Her grip remained firm, despite my subtle attempts to break free. It became clear that cooperation was my only path to what I wanted—a hearing with an elder vampire. As we stepped into the building, an intriguing scent of spiced cinnamon filled the room, catching me off guard.

"That is interesting," I said, intrigued by the aroma. The woman in red abruptly stopped and forcefully turned me around, bringing our faces inches apart.

"I don't care who you are or what you came for. This is vampire territory, and you will show respect to our elders, or you will feel the edge of my blade again."

I had no desire to provoke further hostility; my goal here was straightforward—assert my family’s standing in Adams Town and uncover the truth about my father’s disappearance.

"I will abide by your rules within your territory, and I assure you, there's no need for threats, as I pose no harm. My purpose here is one of civility, not conflict. What happened at the front doors was a misunderstanding. You have my word; it won't happen again."

"We'll see," the woman in red said. We continued our walk with her pushing me forward, a sign that I have not succeeded in driving away. Her hatred towards me. The scent of spiced cinnamon grew stronger, unmistakably emanating from her.

"It’s unfortunate you see me as a threat when, from my perspective, we could easily sit at the same table," I said, watching her closely for any reaction. She abruptly released my arm and strode ahead, only to stop and turn, her eyes glancing at me with an unmistakable menace.

As we continued walking, I became more attuned to the scent, finding it both alluring and unsettling. My gaze drifted over her attire, landing on a dark stain just above the corner of her side pocket. Fresh, by the look of it. It reminded me of a drink laced with spiced cinnamon yet mingled with a faint metallic scent—like blood.

I chuckled softly to draw her attention. "I’m genuinely curious," I said, catching her attention. "Would you share the name of the drink you had… oh, twenty minutes ago?"

"That’s none of your business, mutt. Keep walking."

Her response left me unsure of how to interpret her character. She seemed rough and guarded, yet I couldn’t shake the sense that there might be a softer side beneath that hard exterior. Deciding to push my luck just a bit, I continued talking about the drink.

"I find it incredibly exotic. I wonder what kind of spices you added to the cinnamon, the aroma is captivating."

This time, her irritation was unmistakable. She stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes narrowed with thinly veiled anger as she unsheathed one of her daggers, holding it at her side.

"This is my last warning, wolf, stay quiet, or you’ll regret it."

Realizing my initial approach had been off, I tried a different approach. "I think we got off on the wrong foot," I said, lowering my voice just enough to sound sincere. "And if I’m being honest, you’re probably the only person who could help me get my hands on such an exquisite drink. I mean, I really want to try it."

She stiffened, turning her head slightly as she responded in a tone loud enough for the guards behind us to hear. "I am a soldier, not your servant."

"Alright, I understand. There is no need to get upset."

The end of our walk leads to grand golden doors. Feeling daring, I decided to get close to her, just a couple of inches away from her back.

"Your secret is safe with me. And I still think you make a killer drink. I would like to try it sometime."

She paused after hearing my comment, then opened the golden doors, stepping aside.

"Remember what I said, mutt," she said, allowing me to enter the room.

"No worries, I'm a man of my word."

As I stepped into the room, I was immediately struck by the lavish elegance surrounding me. The decor was pure Victorian grandeur—rich velvet drapes, ornate chandeliers, and dim illumination, plunged the room with a haunting glow. The scent of aged wood and old leather mixed with the faintest hint of incense, depicted a lifestyle of opulence.

A man approached me, dressed impeccably in the attire of a butler, though his bearing and the discreet weapon at his side made it clear he was far more than just a servant. He inclined his head in greeting.

"Welcome, sir. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"

"I came to see the elder."

"Ah, yes, the wolf with no manners. Elder Elenore Scarlet will be with you shortly."

"Thank you."

He inclined his head with practiced elegance, gesturing toward the Victorian chairs and sofas arranged tastefully around the room. "You may take a seat, or if you prefer, remain standing. We also have bedded accommodations in the north corner of the room."

I felt confused at the mention of “bedded accommodations.” The phrase seemed almost too deliberate, like it was meant to remind me of my supposed status in their eyes as if the term were chosen specifically for an animal. Still, I maintained a polite nod, masking my reaction, and settled for an armchair near the center of the room.

Suddenly, the vampire elder makes her entrance into the room, accompanied by seven servants, each concealing their faces with a golden mask. Two of her attendants led the way—one holding an elegant umbrella and the other holding an ancient book in her hands. The remaining five trailed behind, each holding a ribbon adorned with intricate golden designs that connected to the elder’s corset.

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Her hat was unique, composed of rare feathers, their colors, and textures blending into an almost hypnotic arrangement. A thin, delicate veil covered her face, obscuring her features in shadows that only added to the mystery of her presence.

As she approached the Victorian sofa, her servants gracefully stepped back, allowing her to take her seat. One of her attendants carefully lifted the veil, revealing her piercing gold-colored irises that stared at me since she walked in the room. A captivating fragrance enveloped the room, bringing calm. I gently close my eyes, relishing the beauty of this scent that brings serenity to my mind.

"I must confess, since my arrival, your scent is by far the most intriguing I have encountered, and I find it incredibly calming," I said.

She smiled gracefully, extending her hand toward me in a regal gesture. Recognizing the custom, I understood this gesture was akin to receiving a royal blessing, a show of acknowledgment and respect. I took her hand gently, pressing a light kiss to the ornate ring on her finger, bowing my head in deference to her rank.

"I see, you have been well trained. Perhaps there is a future in Adams for you after all." Elenore said.

"I'm deeply grateful for your kind words, Milady."

"I also heard about the commotion you caused to secure this hearing. I trust you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with our customs, Mr. Reinhart. Here, we hold civility above all else. Any act of violence will be met with quick and severe consequences."

"Of course, Milady. I assure you; that I came here seeking understanding, not conflict. The incident was an unfortunate misunderstanding— Lady Elenore lifted her hand, interrupting me.

"I am well aware of your purpose here, Mr. Reinhart. Your rather unrefined methods to draw attention have not gone unnoticed. But let me remind you—our treaty with the former leader of your clan still stands. Your mother was an exemplary member of your kind, the only 'behaved' werewolf we allowed within these walls. Make no mistake, though—we will not tolerate any displays of violence once this hearing is concluded."

"I understand. Now that we are clear on my intentions, perhaps we can get down to business."

Lady Elenore smiled. "You sound so much like her… and yet, you have so much to learn."

With a subtle tug on one of the ribbons attached to her waist, she summoned a young servant forward. He approached her with practiced obedience, tilting his head to the side to expose his neck. Lady Elenore’s hand brushed against the servant's skin; her eyes remained on me as she bent to sink her fangs gently into his neck. Her eyes drifted closed as she drank, a few drops of blood staining the pristine white uniform of her servant.

The scent was unmistakable. Unlike any blood I had encountered before—this scent carried a faint sweetness, almost intoxicating, mixed with an unfamiliar chemical that was easily detected. The servant's blood was not ordinary; something else had been infused into it. And yet, the young servant showed no signs of pain or distress, standing still and calm as if accustomed to this ritual.

As Elenore finished feeding, one of her lead servants stepped forward with a silk cloth, which she used to wipe the remnants of blood from her lips. I remained calm and indifferent, fully aware that she likely performed the feeding act to observe my reaction.

With the servants assuming their positions, Elenore rose from her chair and prepared her entourage to leave the room.

"Your status within Adams society will be reinstated. Every werewolf in this town will fall under your responsibility, including the warring packs that currently threaten your existence. You will be addressed as the leader of the werewolf clan. But make no mistake—I have eyes in every corner of Adams... I see everything."

The elder glanced at me again before lowering the veil of her hat. "Arthur will handle your family's substantial debt to us. He will send a messenger with a new treaty and an account of your family’s accruals. However, there is one matter I need you to address immediately."

I stood from my chair, ready to attend to the elder's request. "Milady?"

"A vial of essence has been missing for over eighteen years. Rumor has it that the vial is hidden within your estate. I expect you to locate it and return it to me."

"I will spare no effort to retrieve the vial for you, milady."

"Excellent. We will meet again, Tobias. You were never away from our sight." Her cryptic words took me by surprise, as she turned around and walked away.

Arthur approached, his face carrying remorse. "Please allow me to escort you, sir. I apologize for my earlier… unwelcoming behavior. I will ensure all your paperwork and assets are gathered promptly, to meet your satisfaction."

I placed a hand on his shoulder, watching as Elenore disappeared through the doorway. "No need to be hard on yourself, Arthur. I am not your enemy."

With a nod, he opened the door, gesturing for me to leave the room. "I must humbly ask you to wait in the main hall, Mr. Reinhart."

"Of course."

After leaving the room, I found a quiet corner and settled down at a table alone, watching the bank’s main hall hum with activity as people went about their business. Minutes passed, and the hall grew busier, filling with a mix of patrons and staff.

Moments later, the woman in red reappeared, this time with a smile that was equally mischievous and inviting.

"Hey," she greeted me, setting a drink down in front of me.

I took the glass, instinctively sniffing it before drinking. My heightened senses scanned for any sign of tampering, but the delightful aroma confirmed it was the same unique scent I’d detected from her earlier—unadulterated and inviting.

"This will be our little secret," she whispered, leaning close, her fangs flashing in a playful grin.

I took a sip, letting the flavors settle on my tongue. "This is amazing. Are you this talented with everything else?"

She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You have a way of seeing right through me, don’t you?"

"You don’t have to put on a tough act with me. But I have to admit, I appreciate seeing that side of you when handling others. You're not just skilled—you're exceptionally talented. And, if I may say, incredibly beautiful."

As we spoke, my mind returned to my recent exchange with Elenore, layered in secrecy and riddled with hidden meanings. Her explicit request to retrieve the essence lost within my estate hinted at something shifting within the vampire ranks. If I wanted to succeed in Adams Town, I'd need an ally within their clan—and I had a strong feeling I might have found the perfect candidate.

"What's your name, puppy?"

"Tobias, Tobias Reinhart."

"I'm Dahlia Frankfort, head of security of the Scarlet Clan."

"And I'm just a werewolf, with a white patch of hair on my head."

Dahlia laughed. "I think the white hair makes you look sophisticated. A man of many mysteries."

"Your drink is truly exceptional; I must admit, I've never tasted anything like this before. My compliments to the chef." I said.

"Don't get it over your head. Remember, you're still in Vampire territory."

"Well, I want to extend an invitation to you, Dahlia."

"Invitation?"

"To my house. Tonight." I watched her reaction carefully, hoping she’d take the bait. If Elenore was desperate to recover the mysterious vial hidden in my estate, Dahlia might be my best lead on why.

Her eyes narrowed as she leaned in. "You must be crazy if you think I'll fall for such a lame invitation," She whispered.

"Just to clarify... I've secured a new treaty with Lady Elenore. Your presence at my house would be strictly business—representation, nothing more."

After a brief moment of silence, she rose from her seat, picked up the empty glass, and briskly departed. "Not going to happen."

Despite her firm refusal, I couldn’t shake the strange attraction I felt toward her. Perhaps it was the allure of her vampire nature, or maybe something else entirely, but I found myself looking forward to the prospect of spending more time with her, regardless of how improbable that seemed to be.