Freyn was finally released.
The sky was filled with dark clouds, and fine rain drizzled down. The raindrops slid off Freyn's stern face as he walked through the streets. The small town of Willett was always rainy, and Freyn had long grown used to it. He stepped through puddles, mud staining his pants, and thought back to the words Charles had said before he made him leave.
"Which is more important to you, your own sister, or the vampires who harm our kind? I think you know the answer better than I do."
"When you bring the half-blood vampire to me, I'll release your sister."
"Don't glare at me. I'll make sure Alice writes to you every day."
"Once his legs are healed, let him go."
The thought of his sister being so humiliated and imprisoned clenched Freyn's fists. He swore that once he found an opportunity, he would make Charles pay!
But Freyn's chances were as small and fleeting as the rain falling around him, hard to grasp.
As Charles had said, since that day, every day a letter from Alice arrived, but so did...
The first day, a letter from Alice, written on two full pages. In it, Alice expressed her disbelief when she learned of her brother's connection to the half-blood vampire, condemned the rumors spread by the Hunter's Guild, and expressed regret for her misplaced affection for Charles. However, Freyn could tell from her writing that Alice seemed to be in a relatively good condition, even relieved that Charles had not harmed her too severely.
But Freyn didn't have long to feel relieved.
The second day, the delivery included a lock of Alice's hair along with another letter. In it, Alice mentioned that Charles had begun to abuse her and made threats about the half-blood vampire.
"Brother, I never imagined Charles had gone mad. He hit me for the nonexistent vampire and threatened to kill me if you couldn't find the half-blood vampire. This can't be real!"
Freyn clenched the letter. He had thought about seeking Cynthia's help, but why would she go into such a hellish place for him? He hadn't forgotten the fate of Anliye, who had been tied to a chair, a tool for others to use in creating half-blood vampires.
By the third day, Freyn couldn't bear the torment any longer. Even if Cynthia refused to help, he couldn't continue like this.
In just three days, Freyn seemed to have changed. His once cold, handsome face had become pale and weak, his cheeks hollow from lack of food.
The third day's delivery contained Alice's personal clothing and a letter with only a single line:
"I'm fine, Brother."
Freyn rushed to the Hunter's Guild, but when he encountered the cross-dressed woman in the window, she calmly said, "When you bring the half-blood vampire to us, then you can see your sister."
Enraged, Freyn threw a punch, but the woman easily deflected it, weakening his strike. He was already so weak.
His determination to find Cynthia was even firmer now. He had to save Alice.
When he finally stood in front of Cynthia's door, his hand hovered in the air, unable to knock.
As he stood there, a voice came from behind. "I told you the little rabbit needs to open the door for it to open. Why can't you remember that, Mr. Hu?"
Freyn turned around to see the red-haired woman standing there. Today, Cynthia had tidied up her hair, which looked shiny and sleek. She wore a light blue checkered dress, contrasting sharply with her fiery red hair.
"Cynthia," Freyn's voice was hoarse. It seemed he always said these three words whenever they met.
"I made apple pie today. Want to try it?" Cynthia opened the door and invited him in.
She didn't seem to notice the dark circles under Freyn's eyes, or the red in his pupils, as she continued talking, seemingly unaware of his discomfort.
"Sure," Freyn gripped his hands tighter, deciding that once he entered, he would seize Cynthia when she wasn't paying attention.
Cynthia, busy in the kitchen, brought out the apple pie, and the enticing aroma filled the room. The pie, golden brown, glistened in the light, and its sweet, tangy scent made Freyn's mouth water. After days of eating poorly, he couldn't resist taking a bite.
The pie was delicious—soft, with a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors. Freyn savored it, not realizing how much he ate until he looked up to see Cynthia staring at him with a faint, sorrowful look in her eyes.
She smiled brightly and raised her hands as if showing off.
Around her wrists were loose ropes—obviously tied by herself.
"What should we do? The little rabbit's been caught," Cynthia said with innocent eyes.
Freyn was silent for a moment. He had considered many possibilities—Cynthia seeing through him, Cynthia being defeated, or Cynthia running away—but he hadn't imagined this.
Standing up to leave, Freyn was blocked by Cynthia.
She hurried to stop him, but Freyn looked at her coldly.
"Cynthia, do you think that with this indifferent attitude, you can make me accept this without guilt? Not just this time, but even with the magical herbs you've provided before, as soon as I need something, you show up with that expression you think I don't need. Are you pitying me, afraid I'll feel ashamed? Or do you think I'll be grateful and fall in love with you? This isn't a game. The darkness and terror behind the Hunter's Guild are nothing like the simple image you've painted."
Cynthia lowered her head, silent.
Freyn turned and left without a word. Cynthia didn't stop him, just watching the floor.
No pity.
Willett was always rainy, and Freyn knew that well.
"Damn, when will this rain stop?" He couldn't help but complain.
Back home, Freyn began to prepare his gear. Since they wouldn't let Alice go, he would have to fight them to the death.
His gold medal and silver gun had been taken, but he still had his silver blade and silver bow. He slipped the silver blade into the hidden clasp at the back of his boots, and wrapped his hands with bandages to protect them while drawing the bow.
There were also a few bottles of magic potions Alice had made. Some of them were meant to be sold in the market, but because of everything, they had been locked away. He took them too—explosive potions and jump potions. The quantities were small, but they would be enough.
As Freyn was about to head out, there was a knock at the door. He immediately thought of Cynthia, but then wondered how she could know where he lived. He cautiously opened the door, and it was the soldier who delivered letters.
A strange smile spread across the soldier's face. "Mr. Freyn, you've done a great job. Charles is inviting you to the underground city to reunite with your sister."
Freyn hesitated. "What great job?"
"The half-blood vampire! Didn't you tell her to go to the Hunter's Guild and find you? Turns out you really have some skills, Freyn. You managed to get the half-blood vampire to recognize you as their master."
The soldier kept talking, unaware of the change in Freyn's expression.
It was Cynthia! Freyn couldn't wait any longer. He rushed out the door. Had she gone to the Hunter's Guild? Didn't she know there was a bounty on her head all over the city?
For the first time, Freyn's face showed genuine concern.