Chapter 23 — Shadows in Graveshade

The innkeeper’s eyes flicked nervously between the boy in the hood and the crimson-eyed beauty clinging to his arm. The tavern was noisy, filled with the smell of roast meat and spilled ale, but the room seemed to quiet when Selene walked in.

Kai approached the counter. “One room. No—two rooms.”

Selene immediately frowned. “Two? Why?”

“Because I don’t want to share with you,” Kai said flatly.

Selene pouted, lips trembling just enough to draw a few stares from nearby patrons. “Don’t pout,” Kai muttered. “You look like a dog.”

Her eyes widened in offense. “Excuse me!?”

The standoff lasted only a moment before Kai sighed. “…Fine. You win.”

Selene’s pout transformed into a smug smile as the innkeeper slid a single brass key across the counter. The man leaned closer to Kai, lowering his voice.

“Careful, boy. Sharing a room with a vampire rarely ends well.”

Kai ignored him, pocketing the key.

Later that evening, their shared room was lit by a single candle. Selene had already stretched out comfortably on the bed, sipping from a mug of ale.

Kai slipped his hood back on. “I’ll be back.”

Selene sat up quickly, worried. “Where are you going?”

“To look for something,” Kai said.

“Then I’ll come with—”

But the door clicked shut. He was already gone.

The night air was heavy in Graveshade’s alleys. Kai’s eyes caught the dim glow of lanterns outside a small herbal shop tucked between abandoned buildings. He headed toward it, but three figures stepped into his path, blocking the way.

“You,” one of them sneered. “You’re the boy with that vampire girl, aren’t you?”

Kai didn’t answer. Tonight, of all nights, he had left his ninjatō behind. But he didn’t need it. His mind sharpened. His body shifted into stance. Weapons or not, I’m ready.

The thugs began to advance—then suddenly froze.

Two shadows dropped from the rooftops. Vampires. Fangs glinted in the moonlight as they tore into the men, draining them dry before tossing their lifeless bodies aside. Then their crimson eyes fixed on Kai.

Back in the inn, Selene paced the room, unease gnawing at her. “Something’s wrong,” she whispered.

The vampires lunged.

Kai moved. Their claws slashed air as he twisted, redirecting their strikes with clean martial precision. He slid across the cobblestones, hand snapping out to grab a fallen dagger from one of the dead men.

Steel flashed.

One vampire’s throat opened, black blood spraying. The second came from behind, but Kai pivoted, driving the blade up beneath its chin. Both collapsed in silence.

Kai stood over them, calm and unshaken. He let the dagger fall and turned back toward the inn.

The door to their room burst open. Selene shot to her feet, relief washing across her face.

“Kai!” She rushed to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. “You’re okay…”

Kai blinked, stiff in her embrace. “…You’re heavy.”

Selene ignored him, holding tighter.

For once, she didn’t tease.