"Her—Herbert, Lord Tenra wants to see you."
Herbert was in the middle of his game when Gaspar's timid voice squeaked out behind him.
He turned, eyebrows raised, staring at Gaspar—who was visibly nervous, practically trembling.
Well, look at that. The little crybaby actually dared call out to him now.
"That human wants me?"
Herbert's face soured. Not only did Tenra refuse to come himself, he expected Herbert to go to him? The arrogance. Did he really think he was someone important now?
"Yes, Lord Tenra said he has something important to discuss. You… you should hurry."
Once, Gaspar would never have dared speak to Herbert like this. But lately, he'd decided he wanted to be brave—like Lord Tenra. Maybe, someday, a real man. So he'd summoned all his courage for this moment.
It was all he could manage. Before Herbert could answer, Gaspar bolted, fleeing down the hall.
Herbert watched him run, his chubby face twitching with irritation.
He didn't want to waste time on that arrogant, insufferable human, but there was nothing else to do in this miserable castle. Finally, he shrugged.
"Come on. All of you—let's see what that human's plotting."
With a wave of his pudgy hand, Herbert and his gang marched off to Tenra's room.
—
Tenra, Valerie, and Gaspar occupied the largest room in the castle—a fact that never failed to sour Herbert's mood. Once, this had been his turf. Now it belonged to that damned human. The humiliation still burned.
"Oh, fatty, you're here."
Tenra's voice floated down from the high-backed chair at the center of the room. Herbert's face twitched again, fangs flashing in annoyance.
He wanted to bite someone.
From the doorway, the little vampires saw Tenra lounging on his throne, Valerie massaging his shoulders, while Gaspar sliced fruit at his side.
Watching Valerie and Gaspar fuss over Tenra, Herbert muttered under his breath. Traitors. Bootlickers.
"What do you want, human?"
Herbert forced his anger down and spoke.
"Simple. Gaspar, Valerie, and I are planning to escape."
Tenra didn't bother with pleasantries. He got straight to the point.
"How about it, Herbert? You and your crew—want in?"
"Impossible!"
Herbert's shout echoed through the room. The little vampires behind him erupted in a flurry of protests.
They couldn't believe Tenra was serious. Did he have any idea how terrifying the world outside really was?
"Hmph. Why not? I have my methods. You just need to decide if you're coming or not."
Tenra's voice was cool, almost bored.
Before, escape would've been impossible. Now, with his new strength and [Forbidden Balor View], impossible was just another word.
The vampires stared, breaths quickening. Herbert's eyes narrowed, calculating.
"Why are you telling us this, human?"
His crimson eyes locked onto Tenra, suspicion burning. Tenra wasn't the type to share anything out of kindness. He had an angle—he always did.
"Because we all want out. The more people, the bigger the chaos. The bigger the chaos, the better our chances. We're just using each other. That's all."
Tenra shrugged, unapologetic.
Three people alone would be easy prey, hunted down the moment they broke out. But if Herbert's gang joined in—if they made enough noise, drew enough attention—Tenra's trio might just slip away in the confusion.
Herbert hadn't expected Tenra to be so blunt. He bristled, annoyed—but he saw the logic. If their roles were reversed, he'd do exactly the same.
If Tenra wanted to use him, why couldn't he use Tenra right back? As long as it got him out of this hellhole…
"We'll think about it."
Herbert didn't commit. Not yet.
"Take your time. But don't drag your feet—the next time they bring in new prisoners, that's when we move."
Tenra waved a hand, already anticipating this answer.
"Hmph. Let's go."
Herbert turned, leading his group away. Whatever they decided, Tenra couldn't care less.
—
"Lord Tenra, do you think Herbert will agree?"
Valerie kept massaging Tenra's shoulders, her voice tinged with worry.
"Don't worry. He'll say yes. Absolutely."
Tenra smiled, confident. He could read desperate people like a book—a pack of half-crazed wild dogs. Give them even the smallest crack of hope, and they'd claw their way through.
—
He was right.
Three days later, Herbert and his gang showed up, faces flushed with excitement, ready for whatever came next.
"Looks like you're all set."
Tenra smiled at Herbert and the little vampires behind him.
"Hmph. Human, you'd better not be all talk."
Herbert tried to look cool, nose in the air, but his twitching cheeks betrayed his nerves.
Tenra stifled a laugh, glancing at Gaspar and Valerie—both tense, both ready.
Today was the day. According to the usual schedule, the vampires outside would bring in new humans. The barrier-sealed gate would open, and that would be their one chance.
Everyone waited, nerves stretched tight. Hours crawled by. Then, at last, with a heavy click, the castle's main doors began to creak open.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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