The Price of Loyalty

The fireplace and candles flared up again and the flames were blue this time. As cold flames were flickering and shadows were dancing along the walls of the grand study, Ru's gaze locked on the imposing figure sitting at the desk. Dekaris Zharqasti, the vampire lord, stayed still for a moment, his red eyes glowing faintly under the brim of his tall hat. The air in the room thickened, as though the mansion was holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.

Dekaris was unlike anyone Ru had ever seen, the girl in the painting being an exception. His presence was palpable, a blend of ancient authority and quiet menace. Though obscured by the dim light, his features exuded a timeless elegance, sharp and aristocratic aura. His pale fingers, adorned with rings, rested lightly on the arm of the chair as if he could command the very air to bend to his will with the slightest motion.

"Lirui Xiaolian," Dekaris finally spoke up. His voice was deep and smooth, like a baritone that resonated throughout the room. "You've entered my domain, and now, there are a few things we should talk about."

Ru straightened up, the attempt at nonchalance faltering as the weight of the situation settled in. "I thought I was just here for a chat," he said, trying to lighten the tension. But Dekaris's unreadable expression made it clear there was no room for jokes.

The vampire lord reached into his coat and produced a long, rolled parchment. As he placed it on the desk and unfurled it with a flick of his wrist, Ru could see an intricate seal at the bottom—a blood-red wax emblem imprinted with an ornate 'Z.'

"This is a contract," Dekaris said, his crimson eyes boring into Ru. "A contract unlike any other you've encountered. It binds you to a game, but not just any game. This is one where players lose more than they could ever hope to gain."

Ru swallowed, the air growing colder as the vampire lord's words echoed. He leaned forward and attempted to see the lord's face. "I have a general understanding of the nature of the show. However, your circumstances have given me concern," he said, calm but cautious. And without waiting for the lord to respond, he asked a vital question, "Have you had a chance to reach all of the special people to whom you have sent invitations to join the game?"

"I'm offering you a contract, I'm not interviewing you, Lirui," Lord Dekaris Zharqasti said, his voice so cool that the room began to freeze.

Although Ru was trying to maintain his composure, his body was like a block of ice. "I should I need to appear resilient, regardless of the circumstances," he reflected.

"So you're willing to risk everything for your friends," Lord Zharqasti said, resting his elbows on the desk and interlocking his fingers.

Ru felt uncomfortable having his thoughts read, but he restrained himself and nodded.

<Then I propose to you an unsigned, secret agreement. This agreement will be independent and bind only the two of us,> Lord Dekaris Zharqasti said without moving his lips.

Ru responded to telepathy with telepathy and merely pondered his words. <I want to know what you want from me for the lives of my friends.>

<Your blood,> Lord Zharqasti said solemnly.

"Where would you like to bite?" Ru asked mockingly.

Lord Dekaris Zharqasti vanished right before Ru's eyes.

Ru immediately looked back, startled. But Dekaris wasn't there. Instead, he appeared in the chair in front of Ru.

Dekaris tapped the ground with the tip of his cane. And he pointed to the coffee table with his hand.

There, on a purple velvet pillow, were a dagger and a crystal bottle so well crafted that they could be considered works of art.

<Vaelan and Clockmaker in exchange for my sister. I'm optimistic we can find a peaceful solution to this situation.> Dekaris said without speaking again.

Ru's heart raced at the sudden appearance of Dekaris so close to him. The vampire lord's movements were swift, and his presence felt even more overwhelming up close. Ru's eyes darted to the ornate dagger and crystal bottle, gleaming on the velvet pillow.

Dekaris remained calm, his red eyes glowing softly as he gestured toward the items. <The choice is yours, Lirui Xiaolian. Your blood for the safety of your friends—an exchange as old as time itself.>

Ru's gaze flickered to the vampire lord, then back to the dagger. He knew the stakes were far higher than anything he had anticipated. This wasn't just about a game. It was about life and death, loyalty, and sacrifice.

And then, Ru decided to make a sound, hoping someone would hear. "You talk about Vaelan and Clockmaker as if they were pawns in this game," he said, his voice steady but laced with a cautious edge. "What guarantee do I have that this deal will protect them?"

Dekaris's smile was sharp, a flash of amusement crossing his face. "I do not deal in broken promises, Lirui. My word is as binding as this contract." He tapped the parchment still resting on the desk. "But do not mistake my generosity for weakness. You know what I am capable of."

The flames flared higher, casting long, eerie shadows around the room. Ru felt the weight of his decision bearing down on him. The dagger glinted in the flickering light, a tangible reminder of the price that would be paid.

"And what happens to me?" Ru asked, his hand hovering near the crystal bottle. "What does it mean to give you my blood?"

Dekaris leaned back, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. <Your blood is the currency of this exchange. It will grant me something I seek—something you hold deep within. But don't be fooled. This is not a mere donation. It will bind you to me in a way no contract can. A bond that will last far beyond this game.>

Ru said, "I have to admit, I'm a little nervous," as he swallowed hard.

After a long silence, Ru took a deep breath. He reached out and picked up the dagger, the cold metal scratching his skin. "Fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll play your game. But if you betray me, I'll make sure it's the last game you ever play."

Dekaris's smile returned, wider this time. "I wouldn't dream of it, Lirui. Welcome to the true depths of the game."

"Whatever," Ru replied, his tone cold as he grabbed the dagger. He was done with the conversation. His hand gripped the ornate hilt tightly. His eyes flicked toward Dekaris, who seemed to subtly adjust his posture, his lips curling slightly as if suppressing the urge to reveal his sharp fangs.

Having already made up his mind, Ru didn't care. As the dagger's blade neared his wrist, something flickered in the corner of the room. It wasn’t the usual play of shadows from the cold flames. It was different—more defined, more alive.

He glanced over.

There, in the corner, was the outline of a man. The figure stood with an umbrella in one hand, his long hair flowing in the wind. His posture was regal, his silhouette draped in the delicate folds of a hanfu, the traditional garment catching the faint light of the room. His presence seemed to have been brought here from a forgotten time. He was like a Chinese prince or something.

Was he waving his index finger? Or perhaps... beckoning?