"That could be dangerous," Honey warned. "If she realizes you suspect her..."
"Danger's my business, love," Vlad winked. "Besides, she already tried to lure me on a tour of Cauldron Falls defensive locations.' Subtle as a sledgehammer, that one."
"You need backup," Roam insisted. "She's already killed once."
"No offense, mate, but you're too recognizable. Town's Chief Inspector shadows me, she'll spot it immediately." Vlad patted his equipment bag. "I've survived three encounters with Ronald himself. I can handle one desperate realtor."
Roam looked unconvinced but nodded reluctantly. "Be careful. She's more dangerous than she appears."
"Aren't they all?" Vlad chuckled, readjusting his hat. "Now, I need to go inspect your town's defenses with a certain vampire sympathizing murder. When the blood moon crests. That's when Ronald will make his move."
He pulled out a worn pocket watch and checked the time. "Not much time to prepare, but I've worked with less."
As Vlad left, Maisie turned to Honey. "I like him," she said with a small smile. "He's ridiculous but... I don't know, there's something comforting about that. Like he's not afraid of the monsters."
Honey was struck by how much more relaxed her sister seemed. The constant vigilance and tension that had characterized her since her arrival were still present, but noticeably diminished. She was sitting normally now, not pressed against a wall or perched on the edge of her seat, ready to flee.
"How are you feeling?" Honey asked gently. "That serum seems to be helping."
"I feel... clearer," Maisie said, sounding surprised. "Like I can think without everything being shrouded in fog. And I'm remembering more --- not just the bad parts, but before. Running with you when we were kids."
"I remember too," Honey whispered. "That night in the forest, when we were separated..."
"We'll have time for those memories later," Roam interrupted gently. "Right now, we need to focus on keeping everyone safe through tonight."
Maisie nodded, her expression becoming more determined than fearful. "I want to help. I spent years being their prisoner. I want to be part of stopping them."
Bartie fluttered his wings approvingly. "Now that's more like it! From victim to vampire hunter --- quite the character arc."
Maisie laughed --- a genuine sound that made Honey's heart lift. "I don't know about hunting, but I could definitely help identify Ronald's weaknesses. His vanity is at the top of the list."
Cliff-Hanger Special
The path to the falls narrowed precariously as Tandy led Vlad along the cliff edge. Late afternoon shadows stretched across the rocky terrain, the approaching blood moon already influencing the quality of light. Below them, jagged rocks waited in silent menace.
"The falls themselves are just beyond this ridge," Tandy explained, gesturing ahead with elaborate tour-guide enthusiasm. "But first, I've prepared a special viewing area. Just through these trees."
She guided him off the main path toward a small clearing that offered a partial view of the falls. Vlad followed, his hand casually resting near one of the many tools on his belt. His eyes never stopped scanning---the path, the surroundings, and Tandy's increasingly suspicious behavior.
"Here we are!" Tandy announced cheerfully. "The perfect spot for professional vampire hunters to appreciate natural wonders!"
As Vlad stepped into the clearing, his boot struck a nearly invisible wire stretched across the ground. Instantly, a netwoven with silver threads dropped from the trees above, enveloping him in a tangled mesh designed to incapacitate warlock hunters and their tools.
"What the---" Vlad struggled against the net as Tandy's smile transformed into something colder, more calculating.
"Vampire hunter trap," she explained with clear pride. "One of Ronald's more useful contributions. The silver threads disrupt hunter magic." She circled Vlad like a realtor, showing a property's best features. "I've been trying to get you alone since you arrived. You're quite the obstacle to my commission structure."
Vlad ceased struggling, assessing his situation with surprising calm. "Impressive, Ms. Keyes. Didn't think you had this kind of preparation in you."
"There's a lot you don't know about me," Tandy replied, retrieving a dagger from inside her jacket. Unlike her usual flashy accessories, this weapon looked ancient. "I'm not just some desperate realtor. I'm Ronald's chosen representative in Cauldron Falls. His inside person. His favored business associate!"
"I see," Vlad nodded thoughtfully. "And that's why you're wearing his mark?" He gestured to her gold bracelet with its distinctive fang pattern.
Tandy's composure faltered slightly. "How did you---"
"Been hunting vampires for years, love. Ronald always marks his helpers. In Denver, it was watches. In Phoenix, cufflinks. He likes to brand his possessions."
"I am not a possession," Tandy snapped, her professional veneer cracking. "I'm the future Minister of Real Estate for Fangtasia Falls! I have business cards already printed!" Her hand tightened around the dagger. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to ensure you don't interfere with tonight's ritual."
