The basement library of Frankenstein's house had officially become Raizel's second home.
Not by choice.
He just found himself here often—half because it was quiet, half because the rest of the world was loud and annoying.
Currently, he was flipping through yet another book on unknown supernatural history, skimming past ridiculous theories, elaborate conspiracies, and at least one paragraph that suggested vampires might actually be government experiments.
Creative.
Vampires. Werewolves. Shapeshifters. Banshees. Ghosts. Witches...
The entire supernatural franchise had apparently decided to do a crossover event and forgot to inform him.
Honestly, he wasn't even mad. Just vaguely disappointed.
With a sigh, he leaned back in his chair, resting his chin on his hand.
Should he be concerned?
…Nah.
If anything, this just made things more interesting.
It wasn't every day that one got to live inside a paranormal soap opera.
But was it just Noblesse and Twilight?
His brows furrowed slightly. If that was the case, then how disappointing.
It wasn't that he had anything against Forks' local vegetarian vampires, but surely there was something more out there.
It wasn't that he had anything against Forks' local vegetarian vampires and puppies, but if he was going to be stuck here, he expected at least one major supernatural crisis, not some love drama. Maybe an ancient vampire awakening. A secret organization hunting monsters. Something to keep things from getting dull.
Speaking of which—
His thoughts naturally drifted to Frankenstein.
His ever-reliable butler/scientist/bodyguard/financial sponsor (whether willingly or not) had been off lately.
More tired. More distracted.
And Raizel—being the ever-observant, ever-considerate person that he was—had completely failed to ask about it.
Oops.
At that moment, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached his ears.
Frankenstein was back.
Slowly, Raizel closed the book in his hands, sliding it back onto the shelf.
Time to investigate.
Though, in all honesty, his idea of investigation mostly involved standing in Frankenstein's personal space and staring at him until he confessed whatever was wrong.
Flawless strategy.
He ascended the stairs, the library fading behind him as he stepped into the main hall.
Frankenstein was just getting out of the car, rubbing his temple like someone who had just survived a long shift.
Raizel stepped closer. Frankenstein looked up.
"Master," he greeted, immediately straightening as if nothing was wrong.
A bold move, considering Raizel had eyes.
"Frankenstein." His voice was as neutral as ever. "You seem… different."
Frankenstein blinked. "Do I?"
"Yes."
A pause.
Then, as if realizing there was no point in arguing, Frankenstein sighed and gave a small, tired smile. "It's nothing, Master. Just work matters."
Translation: Human nonsense.
Raizel stared at him. Frankenstein held the stare, still smiling politely.
A full five seconds passed.
"…It's fine now," Frankenstein assured him.
A blatant lie, but Raizel was too polite to say so.
Instead, he nodded. "I see."
Then, with perfect casual indifference—
"I'm going out."
Frankenstein's smile didn't change, but Raizel could feel the disapproval radiating off him. "At this hour, Master?"
"Yes."
"Shall I.....?"
"No."
Frankenstein nodded.
Raizel nodded.
They both knew Frankenstein was going to follow him anyway.
So, naturally, Raizel ignored it and walked out.
The Destination?
Port Angeles.
He had discovered a library there online, and curiosity—not boredom, definitely not boredom—had convinced him to check it out.
It was supposedly well-stocked with local myths and legends, and while Forks' supernatural exclusives weren't exactly thrilling, he figured it wouldn't hurt to expand his knowledge.
Worst case scenario, he'd get a nap out of it.
Best case scenario?
He might actually find something worth his time.
Either way, it was better than sitting around doing nothing.