Lord Nikolas paced across his study; his gaze fixed on Lucas as the vampire downed yet another glass of blood. Concern etched lines on Nikolas's face, his voice firm as he intervened. "That's enough, Lucas," he said, reaching to snatch the glass from his friend's hand, only for Lucas to reach for the jar instead.
"Lucas," Nikolas warned, his tone carrying the weight of authority.
With a sigh, Lucas relented, dropping his head into his hands. The encounter at the inn had shaken him. The innkeeper's knowledge of his condition and the sage's effect had triggered a cascade of unsettling thoughts.
"How do we find her?" Lucas's voice was heavy with urgency, his eyes meeting Nikolas's.
"The human girl you were meant to bring here?" Nikolas replied, a note of understanding in his tone.
"No, the daughter of Zeus," Lucas clarified, his expression serious and devoid of his usual jests.
Nikolas arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement touching his features. "Ah, I see you're still fond of your little jokes."
Lucas remained unswayed by Nikolas's attempt at levity. "We need to locate her," he insisted, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him.
Before Nikolas could respond, a small figure entered the study, barely making a sound despite its presence. The creature, with long black hair cascading down to its waist and bare feet, caught Lucas's attention immediately.
Turning to Nikolas for an explanation, Lucas found his friend's gaze fixed on the newcomer. The little girl, her eyes wide and curious, hurriedly dropped a book onto the shelf, feigning innocence.
Nikolas addressed her softly, breaking the tension in the room. "Are you done reading, dear?"
The girl hesitated, glancing nervously between Lucas and Nikolas before nodding. Her small frame seemed fragile, and Lucas couldn't help but feel a pang of protectiveness towards her.
Nikolas gestured for her to come closer, offering her a picture book. The girl hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating her options, before timidly walking towards Nikolas to accept the book. In that fleeting moment, Lucas stared between the both of them incredulously.
"I can't read her mind" Lucas stated after the little girl had exited the study. Nikolas squinted his eyes at the vampiric demon beside him
"And why were you trying to read her mind?"
"To know if she's trying to drive a silver stake through your heart tonight, though looking at her size, I doubt she could."
If only he knew.
"Seems you're in better spirits, you're able to find your slave on your own" Nikolas spoke a bit angrily as he walked towards the shelf.
"don't be like that Nikolas, you know I need your help, plus if you help me, I won't bring up the fact that I've been reading your mind too"
On hearing this Nikolas chucked a book at him which he dodged easily
"Bastard."