The palace of my dreams melts into a change of shapes and colors. Consciousness comes and goes with the ebb and flow of the turbulent tide that propels me forward. In the depths of my soul, I know I'm here for a reason, a big reason. A fleeting sense of purpose. It calls out to me from beyond the mirage that surrounds my essence.

As I thought this, I broke through the membrane and poured forward into a body that wasn't my own. I didn't have time to think about any of its physical properties because my brain was engulfed in an overwhelming feeling.

Such a powerful force.

The power of the demigods flows through my veins, begging for your use. I am above all else, and no one can match me. The erratic phantom clouds gathered together and turned black. A scene unfolded in front of me. I'm standing there, I'm... I am...

I am bored.

The fire engulfed the shell of a fishing village, and billowing smoke rose into the night sky. Nets, baskets, and jars were scattered around the armoured corpses. Not a single worker in sight. All those who lie here are warriors, or rather, people who are being treated as warriors in this sad time.

They are fools. Weak fools.

I walked towards a man in a gray plate, who was still alive. My feet kicked up clouds of ashes, and I made a way in the remains of those who fell. Men, vampires, and even exotic creatures summoned by magic, all fell in front of me, without the slightest sign of inspiration, without the slightest spark of genius. Lives wasted in the pursuit of mediocrity are now doomed to lose time, their memories tainted by their final and senseless failures.

This is their chief. His black beard was stuck to his face with thick black blood, while the red flames of one of my spells slowly burrowed into his flesh. He looked up at me with a pair of disproportionate eyes, with the hollow courage of a man who had nothing.

"I'm not going to say anything!" You might as well kill me, brute. ”

"You think I want to know why vampires and magicians have teamed up against me, or how do you know where I'm going to be?" You're wrong, bug. I don't care. The only thing I want to know is why you believe you have a chance. ”

I grabbed him by the collar and picked him up. He hummed in pain, and my spell grew deeper and deeper.

"It's not new to me, it's all not new. I've seen this kind of alliance before. I've dealt with this kind of ambush before. I've killed lords and knights before. You didn't bring me anything. Your excuses for stopping me are all clichés, and I've heard them a thousand times. As generous as I am tonight, you have been disappointing me. Tell me something funny, and I'll let you go. ”

"I ...... Know who you're looking for...... You'll never ...... Get her. ”

"I have eternity, I only need to be lucky once."

I drained his blood and threw his body away. Van Heim's bloodline was a bit bland for the nobility.

"Are you ready?"

I sensed a lithe figure nodding in agreement behind me. Good. I've been delayed for so long that there are no more clues. This is not the first time, and it probably won't be the last.

"Let's go, then."

My servant is gone. I also want to leave, but unfortunately I still have something to do. My attackers evacuated the village before I arrived, perhaps to avoid unnecessary casualties and also to stop me from eating them. I want them to know that this is futile. I need to set an example so I can be alone for decades. Another tedious task.

Then go for it.

I dreamed today. Nightmares haunted me until I woke up, and other visions always started in the center of my psychic fortress, so I knew it was different, only, when I woke up, the images flickered between my fingers and I couldn't remember them yet. There was a man, no, I was alone, and a fallen knight. And he died. I killed him. I remember the taste of him. There's one important thing to realize, if only I could remember what it was. Do dreams really matter? Is there any other reason than my pain and Nashoba's reluctance to write like everyone else?

The carriage stopped, interrupting my musings. The time has not yet come. We've just joined the queue waiting in line for the John Fillmore Gala.

John Fillmore, self-made, is the current governor of Georgia. Also, the senior members of the Brotherhood are my target tonight.

I looked down at the mask in my hand, gently stroking its painted surface. This is my newest weapon. Roth created this masterpiece and really surpassed himself. The appearance is a perfect oval, moon-white, without any features. There are two separate holes in the middle that I can inhale when I need to taste the smell, and the lower part can be removed, but the design is otherwise unfamiliar. The complete absence of features made me look like a real monster and only emphasized what I drew on it.

I drew a huge mocking smile in pure black. It took me a long time to get the contemptuous sneer just right, the perfect expression of amusing contempt. Eight stylized fangs surround the mouth, expressing a powerful statement. It's a wonderful irony to fully accept my ancestry only in the context of anonymity.

I also painted a pair of stylized eyebrows and eyeshadow. When I tilt my head forward, such as when I'm fighting, the shadows deepen, making me look more ferocious.

The interior matches me completely, so it can be kept even without straps. The mask set my ears and the back of my head free. It also contains a rune etched in gold, which is supposed to be beneficial. Its work somewhat obscured my aura. This is not enough when dealing with the ward, but it will be difficult for individuals to notice me. Hopefully it will allow me to overcome what I can't.

When I put on this hat, the car was parked in front of the monumental gate of the Fillmore residence, and I got out of the car and passed them with the official invitation in hand.

The open door, respectfully examining the cream envelope, all seemed to indicate that I had been invited, and I stepped over the threshold without hesitation.

It works.

When the first revelers turned to my gaze, I headed for the ballroom.

In this operation, we gave up our discretion and, for maximum impact, I must say that I would not have had the courage to carry out this operation without a mask.

My outfit is provocative. There is no other way to express it. I wore a black dress with long crow feathers covering the collar and shoulders. I wore a pair of high gloves on my arms with chitin claws at the ends, and although I rarely showed my skin, the outfit fit fitted perfectly. Fragments of obsidian were sewn into hypnotic patterns around me to attract and distract those who dared to look.

Wearing this dress is a statement that I have no choice but to have. So I made a roundabout walk towards the crowd, even though you were arrogant. I dodged, glided, strutted, strutted, with grace unmatched, leaving jealousy and a hint of fear in my tracks. Those who look will know I'm a predator. In a good society, it should be unthinkable for a woman to walk like this, and the same rules should bind me, but the attendees are not allowed to challenge me loudly. The feeling is almost intoxicating. Tonight, I am no longer Ariana, a gentlemanly and dignified daughter, a chaste person who goes to church every Sunday. I am Ariana, Ariana, the daughter of thorns and hunger who has carved a bloody path to freedom through vampires and werewolves. Ariana doesn't care about the pressure of her peers and the judgment of the herd. She already has her place in the world and friends she can rely on.

I ignored the whispering, goofy hillbillies and dancers stumbling in the middle of the dance floor. I took a bottle of champagne from a passing waiter and walked towards the garden. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the owner of the place, who was leaning sideways to ask another major a question. I'm not a gambling woman, but I'm willing to bet peanuts and gold if it matters to me.

After the bait was placed, I went outside.

Mr. Fillmore happens to like young and confident women. I'm also not someone he's never met, I got the invitation through one of their business partners. If all goes well, he should come to me personally. I just have to hold out until he makes a move, and I'd rather avoid getting bogged down in discussions before acting.

I walked outside and walked down the stairs along a gravel path, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn. The garden unfolded in front of me, and at this time it was empty. It's amazingly huge.

I slowly walked along the carefully carved trees and geometric flower beds. The path ahead is lined with cubic hedges.

I recognized the hallmark of the French formal garden, its obsession with symmetry and its control over nature. It was my favorite when I was younger. I found its controlled lines and well-thought-out design soothing. Lately, I've found myself craving something a little wilder, and the design of the ethereal park at my fortress of mind reflects this change of taste. There are more hidden paths and twisty paths. The flowers are thorny, stretching lazily and covered with strange rocks.

My feet took me to a small patch of woods, the only place that was not controlled by humans, and this time I was surprised. There are already people there.

Out of curiosity, I hid under a branch and became an uninvited guest for one of the most peculiar performances. A man wearing a sheep mask, with two horns erect, is playing a silent melody on a transverse flute. I quickly understood why there was no sound. The strange musician placed the end of a light scarf on his mouth and lip plate to prevent his creations from escaping. His fingers danced briskly on the silver metal until I saw it, fingers tangled, and stopped.

"Too complicated, pretentious nonsense," he cursed excitedly.

"Is that the name of the piece, sir?"

The god of the forest jumped in surprise at my voice and grabbed his heart.

"My God, madam, knock on the box next time," he said without hesitation, "madam, you are as quiet as a whisper, and I beg your pardon for my rudeness, I didn't see you." ”

Then he bowed dashingly and set the flute aside like a saber.

"I forgive you, dear god of the forest. But let me ask, it's not a good place to rehearse here. ”

I approached him and studied the strange man closely. He may have been young and wore a green suit with leaves and vines decorated with dyed fabric. His feet are covered with a pair of large, comical fake hooves. Black eyes looked at me from behind the mask without deceit. Wavy black hair hangs down from both sides.

"Would you believe me if I said that I dedicate my song to the goddess in the hope that Artemis would interrupt her hunt and come down from heaven to give me the secrets of the night, and perhaps receive her favor?"

"This is an exciting offer, my friend, and while the god of the forest serves Dionysus, the song is the domain of Europe, and sadly, Artemis is forever a virgin."

"Curse classical education. My lies were exposed. ”

"To be fair, something that's too complicated...... Nonsense, it doesn't sound good. ”

"Nothing escapes your keen senses. Well, at least I owe you the truth for you to listen to this ugly show. I hid. ”

"Who is it?"

"Have you ever seen a woman in brown running around?" Wearing a dog mask. ”

"I can't say I did it."

"She's been pestering me."

I sighed at the pathetic pun, but couldn't help but laugh. The delivery was top notch.

"It's true! Her name was Margaret Hart, the daughter of a local furniture merchant, and she felt that we were a destined pair. As a reminder, I have no say in this decision. She has been actively pursuing me ever since. ”

"Did she capture your heart?"

"No, but not because they didn't attack it."

"I see, doesn't this mask protect you?"

"Oh, I'm afraid I won't be able to hide. Despite the camouflage, we can still make out the camouflage. We are a people in isolation who have known each other for many years. Neither thick clothes nor masks can shake off the unfortunate inclination of poor Cousin Francis to scratch his ass in public. Ah, forgive me for being rude. ”

"Sir, I forgive your wording, but I cannot forgive you for causing my imagination. I want to take revenge on you and bring your pursuers here. ”

"I listen to you, ma'am. I would like to point out, though, that part of her attention will be on you. ”

"As an adversary?"

"Indeed."

"It seems too far-fetched, we just met."

"This poor girl craves excitement, and the appearance of a mysterious and beautiful woman is enough to make you the enemy of your life."

"You must be exaggerating."

"Her favorite rumor was about her aunt's unplanned pregnancy"

"This ...... Does it seem like a serious matter?"

"If you consider that this happened thirteen years ago, it wouldn't be. The boy was almost as tall as she was, but apparently not as heavy as her. So far, it's still the most exciting thing in her life. ”

"Oh my gosh, it's boring."

I'd rather stab myself to death and face the dawn than live like this.

"Now you can imagine how worried I am."

"To marry her is the death of the soul. I understand. By the way, how do you know I'm pretty? I can disguise myself as a gorgon. ”

"It's a masquerade party, and I can choose to think you're pretty, and you have to break the rules to prove me wrong." Also, you have a confident look on your face. It's not a sign of an ugly woman. ”

"Oh my gosh, that's insightful. But tell me, isn't your suitor himself pretty?"

"I was afraid that she would fall from that ugly tree as soon as she was born, hit every branch when she fell, and then face down."

"She must have merit, right?"

"Her figure can only be called a willow if the willow tree is cut down and turned into a barrel. Her temperament was more suited to Hades than Persephone's, and if she had ever had moral qualities, it would have dried up long since she had become a basket. ”

I couldn't help but laugh. How funny he is! Since...... I've never had such a pleasant, carefree conversation.

I don't remember. I've been fighting and hiding for so long that even social events are just the backdrop for another conspiracy. If you think about it, this one too. I still have a little time, but I can't rush this operation, and besides, it's so much fun.

Yes. I missed this. Just a great night out with a talkative person. Witty rebuttals and interesting exchanges. Luckily, he'll be here alone, and he smells good, like soap and sunlight on clean skin. His heart was beating hard, and now it was a little faster. I could see him touching me without being afraid. He will be gentle and patient, and I will restrain him to serve me...... No!

I took a step back and retracted my eager fangs. The mask saved my life. Now is not the time to buy new followers. I have a task to complete!

I'm going to lose him.

The man was not willing to be a vassal, I had to tie him up, and after each feeding, he would become more and more calm and obedient, and even less like himself. A hollow shell. Cattle.

My hand, just as it was about to touch his shoulder, landed beside me. His hand was retracted, and I could tell he was a little disappointed.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. ”

"Haha, nothing to apologize for. Whatever happens, I wish you could stay one more second. That's really ...... Delightful. ”

"I don't want to be too avant-garde."

"Don't worry, I can handle unnecessary attention, but it's not like that."

I was silent for a moment. I love this moment. I liked him too, but now that the spell has been broken, I remember why I'm here and what I've become. I can steal some more tonight.

"Regarding your unwanted suitors, I do think the way you handled this was wrong."

"You think so?" I'm open to suggestions. My next step was to release the dog on her next visit. ”

"I assure you, there's nothing more stupid than that. Think of those poor dogs. No, what you need is a public statement. This shame would have prevented her from pursuing the matter. ”

The man's gesture shows hope.

"What do you suggest?"

I leaned forward slightly.

"Please let me dance?"

He licked his lips nervously.

"Yes. I know it's a good idea. ”

I took his arm. Tonight I dare! Constanza will scream when she knows it.

My mysterious friend took me back to the dance floor inside, puffing out my chest proudly. I realized that he was most likely much younger than me, and that would only happen more often over time. We entered under the curious gaze of more than one waiter, lined up with other dancers, and danced to the sound of flutes and violins.

Dancing has always been a social activity. The slow pace elicits flirtation, even though there are so many people around to prevent anything too daring from happening. We didn't have physical contact other than the occasional clapping, but that didn't stop me from being noticeable. Even the slightest change in balance can make a spin awkward or perfect, and I was perfect for them. Every step, every turn was the perfect timing, and I let my partner guide me and in turn guide him. As the music continues, we become the center of attention because no one can match our performances. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a fat woman wearing a dog mask walking out of the room in a rage.

"Looks like our little ploy has worked, your suitor has just left the scene."

"I'd like to make sure, can you still let me do the next dance?"

I smiled happily. My companion was inexperienced, but he made up for it with enthusiasm. Alas, I can see that the next step in our plan is unfolding and that it will soon be time to go back to work. I had to stop our entertainment.

"I'm afraid I'll have to refuse, my good sir. A woman is despised, and hell is the angriest of all. "I have to be ready to leave."

He was about to protest, but I broke the rules and put my fingers on his lips. The gesture was enough for him to miss a step, and thankfully, he corrected it quickly. The poor lad looked dejected.

"Will I ever see you again?"

No, we won't meet again. It was an instantaneous experience, perhaps a signal that I could move on and reclaim what was rightfully mine.

"Who knows?"

When the band stopped playing, I blended into the crowd and left him behind, and I walked to the center of the room, where I was stopped by another big conductor wearing a frog mask.

"Madame, please forgive me for my rudeness. Mr. Fillmore, if you wish, would be glad you could stay with him for a while. ”

I nodded and followed. Our plan has borne fruit.

I wanted to go straight to him as soon as I got there, but Loth said it was best to be invited. Since my purpose was to be alone with him, we needed to leave the room, and it was best not to be watched by too many people. I was skeptical and expressed my doubts to Rose. As a woman with no experience even flirting, how could I be alone with a celebrity like Mr. Fillmore? Especially on a night out? Did he overestimate me?

The tall man just raised his eyebrows and retorted:

"Yes, how can a powerful person be persuaded to be alone in his own home with a beautiful woman?" This is a great difficulty. I guess you've got to make a good impression on him with your sweater first, you know? Engage in pleasant conversations? Jokes aside, use your instincts and Sinid's experience. That man wants to be tempted, and since you're wearing a mask, be bold, okay? Trust me, I'm a man. It's going to work. ”

So here we are. I just wish he wasn't so vulgar and touched me in public. This is disastrous for everyone involved.

The crowd dispersed, and I finally met our benevolent master. He sat on a real throne and wore a suit of cream and gold. He wears a sun mask on his face with a golden crown on it. Beside him, a large, cleanly shaved man stood.

It was the most blatant megalomania I had seen since I left the Lancaster family.

"Ah, good evening, miss, I don't think we know each other yet, do we?"

"Of course, Sun King, it's a masquerade after all."

The man giggled, but his eyes were still full of curiosity.

"And what shall I call you?"

"Morpomo."

"Muse! May I ask to see your companion?"

Cothu

Us are shoes worn by ancient Greek actors in tragedy. Achilles mentioned it once, thank goodness, otherwise I look ridiculous now.

"Sir, you don't want me to make a fool of yourself at your own banquet, do you?"

"Of course not, haha, of course not......"

Right.

"Say, ma'am......"

The following dialogue is a careful exercise in patience. I immediately started talking to Fillmore about his favorite topic: himself. At the same time, I kept the mystery and made him happy in a light-hearted way. Any crude attempt could be discovered by someone like him who had experience in social affairs. I am cautious and do not overestimate myself. A slight smile here, a few playful words there, I made him feel comfortable little by little, and after his vigilance relaxed a little, my eyes were infused with a little charm. At this point, my caution justified it, for Mr. Fillmore wore a protective charm.

How interesting. It seems that my dear guest is involved in many affairs, with connections to secret societies and magic.

Following Sinid's method proved to be a boon once again. I carefully connected the bond between us to how he felt right now, and began digging into the magic shield. However, this charisma is powerful. Much more powerful than the one worn by the Rosenthal guards. I must now focus on my conversation and breakthrough. Thanks to a few hours of practice, I quickly succeeded and got to know his ideas.

Unsurprisingly, my master didn't value me. I didn't perceive any sense of respect or concern in his heart, but he did harbor no small desire. It can only be done through careful self-control and ...... Worries to ease. There was no way he knew who I was, the feeling was too distracting. And then what?

Ah, social pressure, of course. My host is a widower, and while it would be acceptable for him to find a new party, being seen alone going upstairs with a young woman might tarnish his reputation. It would be a blessing if I could be careful to reduce that fear. Fillmore was clearly concerned that his mind had been tampered with, and that any sudden increase in libido could be considered suspicious. On the contrary, I will only weaken his restraint. As long as he indulges a little more, there is nothing he can't drink.

Soon, our communication reached a tipping point. He had been boasting about his collection of Renaissance paintings that he had shipped from Italy at great expense, and suddenly stopped and turned to me. Here it is. The crux of tonight. If he's gone, I'll lose my chance to enter his secret room. We're going to lose weeks of work.

I had to give it a try.

"How I wish I could see it. I'm a painter myself. ”

"Who are you?"

"Yes, although I don't think I have any talent in this area. I don't study the Renaissance very much, I prefer the Baroque. Do you know why?"

"Tell".

I leaned forward and pressed my arms forward against my modest chest. It's not much, but I can see the sparkle in his eyes as he admires the scenery.

"They captured the moment. Bernini painted David as he threw stones, and Vermeer painted a girl with a pearl earring as she turned to him. They play with light and movement to bring their work to life. ”

"Charming...... Yes, at that moment. "You have a point, and I would like you to give me an opinion on my meager possessions."

"As much as I don't want to take advantage of you at your own party, I'd love to take advantage of you."

"Don't think about it. It's not every day that I have the privilege of hosting a guest with such taste. ”

I bet.

"We?"

He stood up, and both the major and the bodyguards disguised our exit, which seemed to be a well-rehearsed strategy. I followed him up a flight of stairs to a hallway where we checked the paintings as we walked. Fillmore prefers pastoral landscapes and nude paintings. Few of the works on display are of a religious nature, Greek mythology is popular. This may explain why he dared to use the term "cothu" in his conversation

us", without suffocating with their own egos.

Tragic. Honest.

"Now, it's my prize."

We were alone in a room full of antiques and art. Fillmore's assistant didn't follow us upstairs, and I wouldn't have had a better chance.

"Impressive......," I said, dragging a nail on his collar. I carefully dug out the pendant's chain and easily clamped it between my two paws. My prey breathes faster under the control of desire. He didn't even notice that his protection was taken away.

I didn't hesitate to split his brain like a nut. I've been coaxing him for almost an hour. He didn't stand a chance.

"You want to satisfy me, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any records about the Shin Kong Brotherhood?"

"Yes. Notes and ransom materials. ”

"Where is it?"

"Some of them are in my safe, in my office. The rest are distributed throughout the country. ”

"Take me there."

I don't need to make eye contact with him, but I can't leave him alone for too long. We quietly went to his quarters, where he opened the door to the study and used a complex key to make a rather complex ward disappear.

Fillmore's office is full of flashy furnishings and hard work. His success is clearly not the credit of others, but his own. I haven't seen such discipline and efficiency since Isaac helped me open an account. I stuffed everything I could into the inside pockets on the side of my clothes. It's going to bulge, but I don't think a lot of people will notice. In my experience in Charleston, it is also waterproof, fireproof, smoke-proof, and even bulletproof to some extent.

I also have more than five hundred dollars in debt, which I put in my own pocket.

Booty!

I remember that Mrs. Moore said a degrading word about robbery and immediately dismissed it. The arrogant goose made a lot of money from upfront investment and smuggling wine. She and Melusi

e can go to the volcano for sunbathing, the money is mine.

"Is there anything else of value to you?"

"Yes, my device is in the basement."

"Wine?"

"No, it's a secret basement."

Oh my God! He is really the villain of the opera.

"How do I access it?"

It turned out that the hidden entrance was hidden behind a false wall in his bedroom. I made him drink a few bottles of fine whiskey that I found on his desk and followed him there.

"There were a couple of exits and it was easy to get to from the cellar. There are no traps. ”

I ordered him to make a way for me, close it behind me, and fall asleep. I erased most of my memories of the past hour, leaving behind a vague image tainted by alcohol. He should have come to his senses and realized that he had been robbed by a woman he had never met, and this embarrassment should keep him silent. I doubt he would complain to his brethren in his secret society, because I could easily imagine how they dealt with compromisers.

I walked down a narrow flight of stairs in the half-light and half-darkness of the night. I don't worry about the lamp, so why should I? This passage took me down three floors. Through the thin walls, I could still hear the sound of violins and whispers, all signs that the party was in full swing.

There is a locked door at the top of the staircase on the last floor, and this time there is no ward. I opened it and locked it behind me.

For the watchman's sake, what is this!

I turned around, and my eyes confirmed what my ears and nose were hearing. I was standing in the middle of a huge room with a dirty floor and pillars supporting it. The steel door leads to this space, but it is the middle section that catches my attention. There are four cages secured to the floor and ceiling with iron chains, each holding a woman.

Fillmore, you disgusting pervert, I underestimated your depravity. What an incredible setup! It's almost like a vampire in nature, albeit very amateurish. I can mention three improvements right away.

All cages have lids, a jug of water and a night jug. In the first cage to my left, I saw a diminutive Asian woman fixing the ceiling with a hollow gaze. The second was a very young black woman holding her knees. In the third cage, an indigenous girl had her back to me, this time to my left, and in the last cage sat a red-haired girl who stared at me in disbelief.

Oh my God, oh my God, what am I going to do with this?

I noticed that a table at the entrance was plastered with notes, so I took a summary check of all his notes. It's gender. All of it.

I shouldn't have been here, it's a waste of my time.

"Ps on."

It's time for me to go.

"Miss, please ......"

I sighed and approached the red-haired woman. On closer inspection, I saw that she was younger than I thought. She was surprisingly clean, but her face was visibly exhausted and painful. Her paleness contrasted with her red eyes, black pockets, and countless blue bruises on her bare skin.

"What's the matter, supplicant?"

The unfamiliar word made her flinch, and she cringed, expecting some kind of punishment. Seeing that no one was coming, she plucked up the courage to move on.

"Are you with him?"

“No.”

"So...... Please help us escape. ”

"Why would I do that?"

The black girl's sobs turned into panicked whimpering. I didn't react, but thought about the girl in front of me.

Strong adaptability. Fearless. Not easy to break. I have a sense of closeness to this person. She's a survivor, just like me.

"I'm here to serve you. I can cook, clean and sing. I can swing the bat with the best of them. Miss, I will serve you wholeheartedly, and you will not regret it. ”

Transactions.

What would Loth say? Yes.

"How do I open the cage?"

"Sir, I mean, the one who owns the house. He has. ”

Damn, I should have been a little more thorough in my interrogation!

"Is there any other way?"

She shook her head, licked her lips, and thought quickly.

"Can he put a spare one nearby?"

I nodded, looking around. In addition to the table, there were also several wooden utensils, which would not be out of place in the torture chamber. On the shelves were some tools I didn't recognize, although their shape told a tragic story. If I let this woman go, Fillmore probably wouldn't survive tonight.

I went back to my desk. Unfortunately, a more thorough search would only give me a hidden knife. I certainly don't have a secret compartment. A quick search of the two steel doors reveals only hidden exits and an actual cellar, as large as a warehouse full of crates and cleaning supplies.

I returned to the red-haired woman, who started to cry and grabbed the door.

I pull.

"It's steel, miss......"

The metal creaked, the hinges slammed, and the door opened.

"Haha shit!"

Language.

"I'm sorry!"

I turned to the others. Can I do the same, or eat them as a snack?

There was a noise from upstairs, and heavy footsteps rushed down. What am I going to do? If I drag her away now, they'll rush before I open the hidden exit.

Indecision deprives me of the right to make decisions.

"Stay here and pretend the door is closed." I whispered before the door slammed open and Fillmore rushed in with three men. One of them was the bodyguard I had met before and was still as expressive as ever. The other two are more interesting. One was an old man with a gray beard, and the other was a fat man in a red jacket stained with oil, his face was pale and out of breath.

The two newcomers are mages, most likely the ones who make the pendants and set up the wards.

"You're going to- gasp - give me back the papers - gasp - now!" My master said, brandishing a gun.

I didn't answer, but ran into the darkness. Fillmore didn't pull the trigger, not that it stopped me, but even the most soundproof ceiling couldn't stop the thunderous gunshots.

Instead of looking for an exit, I went into the warehouse, locked the door, and jumped. I waited with my paws and feet glued to the ceiling.

"She went to the left?"

"No, yes, idiot. A hoarse voice replied. It could be the old man.

The trio broke into the room. The old man calmly took a lantern, and the bodyguard now had a club.

"We search this area, you go to the right, I go to the left, and finally we meet. Allister, you guard the door and catch her if she wants to escape. ”

"Do we really have to?" We can ......."

"Shut up. Yes, you have to. Let's go now. ”

"I don't have a light."

"Then make one. The leader replied impatiently.

The fat man muttered yes.

"Light!"

A pale ball rose up and shone on me. They don't look up. No one ever knew.

The two men split up and began to search. They are the only source of lighting here. It's easy to hide in a cluttered environment, even if it's just for a minute or two.

"Come out, don't embarrass yourself too much. You know you're stuck. ”

I waited until they were a few meters away from me before I pounced on the bodyguard. I might still have spared Fillmore to avoid a big scandal. These people are sacrificial.

I silently pierced the bodyguard in the neck with my fingers. I pulled him down to avoid the sound of his body collapsing and hid his figure in the shade. Get one, and two.

"Don't be stupid, girl, there's only one ending."

"Why are you so sure?"

Both men turned, one screamed in surprise and the other raised his gauntlet.

"He's caught, isn't he?" Well done, but you're just procrastinating the inevitable. ”

"Let me ask again, why are you so sure?"

"Girl, there's only one thing that can stop me without a weapon, and that's you. Now get down on my knees. ”

I'm glad to see that this rune does a good job of masking my aura. Ross will be pleased.

I pressed a small indentation at the bottom of the mask. It slid away and revealed my very, very pointed smile.

"Think again."

"Ahh

My move. I almost cut off the fat man's head, and before he could open his mouth in surprise.

"Peak!"

Translucent spines began to appear on the old man, and I was on him before he could do more. I ducked to the side, grabbed him by the heels, his defenses hadn't yet appeared, and threw him whole into the nearest pile of crates.

The wood exploded under his feet. The red foam stained his lips red, and he gasped in pain. A rusty steel bar emerged from his scarred chest.

He gave me one last bitter smile, and I reciprocated the same smile, before I devoured him.

"It was a good hunt."

It was simpler than I expected. Unfortunately, my short-lived pleasure was interrupted by a gunshot. Phew, can't a woman drink quietly? What kind of party is this?

Then there was another gunshot, followed by two gunshots.

Oh. Oh no.

I put on my mask and walked out of the room to see a group of people forming a defensive circle around a shivering Fillmore and two others. A beautiful woman, dressed in a bold green dress with crimson hair, stood there with her eyes closed. Next to her, a tall, dark-haired, well-trimmed man was calmly reloading his pistol. He had the low-key charm of an old aristocracy, apparently in command.

All four girls died.

The supplicant lay on the ground on all fours, brain matter oozing from her shattered skull. The only eye she had left was on the ceiling and the freedom that never came.

I... Failed? I failed! I said I would let her go, and she died in my care! The supplicant died, was killed while I was feeding! God damn it.

I was disgusted. I was careless and arrogant, and as a result, one of the supplicants I swore to protect lost his life. Keeping my promise should come first! I should have slaughtered those idiots on the spot and forced me out instead of being clever. Otherwise, I should have turned down the deal! On the contrary, I was not prepared to see what happened to me. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons! Fool Ariana. Ariana who loves vanity. Ariana, the queen of three pieces of paper and a corpse.

"It's hers! Murpome!"

I turned my attention back to the man in front of me. The squad around Fillmore was armed with muskets, all pointing forward.

"Fool, don't you know that Melpomene carries a knife?" She gives you a hint and you don't get it...... Typical vampire humor. You guys, fire!"

I dodged left and down, and a shower of lead hit the bricks behind me. I immediately rushed forward.

"Belinda!"

When a circle of silver flames rose from the ground, I braked, stuck my claws into the dirt, and tried to slow down. The woman's eyes were open, and a ring was pointed at me.

"Usain Bolt!"

I managed to dodge the white light from her. I was probably just as surprised as she was, though I certainly didn't show it.

"Oh my God, she's the master, quick, go upstairs!" Cover Belinda!"

I took a dagger from the holster on my leg and stabbed it into the fence. The red-haired woman grunted, but didn't budge. The pain I felt was manageable compared to the deeply disturbing shame that was now swirling in my mind.

Fail.

I was forced to retreat when a soldier fired at close range. A small twist allowed me to reposition, but it was clear that this tactic would not work. Instead, I retreated to the torture table and grabbed it. The witch was almost laughing at me as I fell backwards. Now that she saw me lift the piece of furniture into the air, her face changed.

". Hell!"

The spell was gone, and she fell into the arms of a soldier, who dragged her up. After a while, the piece of furniture slammed into a straggler, knocking him against the closed iron door.

A wave of delayed heat explodes outward. As it moved forward, I flipped over a table, took cover, and set fire to everything it passed.

Fire.

Damn it. I'm going out. Right now!

I rushed across the hot, glistening ground, too lazy to touch the reddened handle.

"Yes!"

I opened the door as Rose showed me. The rectangular steel frame hit the wall and I rolled in.

"It's hot!"

The temperature kept rising, and I managed to operate the locking mechanism and jumped through the hole into that damn cool night.

And then I just ran away.

Fillmore would cancel his invitation so I couldn't destroy my enemies, even if I was willing to take the risk. I got the files that needed to be decrypted. In return, I let them know that they were up against vampires.

Ah, I'm kidding, I know what I've lost, a supplicant, maybe even a potential vassal. As I disappeared into the darkness, the feeling of the night was that there was no victory.