Morning sunlight poured through the windows like golden silk. I stood in its embrace, completely unclothed, letting its warmth kiss my pale, flawless skin. A glass of blood wine rested lightly in my hand, its crimson hue catching the light like a ruby.
Behind me, Liza joined without a word. She, too, wore nothing, her body equally exposed and unapologetic. She stood beside me, quiet and serene, as we took in the view together.
We shared the wine—one glass between us, one life between us.
Liza was now my servant, my lover, and my warrior. The first of what I hoped would be many. A daywalker like myself, loyal not only in blood but in soul.
I no longer mourned my lost male body. What use was lament when I had beauty, strength, and women like Liza at my side?
"Time to get ready," I murmured.
After a long bath scented with roses and lavender, I dressed in one of my most exquisite gowns—deep crimson silk with gold embroidery. For Liza, I chose a simpler piece from my collection, but still refined and elegant. She wore it well, her figure radiant, her long black hair brushed to a lustrous shine.
She was mine now—marked not only by her slightly longer fangs, but by her refined aura. She would turn heads, and I intended for her to do just that.
A noble girl next? I wondered, glancing at Liza with quiet satisfaction. Yes... perhaps.
---
Later That Afternoon – The Meeting
In my private office, sunlight now mellow, I sat with Kane, reviewing documents. The ever-reliable warrior-administrator stood straight-backed by my desk, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed.
"Kane," I said, folding one leg over the other. "Summon the blacksmith again. I have a special project in mind. Also… have him craft one Mitrisil dagger."
"Understood, my lady," he said with a bow. "I'll send word immediately."
Just then, a servant entered with an announcement.
"The Town Lord of Limere has come seeking your counsel."
---
The Visitor
We met in the smaller receiving room. Marceli, the Town Lord of Limere, entered with a grim expression. A man in his forties, usually composed—today, he looked shaken. His young assistant, a female clerk, stood quietly behind him.
I took my place at the head of the table, Kane at my side. Tania served tea and a tray of delicate biscuits. The scent of orange blossom filled the air, though tension weighed it down.
"What troubles you, Marceli?" I asked, voice calm but firm.
He bowed slightly. "My lady… terrible events have occurred in Limere."
My gaze sharpened.
"Several bodies have been discovered—young women, all drained of blood. Each with clear puncture marks at the neck."
I didn't need him to say it.
Vampires. Daring to feed in my territory? How bold.
Kane narrowed his eyes. "Did you employ Hunter Mages to investigate?"
Marceli nodded. "We did. But it's been two weeks, and they haven't found anything. The culprit remains free."
I sighed softly.
Human hunters… chasing a predator in the dark.
"Tell the Hunter Mages to stand down," I said. "Pay them their fee. But the matter is now mine to handle."
Marceli looked baffled. "But… how will you—?"
"That's not your concern. Give me a full map of Limere and mark every site where bodies were found."
He complied without further question. His assistant handed over a detailed map, annotated with careful markings.
Soon after, the pair took their leave, bowing respectfully.
---
The Analysis
Back in my office, I settled on the couch, legs tucked beneath me. Liza sat beside me, petting a small grey cat now curled in her lap. Kane continued scribbling notes at my desk.
"Where did you get that cat?" I asked, amused.
Liza smiled. "Found her wandering the garden."
She held the feline up. "She has fangs like mine. See?"
She bared her own with a grin, and the cat yawned—indeed, showing two sharp little teeth.
Kane coughed lightly, clearly still adjusting to the idea of two vampires in the estate.
"Kane," I said with a playful smirk, "do you think I'm evil?"
He avoided eye contact. "I believe… you have your reasons."
Indeed, I do. The most noble of reasons… to build the finest harem this world has ever known.
"Liza," I turned to her, my tone serious. "We don't go around announcing that we're daywalkers. Understood?"
She lowered her head slightly. "Yes, my lady. I apologize."
I softened. "Just be careful next time."
"Yes, my lady!" she replied brightly.
Then I returned my gaze to the map on the table. I sipped my blood wine, fingers tapping thoughtfully on the parchment.
"Most victims were young women... beautiful, and found naked."
Too many cases. Too quickly. Too precise.
A brute would have needed help—carriages, accomplices... too many moving parts. This? This was elegant.
"He charmed them," I murmured. "He lured them willingly. A silver tongue and a handsome face. He hunts in the evening, when the light is softer... blends in."
Liza tilted her head. "A male vampire?"
I nodded. "A cunning one. Likely wears sunblock cream and sun-filtering glasses. Hides in plain sight."
I leaned back against the couch, crossing my arms.
"But vampires have keen senses. He'll smell us coming just as we'll smell him."
A slow smile curled on my lips.
"Still... I have a plan."