The vampire turned, irritated. "What!!?"
Betai knelt on the ground, her gown brushing the dirt. "Please…" She said, breath trembling. "Spare her. I need this girl."
The vampire tilted his head. "Why?"
"She's a replacement for our lead dancer. Our troupe can't perform without her. The King will punish us all if we fail."
He smirked. "You ask much, little dove."
Betai lowered her head. "Please, my lord"
The vampire's grin widened. "Since you asked. Come see me tonight."
Eira's stomach turned.
Betai's hands clenched, but she nodded. "As you wish. Thank you."
The vampire chuckled, throwing Eira toward her.
Eira stumbled into Betai's arms, gasping for breath. Her pulse thundered. She could still feel the vampire's claws on her skin.
But thankfully, she'd been saved.
——————
The screams didn't stop.
Even as Betai led Eira away from the execution grounds, the sounds of agony echoed behind them—wet, guttural cries that clawed at the air like dying animals.
Eira flinched with every step, her body still trembling from the near-death she'd escaped. The vampire's cold grip on her neck lingered like a bruise.
They walked the same stony path Eira had stumbled through earlier that morning. The gravel bit into her feet, little wind howled through the crooked trees, and the sky above remained a dull, lifeless, but sunny.
Betai didn't look back once. Eira studied the woman's calm composure, wondering how someone could walk away from such horror with grace.
"Are you… okay?" Eira finally asked, her voice hoarse.
"I'm fine." Betai replied softly.
Eira hesitated, then blurted. "That vampire… what did he mean when he said you should come see him later?"
"Oh, dear." Betai chuckled softly. "You're worried I'll be defiled?"
Eira flushed. "I didn't mean it like that. I just—"
"It's alright" Betai said with a smile. "But no, it's not what you're thinking. Vampires rarely have sexual relations with humans. They consider it filthy. Like we're vermin. It would shame their immortal pride."
Eira blinked. "Well, that's comforting. In a twisted way. So if that's not what he wants, then—"
"He only wants to feed." Betai simply said, shrugging. "He's drunk from me before. I know his limits, and how to handle him."
Eira felt her shoulders loosen. The thought of Betai being assaulted had made her blood boil, but even so, the idea of being bitten was hardly comforting. "Still sounds horrible…" she muttered.
Betai's expression darkened. "I'm counting on you, Eira. The Crimes and Punishment Council doesn't tolerate interferences. Especially from humans. I took a big risk saving you."
"I won't disappoint you. Promise." Eira assured, her voice firm.
They reached the house.
Eira saw it clearly now. It was a small, cozy thatched cottage nestled between two dead trees.
The roof sagged slightly, and vines curled around the wooden beams. Smoke drifted from the chimney, carrying the scent of herbs and roasted meat.
A few dancers were outside, sweeping the porch and hanging some fabrics to dry.
They wore flowy gowns, their long hair braided or left loose. When they saw Betai, they smiled and waved.
Their eyes flicked curiously to Eira — bruised, barefoot, and wrapped in a ragged shawl. They smiled warmly at her.
Eira blinked. "They're… nice."
"They're happy you're here." Betai chuckled. "Believe it or not, you saved the troupe from punishment. You're a miracle."
Eira blushed at the compliment.
Betai explained as they walked inside. "The Palacs gave us this house. We stay here whenever we're preparing for a palace event. We're called the Furries Dancing Troupe. And we are the official performers for the royal house."
Eira looked around. The interior was warm, filled with soft candlelight and the scent of jasmine. Soft curtains hung from the windows. The floors were polished wood. It felt… homely.
Betai continued, "We're paid well. Fed well, and protected. We basically owe everything we have to the palace."
Eira nodded. "Oh, I get it now."
Now it made sense why Adeline's disappearance is sending the whole troupe into a frenzy.
Betai introduced her to the troupe. There were about twenty-five girls, each dressed in elegant gowns, their hair long and glossy.
They greeted Eira with hugs and smiles. She met the manager, a stern woman named Letha; the stylist, a flamboyant man named Corin; and the cook, a quiet old lady named Maun.
Then there was the boy—fourteen, scrappy, with wild curls and a mischievous grin. "I'm Tallo." he said proudly. "I run errands and steal cookies."
Eira laughed. "Nice to meet you."
Betai addressed the group. "This is Eira. I'm sure you must have heard alot about her by now. She will be replacing Adaline."
The dancers clapped and cheered.
Eira felt warmth bloom in her chest.
After the introductions, Betai led her to a small room she'd be sharing with two other dancers. The bed was soft, the sheets clean. It felt like heaven compared to the prison crate.
Then they went to Betai's office, a bedroom with shelves lined with jars, herbs, and scrolls. Betai gestured to the bed. "Please, sit."
Eira obeyed with a nod.
Betai opened a green wooden box. Inside were vials, salves, and strange powders.
"You'll need to remove your clothes." Betai said.
Eira hesitated, then removed her gown. Her body was covered in bruises, cuts, and dried blood.
Betai worked quietly, cleaning and dressing each wound. Her touch was gentle.
"Are you comfortable letting a stranger treat you?" Betai asked casually.
"I trust you" Eira replied.
Betai arched a brow. "Why?"
"Because my instincts tell me you're a good person." Eira said, grinning slyly.
"Instincts?" Betai laughed. "You're a strange one, Eira."
After the bandages were done, Betai poured a thick, dark liquid into a small cup.
"Drink." She said. "It will help lock the pain."
Eira took it. "Lock?"
"Yes. But it will only work for two days." Betai explained. "After that, the pain returns."
Eira eyed the vial suspiciously. "What's in it?"
"Don't ask. And don't tell anyone I gave it to you."
Eira nodded. "Understood."
She drank, and the effect was instant. Her body felt light. Strong. Whole. The pain vanished like it was never there in the first place.
She gasped, flexing her fingers. "I feel… incredible."
Betai chuckled. "Good. Now go freshen up. Practice starts soon."
Eira bathed, dressed, and joined the dancers. They practiced from afternoon till midnight.
Eira was flawless. She had boosted the morale of the Troupe, and they were ready to entertain people on the night of the Blood Rite.