Odel, who had received outpatient medication, was finally allowed to go home. She was picked up by her three fiancés in a brand-new car given to them by Baron. While Emilio and Daffin enthusiastically welcomed Odel, Clayton sat silently in the driver's seat.
"We got a car?" Odel asked as soon as she saw their new ride.
"Yeah, instead of flying around, we have to act more human," Emilio replied.
"You're right. At least we can use this car to pick up my Odel," Daffin said with a grin, extending his hand to help Odel walk.
"I don't need help walking; I'm perfectly fine now!" Odel replied firmly.
She got into the car and saw Clayton sitting quietly in the driver's seat, his eyes fixed on the road.
"Hey, Clayton!" Odel greeted him warmly.
Clayton only glanced at her briefly before looking back at the road. Seeing Clayton's cold response, Emilio immediately protested.
"Clayton, is that how you respond to a greeting?"
"If I had known you'd be this annoying, I wouldn't have let you come," Daffin chimed in.
Clayton turned his head, glaring at Daffin with annoyance.
"Can you drive, Daffin? Or maybe you, Emilio?" Clayton shot them both a pointed question that neither could answer.
The truth was, neither of the other Doyle vampires could drive, which was why they had been nagging Clayton to drive them around.
Avoiding Clayton's question, Daffin simply shut the door and buckled his seatbelt.
"Let's go home!" Daffin announced, making Clayton scoff in irritation.
Odel observed Clayton's demeanor. He hadn't said a single word since they started driving. The conversation inside the car was dominated by Emilio and Daffin, who excitedly talked about various things that had happened while Odel was away.
The ride felt short, and soon they arrived in front of their apartment building. Clayton dropped them off at the entrance, and as soon as everyone got out, he drove away.
"Wait, where is he going?" Daffin asked.
"No idea. He does whatever he wants. Maybe he has somewhere to be," Emilio replied.
"Does he not care that Odel is back? He's acting really weird!" Daffin grumbled, leading Odel inside.
Unbeknownst to Emilio and Daffin, Clayton had actually gone to meet Baron at a small pastry shop on the outskirts of town. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries lined the display cases, yet the atmosphere inside felt heavy. Baron was already sitting in a corner with a serious expression. Clayton stepped in with firm strides, his gaze sharp and wary.
"Why did you choose a place like this?" Clayton asked bluntly, pulling out a chair across from Baron.
Baron shrugged, his gaze unwavering. "Because I like the smell of sweet things."
"Is that the only reason?"
"Of course not. This place helps us stay under the radar; no one will suspect a thing," Baron replied.
"Who? Are you running from something?"
"Yes. Yesterday, someone from the Vanholm clan contacted me."
"How did they get your number?"
"I have no idea. I suspect there's a traitor."
"What do they want?"
"They're claiming their right... the right to the next vampire king," Baron explained.
"That's nonsense! The right to the throne belongs to the Doyle noble clan, not Vanholm!" Clayton snapped.
"I already told them that, but they have another plan."
"What plan?"
Baron took a deep breath before answering, "They know about Odel."
"So?"
"I hope you three can protect her well because they want to take her too," Baron said gravely.
"Take Odel?"
"Yes. They know her blood is special, and if they get her, their candidate will automatically become the next vampire king," Baron explained.
"That can't happen! I'll never allow it!" Clayton growled.
"I understand, but be careful! Suspect everyone, because as you know, the vampires of the Vanholm clan are different from us,"
Clayton stared at Baron with sharp determination. "I'll protect her. I won't let them lay a hand on Odel," he said in a deep, resolute voice.
Baron nodded, his expression still serious. "I know I can count on you, Clayton. But remember, they're not like us. They're more elusive, cunning, and brutal. They've been in hiding for a long time, and I have no idea what kind of power they possess now."
Without another word, Clayton stood up and left the shop, his mind racing with the possible dangers awaiting Odel. He gripped the steering wheel tightly as he sped toward the apartment.
The moment he stepped inside, a commotion greeted him.
"Clayton! Look at this!" Emilio called out, his eyes glued to the TV screen.
Daffin turned to him with a tense expression. "Bad news! Terrible news. You need to see this."
Clayton walked over, his gaze fixed on the television. The reporter was speaking in an alarmed tone.
Several missing persons who were previously reported lost in the forest area have been found dead this morning. Their bodies were discovered in a horrific state, completely drained of blood. Witnesses reported seeing a mysterious figure lurking around the area. Some residents call it a 'blood-sucking demon'.
Odel, who had just stepped out of her room, stared at the screen, her face pale.
"No way... a demon? Could... could it really be vampires?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Clayton turned to look at her with a serious expression but remained silent. Emilio tried to reassure Odel in a lighthearted tone.
"It could just be a wild animal or something. Don't think too much about it, Odel."
However, Daffin, who was sitting on the sofa, shook his head.
"No, Emilio. We'd be lying to ourselves if we thought this wasn't the work of vampires! Those victims clearly died from blood loss. No wild animal could do that!" Daffin replied, looking at Clayton.
Clayton met Daffin's gaze seriously. "Baron just met me. The Vanholm clan has resurfaced! They're making their move!"
"Aren't they supposed to be gone?" Emilio asked.
"Not entirely. The truth is, they still exist—and worse, they're in the same position as us! The next vampire king candidate!" Clayton explained.
Odel looked pale and spontaneously asked, "The next vampire king candidate? Does that mean there will be another candidate to be my fiancé? Am I also involved in this?" She looked frightened.
"There will be no other candidate! I'll take him down before he even gets the chance to touch you!" Clayton replied.