that's right."

"Is there a trap?"

"No, there is no Miss. You need to take a break. I'm happy to help. I hope someone can help me when I need it. ”

"If I don't want to kill, I won't."

"Hahaha! Little girl, I'm not going to force a vampire to kill someone, am I?"

"I'm not going to break my word for you."

"Neither will I."

I want to. I want it now.

"If I want to go, I can go, you have to let me go, and swear to keep it a secret."

"Understood"

I want to.

"I want to try."

"Then open your palms and we'll shake hands on it. Know that you are now a magical creature. You can lie, but you can't break your oath without breaking yourself. ”

We cut our hands, he with a knife, I with a claw. We shake them unceremoniously.

A powerful wave of magic swept over both of us. I felt the essence of the mountains and steel of Rose, and the smell of thorns and wet earth on the other.

It's done.

I sat back in my chair and let the oath weigh on me, the wound on my hand healing. It's both strange and wonderful. This is an experience I never thought I would have had a year ago. Perhaps, things don't have to be so bad.

Half an hour later we reached the edge of the valley, where we met the Choctaw people. Asni is strong, but also slow. I don't mind.

We walked down the stairs and towards the statue, apparently a totem, witnessing the arrival of a strange procession.

Nashoba walked with the help of two women with sad faces. He looks cleaner and neater than yesterday. Minco walked beside them angrily, while Iskani followed with an embarrassed expression caught between the two friends.

They stopped ten paces apart, and Iskani came up slowly, bowed to both of us, and asked how our hunt was going.

Loth smiled and threw him a bag that smelled like dead meat to me. The translator opens it and turns into a funny green color. Rose's whispers were only audible to me.

"It's another eyeball."

I adjust my expression so I don't laugh anymore. The man took the trophy to his chief, who also noticeably paled. Yes, Minko, your little spear didn't impress us much.

Iskani grabbed a bag and handed it to Loth. My companion examined the contents and nodded. It's right to make sure he gets paid properly, even if it's of little value to him.

It was my turn. I reach out to my supplicant. Nashoba tries to break free from the two women's grasp, but the woman on the left stops him and starts arguing with him and Minko.

My hands are still outside.

They didn't dare. They did not dare to break their promise to me. I have to let them know the consequences of their actions. I had to give this lesson very thoroughly.

“Hssssssss”

I felt the anger overwhelm me, and I felt the beast that was hidden beneath the surface awaken.

The valley froze. Even the wind stopped.

Loth's measured, soft voice slid through the fog of my head.

"You're not going to go back on a deal with a pale man, are you?" Because it's a bad idea. ”

In the silence that followed, Nashoba freed himself from the paralyzed woman with the slightest touch.

It's good, now I'm only going to kill her.

My supplicant put his hand in mine. The other rubbed the skin on my wrist.

I looked at him. With an innocent smile, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of earrings. Today, his eyes are clear and focused.

"Gifts."

The jewels are made of copper and transparent stone with strange drawings carved on them. No matter how much I focused on them, they always seemed unclear.

Nashoba put my hand on the offering and slowly approached me. He grabbed one of my shoulders and stretched his throat out to me.

Well, maybe there's no need to kill tonight. Everything is as it should be.

I lifted him up while I fed him.

This was unexpected. Of course, he was delicious, but there was something else. His power resonated in my heart. There was something familiar that echoed the sanctuary I found myself in.

I stopped long ago when I needed to. I've gotten what I deserve and I don't need more.

I licked my wound tightly. The shaman smiled one last time. He walked over to the two women, who picked him up and hurried away. They didn't meet my eyes. The two men looked at me, then at each other, and then at me. I didn't know that people could run that fast without running.

Rose and I left and got into the steel car.

"You do know how to make an impression. Well done. ”

"You approve?"

"I would say that you left a warning without hurting anyone, and that's the best outcome. I also want to say that what you do with oath-breakers is none of my business. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm ready, and I'm eager."

Loth poked Asni.

"Very well, now I want to talk about your lair. All good nests need to be hidden, protected, and not worth the effort, as cousin Oakry used to say. ”

"He's a locksmith?"

"No, it's a thief."

The carriage slowly drove into the night.