Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Chapter 67

It was obvious that Dulce had been separated from them for a reason, but it was almost too obvious that it was difficult to tell if there were ulterior motives involved.

Regardless, they had given the Vampire their word that they would peacefully go in for their fitting so they had to politely play along for his sake.

Asael walked in, finding the room truly empty. The only reason he had agreed to Dulce’s request was that he knew that the Vampire was truly not in danger.

Ruoxi strode right in, a curious light in his eyes that he couldn’t hide as he wandered around, peering into dressers and admiring the array of colors.

The Fiend was less interested in the room, only there because he had already agreed to be.

Caedos drew the rear, still getting accustomed to walking upright. The human who had taken Dulce away had been antsy but he couldn’t glean any bad intentions from her, and he did want new clothes.

Long before the Deep Woods was under attack, they had a city at the heart of the forest, one that had to be abandoned when their rulers fell, Hellhounds forced to live alone for safety.

Just as he crossed the threshold, footsteps could be heard approaching, drawing the attention of the occupants in the room.

Caedos turned around in time to see the sinister Vampire who was nothing like Dulce.

Aylin had completely foregone her veil, certain that Dulce wouldn’t be present. Her youthful face was pale, her red eyes cold and haughty as she stared the room down, walking in with a much older Vampire behind her.

"I’m glad you could all make it." She said with an empty smile, the doors slamming close behind them. "I’m certain you would want to be acquainted with Lady Mildrede, High Witch." She introduced with pride, her pointed nose lifted.

Silence greeted her confident words, Caedos itching to go down on all fours, feeling far too unsteady standing upright.

The Vampire addressed as Lady Mildrede stepped forward, equally as haughty. It was clear that Queen Aylin deferred to her, her black robes only highlighting her pale, sallow skin.

"I haven’t seen this many Demons together since the Age of Magic." She tutted, looking them over like they were thoroughbreds to be put to work.

"And I was really looking forward to new clothes," Ruoxi sighed, planning to stay out of the way when a fight broke out, he would only get in the way.

Mildrede glanced over at him appreciatively, interest sparking in her eyes, but not enough to act on it. "Human clothes will soon be worthless to you," She said meaningfully, lifting a hand.

Asael narrowed his eyes, "What do you intend to do?"

"You are all obstacles in my way," Aylin was the one to respond, hanging back. "So naturally, I arranged to have that sorted out. Lady Mildrede will be undoing your summons."

Her final words caught and held the Demons’ attentions, the air in the room cooling noticeably.

Mildrede’s lips tilted in an expression that wasn’t quite a smile. "Most Demons would be pleased to be released from their bonds." She noted curiously. "Even if your summoner had a soul, it would be tedious to share between four."

The topic of sharing was an equally tense one but none were sidetracked, all having their reasons to not want their summons undone.

Kath’tan was primed for a fight, regardless of the outcome, the Vampire couldn’t be left alive. His summons being undone was a threat he wouldn’t take lightly.

Mildrede hadn’t dropped her black-tipped nails, aware of the danger she was in. Dulce Monteserrat was an impressive Vampire, to summon such powerful Demons without a background in magic was nearly impossible.

She had been a witch during the Age of Magic, and when she had been turned, she had retained her magic. It was the one thing she was confident in, it had replaced her soul.

Without further conversation, magical light spilled from her fingers, the sinister black energy absorbing everything it encompassed.

The Vampire witch was a difficult foe to fight, save for Ruoxi, they were all about to be sent back to the Hells.

After the black fog died down, a heavy silence fell over the room, the Demons glancing down, even Ruoxi, to check if their contract had been broken.

Mildrede hissed, her face twisting in pain as familiar gold sigils appeared on her hand, burning their way into her skin. "Impossible." She stared at her hand in deep shock, more shaken by the sight of it than the pain it caused.

-+-

In Moira’s dungeon workshop, Dulce was on his knees dedicatedly helping the witch sort out the inconsistencies in her summoning circle when he sensed something strange.

He shot to his feet, "Please excuse me, Miss Moira," He said oddly, his attention on the door.

"Dulce!" Moira called to him in a panic, it was still too soon for her to let him leave. She wasn’t quite sure why she needed to keep him distracted but she guessed that it had something to do with the Queen’s secret.

Her attempts were futile, the Vampire leaving the room faster than her eyes could track, leaving unbound papers flying in his wake.

Dulce easily tracked down the fitting room, bound to his Demons in ways he was yet to realize, the doors getting thrown open from how quickly he arrived,

Aylin took one glance at him and blanched, it was too late to seek cover, her secret was out.

Dulce didn’t even register her, his gaze focused on the source of the energy he had sensed. "Miss Moira didn’t mention another witch." He said calmly, less agitated at the sight of all four Demons unharmed.

Mildrede slowly turned around, clutching her mangled hand. The disbelief in her eyes overwhelming everything else, she didn’t acknowledge his words or what she had been attempting, trembling.

"You! Who is your mother?" She demanded.

Dulce frowned, startled by the question. "I believe I should be the one asking questions."

"Your precious Queen Aylin tried to have this hag undo all the summons." Ruoxi didn’t miss the chance to fan the flames, he had nothing to fear but he wasn’t complaining about the contract, he was perfectly fine where he was.