Tenra could feel eyes on him—dozens, maybe hundreds—tracking every step as he led Valerie and the girls through the heart of Tepes's royal city. But as long as those shadowy watchers kept their distance, he wasn't interested in playing their game.
Valerie clung to his hand, nervous at first, her gaze darting from shadow to shadow. But the world outside was a tapestry of wonders she'd never known. Soon, curiosity overpowered anxiety. She peered into shop windows, lingered at every street corner, her eyes wide and bright, drinking in sights that had always been out of reach.
It was daytime, which for vampires meant the streets were as empty as midnight in the human world. The city felt hushed, almost cold. But at the edge of the royal district, they stumbled onto a bustling commercial street—vampire society's answer to a night market.
Neon signs flashed in every color. Clothing boutiques, drink stalls, and quirky little shops crowded together, their windows overflowing with goods. Vampires in all styles and attitudes drifted through the crowds. If not for the occasional flash of fangs, you could almost mistake the place for a human festival.
Tenra scanned the faces. Most were civilian vampires, probably former humans. He remembered: those turned from humans could eat regular food and kept many old habits. Purebloods, though, lived for blood alone—other foods were just distractions.
Valerie's grip tightened as they entered the market, her excitement barely contained by her fear.
"Let's get you some new clothes first," Tenra said, smoothing her hair.
He led the group into a women's clothing store. A pretty clerk greeted them, her eyes flickering with mild suspicion—these guests didn't feel like vampires—but business was business.
"Ravel, Kalawarna, help Valerie pick out something nice," Tenra suggested.
"Hehe, leave it to us," Ravel replied, already plotting mischief.
"L-Lord Tenra, I… I…" Valerie stammered, glancing back at him with each step as Ravel and Kalawarna dragged her deeper into the racks. The poor girl looked ready to cry.
Tenra couldn't help but smile. Ravel had teased Valerie from the moment they met—licking her earlobe, playing pranks, and showing no mercy when pinning down those rowdy vampires. Valerie was terrified of her, even after Tenra's reassurances.
Ravel knew it, too. The more nervous Valerie became, the more Ravel delighted in her own antics. Tenra let it slide, so long as she didn't go too far. Valerie's world had been small and silent for too long. A little chaos—gentle, but persistent—might help her break out of her shell.
With the girls busy inside, Tenra wandered outside, Mittelt at his side. He yawned, scanning the street, half-lost in thought—until something caught his eye.
Across the way, at a cotton candy stand, stood a girl with long black hair and a face as blank as the moon. She stared at the spun sugar, unmoving, unblinking.
Lilith.
Ophis's shadow—her clone, her echo—existing in the world as quietly as a rumor.
The vendor, flustered by her silent attention, handed her a stick of cotton candy. Lilith devoured it in three bites, then resumed her silent vigil, eyes fixed on the remaining sweets.
The vendor grew anxious. "Little girl, I already gave you one for free… Where are your parents? You'll have to pay for more…"
Before he could finish, Tenra stepped forward. "Give her another."
The vendor looked up, startled by Tenra's easy confidence. Mittelt handed over the money, and Lilith received her second cotton candy. She tilted her head, studying Tenra, then ate without a word.
"Want to try something even tastier?" Tenra asked, ruffling her hair.
"Want," Lilith replied, her voice eerily identical to Ophis's—flat, emotionless, yet somehow innocent.
"Come with me, then."
Tenra took her hand. Lilith followed without protest, and Mittelt trailed behind, her nerves stretched thin.
Inside a nearby restaurant, Tenra ordered a feast: cabbage rolls, burgers, anything that looked tempting. Lilith wasted no time, devouring everything with quiet determination.
Tenra watched her, amused. Mittelt hovered nearby, visibly tense. Who could blame her? Lilith looked harmless, but the power lurking beneath that calm could level the city in an instant if she ever lost control.
When the last bite disappeared, Tenra leaned forward. "Still hungry?"
Lilith shook her head, patting her stomach. "Full."
She stood, drifting to Tenra's side. Her nose twitched, and she sniffed at his sleeve.
"You smell like me," she said, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Tenra smiled. "That's Ophis's scent. You were born from her power."
He tapped her head gently. "Since you ate my food, you should call me Master—just like Ophis does."
"Master," Lilith echoed, obedient as a child, though Tenra doubted she understood the word.
"Good girl." He grinned. "Lilith, how about coming to live with me? Be my pet, like Ophis. If you do, you'll get delicious food every day."
Mittelt's eyes widened in shock. Tenra had already tamed Ophis—now he was recruiting her clone? Unbelievable.
Lilith considered, then shook her head. "No. Rizevim—protecting him is my mission."
She wasn't angry, just matter-of-fact.
Tenra shrugged. "Well, whenever you're done protecting Rizevim, come be my pet."
Lilith's eyes—dark, bottomless—blinked once. This time, she nodded.
"Okay."
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