I had finished with the guards, only pieces left, really.

The witch remained unconscious from the backlash earlier, and I had pinned vampiress with my dagger to the underside of an overturned SUV. She was wheezing from the pain, or maybe it was the punctured lung, my dagger painfully lighting up with even the slightest movement.

I was rummaging through the pockets of a decapitated body before throwing it into the impatiently waiting shadowy maw behind me.

She stared at the abomination made of shadows swallowing her guards one by one, and shivered, which only made the pain worse as the dagger flared up.

A hiss from a nearby shadow informed me that someone was approaching through the gate, not driving but instead choosing to walk.

“Wise choice.” A dark part of me noted.

It was Katya and someone I didn’t know. She smelled like a Sentire... But different.

They came to a halt twenty feet from me as I continued my looting and disposing of bodies.... and parts.

The Sentire next to Katya appeared on the verge of vomiting as she stared at the carnage. But I had a feeling it wasn’t because she was squeamish, she gave off a nervous energy. Although that could also be because of the bodies... And parts.

“Mr. Titanos-” Katya started official sounding, but I interrupted.

“Please Katya, no need to sound so distant, given that you’ve entrusted me with your precious heir more than once. I think we’re on a first name basis.” I said with a smile as I casually threw a severed head into the void and a crunching sound echoed out.

“Aleks, then.” She said with a strained smile.

“This is Tiana. She is to be quiet.” Katya introduced with a frigid stare out of the corner of her eye.

I looked silently but curiously at the interaction.

“Tiana has made certain mistakes recently and wants to rectify them, to do that she’ll need one of the Sanguinares that came to your home today.” Katya said cruel enjoyment at seeing Tiana squirm.

“Anyone specific, or are you willing to mix and match?” I said, a mad glint in my eye gesturing to the surrounding bodies.

Tiana recoiled at what I said, but Katya just smiled, not at all bothered by my savage joke, but instead showed a hint of melancholy, before hiding it quickly.

“She needs the one in charge of this foolish little catastrophe.” Katya said. She knew the one pinned on the other side of the overturned SUV was the one Tiana needed. She’d already confirmed it with one of the security teams surveilling the Mill.

“Aaaah, that one.” I said as I walked a couple of steps over to the front of the overturned SUV and kicked it hard enough to make it spin a quarter of the way around, revealing the vampire pinned off her feet, grunting in pain from the sudden movement.

“When you live a cruel and savage life, turnaround is fair play, right?” I thought.

“That the one you’re looking for?” I asked, by the look of relief on Tiana’s face. I’d guess a solid yes.

Tiana looked at Katya, hope in her eyes.

“It is. What would you want in return for her?” Katya asked.

“Dead or alive?” I questioned after a moment of thought.

“ALIVE!” Tiana blurted out in concern before realizing what she’d done.

“What are you offering?” I asked.

“Be warned Tiana, Mr. Titanos seems to hold little interest in money. In fact, I don’t believe he’s spent over 500 dollars in the last month.” Katya warned.

“Food’s cheap.” I said, shrugging sharing a glance with Katya.

“How about metals?” Katya asked.

“I believe your clan specializes in the mining and refinery industry, correct?” Katya asked, already knowing the answer.

***

Tiana looked hesitantly towards me as I flashed her a Cheshire-like smile after coming to an agreement with Eve Inc. acting as an intermediary. After which she quickly left with the Red Court vampiress and witch in one of the remaining functional SUVs.

Leaving just Katya and myself standing quietly until Katya turned to look at me hesitantly.

“I-I didn’t know. None of us even suspected it was that bad.” Katya said, shaken.

“Why do you do this to yourself? You can’t go on like this!” Katya demanded, admonishingly, as I remained silent.

“You can’t pretend to be a monster forever. Eventually you will have to face that wound, or it will only fester until one day you wake up, having become exactly what you pretended to be.”

I knew what she’d seen. Even if I didn’t dare look at it myself.

‎ I had channeled unrefined power through my body just to avoid the ache it caused. Letting the caustic energies burn away at my self, leaving only cruel savage rage behind.

“Aleks, let us help you. You don’t have to deal with this alone.” Katya urged.

“It’s not that easy. It is different for my kind.” I replied. weariness leaking into my voice.

Katya paused in consideration before continuing with resolve in her voice.

“Then I will make it so.”

“Aleks’Andros of house Titanos, I Katya Romanov Nikoleve, Head of The Eve Clan, request an alliance with your house.” Katya said with sincerity and determination.

“Katya-” I tried to argue, but she interrupted me.

“Aleks, I have always followed my intuition. The old world thought this continent would never be anything more than savages and wilderness. When I came here on wooden ships, I sought to create a new world for my line, a place that wasn’t marred and chained by ancient traditions and grudges. I wanted to make something new, and they mocked my attempts, until they didn’t. Now they vie for control, old monsters setting foot in the new world.” Katya explained.

“I will trust in my intuition once more.” She told me with a kind smile.

“The House of Titanos accepts.” I replied resignedly.

***

Back at the Tower, Sasha was happily skipping towards the elevator for the secure floors with her security detail in tow.

“Oh my, what a precious little girl.” A voice said, seemingly young and sweet, but unmistakably ancient.

Before anyone could react, the cloaked figure stood in front of Sasha, one long blood red claw extended towards Sasha’s throat.

“I could just eat you up.” the old vampire said sweetly, but with dark undertones.

No one dared make a move, fearing the Sanguinares would lash out and kill Sasha.

Everyone but Sasha. Sasha stood unafraid as she clasped her hands together over the ring the Titan had given her and closed her eyes as she called out confidently.

“Fenris, I call to you.”

The lights in the hallway dimmed and a strong wind blew past them as a bestial growl boomed out, the dark shape of a wolf rising from behind Sasha easily growing to reach the high ceiling and towering above the vampires, bristles raised, and kitchen knife sized teeth bared.

The Sanguinares flinched back accidentally drawing a sharp nailed across Sasha’s throat, but instead of hitting skin and cutting the young girl’s throat, the vampire’s arm was blown back, popping out of its socket in a blast of force emanating from the young girl, the Sanguinares’ entire hand burned and smoking as if electrocuted.

Deciding that her plan to take the prime heir hostage had failed, the Sanguinares fled, but she didn’t make it far before massive jaws clamped down on her, pulling her into the shadows, cutting off her screaming as she disappeared.

Then suddenly, as if nothing had happened, the lights returned, and the wind died down.

“Thank you, Kind Fenris Wolf.” Sasha said gratefully.

***

The following day, the burner phone Katya had insisted on leaving behind to contact me started ringing.

“Mr. Titanos, did you give my granddaughter a ring capable of repelling a 200-year-old red court assassin and summon a giant shadow wolf?” she asked, a little forced.

“No?” I replied, confused.

I could faintly hear disappointed murmurs in the background.

“I mean, I made a repulsion ring out of some leftover materials, so that she could play around in my workshop safely without getting hurt, but it can’t summon wolves... Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen Fenris around for a while.” I said, reaching out and feeling the surrounding shadows.

“That was the name Sasha used.” Katya said, confirming it was Fenris.

“Can you make more?” A desperate but hopeful voice asked, followed by a small chorus of optimistic murmuring.

Katya reprimanded someone while I waited.

“Mr. Titanos, I have quite a gathering in my office who insisted on being present for this call.” Katya said sternly, not at all happy with the situation.

“You’ve caused quite the uproar... Again. Rumors of an enchanted ring that can protect an heir from deadly harm have spread among not just my clan, but others as well.” She said with a sigh.

“Several other large clans have made bids to buy this ring and any information regarding its creation.” She finished.

“Oh.” I said, of course I wasn’t oblivious, enchanting was useful, but I thought they had witches and whatnot on the payroll. They could probably whip up something similar.

“Would you be willing to come and stay at the tower for a couple of days to discuss this further?” Katya asked.

“Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem.” I replied.

***

Details and goodbyes were exchanged before Katya hung up and turned a scornful look towards the group of over fifteen Sentires on the other side of her desk who had been carefully listening in on the call.

“I knew a closer relationship was the right choice. But I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting this.” Katya thought, amused.

“Ma’am... What should we do?” Male Sentire among the mess of discussion involving the Titan interrupted. Everyone turned to look at her for an answer.

“Obviously we must do everything we can to have him, no matter the cost.” A woman said before Katya could reply.

This opened up a fierce discussion on how to ally the Eve clan with the Titan. Katya, all but forgotten in her own office, she stood up and left, not deeming it important to inform the wondering masses that apparently all you had to do to form an alliance with a Titan, was ask for one.

I had finished packing up and closing everything off, only leaving behind rune wards to inform me of any trespass or tampering upon my return, when I heard the buzz from the gate.

After pushing the button to open the gate, I walked outside, noting the sun was still high in the sky as a luxurious town car rolled through, and came to a halt in front of me. A well-dressed driver stepped out.

“Good day Mr. Titanos. Clan Eve has tasked me with taking you to the Tower. May I take your bags for you?” the man in his early forties said, with experienced ease.

“Please.” I said, handing him the bag in my hand.

***

Driving through the city, it hit me just how little I’d gone out in the past two months.

The city was enormous. It would probably take you more than a day to walk from one end to the other without breaks, and that’s without mentioning the many orbiting districts.

As the sun set and it became evening, the city exploded in neon color and activity, the hustle and bustle of the day completely dwarfed by the sheer amount of people on the streets now.

As we drove towards the heart of the city, multistory buildings became high-rises, and high-rises became skyscrapers, though nothing could compare to the colossal size of The Tower.

My guide informed me that most of the buildings around the tower were owned in some fashion by the Eve Clan, and that getting a building permit that obstructed the view of the Tower was close to impossible thanks to generous donations to every sitting mayor and governor whose jurisdiction this city fell under.

When we arrived, a small group of assistants and security personnel quickly led me towards an elevator. The elevator halted every five to fifteen floors, requiring a different password or scan each time.

After over 60 floors, it stopped and opened to reveal a sprawling marble office space with several Sentires and humans walking around busily talking business.

I stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do with myself, when a young lithe woman holding a tablet and wearing a white button-down shirt tucked into a black business skirt strolled up to me, her blonde hair tied up in a bun accentuating her high cheekbones.

I instantly recognized.

“Hey Sophia.” I said, totally not staring.

“Oh, stop it. There’ll be plenty of time for admiration later. Now come along.” She said, as confident as ever.

I followed her, keeping my eyes everywhere but in front of me.

“I’d forgotten this part... Maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.” I thought to myself, As Sophia opened a glass door leading into a large conference room.

Walking past her, she put a hand on my shoulder and stood on her toes to softly whisper into my ear.

“You have no idea.”

***

Nearly every seat around the conference table was occupied, everyone present wearing some combination of business attire... Except me, I was pretty sure I still had soot visible somewhere. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t shabby looking walking in, but given present company, I started feeling a little self-conscious.

Katya waved her hand towards an empty chair at the end of the table opposite her and spoke.

“Please, Mr. Titanos, make yourself comfortable.”

“I’m not entirely sure that’s possible.” I said with a soft chuckle as I sat down.

“Because our difference in species?” A Sentire seated at the table asked, sounding a little disheartened.

“Because of the difference in occupation.” I corrected, showing my calloused palms with a smile towards the young woman. She blushed with what I chalked up to be embarrassment, as I got a few polite laughs around the table.

The Sentires directly to my sides inhaled discreetly and fidgeted when I sat down.

“What? Not used to the smell of hard work and molten metal?” I joked silently to myself, making sure to block my thoughts.

Katya watched me like a hawk throughout this.

“Mr. Titanos, the reason I suggested you come stay with us for a couple of days was because I thought we should solidify the alliance between our clans, and what better way to do that than start a business venture together?” Katya said. She looked to be having quite a bit of fun with the surprised, dumbstruck and awed looks she got from the mention of our alliance. Apparently, this was new information to the almost twenty people sitting at the table and their assistants lining the walls.

Without missing a beat, she continued, like the entire room wasn’t scrambling to catch up.

“We have some ideas our selves for specialty objects.” the blinds automatically rolled down, and the lights dimmed to an icy blue hue as the screen I previously thought was a wall, turned on and showed a 3d rendered image of the ring I’d made Sasha.

I lifted an eyebrow towards Katya at the theatrics, but she just shrugged.

There was a tab of notes to the right side of the screen listing documented effects and information, as well as estimated crafting time and components.

“That’s not correct.” I said, my voice somehow halting the entire room without my intent, but I soldiered on.

“The effects don’t repel attacks. It would only repel one attack, meaning it would be inadequate as a defensive enchantment.” I explained, as an assistant quickly changed the note to reflect what I’d said verbatim.

“What’s the difference?” A male Sentire asked curiously.

“Young. I’m getting quite good at guessing vampire age... though it also helps they’ve ranked themselves oldest to youngest.” I thought.

“If the assassin had chosen to use a firearm instead, then it would only have repelled the first projectile, maybe more depending on rate of fire, but the end result is the same once the shield has been activated it needs time to recharge.” I explained.

Some at the table recoiled slightly at the thought of their precious heir being attacked like that, mostly the younger ones.

“The enchantment is usually more of a hardhat than a bulletproof vest. If something heavy fell on you, you’d want it blocked momentarily and then get pushed away.” I continued, some nodding along with the logic.

“Can you make these Bulletproof Vests to borrow your analogy?” a man sitting directly to the right of Katya asked.

“I could, but the time, power and materials required would be several magnitudes greater than what I used for the repulsion ring.”

“The material is honestly the greatest factor in what can be done and how long it will last.” I expanded.

“Not to mention that every time you put on body armor, the other guy just loads Armor-piercing rounds.” A grizzled man added. I recognized him from the night at Sicilia’s manor. He was one of the custodes with Natasha.

“Exactly. There’s always the so-called chink in the armor.” I agreed.

“I’m starting to see why the circles and priestesses don’t offer items like this. There are quite a lot of hurdles.” The woman sitting next to me said.

“That and nature energy doesn’t do well against lead to begin with.” I said with a chuckle, taking a sip of the lemon water on the table. Not noticing that most at the table were looking at me as if I’d just revealed a very sensitive piece of information.

Katya cleared her throat to bring people back to the conversation without me even realizing what had happened.

“But at the end of the day, the protection granted by such items would still be extremely valuable.” Katya stated.

After lengthy discussions, we had drawn up a preliminary tier-list for the different degrees of protection compared to their estimated material requirements and crafting time. Katya assigned Sophia to help me expand the list and figure out what external aids could be provided to speed up production.

The meeting would reconvene in two days’ time to discuss methods for auctioning a limited production run to test the market.