Chapter 3

Without wasting more time and shaking off those violent thoughts, I headed toward the nightclub mentioned by the blood-slave human.

As the owner of a transport company, his knowledge of the clan was not overly detailed, but the information that this bar was one of the intermediaries for their monthly deliveries was enough.

Masters often held the loyalty of certain humans stationed at strategic points, useful for their business; they would get them addicted to their blood, ensuring they would do anything for another dose.

Loyalty bought by force, I would say, but it worked. Certain matters had to be handled in the light of day, making them a safe way to act as the invisible hand for those of the night.

Gothic bars served as a perfect disguise amidst humans, who had no idea that the owners and the majority of the patrons were vampires looking for donors willing to exchange fluids—any type of fluid, I might add.

I had visited few of them in my still-short life, but I knew how everything worked. Although I was never a participant in such events, I was a keen observer.

A wry smile touched my lips; remembering those carefree times with Andreia left me feeling nostalgic. I had been so oblivious to what was really going on around me.

Damn!

I felt so stupid for failing to see what that world was truly like.

Upon entering, the darkness in the still-empty place shifted the color of my eyes.

A Dhampir adapts to conditions as they arise; during the day and in sunlight, my eyes were usually light brown, but with my vampiric vision active, they turned grey.

I imagined they were that color the moment I looked around, which allowed me to see the aura of every being, distinguishing them from the humans.

A few psychedelic lights illuminated the room, casting shadows everywhere, yet I could still make out the human bartender frantically cleaning the glasses that would be used that night.

Sturdy sofas hidden in the shadows provided privacy to those who wished to be away from prying eyes, strategically placed for blood exchanges and other things, I imagined.

Four tables were scattered randomly in front of the musical instruments that would probably be used for the night's entertainment.

Counting the bartender, I noted the presence of two more humans sitting at one of the center tables. Their anxiety was palpable—perhaps their first time in a place like this.

Their attire, excessively laden with chains and sporting exaggerated eyeliner, showed they were trying to fit in, far too early in my opinion.

The "Darkness" bar was famous for its wild nights, but usually later in the evening, not at dusk.

However, my interest lay at the second table: a trio off to the side, sitting in a relaxed posture, unbothered by the others, conversing animatedly.

They might have passed unnoticed by the few clients, but to me, their auras were luminous. Vampires! I approached them cautiously but confidently.

"Hi!" I offered a friendly, albeit forced, smile. "Can I have a word with you?"

As is customary for a vampire, I was analyzed in detail from head to toe, as if they were trying to read my deepest secrets through my body language, posture, and even my gaze.

They could dream of it—that would never happen; I was capable of blocking my mind, remaining almost immune to all their natural powers.

"You can ask whatever you want, sweetheart!"

One of them quickly leaned back in his chair, revealing his broad chest beneath his tight black shirt; his sensual smile showed an intent to melt me.

I might have found it amusing had I been in any other situation. Being seduced was impossible for me lately; my scars were too fresh when it came to men. Without further ado, I faced the three of them, one by one, slowly.

"I need asylum."

I looked around, making sure no one else had entered in the meantime. I felt in my gut that my time was running out. "It's urgent! I know that out of everyone present, only you have the information I need—in this case, the address. I can handle the rest." The tension that settled among the three of them enveloped me, and despite the exchange of glances and secret communications, they remained silent.

"Please, I’m not joking. Every second that passes, I am in greater danger!"

"Calm down, girl!" the woman finally decided to intervene, showing a friendly smile, though I still noted the distrust as she studied my reaction.

"Nothing, really! I was just surprised. Dhampirs are rare among us." Her smile revealed two well-aligned, sharp fangs beneath her upper lip, confirming I was right: pureblood vampires. "We can help you! Alleandro is taking care of that right now."

Beatriz's words resonated immediately in my mind, calming me. A deep, relieved breath accompanied my mental and verbal thanks.

"Nicholas answered my call; he will be here in a minute." Alleandro looked at Beatriz and Olonso before fixing me with a half-smile. "You will have to wait and speak directly to him."

Even though it was good news, I didn't relax. I hoped it would literally be a minute; I wasn't so sure about the time I had left. Waiting there like a target waiting to be attacked was not exactly one of my original ideas.

Eduardo possessed the speed of a centuries-old vampire with extremely developed powers.

I, on the other hand, was a half-breed with supernatural powers that were yet to be developed, with only 23 years of experience in the vampire world; I didn't seem like a worthy rival to defeat him.

I was lost, without a shadow of a doubt.