The Titan, The Snake, and The Vampire

Destrian sat on the sofa opposite Anna. His expression was a conflict of gratitude and ingrained prejudice. “On behalf of the Knights of Minilon,” he began, his voice a low rumble, “thank you. You saved my life, and the lives of my men.”

Anna waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t mind it. A debt is a debt, after all.” Her gaze sharpened. “I’m here to collect my reward. You said the Kingdom of Minilon would give me anything I wanted. Is that promise still valid?”

Destrian nodded gravely. “The kingdom honors its debts.”

A brilliant smile spread across Anna’s face. She leaned forward, ready to state her demand. “In that case, what I want is—”

A flash of violet light.

There was no incantation, no warning. Olomyar, still standing by the door with a pleasant look on his face, had simply flicked his wrist, then a needle sized bolt of energy shot directly at Anna’s head.

CLANG!

Maren appeared instantly between the spell and Anna’s face. The magic shrieked, ricocheting off the sword and slamming into the ceiling. Plaster and dust rained down.

Destrian stared, his face a mask of pure shock.

Anna’s excited smile vanished as if it had never existed.

Olomyar’s welcoming facade had cracked. He forced a strained chuckle, trying to regain his composure. “Interesting…” he said, “Even my fastest spell is countered easily…”

“Anna, that wasn’t a test!” Maren’s voice screamed telepathically in her mind. “If that had hit you, your head would have exploded!”

Anna didn’t move. Her body remained perfectly still, her orange eyes fixed on the Vice-Captain.

“What,” she asked, “was that for?”

The intensity of Anna's rage seemed to drain the room's warmth.

“Anna…”

Just as the tension was about to snap, the door creaked open.

Apu shuffled in, balancing a silver tray, “Miss Anna?” he said, his innocent voice shattering the murderous atmosphere.

“I apologize, we do not have this… ‘chocolate’ or ‘macaron’… but the head chef offered these honey-dusted almond cakes. He said they are very sweet.” 

On the tray, next to the delicate pastries, was a goblet filled with blood. “And, uhm, Captain Zebril insisted. She said a vampire has… needs.”

The change in Anna was instantaneous and utterly disarming. Her entire demeanor softened as she looked at the tray as she smiled at Apu.

“Thank you, Apu. This is more than perfect,” she said, her voice warm with a sincerity that stunned the two knights.

“O-Of course!” Apu beamed. A

fter setting the tray on the table, he quickly bowed and scurried out of the room.

Anna immediately picked up the goblet. She turned back to Olomyar and Destrian, her smile now a sharp, knowing smirk. 

“I’ll forget what just happened,” she said, her tone light but underlined with steel. “Thankfully for you, I’m in a good mood now. Just hear what I have to say, I will not take no for an answer now.”

Olomyar was pale, his carefully constructed composure shattered. He leaned over and whispered frantically to Destrian. Destrian listened and gave a stiff nod.

They waited in silence as Anna took a long, satisfying drink from the goblet, her eyes closing in pleasure, This is blood? Why do I feel like I’ve just drank some kind of fruit juice? before delicately taking one of the honey cakes.

This cake is good too!

After she had finished, Destrian cleared his throat.

“Before we proceed,” he said, his voice strained, “for the official record… may we see your adventurer’s guild card? To verify your standing.”

Anna let out a long-suffering sigh and produced the church-exclusive card Bella had given her. Looks like they just wanted to see my power…

Destrian took it hesitantly. His eyes widened. He passed it to Olomyar, whose own eyes nearly bulged from his skull.

[ Anna ] Mana: 21.000.000 / 24,625,000

Olomyar ran a finger over the glowing runes, a diagnostic spell confirming their authenticity. He gulped and handed the card back as if it were a hot coal.

Thank you Bella for not having it named Orivanne, I understand now why it would be a problem…

Destrian’s perspective had fundamentally shifted. The hint of prejudice was gone, replaced by a deep, profound awe and terror.

“Lady Anna,” he said, “What is it you desire? Name your reward.”

Anna took another slow and deliberate bite of the honey cake. She savored it, making them wait.

Finally, she placed the pastry down and met Destrian’s gaze.

“I want the master key to the Royal Mines.”

The two knights stared at her, utterly baffled. Of all the things she could ask for—gold, land, a title—she wanted access to a prison.

“The mines?” Olomyar asked, “Why? There is nothing there but rock, raw ore, and… prisoners.”

Hmm… let’s see…

“Urzmu’s forces came from the mountains,” Anna stated, “I suppose your mines extend deep into those same mountains. I wish to investigate if the mines is the source of their corruption and ensure no other threats can crawl their way up to the surface.”

Her reasoning was strategically sound, positioning her as a proactive defender of the kingdom. Destrian, a knight bound by duty and his word of honor, was torn. How could he refuse the being who had saved them, especially when she was offering to protect them further?

“Access to the mines should be forbidden,” Destrian said with heavy conflict. “But I gave my word. The kingdom honors its debts.” He looked at Olomyar, then back at Anna, his decision made. “I must consult the King. But I will personally champion your request. I will see it done.”

Anna nodded, pleased with the outcome. She continued to eat the delicate honey cakes.

“I know this is more than we agreed upon,” Destrian continued, “but while I appeal to the King, I wish for you to stay within these barracks. As our guest, of course. With you here… we would be protected. We can never know what will happen next.”

Anna finished her cake before answering, “That’s easy enough. I will stay,” she finally said, “But on my terms.” She fixed her gaze on the two men. “Captain Zebril was right. A vampire has needs. If you fail to meet them, I will find a way to find it myself.”

Her eyes narrowed, “You have until the next 2 nightfall to bring me the key to the mines. If you fail, this alliance is over. And,” she added, her gaze flicking to Olomyar, “if anyone here is against me, if they try something like that again, I will not hesitate to fight back. I am not afraid to kill.”