It’s too good of an offer to refuse.
Malcolm arches an eyebrow, but his smile is serene and knowing, as if he’d already expected you to say as much.
“Very good. Then I will see you tomorrow at midnight. Please dress accordingly.”
He stands, walking you to the door.
You pause at the threshold, classical piano drifting from the speakers. “How will I find this place?”
“Oh…you’ll find it.” He pulls an elegant black-and-red business card from his suit pocket. “But just in case, take this.”
As soon as you step out the door, you blink, looking back, but The Crimson Palace is nowhere to be seen.
Ziros
—The Next Day at Dawn—
When I wake up, I’m lying on my back in the dark in a puddle of mud. Soaked. Water dripping down my face from my hair.
The first rays of sun crack over the edge of the horizon, illuminating just how much of a bastard I am.
There’s nothing but a path of torn-up soil far as the eye can see.
In the distance, sirens wail, and I lay my head back, groaning.
I’ve got a real bad feeling.
And not just about the destruction I’ve caused.
I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I’m forgetting something.
Like there was something important.
Someone?
Nah, that can’t be. I’ve always made it a point not to get attached.
I’m wild.
Uncontrollable.
And that’s just the way I like it.
I lift my hands, power rushing around me.Damn, it feels good to be free.
But why…
Why do I still feel like something is missing?
You
All through the next day, you try to tell yourself everything is going to be okay.
That this agreement is perfect.
After all, what’s a little consensual blood drinking between adults?
It might even feelgood.
