Goodbye seño
ita. Time is short and you must listen to me. "
Ancha's warm breath stung my ears and I shivered. We sat on my cot and I found her gestures distracting.
"We finally have the chance to force you to escape. Unfortunately, it will only be tomorrow. Is there anything you can do to justify our help? Please, my mistress wants to help you, but there is nothing she can do."
"Would a list of the Lancastrian properties, contracts and associates do the trick? It's very comprehensive." "
Ancha's eyes widened in surprise.
"Did you really collect that much?"
"indeed."
"You're a prisoner, though. Did you put it somewhere safe?"
"Yes, I'll give it to you, but I have to ask," I added cautiously, "What's stopping you from taking the papers and leaving?"
“Seño
ita ariana, you know my mistress. Do you really think she would do such a shameful thing?"
"I don't think so."
"You can ask me again after dinner to avoid any questions."
"Am I not competing with your mistress for influence over you?"
Ancha smiled slightly and shook his head.
"Please, let's do this. Everything will be clear."
I hugged the shorter woman and she obeyed, exposing her throat. Undamaged skin greeted me and the offering was too tempting. I flicked my tongue and she shuddered and.
Well, that was so naughty and now I feel a little uncomfortable.
"Please...please!" she urged me to go on.
Am I being harassed? Bah, come on, let me eat and stop thinking about this!
As I stood in the shelter, I realized something incredible. The relationship I had with that little woman was something we started a few months ago. This means Jime
a has not touched her companions in a long time! This also explains why she can find me without being recognized as someone from another tribe. There was no trace of any other vampire on her body except me, the poor vampire.
I can only commend the squire for his restraint and his servant's fidelity. It also meant that she was ready to infiltrate the Lancastrians before I even joined them. My vampire friend is a woman of honor. I believe this separation cost them dearly.
I should have pulled away long ago. The experience was too personal for my comfort. Antza's rosy cheeks and the smell of her arousal are enough to convince me that she and Jimena might have a sapphic relationship. Oh dear.
"Ask me again."
"Well, are you and Jimena going to save me?"
"Yeah, you're free tomorrow night. We have a plan. They'll think you're dead and won't chase you."
"May I ask, what is the plan?"
"Well, I wanted to tell you, but Ximena said that wouldn't work."
I wanted to ask her more questions, but Harold's footsteps stopped me. I quickly wrote her some directions to one of my hideouts. Time is not important. I've been waiting for six months. I can wait another night. I can almost feel it. I am Ariana, I am mine, I will survive, and tomorrow, I will go home and be free.
I followed Harold through the maze, wearing an outfit reminiscent of something Melusin had worn during our very brief sparring session. The warden looked back at me every five seconds, frowning at my bare arms. This vampire has no shackles! I can only assume that wherever we go, I will never appear as a slave.
Harold fully expected me to escape. I had sized him up, and I had no faith at all that I could escape him, so I was patient. I will not jeopardize Ximena's plans with a rash plan.
After a while I climbed into a carriage and sat down as it drove away. Mrs. Moore sat opposite me, dressed in her best white gown. She stared at me appraisingly. I felt measured, valued, and judged.
"Good evening, Ariana."
I bowed slightly to acknowledge his courtesy. Vampire society is ruthless but polite. Etiquette and rules seemed more important when everyone could remove thorns from the body with their bare hands.
"Hello Mrs. Moore."
"It seems I wrongly blamed you. After all, Baudouin's assessment was basically correct."
My eyes widened in shock. That sounds like a compliment and an apology! Or, at least, as far as this arrogant fool can.
They must be desperate.
"Which brings us to tonight. Clan Aikon issued a formal challenge, witnessed by Clan Roland."
"Challenge, ma'am?"
"The slave trade is heating up, and the jackals want a piece of it. There's nothing to worry about."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"As the offended party, we can choose the form of a duel. What do you know about conflicts between vampires?"
"nothing."
"I understand. I would have liked Melusi
e will teach... bah, it doesn't matter. There are several forms of formal resolutions. I'm sure Kuaku is willing to duel with me, but I don't want to get my hands dirty by taking a knife against that barbarian. "
I highly doubt "that savage" would give her the proper spanking she deserved.
"So we will rely on the champion. According to the regulations, it cannot be a member of our House. In this desolate place, that means an expensive mercenary or duelist. You have killed Melusine's contender so you You are our best candidate. If you win, I will officially make you Baudoin's right-hand man."
Desperate indeed! Oh, but I couldn't act too eager in case she got suspicious.
"If I accept it, I would like the right to have weapons and a decent bedroom."
"Yes, indeed it is. You will get Caitlin's spare room. She died in the raid on the fortress. You will also be paid handsomely and be allowed to carry a knife, and before you ask, no, I can't let A man representing my tribe is walking around with a musket. Women can’t carry muskets around town! Let it be!”
She knows me very well. When I realized that "Musket" is "Fi" in Akkadian
e staff”, I thought it was funny.
"Madam, it's a deal."
"Great! Now, as the offended party, you have the freedom to choose your weapon."
I let Maul half-talk me about strategy. Now that the braces are off, I feel dizzy.
Soon we stopped in front of an abandoned theater with an exterior wall made of pit-like stones. I walked in, accompanied by Harold, to an ornate entrance made of yellow stone and red curtains. Two curved staircases lead to a circular gallery, while a set of doors stands before us. The corridors were wide open and bathed in shadow. Beneath the decayed exterior, everything here is spotless. Without saying a word, Harold led me to a narrow passage, while Moore strutted forward proudly. I followed him through the twisting alleys, barely lighting a candle.
Freedom is so close that I can taste it.
Harold opened several doors and golden torches illuminated the renovated opera house. The cabin is intact, but the ground has been completely replaced by a sand arena. This must be where bloody games are held in the winter.
I could sense that there were quite a few vampires among the tribunes, as well as a handful of mortals. There was a small group of people ahead.
The silence was eerie.
Mrs. Moore and Lambert stood on one side, and Naminata and Lord Kuaku, whom I knew, stood on the other. The twin brothers, who had been Gaspard's men at the fortress, were now in the middle. I met my Savior's eyes, which were lowered in sorrow.
Well?
I expected her to be more naughty.
"I present to you our champion, Ariana of Clan Nirari."
A frowning Kouakou retorted: "There is no Nilali clan."
"No affiliation then, but that's okay," Mrs. Moore said with a proud smile.
One of the twins raised his hand and both were silent. Both men are men with light brown hair, brown eyes and tan skin. They were short and muscular, and I would associate them with dancers. They wore identical beige suits, and the overall effect was decidedly monochromatic.
"Lancaster is right, Lord Kuaku. When you both agree, there are no restrictions on the choice of champion. It is perfectly acceptable to borrow someone else's vampire to attend a wedding."
I was petrified. Oh dear. finally, I understand. I was immersed in the longing for freedom and ignored Ancha's drunken words. "They'll think you're dead," she said.
Oh no.
This will be the most painful.
"With these auspicious words, let me introduce to you my representative: Squire Jimena of the Clan of Cadiz."
I heard the Moor draw a sharp breath. She clearly didn't see this coming.
"When did you become a Cadiz slave, Cuacu!" I thought -!"
"You thought our dispute over the sugar cane farm was unresolved, yes, I know."
Mrs. Moore fell silent, and I took the opportunity to stare at Ximena as she approached. I thought I looked good in that weird battle suit, but she dwarfed me. She looked regal in a fitted leather vest. Her forearms were adorned with delicate metal bracelets, and her hand rested on the hilt of a beautifully crafted sword.
"Both warriors are approved. Both parties may regain their seats."
Everyone else retreated, leaving me and the twins alone with my opponent. Ximena's face is a frozen mask.
The second twin turned to me:
"Ariana, as the offended party, the choice of weapon is yours."
"please allow me……"
We all turned to Ximena.
"Young man, I advise you to choose a sword. There is no need to make matters worse."
Why are they so serious?
"I'm afraid she's right, young man."
"Very well, I choose the sword."
One of the twins left, and soon returned with an identical dueling blade, made of silver and unadorned. I choose one and Jimena chooses the other.
"This is a duel to the death. You can begin as soon as the door closes."
Wait, what? To death!?
The twins walked away slowly.
"Don't let your situation discourage you, young Ariana. Kill me if you can."
Then, after the referee left, the door closed.
Oh dear.
I believe she had a plan, and she knew I was using the sword to the best of my ability.
"Fight me, Ariana."
very good.
I moved, trying to slap her sword aside and lean forward to stab her, but she just lowered the sword and then swept it back, blocking my blow. I walked further and further away.
Every attack was deflected, every feint ignored until I turned it into a real attack, and then it was blocked. I lunged at Jimena like an enraged mantis, but she stayed away. Sometimes she argued back, but her movements were transparent and I had no trouble sidestepping.
I accelerated to the limits of my strength and the hunger had returned to strength. I want to catch her, I want to catch her. I tried to kick her. I attack her arms and legs. Nothing works.
The battle lasted longer than the battle with the werewolf. I had completed no less than five quick sequences and was approaching my limit when something strange happened.
My head shook and I stumbled. My brain exploded like a soap bubble. All desire to fight was gone, and so was the strength. My arm fell, the blade rolling on the floor.
"Um?"
What happened? I was trying to think through the thick cotton walls.
ah.
There is a knife in my heart. Thick blood flowed freely to my feet. There are too many.
Ximena walked towards me, sadness evident on her face.
Is this the end?
Any plans? No?
Her claws reached for my throat.
No?
With a ripping sound, she ripped something off, and my vision darkened to polite applause.
Night reigns absolutely in the thorn forest. Vines as thick as my legs twisted and crossed from all sides. Their bodies are covered with huge spines that can pierce the skull.
The weather is getting cold.
As I walked, the vegetation moved aside to let me pass. Even though I knew my skin should be torn to shreds by the contact, I got the briefest of caresses. This is not enough to give me courage.
It's getting colder. I hugged myself to avoid the cold air, but to no avail. I should go home, but I don't know the way. I'm lost. Dad must be worried. Maybe he's already looking for me.
Stars, if I see stars, then I will at least know where north is!
As if by magic, I was immediately on a piece of land that had been filled in. There were stars in the sky, but they were so blurry that I couldn't make out the constellations. I know something is missing in my heart, but what?
Ah, yes, I know. Of course, silly me, there will always be silent observers!
The veil was lifted, and the ominous orb stared at me in unknowable tranquility. Somehow, its presence feels even more poignant today.
My heart felt like it was being thrown to the other side of the earth. The shock was enough to shake me out of my trance.
I was stunned. What just happened? But wait, no more time to waste. I'm dying. This is not the false death of our sleep, but the real ending from which no one can come back. I need to move, to fight. I stood up and ran to the cabin. I don't need to see it to know where it is. After all, we exist within my soul.
A gust of cold wind whistled behind me. The forest twisted and shook, trying to stop it, but to no avail. I have to drive faster. Suddenly, an alluring fragrance hit my nose: the strongest one was blood.
It smells so good. I ran faster. I need it. This kind of vitality, this kind of life, I must make it my own. Simply irresistible.
I finally reached the cabin and burst through the door.
I woke up gasping and coughing badly.
woke up. thirsty. People get hurt.
It was an incredible pleasure in my mouth and throat. tasty. So intense. not enough. The prey in front was chained and whimpering. I caught my prey. I drank deeply. A hurried life. No happiness, too painful.
It's dead.
I took a deep breath and coughed. Drops of blood splattered on the bound body in front of me and on my shoes. The front of the battle suit is entirely red. The hole in my chest has closed, I understand.
Ximena barely broke my heart; even then, the loss was huge. I understood the look on Gaspard's face when he died. I haven't felt so helpless since the night I met him.
My throat still hurts. I coughed again, trying to clear my airways. More crimson liquid dripped from my lips.
Let me take stock. I was in a wooden shed with nothing but the body of the tied man, a backpack, and an oiled envelope. I approached the bag and noticed a sheathed silver knife. Uninvited, a smile came to my lips. She succeeded, Ximena succeeded! I am free!
"ah!"
Someone was screaming outside just now. It seems that I am not completely free yet.
I walked to the door silently and looked out through the keyhole. I was in a yard and there were two people in the yard. The first is Antza and the second is Charlotte. Cow woman holds servant's hand. Two fingers have been bent at an unnatural angle.
Curse, what should I do? If I get out, I might be discovered and it will all be for nothing, assuming I survive, yet it feels wrong not to intervene. I am grateful to Jimena and Ancha. I'm not stupid enough to think we got a fair deal. They went to great lengths to make sure I escaped.
Ancha was begging now. She could be killed. Curse it all. This cannot be tolerated. If I let this happen, I would never be able to face my friends.
I have to take the risk.
I opened the door and the hinges squeaked like a stuck pig. So much for caution.
Charlotte turned her pig face towards me and burst out with triumph.
"Ha, I knew it! Do you think you can be smarter than old Charlotte? You won't escape our service so easily. Wait until Madam finds out, and you will be punished! In return for our gratitude—"
"So Madam doesn't know yet?" I said in a hoarse voice.
"No, but we'll soon—"
"So, you are the only one who knows about this conspiracy?" I smiled, showing my fangs. I was comforted by the blood pouring down my throat and the man following me, but the repaired damage paralyzed me. I feel awake, strong, and happy. I was free, and now Charlotte came to me and no one knew? That was the icing on the cake.
I watched anger and pride turn to hesitation, then to fear. Yes, now realize your predicament you brainless cold ham excuse.
"You-you don't dare."
I came closer, slowly, and she didn't panic. I don't want to chase her.
I stopped within arm's reach.
"I came so close to escaping, you fat pig. All you have between me and freedom is your tongue, so I ask you: why not?"
She turned and ran away, and I moved too. The silver knife slid between her ribs, and I put my hands on her neck, burying her ugly face in the dirt. She is so retarded and pathetic. Your opponent is so close, but your back is turned to them? This is tantamount to suicide.
I adjusted the grip and took the blade out. She cried briefly, and I took advantage of her distraction to plunge the knife into her heart.
Her struggle began immediately. As I pulled her neck up, I heard a whimper.
"Between life and death, you're always at the bottom, boy"
I drank her dry. As I stood up, a faint blue light began to engulf her lifeless body. I felt like I was watching a log split.
Even her taste is disappointing. Really, it's a waste of essence from start to finish. oh.
I turned to Ancha. She walked away from the fight and was now holding her injured hand. She was pale but determined.
"Ai
tza--"
"You have to leave Ariana or you're putting us all at risk."
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yes, don't worry, this isn't the first time I've hatched a plan for Jimena."
"She seems to be too honest for her own good."
"There isn't a crooked bone in her body," she added with a warm smile and dreamy eyes. She loves her. If I had any doubts before, I have none now. Even though our latest bite created a bond, Jimena remains the most precious person in the world to this petite woman. I felt jealous, but I quickly suppressed it. I don't need it. I don't want it.
"Then I'm going to take my leave. Thank you, thank you both, for everything you've done."
"Good luck to you, Ms. Ariana. Read this letter carefully, it contains everything you need to know."
I nodded and rushed into the night. After six months of slavery, I was finally free.
I did it. Now, I'm going home.
