Aubrey reclined in the moth-eaten velvet chair. Her muscles and vocal folds ached slightly after hours of intensive practice and bonding time with Liza. Overall, it was a productive session. Aubrey learned Liza's tragic story—abandonment, betrayal, and eventual transformation.

Liza's experiences and tragedies weren't dissimilar from her own, albeit Aubrey's wasn't as traumatic. Still, talking with the violinist eased her anger and lifted her spirits.

Now they bonded through song and friendship. Similar to a sisterhood. Aubrey hadn't had siblings growing up. Maybe Liza could fill that gap.

Aubrey yawned and stretched her limbs. Sleep tugged at her weary consciousness.

Across from her, Liza's gentle breathing had transitioned to steady, rhythmic wheezes. Aubrey smiled and draped a blanket over Liza's petite form. Poor girl expended a lot of effort during their jam session and hadn't quite recovered her stamina.

"Night." Aubrey patted Liza's head.

"N... Night..." Liza mumbled and stirred, adjusting her position before slipping deeper into slumber.

Aubrey gathered her belongings and padded downstairs. The cathedral's passages had grown silent. Only the occasional skittering of rats disrupted the stillness.

Must be late. Aubrey stifled a yawn.

She returned to the underground workshop, expecting Thaddeus hunched over his workbench.

Instead, the Unhallowed automaton had powered down and reclined on the threadbare couch. His arms and legs were tucked against his sides, his chassis adopting a curled posture.

Looks like Thaddy went into sleep mode. Aubrey approached and gazed upon the Unhallowed automaton's sleeping form. Guess we'll talk more tomorrow.

Aubrey stifled another yawn and headed back upstairs. Fatigue crept upon her consciousness and her body grew sluggish.

Returning to the transept hall, Aubrey spotted Cedric's silhouette perched atop a balcony overlooking the choir's alcove. Moonlight streamed through the stained glass windows and cast intricate patterns along his stone skin.

Aubrey waved. Cedric acknowledged her return and dipped his horned head before returning his vigil.

Guess I'm not the only night owl. Aubrey ascended the spiral staircase to the attic where her chamber awaited.

Within the dusty and dimly lit space, Aubrey's bed—a worn mattress layered with blankets and sheets—stood nestled in the corner. Candles and electric lamps provided illumination and warmth. Aubrey stripped her outfit and lounged in her undergarments before blowing out the candles.

Comfortable, she climbed under the blankets and settled into the musty-yet-cozy fabrics.

Ahh. Heaven.

Dreamless nights greeted Aubrey since her resurrection. At first, nightmares haunted her sleep. Now, she had nothing but the quiet embrace of oblivion.

Comforting. Peaceful. Quiet.

Before sleep claimed her, Aubrey reflected on her day and the discoveries made.

Julian Blackwell controlled her career. Used her voice and fame. Planned her assassination. All for their goals. Whatever they entailed.

Well. Fuck them. Aubrey resolved to unmask the conspiracy and cut the threads that bound her past life in this world.

Blackwell would pay. And she would deliver her vengeance. By her hands. And no one else's.

----------------------------------------

Soft morning sunlight streamed through the attic window. Aubrey stirred and yawned. Another peaceful sleep. She stretched her limbs and luxuriated in the musty fabrics.

Despite the cathedral's dilapidated state, she appreciated the comforts afforded her. Clean water, access to a toilet, a roof over her head, and comfortable accommodations. Better than scavenging and dumpster diving.

Or sleeping outdoors.

Aubrey indulged a few more moments within her blankets before reluctantly extricating herself. Reluctantly. Damn comfy.

She yawned and ambled to her dresser. Within the drawers were an assortment of outfits salvaged from the cathedral's storage as well as the garments procured using her share of the band's profits. Aubrey selected a casual ensemble—tight black trousers paired with an ivory button shirt, its lace frills accentuating her bust. Comfortable and stylish. Perfect.

Aubrey dressed and descended to the transept hall, her footsteps echoing through the shadowy corridor. Morning light streamed through the stained glass windows and colored the murky darkness with a kaleidoscopic glow.

Cedric sat near the altar. Aubrey approached and greeted the gargoyle.

"Morning."

"Good morning," Cedric rumbled. Aubrey noted the paperbacks strewn across his stone lap.

"Find a new book to read?"

"Yes," the gargoyle confirmed. "Liza recommended several titles. Interesting tales. Enjoying them."

"Cool." Aubrey surveyed the chamber.

"Where's Thaddy?"

"Working. On the Luminal Projector." Cedric inclined his chin toward the stairway to the basement.

"Hmm, guess it'll take a while." She'd have to check on his progress later. "Oh, do you remember when our next gig is scheduled? Can't recall the dates."

Cedric pondered her inquiry and scratched his horned head.

"Week from now. At the Shadowed Nook," the gargoyle recalled. "Wednesday. Early evening."

"Gotcha. Thanks."

Their band's next performance. Aubrey hadn't missed a gig yet. She enjoyed their shows. Singing, the crowd, the atmosphere. Performing brought her joy and excitement. It also served to sate her hunger.

Aubrey craved the audience's emotions. Specifically, the positive ones. Anger, sadness, or fear nourished her well enough, but the elation from the crowd as they listened and cheered to their performance fed her the most. Their happiness. Their enjoyment. Aubrey's spectral stomach grumbled. Thinking of the upcoming show and the energy she'd feast upon reignited her appetite.

Not to mention the coins and tips they'd earn.

"Where's Liza?" Aubrey scanned the cathedral. No sign of her violinist.

"Down in the basement as well," Cedric reported. "You know she doesn't like being active during the day."

"Right. Sunlight thing and all."

Liza's curse had transformed her into a half-shadow entity. Daylight negatively affected her constitution. Made her weaker. Lesser. Aubrey empathized with her struggles. They both underwent transformative changes due to their murders. Liza had accepted her fate, embracing her shadows and utilizing her new form as an asset.

Aubrey hadn't mastered her abilities yet. But she would.

"I'm heading out," Aubrey informed Cedric. "Need to explore the city and pick up some stuff."

"Don't forget the Dreamleaf this time." Cedric leveled his gaze at her.

Aubrey snickered. "Relax. Won't forget."

Could gargoyles even get high?

----------------------------------------

Aubrey exited the cathedral and inhaled a lungful of the crisp morning air. She savored the tangy and smoky aroma carried by the breeze. Mordenstradt's blend of mechanical pollution and eldritch emissions never ceased to intrigue her. Industrial yet arcane. Progressive yet archaic.

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The perfect blend.

She secured Hellion's Cry over her shoulder and sauntered through the winding side streets of Gallows Row. Today's schedule: shopping, exploring, and maybe a little eavesdropping.

Aubrey had planned to hunt for leads.

So far, she had only traversed the Gallows Row and Ironworks districts. She hadn't explored the others. From what Aubrey had gleamed thus far, Mordenstradt consisted of eleven districts: The Ironworks, Gallows Row, The Hollows, Velvet Strand, Voxhall Ward, The Verdant Expanse, Wharfside, Thornhaven, Ravenloft Heights, Gildenfaire, and the Highborne Quarters.

Each district differed in scope and culture. Gallows Row, Aubrey's starting district, housed the city's destitute. Ironworks contained the industrial sector where Mordenstradt's mechanization flourished.

She had ventured into the Voxhall Ward briefly to purchase her clothes. Just one street alone had enough shops and boutiques to keep her interest all day.

Others she hadn't visited. Aubrey didn't know much beyond their names. Yet.

She also hadn't explored the outskirts and rural areas surrounding the metropolis either. Supposed Mordenstradt was surrounded by farmlands and plantations harvesting crops, timber, and metals vital to the city's function.

Interesting. But not her focus today.

Aubrey sauntered along the cracked and pothole-ridden sidewalk and passed the derelict homes and shops. Most exhibited signs of abandonment and neglect: boarded windows and doors, weather-beaten paint, and shattered panes. Others displayed evidence of a more sinister origin: scorch marks, broken beams, and crumbled walls.

Even the newer constructions exhibited damage and decay. She spotted one structure with its roof and upper floors caved in. Likely an unstable foundation.

Overall, Gallows Row didn't portray the prosperity Mordenstradt's tourism pamphlets advertised. But it suited her just fine. It allowed her to roam around without garnering undue attention. There was an unlikely chance of encountering anyone who recognized her—assuming posters of her former self had proliferated throughout the city.

Instead, the only recognition she sometimes received was the occasional fan who had seen the Unhallowed Harmony perform. Those interactions had proven a mixed bag:

"Your songs helped me through a dark time. Thank you."

"You're a damn goddess."

"Please sing for me."

"Feed me with your music."

Okay... Aubrey hadn't expected the last request. Was the fan... not human? Hard to tell. But their enthusiasm had left her a bit creeped out. Regardless, the encounters had earned Aubrey a handful of pence. Always a win.

She navigated along the tangled maze of streets and alleyways. A left here. A right there. Straight ahead. After a while, her familiarity with the layout and shortcuts allowed her to navigate the district with relative ease. Soon, she arrived at her destination: an apothecary specializing in herbs, potions, and remedies.

Aubrey crossed the uneven sidewalk and pushed the dilapidated wooden door open. A bell jingled overhead. Inside the establishment, shelves lined with various bottles and jars, and an array of dried herbs and flowers greeted her. Aubrey inhaled a whiff of the shop's interior and savored the herbal fragrance.

The apothecary smelled earthy and fresh. Kinda reminded her of a traditional herb and remedy shop. Except for the bottles labeled Nightmare Extract, Brainrot Draught, and Witherbloom Elixir. Definitely not organic supplements.

"Be with ye in a minute," A gravelly feminine voice called from the backroom.

Aubrey browsed the selection and identified the Dreamleaf: a dried blue-green herb whose texture resembled finely ground tea leaves. Its fragrance smelled minty and sweet. Aubrey plucked the jar containing the dried herb and observed the product. Looked and smelled authentic.

"Sorry fer the wait," the female proprietor, an old woman, emerged from the back room and greeted her with a raspy voice. "Ahh. Customer. How may I help ye lassy?"

"Just here to purchase a jar of Dreamleaf," Aubrey held the jar up for the proprietor.

"Aye. Good choice. Dreamleaf'll put ye in a daze and yer dreams'll be sweeter and richer. 'Twill cost ye twelve pennies. Best deal 'round these parts."

Twelve pennies? Aubrey frowned. Seemed a bit pricey. But beggars can't be choosers. And the quality appeared decent.

"Fine. Here," Aubrey counted and deposited the copper coins on the counter.

"Excellent." The proprietor swept the pennies into a drawer. "Ye need anything else, lassy?"

Hmm. Aubrey hadn't considered browsing. Curiosity compelled her.

"Do you have anything potent? Stronger than Dreamleaf?" Aubrey inquired.

"Aye. Depends. Will ye be the one consuming the herbs?" the proprietor eyed her with a scrutinizing gaze. "There's only a rare few that could affect an Unhallowed like yerself."

Aubrey's eyes slowly widened, and she almost dropped the jar she'd been holding.

How. The. Fuck?

Aubrey composed herself and played dumb. "W... What do you mean Unhallowed?"

The proprietor cocked an eyebrow, then slowly raised her scrawny arm. Her bracelet, comprising a colorful array of beads and charms, rattled and shifted.

"Yer no ordinary customer. See. Got meself a charm to detect Unhallowed. Normally. Ye'd feel a sense o' unease." The proprietor tapped the bracelet. "Dispelled that effect."

Holy shit. Aubrey hadn't realized such a charm existed. And she hadn't encountered it till now. Wonder how commonplace those charms are? And why hadn't her bandmates warned her?

"I uh... I..."

"Easy lassy," the proprietor raised a boney hand. "I ain't gonna turn ye in. Got nothin' to gain and plenty to lose."

Aubrey narrowed her eyes. Suspicion warred with curiosity within her. She leaned over the counter and glared into the proprietor's eyes.

"Glad to hear. But why aren't you scared of me? Everyone else I've met who has seen an Unhallowed either run for the hills or try to fight for their dear life. Why not you?"

The proprietor's gaze didn't waver. Instead, she matched Aubrey's stare.

"First. Yer buying Dreamleaf, not terrorizing me shop. Second. Ye don't look intimidating. Third. The truly dangerous ones only come out at night. If ye know... ye know."

Point. Aubrey relaxed and retreated behind the counter.

"Alright. Guess I'll take your word on that." Aubrey returned her attention to the Dreamleaf jar.

"Anyway. Anything stronger than Dreamleaf you could recommend?"

The proprietor's mouth curled upward. Probably a grin. Looks... unsettling.

"Ye looking for a euphoric high? Pleasurable experience? Or a more... spiritual journey?" The proprietor emphasized her question with a dramatic pause.

Aubrey rolled her eyes. The theatrics could use a bit of work.

Hmm. Euphoric. Pleasurable. Spiritual... Aubrey pondered which option she desired. Euphoria sounded fun. But she had experienced it before via recreational drugs in her previous world. Spiritual sounded... interesting. But probably boring.

Pleasure though... That sounded like a satisfying time. When was the last time she engaged in carnal delights? Aubrey's libido certainly thirsted for... a good fuck. Hadn't had any since waking up in this world.

Hmm. Decisions. Decisions. She drummed her fingers against the countertop.

"I want a pleasurable high. One that's memorable."

The proprietor's toothless grin widened. Creepy. Aubrey suppressed a shudder.

"Excellent choice lassy. Ye came to the right place." She turned and scoured her shelves before producing a small ornately crafted box. Aubrey's gaze caught the embossed label engraved onto the polished hardwood surface:

Xeno's Kiss

"This will provide the pleasure ye seek. Guaranteed," the proprietor proclaimed. Aubrey didn't miss the mischievous twinkle in her sunken eye.

"What's Xeno's Kiss?" Aubrey eyed the container skeptically.

"Xeno's Kiss is a special extract derived from the Blazelily. A rare flower indigenous ta the southern valleys. Dangerous place. Teeming with mana beasts and monsters. Them Blazelilies emit a potent aphrodisiac." The proprietor licked her chapped lips and leaned closer.

"When a beast or monster consumes the pollen ta mate, the extract takes hold and creates a... euphoric experience unlike anythin' else. Consuming the pollen alone provides a... pleasant sensation. But 'tis the nectar contained within the blossom that yields the true essence."

Wow. Sounds... Aubrey didn't have a proper adjective to describe the extract. Crazy? Intense? Addictive?

"Blazelilies possess sharp petals. Ye gotta have a certain skill or ability ta reach the nectar. Otherwise..."

The proprietor extended her other frail arm and displayed her gnarled hand. Scars and old wounds riddled her digits. Several fingers bent at awkward angles.

"Luckily. Me assistants' got the knack and the skills ta gather the nectar." The proprietor opened the lid and presented the contents within.

Within the ornate box lay a small transparent bottle encased in a silver metal alloy. Aubrey spied the glowing liquid contained within. Bright pink and viscous, the extract resembled a sparkling fluid trapped between the boundary of gel and syrup.

Pretty. Aubrey extended her hand. The proprietor pulled the container away.

"Careful," she cautioned. "One drop will provide the effects ye desire. Consume more. And..."

"And what? Death? Insanity? Eternal orgasms?" Aubrey listed off the possibilities.

The proprietor cackled and slapped the counter. Aubrey resisted the impulse to scowl.

"Not sure. It's not often I get Unhallowed customers trying these. Ye folks are... resistant ta mortal toxins and curses. Normally, a human would have their sanity ripped ta shreds or die from being overstimulated. Could go either way fer the Unhallowed. Heck. Ye might end up enjoying the ride forever."

Forever. Aubrey mused over the description. Immortality through sexual bliss. That didn't sound half bad. Except Aubrey had her vengeance to exact.

"Alright. You sold me," Aubrey withdrew her coin pouch. "How much?"

The proprietor closed the box and placed it on the counter. "Four sovereigns."

"WHAT?!" Aubrey couldn't stop her outburst.

"Shhh," the proprietor placed a boney finger against her chapped lips. Aubrey ignored the flakes and stains marring the digit. Gross.

"These are well worth the price lassy. And limited. Xeno's Kiss is difficult and expensive ta harvest."

"Ugh. Fine." Aubrey deposited the four shiny golden coins onto the counter. "Here."

There went the rest of her earnings from the underground fight club. Shit.

The proprietor swept the currency into her drawer and placed the ornate box into a decorated paper bag. Aubrey accepted the package and shoved it into her backpack.

"Pleasure doing business with ye. If ye have other Unhallowed friends who are as cordial as ye, send them over. Otherwise, come again if ye have any needs." The proprietor winked.

Aubrey suppressed an involuntary gag. "Sure. Later."

"Remember. Use carefully."

"Yeah. Yeah." Aubrey exited the establishment and muttered under her breath.

Pricey but worth it. Hope the effects live up to the hype. Otherwise, she'll dump the whole thing inside that crone's mouth and watch her choke on her profit.

Well, that was one errand done. Next on her list: shopping and a little eavesdropping.