Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

​​

As I approached the dark wolf (aka Blackie) I extended my hands in front of me, palm up, to show him that I have no weapons.

"Easy, Blackie. Will you let me see what's the problem?"

I had no idea how long I was in this dingy forest, or if I will ever get out of here. Are there ten Bleeding Snaberries within the walking distance? Who cares? I was lost! This whole day can be described as a disaster, so I might as well see if I can be of any help.

Blackie growled again, but for some reason, I was not afraid. Was it because of all the exercises to control my fear? Maybe after reliving my death (and several other scary moments) over and over again, approaching a wild wolf didn't appear like a big deal.

"Easy… I mean no harm… Let me see what's going on… Will you let me see?...", I chanted in monotone while moving slowly toward the animal.

Blackie's eyes observed me intelligently, and I wondered if he can understand me or maybe the pheromone thing is working.

I was about one step away when I saw a dark red vine entangling Blackie's hind legs.

"Oh, that is why you are not moving…", I mumbled at loud. "This is Morsa Creeper that tightens as you move." I was proud that I knew this one.

I glanced up at Blackie and wondered if he was aware that his situation was getting worse if he moved and that's why he stayed still.

"I will help you, Blackie. Don't eat me after that. OK?", I asked, and paused, like he could answer me.

I reached into the herb pouch and got a trowel.

Blackie growled louder, and I smiled sheepishly.

"It's for the creeper, I promise. I need to cut it close to the root. Other parts are too hard, and it will make your situation worse…"

I visually followed the stem until I found its origin in the ground. It was about three meters away from the wolf, so he relaxed as I increased the distance between us.

With one swift hit, I got the plant just above the root, in its weak spot, and the plant withered within seconds.

I made a few hasty steps away from Blackie who stood up slowly.

"You will not attack me, right? I just saved you…", I said in a shaky voice.

Now that Blackie stood up, I saw that he had dark brown fur with a white patch on his chest. Maybe the name Blackie was not the most appropriate, but I called him a few times by that name, so it will stick.

Blackie observed me for a few seconds before snorting and darting away from me, into the forest.

"Well, so much for thank you…", I mumbled, unsure if that behavior was expected from a wild animal. Well, at least he didn't eat me.

After this encounter with a wolf, I started looking around, searching for a stick that I could use as a weapon. I found one and I broke smaller branches that were sticking on the sides, so it doubled as a walking aid to help me balance.

I continued walking and my eyes lit up when I saw another bush that seemed like a good spot where Bleeding Snaberries might be found.

"Lucky!", I said with glee when I saw two plants that were my target, and I used my walking stick to push the thorny branches away so that I can start collecting my harvest.

One.

Two.

They came out easily, and other than a few fire ants, there were no problems. I was glad that I didn't find any venomous snakes or something more troublesome.

I was placing the second Bleeding Snaberry in the herbal pouch when I heard rustling in the foliage on my right.

What the…? My eyes widened when I saw a bear emerging from between two bushes.

It was a big one. Do bears come in gray?

The sight of a bear paralyzed me for a moment, and my brain scrambled while trying to find the right thing to do. Should I run? No, no… Should I play dead?

On instinct, I took a step back.

The bear spotted me.

'ROAR!'

I flinched at the sound which shook the forest and I started running.

Of course, the uneven terrain under the layer of fog didn't help at all, and I was stumbling like crazy.

'Grrr…'

A low growl was heard and then the bear roared again.

The sounds behind me changed, and I turned to see Blackie fighting with the bear.

Was Blackie saving me?

I stood rooted in the spot and observed their fight.

The bear was much larger than Blackie, but Blackie was faster and he nimbly avoided big paws directed at him while delivering a few bites to the bear's legs.

About one minute later, the big bear started retreating and then he scampered away.

Blackie turned toward me and snorted with his snout lifted up like he was bragging or maybe he was expecting praise.

"Thank you. Good job.", I said, and he stood in place.

I was not sure what to do, but it didn't seem that he will harm me. Well, even if he wanted to eat me, he was faster, and I lost my stick while running from the bear.

I squatted and extended my hand toward him.

"Come here, Blackie… Do you mind if I touch your fur? It looks soft. Do you have a family? How did you get stuck in that creeper plant?", I started blabbering.

Several hours of solitude in this forest affected me to the point of talking to animals.

Blackie approached me slowly and sniffed my hand.

"I would give you some food, but I don't have any.", I said, and I jolted when he licked the back of my palm.

He moved a bit closer and lowered his head, allowing me to pat him.

Ha! I've made a friend!

"Hi, Blackie… I'm Seraphina. You wouldn't know where I can find Bleeding Snaberries, do you?"

- - -

Author's note: this is from Vesper's point of view

- - -

After two days of using potions to boost my energy levels, my body crashed and I needed a few days of rest, but Aldus was not willing to compromise.

I don't like using those potions because of a heavy backlash, but I needed to keep up with Aldus who finally got in my grasp... and in my bedroom. I didn't want to waste time resting. Every minute counts.

Aldus might be a vampire, but his stamina compares to the one of a devil. His royal bloodline is showing in every possible way and I have no regrets.

Unfortunately, he got the upper hand despite my preparations, and I got stuck with Seraphina and a parasite that can explode my brain. Was it worth it? I'm not sure. But it was fun while it lasted.

I am not a witch to fold under pressure, so I decided to take his precious daughter to the district that is off-limits to vampires and trespassing could have dire consequences.

Ha! What will you do now, Aldus?

Of course, I told Aldus to give me time until sundown and I guaranteed Seraphina's safety.

My intention was not to harm Seraphina permanently because Aldus would find me eventually, but I wanted to teach both of them a lesson that they should not mess with me.

After dispatching Seraphina to fetch ten Bleeding Snabberies, I succumbed to fatigue and slept off.

When I came around, it was late in the afternoon.

Seraphina was not in sight, and I was getting nervous. What if something happened? Not possible, she is an immortal, right?

My sleepiness was dispelled completely when I realized that it's time to return.

If we stay here longer, Aldus will come, regardless of the restrictions. I saw how protective Aldus is of Seraphina and I was confident that he wouldn't care about breaking rules and consequences when it comes to the safety of his precious daughter.

And he said that with the parasite he planted in me, he can find me even if I go to a different dimension.

This morning, I wanted to punish the snobby girl who has no idea how lucky she is to be on the receiving end of Aldus's kindness, and I also wanted to get some rest, but now it seems I've got myself in trouble.

Anxiety consumed me as I started thinking about the possibilities.

Should I return without Seraphina? Bad idea. Aldus will skin me alive… and explode my brain.

Should I go and search for the girl? How do I even find her? The Misty Forest is huge!

Ah, if I knew that the girl would take so long, I would not ask for ten plants! Now what?

A low growl startled me, and I jumped on my feet.

A wolf!? What is a wolf doing here?

"Hi, Vesper. Did you miss me?"

Seraphina asked cheerfully and I saw her patting the wolf's head. What the…?

"You make friends easily.", I mumbled while glancing nervously at the wolf.

But I was relieved to see that Seraphina is back. My skin will stay intact.

Aldus's princess looked ridiculous. "Why are you so messy? Did you wrestle in the mud for his affection?"

Seraphina rolled her eyes and threw me the herb collecting pouch. "We can leave, right?"

I checked the contents, and I was impressed. Ten Bleeding Snaberries, perfectly harvested. It seems that Aldus was teaching her something useful after all.

While thinking of returning to Paris, I gestured toward the wolf. "Is he coming?"

Seraphina pressed her lips into a line, and she squatted to level up with the wolf.

"Sorry, Blackie, but this is where we need to part ways. Thank you for all your help. I will come and visit when I can. I promise…"

Seraphina hugged the wolf, and he leaned his head on her shoulder and whimpered.

That's a wild animal. How can he be so docile?

Did she call him, Blackie?

I had so many questions…

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