17 Everything for a price

Shifting restlessly in my sleep, I could faintly feel a presence watching me. I would often jerk awake in the middle of the night, drenched with sweat. This was the not the first time it had happened. As of now, I had been living in this fort for 2 weeks. Life hadn't been quite as comfortable as one would imagine.

Ephyl was always watching me, I could feel his gaze growing closer by the day. Whether that was on the order of the Nosferat, or the guy straight up had a few screws loose. I couldn't tell.

Today was quite similar in that regard. My body jerked awake, feeling a faint shiver near my neck.

I peeped in my room, still half asleep., and staring back at me, were two eyes, drizzled with a red hue. My heart almost plummeted into my chest as I heard his voice.

"Young master. Please wake up, you have a visitor" Ephyl whispered

Goddamn, this guy had no sense of timing. I faintly glanced outside the window. Moonlight shimmered on the glass, painting it in a silver tint. About 1 am in the morning?

Who the hell was visiting right now? But he mentioned visiting me specifically? My mind ran through a few possibilities, but settled on Dalton. It must be.

"Why didn't you just wake me up normally" I grieved, my nightmares were probably stemming from his stalker habits, though I suppose it was quite the norm for a vampire.

"Pardon me, but this is how I've always woken up the master" he replied, still staring into my eyes.

Well no shit. Nosferat was a vampire who probably slept in a coffin.... How the hell was that similar to a bed? But I wasn't in the mood for an argument this early. I simply let it go.

"Fine, whatever. Who's visiting?"

"I am not aware particularly, but it is a messenger sent towards you. He will be here shortly, I suppose you must be presentable", his eyes not looking away even for a split second.

Heeding his words, partially because I wanted him to leave, I got up and changed into a new set of clothes. One's he considered "presentable".

I must admit, vampires were quite nitpicky in this regard. I have never had to dress myself this carefully, or this frequently. They really regarded their appearance as part of integrity. Well, if you really were 100's of years old. I think you would be obsessed with the small details too.

Once ready, I made my way to a guest room that Ephyl had prepared, for this supposed meeting. He was quite particular about this etiquette.

Loitering around the room, I tried to recount all the things I had accomplished in these few weeks. I must say, it wasn't as productive as I expected.

First of all, the huge library in the fort barely had any books I could use. This was a big heartbreak, and when I complained to Nosferat, that old bat just told me that it was lunacy to expect a vampire to collect books about wizard magic.

In hindsight, he was right. But I wasn't really happy about that either.

Secondly, these last few days, I realized I was scammed. Since it wasn't Dalton's hideout, that bastard would never frequent this place. Hence, all his agreements were summed up to be horseshit.

I probably should have realized, because he agreed way too easily.....

I emerged from these thoughts when I heard two pair of footsteps walking towards the door. Ushering the man in, Ephyl closed the door and the three of us stood greeting each other.

The man in particular, was an associate of Dalton's, Ivan. I did remember him faintly..

"Greetings, Zack. I must apologize, we haven't stayed in contact. Things are still quite hectic, but the boss has sent me here to relay a few messages.." He stated.

Noticing that Ephyl continued to linger in the room, I could tell Ivan wasn't being completely open with me. Perhaps, he wanted to hide something.

Ivan took out a small letter from his coat pocket, and handed it to the butler.

"By the authority of your guardian. Taking into account your talent in magical studies, I have hereby been appointed as your official teacher. Starting today." A certain look in his eyes told me this wasn't the whole story.

I played along, as Ephyl read the letter and then proceeded to nod as his response.

"Very well then, I shall inform the master of your temporary stay here" He replied, still hanging by the door.

"I don't suppose you plan to intrude on our lessons? My knowledge is confidential, I hope.... you understand." Ivan narrowed his eyes and looked towards Ephyl. Both men refusing to act along.

In the end, Ephyl acted to remove himself from the room, scattering away into a bloody mist.

Shortly after he was gone, Ivan pulled out his wand and a slight glow erupted, a faint screen covered the perimeter of the room. I could guess this was a privacy ward of some extent.

"You're not really here to teach me are you." I questioned. Suspicious of this whole process.

"Quick to catch on, but not completely accurate." He gave a sly smirk and continued explaining.

"The boss considered it pivotal to warn you in advance of a few things... Unfortunately, some spontaneous events prevented us from reaching out. I hope you understand."

He spoke in vague terms, I could only guess he wished to elude me and not pass on any information. But I was still interested in the supposed warnings I should have received in "advance".

"You must be painfully aware about the reality of your, extended family. The count will offer you many... opportunities, it is up to your judgement on whether you should accept. However, keep in mind, things are not as apparent as they seem. Words can have many meanings, the things we consider obvious, can often be devilishly shrewd. " He had a mocking smile as he narrated these words.

Seemingly taunting me, but also drawing my attention at the same time. I was hooked onto his words.

"That's all?" I asked impatiently.

"Of course not, its just that I don't feel like elaborating further. Although I was also asked to teach you magic, but again I really don't feel like it. We'll leave it at that, now that I've transferred the message, I've done my part." He teased.

Isn't that just being lazy? Why do I always have to deal with mentally impaired adults. To be fair, they were all involved in shady shit and had twisted personalities. So it was really in line with what I expected.

However, if he really didn't feel like it.... I narrowed my eyes.

Then he shouldn't have mentioned anything to begin with. I could possibly try to convince him as Dalton's words were mentioned quite clearly in the letter, since Ephyl had also read it, it was likely real.

"Are you sure Dalton would be ok with you not doing your job." I asked.

Ivan held back a laugh as his wand twirled around his fingers.

"You don't need to worry. You see these hands are quite capable when it comes to minds. I assure you, when I erase your memory. You won't feel a thing." He had a sickening smirk stitched onto his face.

I wasn't quite expecting a threat, but that did convince me.....This guy wanted something. Otherwise, why even tell me about the real orders? He could have just pretended it was an excuse.

"What do you want?"

"Ah, quick to catch on once again. You see, I don't feel like it. But.... everything for a price."

"I took a substantial risk, setting foot on the străvechi's land. I don't suppose you understand how dangerous the Count really is. I feel like I am entitled to some.... compensation." He threw his hands to the side and shrugged.

Throwing a tantrum? This guy really was like a fox, switching moods in a fraction of a second.

"Of course, it doesn't have to be anything materialistic. Anything you can offer, I can barter for it."

Anything I can offer? This was possibly a test, from him to me. Otherwise, I really didn't believe anyone in Romania had the balls to cross Dalton, even in private.

I thought about the things I held, that I considered to be valuable. Knowledge? Impossible, Ivan knew more than me. He'd been working with a secret society for god knows how long. I would barely scratch the surface compared to him.

Contemplating a few other attributes, I finally settled on potential.

Naturally, right now I held potential. Unknown potential, but potential nonetheless. Whether it was Nosferat, Dalton, Sophie or even myself. Everyone held certain expectations. Ivan's question was rudimentary, but also vexing.

What did I consider valuable? What could I offer right now. To gain what I wanted, what could I give in return?

The road ahead, diverged into many paths. I could take either route, and possibly reach an end goal. It all depended on what I wanted to do.

To be so caught up in external variables, and forget your own unique trait...It was a rookie mistake. However, through this test, I had regained my composure. Dalton really was a cunning son of a bitch.

Sending this guy here, he gave me exactly what I wanted. But not for free. I had to show my value.

"I will do you a favor, in the future. I am sure you won't mind. I guarantee, with my potential, you won't be regretting this decision." I smirked.

Ivan was awestruck by my response.

"That is certainly one way to answer. I accept. However, I reckon you would not want to start now. Perhaps, its best if you catch up on your sleep. We can continue tomorrow." He responded, still gauging my reaction.

"That's alright with me." I nodded, and turned away to the door.

Just before I left the room, I wanted to fuck with Ivan a bit.

"You said everything for a price.....Would you really betray him for a price?" My words sending the room into a chilling silence.

I waited for his reply, as he stared intently towards me.

A meaningful silence later,

"Of course...Everything for a price. But you misunderstand. The price for betraying him....is death" Ivan replied, casting a telling smile on his face.

I could only leer in response as I left, astonished by his own devotion, knowing that he meant every word he spoke.

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A/N: I tried a bit of an interesting chapter. Hope you liked it!