I stepped back instinctively, trying to avoid the man who moved toward us with a predator's grace. In the blink of an eye, he vanished—only to reappear behind Rasen with a speed too fast for the human eye to track.
"Try anything again, and that human beside you dies. Didn't Lionel tell you who you're dealing with? I decide who's welcome in my territory."His voice was a sharp whisper, but the threat in it was crystal clear.
Stunned, I turned my head—only to feel a light tug at my hair."A woman," he murmured, as if confirming something he had only suspected.
Rasen, reacting quickly, pulled up his hood to hide his features, but the man, who introduced himself as Skiller Snova, had no intention of backing down.
"I could give you the protection you're looking for. Especially for that human you're trying so hard to keep away from your troubles.But tell me—do you fear me now that you know what I am... or do you fear more for him?"
His icy blue gaze slid to Rasen, who remained tense, unmoving, his silence a wall of defiance.
"Let's make a deal that benefits us all," Rasen said firmly, reaching out to take my hand in a protective gesture.
Skiller let out a low, mocking laugh."A deal that benefits us all? Don't be naive, human. It'll be a deal that benefits me. But first—why are they after your human? Isn't having you enough?"
Before I could reply, he vanished again.
In seconds, he was behind me—one hand on my waist, the other clutching my cloak. I turned to face him, but he was far too close.
"What do you see in my face?" he asked, amusement and curiosity lacing his voice.
I forced myself to look at him without flinching. His face was symmetrical, almost unnaturally beautiful. Cold, blade-like blue eyes. But beneath that perfect exterior, I could feel it—something twisted, dark... dangerous.
"Enough, Skiller!!"A gravelly voice cut through the tension like a knife.
It was Elbanius, the older man who had guided us there—pointing a shotgun straight at Skiller.
Skiller turned his head with a mocking smile."If they're your guests, let them stay. But maybe you should warn them—before tragedy strikes."
With a swift move, he shattered the weapon and let the pieces clatter to the floor.
We were led inside to a wide room with two massive armchairs. Skiller dropped into one, arms stretched lazily across the armrests like a king on his throne.
"Just a few days," Elbanius said. "Rooms are down the left corridor. Try not to wake anyone up. If you do, I doubt they'll let you leave."
But before we could go, Skiller raised an arm, blocking the path.
"Names," he demanded, eyes locked on mine.
"Rasen," my companion said quickly.
"I meant her."
"Aisha," I said dryly, avoiding further conflict.
Skiller's expression tensed slightly—as if that name meant something."The one I want to see again is a human named Aisha," he muttered to himself before slumping back into the couch.
Once in the room, Rasen exploded:"That's our protector? A vampire?"
Elbanius, having overheard, responded calmly:"Watch your mouth, boy. If you want to survive here, keep your thoughts to yourself."
Rasen clenched his jaw. Elbanius continued:"The first time I met Skiller, he was just a kid—carrying a wound so deep I thought he'd die from it. But he didn't. He survived because he learned never to show weakness. Remember that: never show your vulnerable spots. Especially to a predator."
The warning etched itself into Rasen's mind, though he said nothing more.
Days passed. The tension between us and Skiller only grew heavier.One night, I noticed a shadow creeping toward Rasen's room. I hid—and intercepted it just in time.
"Why are you going to his room?" I asked, my voice tight with distrust.
"I can't sleep at night. Why? Do you care that much for your livestock?" Skiller replied with a sly smile.
"It's not like that."
"You've grown attached to that human," he said, staring into me.
I looked away, refusing to answer. But then I saw it—Skiller holding Rasen's arm, claws digging into his wrist. Blood began to drip, dark and steady.
"Take a good look. If I bite him—would it change anything?"His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement.
I fell to my knees—not out of fear, but pleading.
"Please… let him go!" I dropped my weapon to the floor."He's important to me..." I offered my pride in exchange for Rasen's life.
Skiller looked at me with disappointment."You're far too emotional to be called a hunter."
He released Rasen—but not without a final barb.
"She's weak because of you, human. What will you do about that?"
Rasen's rage broke loose."One day, you'll be in my place—and I hope you choke on your words, vampire!"
"If I ever crave your human's blood again, I'll let you know—so you can come in his place," Skiller said with a smirk...
...right before I punched him.
"You already got my answer, Skiller."
The vampire staggered back, hand to his jaw—yet his smile never left his face.