Alya arranged the clothes she had sewn earlier, the morning sunlight dancing across the fabrics. The scent of fresh bread wafted through the air and her tummy grumbled from not having anything but coffee for breakfast.
A guard approached, his uniform crisp and freshly pressed. "Excuse me," he said, scanning her stand.
"Welcome" Alya's said as she flashed a bright smile. "Looking for something special?"
The guard's gaze lingered on a pink shirt, delicate flowers embroided down its sleeves. "My wife's birthday is coming soon . I want something she'll love."
"Happy birthday to her then." Alya's eyes sparkled. "That pink shirt is a favorite among the ladies.
"How much does it cost?He said running his fingers through the soft silk.
"Ten silver coins." Alya responded.
He handed over the coins."Thank you."
As he took the shirt, Alya asked, "New here?"
The guard's expression shifted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "What give me away?"
Alya giggled. "Oh asides from your freshly pressed uniform?"
He laughed as he continued. " Actually I just got assigned this morning. Still getting familiar with the area."
Alya nodded. "Mostly by face, I know the guards around here."
"Well, as you might have noticed, several guards have been assigned newly. " He said as he glanced around.
"Ohh? Are the slums suddenly that interesting?" Alya asked as she tried to keep her face neutral. "Or has the king decided to finally pay attention to us."
The guard laughed as he replied "How bold of you to mention the king. We're increasing patrols, that's all that concerns you."
As he walked away, Alya settled back onto the stone that served as a seat, observing the market. More guards than usual swarmed the slums, their eyes scanning the crowd.
"Alya, darling. Guards are alot this morning, aren't they?" Elara said, nodding toward the increased patrol as she examined Alya's remaining wares.
Alya raised an eyebrow at the owner of the stand next to hers, rearranging her sampled scarves obviously not in the mood for gossip "Oh? What do you think is going on?"
Elara leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper "Heard it from my friend's cousin's husband's aunt's nephew, who's a guard. There was a vampire attack last night."
Alya's heart stuttered. She tried to remain calm, but her face must have betrayed her.
"Alya, what's wrong?" Elara asked, "You look pale as a ghost"
Alya forced a laugh, attempting to brush off her unease. "Just... just a bit tired, that's all." And it's probably fake news, Elara. You know how rumors spread like wildfire."
Elara frowned, her expression skeptical. "Fake news? Alya, my source is reliable. And with all these guards... something's definitely up."
Alya shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Even if it's true, what can we do? We're just vendors."
Elara leaned in closer, her voice barely audible. "That's exactly why we should be worried. We're the ones on the streets, exposed. What if it happens again?"
"Let's not jump to conclusions. We'll be fine."
Elara nodded, going back to her stand. " I'm just being paranoid I guess."
Alya's thoughts drifted to Carmilla, she prayed silently that they didn't find anything that would complicate things for her.
Carmilla's secrets were safe with Alya, but the increased guard presence made her nervous. What if they discovered Carmilla's true nature?
Alya pushed the thought away, focusing on the market. Customers began to trickle in, and she busied herself with sales.
Lucian
Alpha Thane's voice seemed to set the whole world on fire as he said, "You should go check it out."
Lucian's expression turned hesitant, "I don't think that is necessary."
Forcing himself to show respect, he added, "Your Highness."
"Lucian, that wasn't a request, it was an order."
Miguel, eager to join the conversation, chimed in, "Yea Luke, maybe Dad's right. I mean, when last did we get reports of a vampire attack?"
Lucian's eyes locked onto Alpha Thane's eyes, some words were better left unsaid.
Not looking away,he responded to the man who birthed him, the man who took his childhood away from him "What specifically do you want me to investigate, Father?"
Alpha Thane leaned forward, his voice firm. "Reports indicate a vampire attacked a villager last night. I want you to verify the claim and deal with the perpetrator if true."
Miguel's curiosity got the better of him. "But what if it's not just any vampire, Father? What if it's..."
Alpha Thane's raised hand silenced Miguel. "Lucian will handle it, Miguel. Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary."
Lucian's gaze lingered on Alpha Thane, a mix of resentment and duty warring within him.
Miguel, sensing the tension, retreated, his eyes darting between Lucian and his father.
Alpha Thane's expression remained ice cold. "I expect a thorough report, Lucian. Leave immediately."
Lucian nodded curtly and turned to leave, his mind racing with the task ahead.
Alya
"Miss, I'm looking for a gift for my sister," a young man said, scanning Alya's wares.
"That's wonderful. " Alya exclaimed. "What's her style like?"
The young man thought for a moment. "She likes bright colors and glitter."
Alya's eyes sparkled as she pulled out a couple of dresses. "I have just the thing."
Finally, the young man chose a beautiful strapless purple sequined silk dress.
As Alya wrapped the dress, the young man asked, "Do you live around here?"
Alya nodded. "Yes, I do. Born and raised."
The young man smiled. "I'm new here. Just moved from eastwood."
"What brought you to our city?" Alya asked.
"Looking for a fresh start."
Alya smiled sympathetically. "I wish you all the best."
Carmilla
She cursed under her breath as her knee collided with the small wooden table. "Stupid furniture," she muttered, rubbing the sore spot.
She straightened up, her gaze falling upon the window. The sun's last rays dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the cramped, dimly lit room.
"Finally, this dumb sun is setting," Carmilla said, relief washing over her.
She slipped into a white dress, its delicate layers fluttering around her thighs. She began to whistle a soft tune, the same lullaby her father used to sing to her.
As the last notes faded, Carmilla's eyes clouded, memories of her father flooding her mind.She tried her best to not think about him, but the familiar tune brought back the ache of loss.
Carmilla dried her eyes, the lingering sadness momentarily forgotten as she stepped into the night. The cool breeze always had a way of healing her wounds.
She smoothed her hair, ensuring every strand was in place, before adjusting her bag's straps.
A glance around confirmed the market's evening bustle. Merchants hurried to pack up, children gathered around their mothers for dinner.
Carmilla's gaze settled on a silk merchant...her first target.
With a calculated stumble, she tripped on the cart, sending bolts of fabric tumbling.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry" Carmilla exclaimed.
"Watch where you're going, " the merchant barked. "Now look what you've done"
As Carmilla 'helped' gather the silks, she slipped several pieces into her bag.
"Sorry again, sir," Carmilla said, smiling sweetly.
"Get out of here before I call the guards" the merchant growled.
Carmilla laughed and quickly disappeared into the crowd.
Lucian
"How I love the smell of poor folks and disease infected commoners," Lucian murmured as he instructed his guards to spread out.
He looked around, searching for anything out of the ordinary, anyone who didn't belong in this wretched alley. The flickering torches cast shadows on the crumbling buildings, making it seem as though the very walls were watching him.
Lucian's gaze swept over the crowded market stalls, his nose wrinkling in distaste. The stench of rotting food, unwashed bodies, and desperation clung to everything.
As Lucian walked, his thoughts consumed by the vampire investigation, he suddenly collided with seemed like a ball of snow. White skin...white hair...white dress.
He looked down into the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever seen...honey swirling in gold.
"Ah, apologies are in order, I presume?" Lucian said, steadying the girl, his smirk hinting at amusement.
"Only if you're willing to give them," she replied, "which, judging by your attire, seems unlikely."
Lucian chuckled, intrigued. "And what do my clothes signify?"
"That you're obviously lost," she said, her gaze flicking over his clothes
Lucian's smirk deepened. "Perhaps I'm merely exploring the... unrefined side of life."
"I'm sure you'll find it enlightening."
As Lucian released his grip, she turned to disappear into the crowd.
"Wait," Lucian called out.
She turned back, a question in her eyes.
"I didn't catch your name," Lucian said.
"No, you didn't."