Alice’s mind went blank for a moment at the vampire’s words—the same vampire who was now kneeling before her.
To survive, Alice had used Julies as a shield.
So she could live.
The guilt and rage twisted together in her chest, and she wanted nothing more than to kill Velra right here, right now.
But she couldn’t.
Not when Julies’s life still hung by a thread.
Across from her, Velra’s mind raced just as desperately, searching for words that could save her.
’This is dangerous. One wrong move and I’m dead.’
If she could be killed over the life of a mere servant, anyone would choose to do so. Knowing this, Velra bowed her head as low as she could.
"I... I don’t wish to die," she whispered, forcing her voice to tremble. "I will do anything. I’ll give you all the information you seek. I can even guide you through the invasion of the Drazroth Empire."
She swallowed what little pride she had left, enduring the humiliation for the sake of survival.
She hid her true power completely, shrinking her presence, pretending to be barely clinging to life—just another wounded creature begging to live another day. If she was going to survive, it would be by tying her fate to a human.
"Please," Velra added softly, "at least spare me from being executed."
Alice’s gaze locked onto hers.
Velra tensed—hard.
Those eyes were cold enough to freeze blood, merciless enough to crush hope.
But then... the tension in Alice’s posture shifted.
Not softening.
Not forgiving.
Simply calculating.
Velra sensed it too and let the rest of her defenses fall away, revealing vulnerability on purpose—a gamble with everything she had left.
Just as Faceless Imposter had once risked everything for her, Velra now did the same.
It was all or nothing.
Life or death.
And she waited—calmly, almost serenely—for Alice to decide.
"How revolting," Alice spat. "To think you’d dare use Julies’s life as a bargaining chip. If your life is so precious, then start by undoing the magic."
"That’s impossible," Velra replied, unfazed. "If the offspring bond is released now, he will collapse on the spot. That’s why this is a negotiation. To keep him alive... I must also remain alive."
"Tch!"
Alice’s grip tightened, the sword trembling ever so slightly. Perhaps it was anger. Perhaps it was fear. Or perhaps it was simply the weight of responsibility on the shoulders of a warrior’s heir.
"If you wish," Velra continued softly, "and if this Julies does not desire a place as my subordinate, there is... a way."
"...Are you telling the truth?"
"I am not so shameless as to deceive the victor," Velra said. "But I must first be allowed to recover. And, naturally, I need a chance to escape danger."
Click.
Alice lowered her sword.
"Soldiers! Take this vampire into custody!"
"What are your orders regarding Julies?"
The situation should have flowed smoothly from there, yet Velra stiffened the moment an armored knight stepped forward.
To him, Julies wasn’t a mere injured man anymore—he was practically a budding demon under vampire influence.
And men like these often drew only one conclusion: execution.
"What do you mean, ’deal with’?" Alice snapped. "He brought reinforcements from the Frost Earldom. Enough questions—escort him immediately."
"Yes, ma’am!"
Relief washed through Velra, slow and late, but genuine.
She had survived.
For now.
Understood.
The soldiers moved cautiously, forming a loose circle around Velra. Their hands hovered near their weapons, tension visible in every step.
But Alice didn’t step back.
She stood right in front of the subdued vampire—glaring down at her as if she were nothing more than a stain on polished steel.
Velra felt that gaze stab into her like needles.
"...Before I hand you over," Alice said quietly, "I want something clear between us."
Velra lifted her head just enough to meet her eyes.
"Speak."
"Julies is alive because of your magic," Alice said. "But he’s suffering because of it too. Once you recover, you will tell me how to sever that bond without killing him."
Velra gave a slow, measured nod.
"I will."
"And," Alice added, stepping closer, "if you try anything—anything at all—I’ll make sure you regret it. Vampire or not."
Velra’s lips twitched faintly.
"...You humans always threaten first."
"Because you monsters always deceive first," Alice shot back.
For a moment, there was silence.
Not hostile.
Not warm.
Just... heavy.
Velra studied Alice quietly, as if seeing something she hadn’t noticed before.
"You’re strong," she said softly. "Far stronger than the soldiers behind you. Even in your anger, you are not blinded by it. That is... unusual."
Alice frowned. "Don’t try flattery."
"It’s not flattery," Velra replied. "If you were any weaker, I would have already killed you."
The soldiers tensed—several blades rose halfway.
Alice didn’t flinch.
"I know," she said.
Their eyes clashed again—this time with an odd, unspoken acknowledgement between predator and predator.
"Also," Alice continued, her voice dropping to a tone that was calm yet colder than ice, "you will reveal everything. Starting with the Demon King. The Drazroth Empire. Every scheme, every name, every hidden threat—every piece of information you possess."
She leaned in, close enough that Velra could feel the warmth of her breath against her chilled skin.
"And if you fail to do so..."
Alice’s eyes narrowed, sharp as drawn blades.
"...I’ll personally end you. Slowly."
A few soldiers shifted uneasily at the sheer weight behind her words. Even Velra, a noble vampire who had lived through centuries of bloodshed, felt a faint chill crawl up her spine.
But she didn’t show fear.
Instead, she lowered her head again, placing a hand over her chest in a gesture that carried remnants of ancient nobility.
"I understand," Velra said quietly. "And I accept those terms."
Her voice was steady—far steadier than any prisoner should have been.
It made Alice’s jaw clench.
"What are you plotting?" Alice asked.
"Plotting?" Velra tilted her head. "At this moment? Survival. Nothing more."
"Liar."
"Mm. Often, yes," Velra admitted without shame. "But right now... no. You hold the life of my offspring hostage. Whether I wish it or not, I’m already bound."
The word "offspring" made Alice’s expression tighten again, a twitch of disgust and worry.
Velra saw it all—and despite the situation, she allowed herself a small, delicate smile.
"Don’t make that face," Velra murmured softly. "Your Julies will not die because of me. Not if you keep your end of the deal."
"He’s not my Julies."
"Mm. Deny it all you wish. But the bond is visible even to me."
Alice stiffened.
Velra’s smile deepened—not mocking, not triumphant, just quietly amused despite her weakened state.
She knew exactly where to press.
But before Alice could retort, the knight captain approached and saluted sharply.
"Lady Alice! The wounded man—Julies—has been stabilized for transport. He will be moved to the medical tents immediately."
Alice exhaled, a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
"Good. Make sure he’s guarded. Not restrained—guarded. He is not a threat."
"Yes, ma’am!"
Velra listened carefully, absorbing every detail.
’So she protects him even now... Interesting.’
Alice then motioned toward Velra without looking at her.
"Move her. Bind her in mana-suppression chains and keep mages watching her at all times."
The soldiers hesitated at first—she was a vampire, after all—but Alice’s sharp glare forced immediate compliance.
Velra rose to her feet slowly, letting the soldiers steady her arms. She didn’t resist.
Not physically.
Not yet.