"Hello, Flint," a cold, regal voice said.
It came from the couch, which may as well have been a throne despite its shabby appearance based on the way the vampire was sitting in it. He wore an elegant suit and cravat that had been fashionable centuries ago and swirled blood around in a wine glass before taking a sip.
"Dorian," Flint said faintly. "What are you doing here?"
"I simply wanted to check on the status of my investment. And what do I find? Little Ruby has been missing for over a month yet you did not say a word. Care to explain yourself?"
He ended up tripping over his words in his haste to save himself. "I didn't mean to hide it from you! I just—she's been predictable all these years so I thought I could find her myself. There was no need to bother someone as esteemed as you about this!"
The vampire raised a sleek black eyebrow. "Oh? Then where is she now?"
