Envy In The Shadows

The town buzzed with life as Kikidori and Ere'ana strolled down the cobblestone streets, their movements fluid and unhurried. The moon hung high above them, casting an ethereal glow that highlighted their unnatural beauty. Despite their predatory nature, they blended in seamlessly, passing as nothing more than an elegant couple enjoying the nightlife.

Kikidori adjusted the collar of his jacket, glancing sideways at Ere'ana. Her face, as always, was unreadable, but he caught the faint glint of amusement in her dark eyes. She seemed to feed off the energy of the town, her senses heightened as she scanned the crowds.

"No one even suspects what we are," Kikidori said with a smirk, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"They never do," Ere'ana replied, her tone flat but tinged with the faintest trace of pride. "Humans are blind."

As they turned a corner, Ere'ana suddenly stopped, her gaze locking onto someone in the distance. Kikidori followed her line of sight and spotted the woman who had caught her attention.

She was stunning—long auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, her figure wrapped in a sleek black dress that clung to her curves. Her confident stride and piercing green eyes made her stand out in the crowd, and Kikidori could already see the faint curl of a smile on Ere'ana's lips.

"She's perfect," Ere'ana murmured, almost to herself.

Kikidori sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Of course she is."

Ere'ana glanced at him briefly, her brow raised. "What's with the attitude?"

"Nothing," Kikidori said, though the sharpness in his tone betrayed him.

Ere'ana smirked faintly, her attention already shifting back to her prey. She stepped forward, her movements smooth and deliberate, the predator in her coming alive. Kikidori followed behind her, his eyes narrowing as he watched her work.

Ere'ana approached the woman, her expression softening into something almost warm. "Excuse me," she said, her voice like velvet. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the street. You're absolutely stunning."

The woman turned, her green eyes widening slightly at the compliment. "Oh… thank you," she said, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks.

Ere'ana smiled, tilting her head. "It's rare to see someone so radiant out here. Are you alone tonight?"

The woman hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, just needed to clear my head."

"That's dangerous," Ere'ana said, her tone laced with concern. "A woman as beautiful as you shouldn't be wandering around alone at night."

The woman let out a soft laugh, clearly flattered. "Well, maybe I could use some company."

Kikidori rolled his eyes, leaning against a nearby lamppost as he watched Ere'ana lead the woman into her web. It was always the same—Ere'ana's charm was irresistible, her victims practically throwing themselves at her feet. But tonight, for some reason, it irritated him more than usual.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he watched Ere'ana lean in closer to the woman, her hand lightly brushing against her arm. It wasn't about the victim, not really. It was the fact that Ere'ana had never shown that kind of attention to him.

Kikidori let out a low sigh, shaking his head. "You never bite *me* like that," he muttered under his breath.

Ere'ana heard him, of course—her hearing was far sharper than any human's. She turned her head slightly, a smirk playing at her lips. "What was that, Kikidori?"

"Nothing," he said, his tone clipped.

Ere'ana chuckled softly, turning back to the woman. "Ignore him," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "He's just sulking."

The woman laughed, completely unaware of the danger she was in. "You two seem close."

"Oh, we are," Ere'ana said, her smile widening. "Very close."

Kikidori pushed off the lamppost, his jaw tightening as he walked past them. "I'll meet you back at the mansion," he said over his shoulder, not bothering to wait for a response.

Ere'ana watched him go, a flicker of amusement in her eyes before she returned her attention to the woman. "Men," she said with a playful sigh.

The woman giggled, and Ere'ana took her by the hand, leading her toward a quieter part of town. She could feel Kikidori's jealousy lingering in the air, but she brushed it aside. There would be time to deal with him later.

For now, her focus was on the woman beside her, whose heartbeat was already quickening in anticipation. Ere'ana smiled to herself, knowing that soon, that heartbeat would stop altogether.

The End of Chapter Five