"We were all once human," Carrie said softly. "Even though we're vampires now, we just can't bring ourselves to attack humans."
"Exactly," Lily added. "Since we can survive on blood bags, why resort to such cruelty? As for why we refuse to leave this place—it's because this is our home. Our families and friends still live in this city. It's chaotic, but we stay to protect them."
Ron Mills listened carefully, then nodded. "Fair enough—you've passed my little test. The other vampires in this city are probably all dead by now. Maybe one or two managed to escape, so I'll stick around for two more days to make sure. I don't need you to fight anyone. But after I leave, if new vampires show up and start causing trouble—if you can handle them, drive them out. If not, contact me. When I have time, I'll come clean up the mess myself. This isn't about working for me; think of it as me helping you protect your city."
"Really?" Jackson asked, skeptical.
"I have no reason to lie to you," Ron said, his voice calm but firm. "The only reason I spared you is because you still have humanity left. Back at the blood bank, if you had attacked me instead of trying to compel me to leave, you'd already be dead." He cast a brief glance at Lily as he spoke.
"Alright, remember my number. If you ever run into serious trouble, call me. Though I hope I'll never have to answer that call." He gave them his phone number and saved theirs in his own phone. "And listen—being a vampire isn't all bad. Use that power wisely. Control the corrupt people running this city. Change things for the better. Maybe one day, when I hear this city's name on the news, it'll finally be for something good."
With that, Ron handed them his phone and turned toward the door.
"Oh, one more thing," he said as he stopped by the doorway. "I know you still have humanity, but don't overestimate others'. Don't turn anyone unless you absolutely must, and hold on to who you are. If I ever find out you've changed for the worse, I won't hesitate to stop you."
Then he left.
For the next two days, Ron activated his compass and used both the Snake and Rabbit Sigils to move unseen across the city, checking every corner. After confirming that no other vampires remained besides Carrie, Lily, and Jackson, he reviewed the nearby city list and drove toward the next one.
Text sent:
"Lily, I've confirmed your city is clean. I'm heading to the next one. If anything comes up, contact me." —Ron
By noon the next day, he reached the second city. This one was even worse—vampires, gangs, and every kind of criminal you could imagine.
"Hey, kid, where you from?" a tattooed white man called out as Ron parked his car outside a hotel.
"Mystic Falls," Ron replied flatly, not in the mood for trouble.
"Mystic Falls? You know the rules around here?" the man asked.
"What rules?" Ron frowned.
"Parking fee. Toll fee," the thug sneered.
"How much?"
"Ten grand total. Six for parking, four for toll," the man smirked, eyeing Ron's clothes.
Ron's expression darkened. "Still ten thousand now?"
Before the man could react, Ron slammed a fist straight into his face, sending him sprawling. The others moved to attack, but Ron was faster—one's arm snapped, another's leg shattered, leaving them writhing on the pavement.
"What a damn waste of time," Ron muttered, walking back to his car. He gunned the engine and sped off.
He eventually found a better neighborhood and checked into a five-star hotel—much safer, more orderly. The kind of place backed by powerful people.
"I'll look around tonight," he said to himself, noticing that his compass's hands wouldn't stop spinning—meaning there were plenty of vampires nearby.
Ron took a nap until evening, then headed downstairs to the hotel lobby.
"Hey there, beautiful," he greeted the front desk hostess with a charming smile.
"Good evening, sir. How may I help you?" she asked politely, her tone professional but warm.
"Just wondering what's fun around here. Spending all day in the hotel is kinda boring," Ron said, playing the part of a rich young man effortlessly. (Which, technically, he was in this world.)
"The hotel offers baths, a bar, an indoor pool, and a gym. Would you like me to show you around?" she offered.
"No, no. I'm looking for something a little more exciting. Where's the liveliest place in this city at night?"
"Well…" she hesitated, lowering her voice. "That would be the Sky Palace. But you really shouldn't go there. You're not local—you don't know how dangerous it is. People disappear there almost every night. And the ones who vanish most often… are visitors like you." She leaned closer, whispering.
"Oh? You're worried about me?" Ron teased, leaning in with a grin that made her blush crimson.
"Y-you're joking, sir. You're a valued guest—I just don't want anything to happen to you," she stammered.
"Then how about this," Ron said with a playful glint in his eye. "I'll skip Sky Palace tonight. You join me for a drink at the bar instead."
The woman hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Let me ask my coworker to cover my shift."
Ron smirked as she walked to the counter. After a short whisper exchange, she returned to him.
"Alright, Mr.—"
"Call me Ron," he interrupted with a soft smile. "And what's your name, beautiful?"
"Eva," she replied as they reached the elevator.
"Easy to remember," Ron said, amused.
Eva smiled back, leading him to the ninth floor bar.
Once there, she guided him to the counter.
"I'll have a bottle of bourbon," Ron said to the bartender. "And bring us something to eat while you're at it."
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If you're interested, you can read advanced chapters:
pat reon .com / Samorash