The Black Emporium

Chapter 2 - The Black Emporium

---

Beneath Honeywell's surface, the Black Emporium thrived in secrecy. It was a labyrinth of commerce, a refuge for those who dealt in the rare, the forbidden, and the arcane. Bioluminescent orbs cast an eerie glow over countless stalls, each one displaying artefacts beyond mortal comprehension. Hooded figures bartered in hushed tones, their negotiations laced with veiled threats and promises of fortune.

The Favors and Contracts Corner buzzed with whispered deals, sealed scrolls changing hands as unseen patrons secured missions tailored to their desires. The Treasure Boutique glistened with enchanted trinkets—rings that pulsed with ancient power, blades imbued with curses. Further in, the Whispered Library loomed, its forbidden tomes exuding a heavy presence, while the Café of Whispers hummed with low conversations, information exchanged over steaming cups of imported elixirs.

Poe led the way, his posture easy but his gaze sharp. Kol followed, his steps silent, a predator moving through familiar hunting grounds. The mist that had carried Jack now settled his unconscious form draped over Kol's shoulder like a macabre trophy.

"Feels like a night market down here," Kol mused, his crimson eyes scanning the shifting crowd. "Perfect for thieves, assassins, and… well, assassinations."

Poe shrugged. "That and other services. If you're looking to offload that coin of yours, this is the place." His sigh was long-suffering, but his stride remained purposeful. "Come on, we can browse later. For now, we need a room." He gestured towards a narrow passage behind a stall, its entrance veiled in deep violet silk.

Kol moved to follow, but something caught his eye. A flicker of steel beneath a lantern's glow.

A man—dark-skinned, broad-shouldered, with an eyepatch that added an air of battle-worn authority—sat behind a stall cluttered with firearms and ammunition. Unlike the other merchants, he made no effort to call out to customers, his presence alone seemingly enough to draw interest. Resting across his lap was a matte-black M16, polished to an unnatural gleam.

Kol's grip on Poe's shoulder was firm, stopping him mid-step. "Wait," he murmured, eyes locked on the merchant. "He looks… interesting."

Poe's brow arched at the sudden halt, but he followed Kol's gaze and immediately relaxed. "Nigel?" he scoffed. "Yeah, he's an Otherworlder. Like you." His tone was casual, but there was something guarded in the way he said it. "Didn't last long out there with whatever abilities he had, so he turned to trading instead."

Kol's interest piqued. "Abilities?"

"Nothing special. Just had eyes that could see further than most," Poe said with a wave of his hand as if dismissing something greater.

Kol said nothing, already making his way toward Nigel's stall.

As they approached, Nigel's good eye flicked up from his work, assessing Kol with a glance. His expression remained unreadable as he spoke, his voice a smooth drawl with the bite of experience.

"You buyin' or sellin', dawg?"

Kol tilted his head slightly at the term. "Dog?"

Nigel exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Damn fantasy freaks. Alright, look—" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I got all kinds of firepower. You looking for a .50 cal? Maybe a Glock for that extra protection?" His tone was brash, but his hands moved over his wares with the reverence of a craftsman. "Give me somethin' to work with, cuz."

Kol studied the weapons, their sleek, unnatural designs foreign to him. "Something that hits hard, but I can wield with both hands. Like a revolver."

Nigel's lips curled into a grin, the kind that revealed more teeth than necessary. "Phewwwie," he whistled, shaking his head. "So we got ourselves a gunslinger, huh? You packin' already?"

Kol's posture remained neutral, but his voice dipped lower, edged with caution. "And if I said I was?"

Nigel leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. The easy amusement in his expression faded, replaced by something sharper. "Then I'd be askin' if you know how to use it." His gaze bore into Kol, his good eye narrowing. "I ain't sellin' to some eight-bit thug who just learned how to pull a damn trigger. You either know your way around a piece, or you don't waste my time."

Kol met his scrutiny without hesitation. "I assure you, I know how to use a gun." His voice carried the weight of experience, of battles fought in shadows, of duels where the sunrise never came. "If it's skill you're asking for, I've danced with the devil and lived to tell the tale."

For a moment, Nigel said nothing. Then, a satisfied exhale escaped him. "Damn. That's what I like to hear."

He reached beneath his stall and pulled out a sleek, leather-bound case, its matte-black surface absorbing the light. He placed it on the table between them with deliberate care.

"Since I'm feelin' generous, consider this a gift," he said, tapping the case. "Set your pieces in here overnight, and it'll enchant your weapons. Only works once, so use it for something that means somethin' to you."

Kol accepted the case with a slight nod, tucking it beneath his coat. "Much appreciated, Nigel."

"Anytime, choombah." Nigel said, already turning back to polish his rifle.

Poe, standing beside them, crossed his arms. "Huh. That's a first. Nigel's usually stingy with gifts…" His violet eyes flicked to Kol with renewed curiosity.

Kol smirked. "What can I say? Some people just have a way with words."

Poe sighed, rolling his shoulders before nodding toward the path ahead. "Ready to face the music?" He glanced at Jack—still unconscious, still unnervingly still. "And maybe find out what the hell to do with him?"

Kol adjusted his coat, the weight of the case pressing lightly against his back. "Let's get to it."

---

The Membership Lounge Entrance

Poe exhaled sharply, shoulders sagging as he glanced at Kol. "This is going to be long…" he muttered, leading the way toward the entrance.

A Guardian of the Black Network stepped forward, their glaive levelled in a smooth, practised motion. Their form shimmered, the Cloak of Displacement making their precise location difficult to discern. What little could be seen—keen, watchful eyes beneath the hood—suggested unwavering vigilance.

"Halt, outsiders," the Guardian intoned. "Members only. The market is to the right, the Café to the left. If you have no appointment, you have no business here."

Poe sighed, reaching up to remove his raven mask. His expression was flat, unimpressed. "Who is it today?" he asked dryly. "Arken, is that you?"

The Guardian hesitated before stiffening. "Y-Young Master," they stammered, instantly adjusting their stance. "We weren't expecting your gracious company this eve—"

Poe waved a hand dismissively. "Skip the pleasantries, Arken. Let me in. I need to speak with her." His voice held no room for argument.

The Guardian dipped their head in a shallow bow and stepped aside. "A thousand apologies, young master."

Poe turned to Kol with a half-smirk, his eyes closed as if bracing himself. "Ready?"

Kol gave a slow, approving nod.

"Here we go," Poe murmured, stepping forward.

---

Seraphine's Office

The corridor leading to Seraphine's domain was dimly lit, the walls lined with lacquered mahogany bookshelves that bore no titles, only symbols etched in silver. The heavy door at the end loomed, more ominous in its simplicity than any elaborate engraving could have made it.

Poe hesitated at the threshold before rapping his knuckles against the wood. He waited, exhaling slowly.

A lazy voice called from within.

"Come in."

Poe stole a glance at Kol. "Whatever you do, don't cause any trouble. Please." His voice was low, measured, but tinged with something akin to anxiety.

Kol slid his hands into the deep pockets of his coat, letting it drape loosely over his frame. From one of those pockets, he fished out a weathered cigar, its surface cracked from age and use. He let it rest between his lips, unlit, rolling it absentmindedly.

With a smirk, he leaned in slightly. "Relax," he said smoothly. "Your heart's racing."

Poe scoffed but said nothing.

Kol kicked the door open with the heel of his boot, stepping inside with the easy confidence of someone who had long abandoned the need for permission.

Seraphine was already watching.

Reclining in her high-backed chair, she studied them with half-lidded amusement. Her snow-white hair fell in loose waves over one shoulder, the dim glow of an enchanted lantern casting shadows across her sharp features. A delicate pipe rested between her fingers, the curling smoke fragrant with something unmistakably foreign.

She arched a brow.

"Well, well. My little brother… waltzing into my office." A slow smirk curved her lips. "To what do I owe the occasion, little raven?"

Her gaze flicked past him, taking in the dhampir who had settled himself into the darkest corner of the room, comfortably sinking into the shadows. The way he moved, the way his presence melded with the dim light—it spoke of long familiarity with darkness.

She exhaled a ribbon of smoke, her attention shifting back to Poe.

"You've even brought company. Surprised you have any." Her tone was light, offhanded, but there was a weight beneath it—a habitual sharpness.

Poe ignored the jab. "I need a favour."

Seraphine chuckled, tapping the ash from her pipe. "Straight to the point? Not even an introduction for your floating corpse and the brooding gentleman in the corner?" She leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the desk. "You wound me, little one."

Kol's mist dispersed, releasing Jack's limp form onto a nearby couch. His body flopped unceremoniously, his undead energy still faintly lingering in the air like a whisper of something unnatural.

Poe barely spared him a glance, instead thumbing toward the body. "That's Jack. Haven't quite figured out what he is yet." His voice carried a note of unease, the truth still uncertain even to himself. He turned to Kol with a deliberate nod. "And that's Kol. He's… a wraith." The lie was smooth, but beneath his steady tone, he hoped it would hold.

Seraphine hummed, amusement flickering in her gaze as she observed the so-called "wraith" in the corner. Her eyes danced between them, searching, weighing. "Well, are you going to do me the courtesy of the truth, or will you lie like my dear brother here?"

Poe straightened. "It's the truth—"

"Silence, Poe." Her voice, sharp as a blade, cut through his protest. She shifted her attention to Kol, expectant. "You. Talk."

Kol's smirk barely wavered. He tilted his head slightly, his posture relaxed, yet his words carried an undeniable weight. "My, my, what a family you have, Poe." His gaze flicked toward Seraphine, an edge of mirth playing at his lips. "You should trust him more, my lady. Though I shouldn't reveal what I am, for the sake of Poe… I am a wraith." His voice remained smooth, unreadable, as he casually crossed one leg over the other.

Seraphine studied him, her expression unreadable. She found no obvious deception in his tone, though something about him unsettled her. "Odd," she mused, fingers tapping lightly against her pipe. "I could have sworn…" Her words trailed off, but she quickly recomposed herself, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. With a dramatic touch to her forehead, she sighed, "Perhaps I've indulged in too much grymherbs. My apologies."

The playful facade melted into something sharper. "Now then, Kol, was it? What business do you have with my dear brother?" Her posture shifted, legs crossing as she leaned into the conversation, waiting. "Before we address the rather glaring matter of why a corpse is occupying my couch, I'd like to know your intentions."

Kol turned his head slightly toward Poe as if only now realizing—what was his business with him? His smirk deepened. "Well, I'd like to hear Poe's favour first before I answer any questions. He is your brother, after all." He gestured for Poe to speak.

Poe took the opportunity, steadying himself.

「Nice timing, Kol!」

His throat cleared, and his tone hardened. "I need information on Gates. Any."

Seraphine's casual air shattered. Her eyes widened, then narrowed as a slow laugh escaped her lips. Gone was the teasing sister—before them now sat the Black Mask, the shadow who pulled the strings of the Black Network.

"Gates?" she echoed, savouring the word like a finely aged poison. "And what, pray tell, will you offer in return for such a request? Surely you know even I can't hand out knowledge like that freely." She leaned forward, her voice silk and steel. "Interdimensional travel is no simple prospect, Poe."

Poe barely hesitated. "How about two of the strongest Otherworlders for hire?" He spoke with conviction, though even he wasn't sure how much truth laced his words.

Kol facepalmed in the darkness. Even his hellhound back home could see through that lie.

Seraphine barely suppressed a chuckle, her amusement laced with scrutiny. "You expect me to believe that?" Her gaze flicked to Kol, measuring. "He looks capable enough, but aside from the corpse draped over my furniture, I see no 'strongest' here."

Kol merely shrugged, tipping his hat in a slow, deliberate motion. "Whatever you say, m'lady." There was something in his eyes—a knowing look, something old, something unreadable.

A flicker of unstable energy rippled through Jack's form. The air in the room shifted.

Seraphine's body tensed, instincts honed by years in the underworld. The hairs on her neck stood as the corpse stirred ever so slightly. Her fingers tightened around her pipe.

"You did sense that, didn't you?" she asked, her voice carrying a rare trace of unease.

Kol exhaled through his nose, unfazed. "Oh, we did," he admitted, though his tone remained indifferent. "I'm just used to it." That was a lie. He was definitely not used to it. Even when Jack was sleeping, something about him was wrong.

Poe's eyes darted to the body, concern flashing behind them.

「Is he finally waking up? This might be bad…」

"Uh, hey, Sera!" His voice came light, too light. "Why don't we discuss all of this tomorrow? As you can tell, we've had a rough night. Right, guys?" He cleared his throat, forcing an easy smile.

Seraphine wasn't convinced. "No," she countered smoothly. "I want to inspect him."

Kol lifted his hand lazily, a swirl of mist coiling around Jack's form. The body drifted toward him, weightless in his spectral grip.

"Apologies, m'lady," he said easily. "I have specific orders. No one lays a hand on him." His words carried finality.

Seraphine narrowed her eyes but relented with an irritated sigh. "Hmph. Very well." She glanced at the clock on her desk, clicking her tongue. "Tch. Go and rest in the staff rooms. I expect a proper explanation when your corpse stirs." She waved them off, exhaling another puff of smoke.

Kol inclined his head with a small bow. "Many thanks and apologies, m'lady. I'll be on my way." He turned to Poe, mouthing a silent 'Good luck' before slipping into the shadows. The door closed softly behind him.

Poe sighed, dropping onto the couch with a weary air. "Catch up with you later."

Seraphine's lips curled as she turned her attention fully to him. "Sleep well, wraith. Oh, I forgot—your kind don't tend to, do they?" She grinned, satisfied with the jab before setting her pipe down.

Poe eyed her warily. "What is it?" he deadpanned.

She leaned back, her smirk lazy yet sharp. "Just thought you'd like to know… there's a bounty on your head."

Poe froze. His stomach twisted. "What?"

Seraphine stretched her arms as if discussing something as mundane as the weather. "You can thank Sylas for that."

His jaw clenched. "You're joking."

She merely chuckled. "If you thought you could get away with stealing an artefact from the vaults, you were sorely mistaken, young master." Her voice dripped with amusement.

Poe exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. "Says the vixen." He threw the retort over his shoulder as he stood, heading for the door.

Seraphine huffed a breath of smoke, watching him go. "Tch. You never change, do you, Poe?"

The door clicked shut behind him.

---

Emporium Staff Room.

The staff guestroom lay concealed behind a sliding door of intricate shoji screens, a quiet refuge nestled within the lively marketplace's embrace. The muffled chatter of merchants and distant lantern light flickered through the paper walls, but within, only stillness remained. Warm paper lanterns cast a golden hue over polished wooden floors, their glow dancing upon tatami mats that invited bare feet to relish their woven softness. In the center of the room, a single futon lay prepared, the promise of rest upon its plump bedding.

Kol stepped inside first, taking in the decor with quiet appreciation. He exhaled a wisp of mist as he moved, placing Jack's unconscious body onto the futon with an effortless motion. His own form stretched before he settled into the darkest corner of the room, where the shadows felt more familiar than the warmth of the lanterns. Sleep, as always, was not an option.

Minutes passed in silence before Kol shifted, his unnatural stillness breaking as he rose from his seat. With an air of practiced intent, he approached Jack, his gloved fingers hovering over the man's pale skin. The glove, adorned with arcane insignia, pulsed faintly—red symbols flickering like dying embers. A single drop of his own blood met Jack's flesh.

"Mogshun." His voice echoed through the chamber, deep, layered—demonic.

A glyph surged to life beneath Jack, scarlet veins of ancient power creeping outward, spiraling toward the unconscious man's chest. As Kol's voice carried through the air, an unnatural energy surged, crackling like bones snapping in the dark. The room trembled for an instant before silence returned, the ritual's traces vanishing as though nothing had ever transpired.

The moment was short-lived.

Poe slid the shoji screen open with a weary sigh, shoulders slumped, his exhaustion palpable. His coat fell from his frame in an unceremonious heap as he loosened his tie, all but collapsing onto the tatami mat with a heavy groan. "This has been a most memorable evening," he muttered, words half-lost in the fabric of the floor.

Jack stirred.

His consciousness clawed its way back through a storm of memories—flashes of past lives, ruined cities, and burning homes. Visions of Mercer's destruction, Fayrunê's near-collapse, and a face... Jenevelle. Somewhere. Out there.

A sudden surge of icy blood tore through his veins, jolting his senses awake. His heart thundered like war drums, pounding in his ears as his breath hitched. Unfamiliar surroundings greeted him—yet there was something eerily nostalgic in the lantern-lit room. A flicker of home. Then, the last face before darkness had claimed him.

Poe.

Instinct took hold before thought.

Jack moved like a blade through the dark, dagger drawn, his steps soundless as he closed the distance between them. The cold steel pressed against Poe's face before the bloodhunter could react, his confused expression met with Jack's sharp glare.

"What the fuck did you do to me?" Jack hissed, voice edged with fury. His gaze flickered past Poe, settling on the figure lurking in the corner. "And why the hell is the undead still breathing?"

Poe jerked upright, hands raised in a frantic attempt at self-preservation. "Huh—eh—what's going on?" The last traces of drowsiness evaporated from his voice.

Kol merely smirked from the shadows, entirely unbothered. "Good evening to you too."

Jack's grip on the dagger tightened. "I'll deal with you later, vamp."

Kol shrugged, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "I simply woke you up. No need to thank me."

Poe, still catching up, shot Kol a wary glance. "What did you do, exactly? I thought he was still comatose."

Kol exhaled a thin trail of smoke from his cigar, lazily adjusting his glove. "A little jolt to the system. Nothing much."

Poe sighed, rubbing his temples as Jack's glare bore into him. "Look, we were going to scam the Head Guard, remember? And don't look at me—I had nothing to do with whatever happened to you."

Jack's eyes narrowed before shifting to Kol again. "Wait. Did you turn me into a vamp?"

Kol scoffed, shaking his head. "Why would I? Though, to be fair, you'd be a hell of a lot stronger." He paused, then added, "But no, you're still mortal. I have no reason to change that."

Kol stretched, tilting his head toward Jack. "You nearly set a forest on fire before passing out. Not exactly subtle."

Poe nodded in agreement. "Right. That little stunt could've drawn attention from every monstrous thing lurking in the region—not to mention put my family's side business at risk." He waved a hand dismissively. "Not that I care about the money, but still."

Jack's expression darkened. He exhaled sharply. "That... would've been bad." A pause. "Sorry."

Poe grinned. "What's a little arson in the grand scheme of things?"

Jack shot him a deadpan look before his gaze drifted toward Kol. "We have to keep people safe. That includes you, vamp."

Kol exhaled smoke, amusement flickering in his crimson eyes.

"Here's hoping I'm not feeling particularly peckish at the time.."

Jack hesitated for a fraction of a second before speaking again. "Where's the ash? Gotta bring it to Big Boss Shadowmourne for my magic stuff." He patted his pockets absentmindedly, feeling the clink of the ancient coins in his cloak.

Poe arched a brow. "You do realize we're not handing my father a sack of ash, right? It's just proof for the guard—no need to drag him into this yet."

Kol smirked, watching the exchange in silence.

Jack blinked, suddenly staring at Poe like he had just grown a second head. "Wait. Big Boss Shadowmourne is your dad?"

Poe sighed, shaking his head. "Yes, that wasn't obvious?"

Jack processed that for a moment before straightening. "Well, whatever. I'm a hero, actually."

A long silence followed.

Poe blinked. "A... hero?"

Kol exhaled, lips twitching. "Right..."

Jack nodded, entirely serious. "Save people. Help the city. Protect the poor." His gaze slid to Poe, half-smirking. "A concept too noble for a lord like you to understand."

Poe snorted. "I beg your pardon, I wasn't the one who nearly got a village overrun and tried scamming the guard for a bounty we didn't earn."

Kol barely suppressed a chuckle.

Jack only grinned wider. "Hahahaha! Where I'm from, I'd have killed someone like you."

Something flickered in his expression then—memories of bloodshed, of violence that came too easily. His breath steadied.

Poe, unshaken, met his gaze evenly. "If you must kill, don't dull the blade cutting down worthless foes." His voice was light, but his eyes held something deeper. "Judging by how you look at me, I'm insignificant, aren't I?"

Jack didn't answer. He didn't have to.

Instead, his gaze fell, his smirk fading. "Maybe you're right. Maybe 'hero' is a joke."

Silence settled over them.

Poe considered his words before speaking again. "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. I've even heard of a dragon saving a city before. Who's to say you can't be one?"

Jack said nothing.

Poe yawned, stretching out on the tatami. "We'll need our rest. You too, Jack." He smirked. "Rest well, hero."

Jack lingered for a moment before settling against the far wall. His eyes remained open, watching. Thinking.

Escape.

And in a wisp of shadow, he was gone.

--

The Black Mask's Office, Seraphine's Perspective.

Seraphine leaned back in her chair, the glow of candlelight flickering against the stacks of trade documents littering her desk. Smoke curled from her pipe as she exhaled slowly, her thoughts drifting between business and obligation.

"Now, then. What to do about Poe and his merry band?" she murmured, eyes trailing over a set of intelligence reports. Turning them in would be good for business, but such entanglements always proved troublesome.

Her gaze flickered to the clock, its steady ticking counting away the night.

「Stay the night or shift back home?」

She took another drag, rolling the decision in her mind.

「I suppose I can keep an eye on little Poe.」

With a tired sigh, she rested her head on the desk, allowing the weight of exhaustion to settle over her.

The air changed.

A chill crept through the room, devouring the warmth of candlelight. Shadows thickened, swallowing the edges of reality. The very pressure in the room shifted, pressing down with an unearthly weight.

Seraphine remained unaware.

Not of the presence watching from the abyss. Not of the voice that slithered through the void.

Then, it spoke.

"What lies behind the cove… and why is Poe hellbent on revenge? Who's threatening him?"

The words echoed, layered in mana, reverberating from every direction.

Seraphine's breath hitched. Darkness veiled her vision, sight stripped from her in an instant. The only thing she could perceive was the voice—cold, invasive, inescapable.

"W-what? What did you do to me? W-what is this?" Her hands clutched at empty space, grasping for a world that was no longer hers to see.

"Answer me."

Her heartbeat quickened. An intruder? An assassin?

Then, another voice—familiar, yet distant—whispered in her mind.

〘Calm down, Sera.〙

A pause. A presence, old and knowing.

〘It would be very wise to listen to him. I've heard of him before. Play along.〙

The presence faded, leaving her with the silence of the dark. She exhaled, steadying herself.

"The cove?" she began, forcing composure into her voice. "It's usually a place smugglers use for illegal goods, slaves, the likes. Recently, though… it's been cleared out. Anyone who passes through never comes out, or so I've heard."

She hesitated before adding, "Why do you ask?"

"Poe is my friend. I help my friends. I want to know everything about who is hurting him."

Seraphine narrowed her eyes, though they saw nothing but black. She bit back a retort and instead chose to indulge him.

"Our mother was murdered by an Outer Being." The words came flat, detached, as if rehearsed in her own mind countless times. "Poe was on his first hunts when it happened. He didn't even know until months later. I heard he was ordered to stay at the palace, but he insisted on going after it."

She paused, the memory thick in her throat. "The rest of the family moved on. But little Poe? He still hunts. I admire him for it. And I hate him for it."

Silence followed—deep and heavy, stretching long enough to feel uncomfortable.

Then, at last, the demand came.

"Give me the name. Any information on where to find it?"

Seraphine let out a slow breath. "The only one who never gave up was Poe," she admitted. "The rest moved on to other prey. That's the way a bloodhunter grows, after all."

She leaned back, staring at the unseen void. "But there is one thing. A name. Laplace. That's all I know."

She had never spoken it aloud before. It felt vile on her tongue.

She took a drag from her pipe, hoping to cleanse the taste.

Before she could process what was happening, the presence shifted.

A whisper of movement.

A breath at her ear.

Then—cold fingers brushing her hair aside.

She stiffened. A hand pressed against the side of her neck, and the words fell like a curse.

"Dark Exchange."

A jolt of energy ripped through her, searing into her nerves, weaving through synapses like shadowed lightning.

Her mind—once fogged with exhaustion—became a honed blade. Thoughts aligned, connections formed, trade schemes and hidden plots unraveling into perfect clarity.

A gift, laced with something unnatural.

She gasped, her body jerking from the sudden shift. "W-what did you—?"

But the presence was already gone.

A whisper lingered in the air.

"A gift to you, Princess Shadowmourne."

And then, nothing.

Light returned. The room was still. The air was warm again. But something had changed.

Seraphine blinked, unsure if it had been a nightmare or something worse. But her mind was sharper than ever, the weight in her chest just a little lighter.

"Princess Shadowmourne… tch."

She clicked her tongue, biting down on her pipe as a reflex.

Slowly, she crossed the room, slumping onto the couch, thoughts unraveling like threads of a darkened fate.

--

Emporium Staff Room.

Jack slipped into the shadows, his body dissolving into darkness before reappearing inside the modest staff quarters. The dim glow of the lanterns painted flickering shapes on the walls as he took a moment to collect himself. His hands trembled slightly, remnants of the undead mana still surging through his veins. The fire from Fayrunê lingered within him, but it was different now—tainted, altered in a way he couldn't yet define.

「What the hell am I going to do with these two?」

His gaze drifting toward his resting companions.

「And why the hell did I say I was his friend? I must be losing it... Yet, something about it felt right. Compared to the horror of the Elder Brain, this situation was manageable, if only barely.」

With a sigh, he fluffed the pillow beneath him and allowed exhaustion to claim him. For the first time since entering this wretched world, sleep came not as a battlefield but as a rare, unexpected comfort.

---

The next morning.

The Emporium was never truly silent, even at dawn. The distant murmur of merchants preparing for the day and the occasional laughter from drunken stragglers painted a lively backdrop to the trio's waking moments.

Poe stirred first, stretching with a low groan as his stomach grumbled in protest. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he shuffled to a small stove, setting water to boil for tea.

A single eye cracked open from across the room. Kol's gaze locked onto him.

"Morning," the dhampir greeted, his voice low and steady.

Poe nearly jumped. Traveling alone had made him unaccustomed to such company. He quickly composed himself. "Good morning, Kol. How was your slumber? Dream of any blood, perhaps?" he teased, flashing a grin.

Kol's smirk was faint but present. "I don't dream. At least, not often." He studied Poe for a moment before countering, "And you? Any hunts you dreamed of?"

Poe chuckled, though there was a tightness to it. "Not particularly," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice dropped into something darker, more focused. "I only have one mark in mind. Until I get it, anything that gets in my way will be cut down."

From the corner, Jack spasmed violently in his sleep, kicking the floor.

Poe tilted his head. "Do you think he's okay?"

Kol barely spared the thrashing figure a glance before leaning back against the wall. "He looks oddly comfortable. That's probably just one of his monster quirks."

Poe's brow furrowed. "R-right... comfortable," he muttered, though he wasn't convinced.

Before either of them could dwell on it further, a gentle but firm voice called from behind the shoji screens.

"Good morning, young master," came the feminine tone of one of Lady Seraphine's attendants. "The Mistress requests your presence, along with your companions. She will be waiting at the café. The baths have been prepared in the next room. Please, take your time."

The shadow behind the screen disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Kol arched a brow at Poe. "After you. I'll keep an eye on Jack until he stirs." He flicked a coin between his fingers, tossing it up absentmindedly, already lost in thought.

Poe sipped his tea, humming contentedly. "Feel free to take that bath first, dhampir. You certainly need it." His grin was playful, but there was a sharpness to it.

Kol exhaled through his nose, a mixture of amusement and irritation. "Right. Water..." he muttered before slipping out of the room, vanishing into the steam-filled corridor.

Jack bolted upright so suddenly that a pulse of mana flared from his body, dark energy crackling in his eyes as he whirled toward Poe.

"SHADOWMORNINGSTAR, YOUR LIFE IS FORFEIT!"

Poe, unbothered, cracked open one eye and regarded him curiously. "Good morning, Jack. Sleep well?" He sipped his tea as if the threat had never been uttered.

"It's Shadowmourne." He mutters under his breath with a roll of his eyes.

Jack's expression went from murderous to blank in mere moments. The residual mana dissipated as he stared at Poe in silence, his mind still foggy from sleep.

"...Is that a serious question?" Jack finally asked with a puzzled tone.

Poe took another leisurely sip. "As serious as my morning tea. It's quite smooth, by the way," he mused. "Kol's in the bath. Feel free to join him. The hot springs are quite nice this season."

Jack squinted at him, suspicion evident, but he didn't press the matter. Grabbing his things, he made for the door. He hesitated before stepping out, glancing back over his shoulder.

"...Everything okay, Shadowmorningstar?"

Poe blinked. Jack. Asking about his well-being? That was unexpected.

He exhaled slowly. "I have a bad feeling. That's all." His fingers tightened around the cup. "Deals with my sister never turn out well."

Jack poked his head back through the doorframe.

"...Is she cute?"

Poe's eyebrow twitched.

"She's my sister," he said flatly, before his posture straightened, a trace of familial pride slipping into his tone. "I suppose those outside my family would call her beautiful. Cute is such a childish word."

"Don't even think about it."

Jack's grin widened and left the room with a devious smile.

"Aaand he's gone." Poe sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why do I feel like he's planning something stupid?"

---

The Bathhouse.

Steam curled lazily in the air, thick and comforting. The scent of mineral-rich water clung to the walls, the heat soaking into every surface.

Kol stepped in cautiously, his bare feet making no sound against the wet stone. The second his toes touched the water, a shiver ran up his spine.

「Weird...」

Without another thought, he plunged in. The sensation of being submerged was foreign, uncomfortable. He scrubbed himself down swiftly, muttering under his breath. The faster he finished, the sooner he could leave.

A mist of fog coiled around him, shrouding his form in secrecy. He drifted to a secluded corner, sinking into the heat with a reluctant sigh.

For all its discomfort, the water was... nice.

Then, the peace shattered.

"I GOT TRANSMIGRATED AS A FUCKING ELF?!?!?"

Kol nearly shot out of the bath.

「What. The. Hells.」

His body tensed, instincts screaming to react. But instead of bolting, he let himself sink beneath the water, drowning out the chaos above.

Jack stumbled in, his movements frantic. His reflection in the mirror had stolen his breath away. The features staring back at him weren't his own—sharp cheekbones, long, elegant ears. An elven face.

His chest tightened, panic clawing at his throat.

「I'm..not..human..?」

His vision swam. A scream tore from his throat, raw with disbelief.

Kol surfaced just long enough to see Jack crash into the water, his head barely poking above the surface like a child playing in a pool. Their eyes met.

"...What?" Jack asked, as if he were the normal one here.

Kol disappeared. Instantly.

"...Weird guy," he muttered, turning his attention back to his reflection.

For the next ten minutes, Jack absentmindedly rambled to himself about the difficulties of procuring blood, bouncing in the water like a mischievous sprite.

At some point, he finally realized Kol was long gone.

"...Huh."

Meanwhile, outside, Kol exhaled sharply, adjusting his hat and glasses.

「Never again.」

--

Emporium Staff Room.

The tatami mats were damp with spilled tea, the room silent save for the occasional twitching of the unconscious man on the floor. Poe lay still, his body betraying faint spasms, his fingers curling slightly with each involuntary jolt.

Jack stepped inside, humming a quiet tune, but the sight before him froze the melody in his throat. His posture straightened, his gaze sharpening with a cold, calculating edge. He approached Poe with measured steps, kneeling beside him, fingers pressing against the pulse point on his neck. Alive. His breath was steady, albeit faint.

A realization dawned, creeping into Jack's mind like an unwelcome whisper. It had been his own voice—his scream—that had done this.

Slowly, he exhaled and stepped back. A flicker of unease crossed his features before he concealed it behind a veil of nonchalance. He reached for the fallen teacup, refilled it with practiced ease, then settled opposite Poe. With a subtle gesture, a pulse of magic rippled through the air, sinking into the unconscious man's body like an unseen current.

Poe's eyelids fluttered. His chest heaved as he sucked in a deep, startled breath.

"I'm alive…" he muttered, his voice laced with disbelief.

From his corner, Kol remained in the shadows, watching with an impassive expression. He neither reacted nor acknowledged the situation, blending into the background as if he had never been present at all.

Jack hummed to himself, seemingly unbothered.

Poe blinked, his vision adjusting. When he finally focused, his gaze landed on Jack—who sat across from him, entirely too composed. A spark of irritation flared in Poe's chest.

"What in the hells was that?!" he barked, hands clenched into fists.

Kol's voice drifted from the shadows, smooth and unhurried. "What was what? Nothing happened… Absolutely nothing. Especially not to me." He smiled, a glint of amusement in his crimson eyes.

Poe scoffed, rubbing his temples. "One moment, I'm enjoying my tea, and the next," he paused, his voice rising, "I'm nearly sent to the Fugue Plane!"

Jack tilted his head, intrigued. "How curious… What's the Fugue Plane?"

Poe took a slow, steadying breath before lifting the teacup to his lips, downing the liquid in one gulp. "The Fugue Plane is a realm where souls linger before moving on. Or so they say." He shrugged, as if brushing off the weight of nearly visiting the afterlife.

Kol chuckled, his voice tinged with dry amusement. "We vampires just call that the afterlife."

Jack smirked, feigning shock. "You almost died?! Oh no, my lord, don't leave me," he lamented, his tone dripping with mockery.

A twitch of annoyance flickered across Poe's features. His sharp gaze locked onto Jack, brows raising in pointed skepticism. "Are you mocking me, Jack?"

Jack met his glare with a lazy grin. "Yes."

Kol, watching from the sidelines, allowed himself the smallest of smiles. These two… they were getting along, in their own peculiar way. He twirled a coin between his fingers, amused by their dynamic.

Poe sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before rising to his feet. "I need a shower. I won't be long. Can I trust you both to remain civil?" His gaze swept between them, lingering on Jack's uncharacteristic compliance.

Jack shot to his feet with exaggerated enthusiasm, snapping a sharp salute. "Sir, yes sir!"

Kol shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not me you should worry about."

Poe hesitated, eyeing Jack warily before sighing. "G-good… then." With a final shake of his head, he turned and left for the baths.

The moment the door closed behind him, the air shifted. Jack's expression hardened, the warmth draining from his face. He turned toward Kol, eyes cold as ice.

"Are you friend or foe?" His voice carried a weight, an unspoken threat curling beneath his words. "When do you need blood, vampire?"

Kol exhaled slowly, seemingly unaffected by the sudden hostility. "My hunger is sated," he answered with measured calm. "I don't require a full human, a bloodbag suffices." He adjusted his gloves with meticulous precision. "I may be more than a millennium old, but I'm not that bloodthirsty. What you saw yesterday… that was simply the consequence of waking from a very, very long slumber."

Jack's form blurred. Shadows coiled around him like living tendrils as he reappeared behind Kol, blade pressed against the vampire's throat. The air chilled.

A whisper, laced with mana, reverberated through the enclosed space.

"Laplace… who is he?"

Kol stiffened. "Shit."

His lips parted, but he hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "First, mind removing the dagger? Second… I don't know who this 'Laplace' is." His voice held steady, serious in a way that suggested he wasn't lying.

Jack studied him for a long moment before finally stepping back, sheathing his weapon. His eyes remained unreadable. "Are you going to help me protect the noble fool, or not?"

Kol arched an eyebrow. A slow, knowing smirk crept onto his lips. "I already have. And I will continue to do so." His tone was casual, but there was weight behind his words. "Like when Poe's sister tried inspecting your unconscious body. I'm quite the charming man."

Jack blinked, confusion flickering across his face. "Huh?"

Kol chuckled. "While you were unconscious, she attempted to examine you. I thought you wouldn't appreciate being handled by a stranger." He raised his hands in mock innocence.

Jack mulled over the revelation, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow smirk, he bared his teeth in a mocking mimicry of fangs. "You stopped a cute girl from inspecting me? I don't know whether to be disappointed or impressed… but I do thank you, Mr. Fangs. The last vampire I met wasn't as considerate."

Kol sighed. "Right. Next time, I'll let her have her way with you." His grin widened, revealing his own sharp canines.

Jack grinned back. "Make sure Shadowmorningstar sees it." He shot Kol a playful wink before stretching out, humming a tune under his breath.

Kol watched him, shaking his head.

「The strangest individual I've ever met…」

—

By the time Poe returned, freshly dressed, Jack was already waiting by the door, arms folded.

"What's the plan again?" he asked, brows furrowing. "I forgot."

Kol chuckled. "Ready for whatever you throw at me. Except Jack. Don't throw him at me, I might faint from his aura alone."

Jack shot him an unimpressed look. "Hey, vampire."

Kol shrugged. "What? You can't blame me. That aura of yours is constantly spiking. Even now."

Poe cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Simple. We find information about Gates. By any means necessary." His voice was resolute, his gaze sharp. "I assume you both want to return home? A Gate is your only way back."

Kol nodded thoughtfully before glancing at Jack.

Jack's eyes gleamed. "So, we meet your sister, get magic stuff from the vampire ash, find info on Gates, and then we go?"

Poe nodded. "Yes. Simple." He paused before adding with a wry smile, "Maybe we'll get to kill a few things while we're at it."

Jack smirked. "Great." Without another word, he kicked the door open and sauntered out, singing a lullaby reminiscent of something from another world.

Poe stared after him, dumbfounded. "Is he serious…"

"The more you question his behaviour, the more you lose your sanity, don't mind it. Also, try to be more.. you know, charming? Do you get nervous around your family, Poe?" Kol asked curiously.

Poe shook his head and turned to Kol with raised brows, "Hm? Charm my sister? Why should I? It's just that I know how her deals go, and let me simply say that, she always wins in the end." Poe muses, eyes filled with experience.

"No matter. Our course is set." Poe said with steely resolve.

"Oho? Does she now? Well, at least try fidgeting with your hands with something not like a obedient human that got charmed by staying still trying to lie. It'll help you relax a little. Relax your facial features. That's all." He says as if he was teaching him.

「Highly unexpected from me.」

He tilts his head, nodding slowly, "R-right, well thank you for the advice. Shall we?" He said with a small smile, leading Kol to The Cafe.

---

Café of Whispers

Tucked away in a dimly lit corner of the Black Emporium, the Café of Whispers stood as a haven for clandestine meetings, covert negotiations, and the exchange of secrets. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices, mingling with the low murmur of hushed conversations. The establishment remained carefully hidden from prying eyes, accessible only to those with the right knowledge or connections.

Jack moved ahead of his companions, his gaze sharp, scanning the room for two things—a flower and Princess Shadowmourne.

His eyes landed on an icy-blue flower resting on a patron's table. The man appeared alone, though his posture suggested he was waiting for someone. Jack's target, Seraphine, sat further back in the café, nestled in the private booth section where the shadows clung to her like a second skin.

He approached the patron without hesitation, his voice low, laced with quiet urgency.

"I need the flower," Jack said, his tone heavy with unspoken weight. "It's a matter of life or death. Please."

The man jumped at the sudden request, eyes widening. "V-very well, but may I ask why? This is for my w-wife…" His smile was awkward, uncertain.

Jack's shoulders eased as he exhaled a measured breath, a glimmer of something tired flickering behind his crimson gaze. "It's for an important choice I have to make… It may cost me my life, good sir."

He reached into his cloak, producing an ancient coin purse—the one Kol had given him. "This is my pitiful offer," he murmured, bowing his head slightly.

The man hesitated, then, seeing the coins, stammered out a grateful acceptance. "I… understand. I wish you well in your endeavor, young man." With a kind smile, he offered Jack the Corpse Rose.

Jack bowed in perfect form, a gesture of practiced grace. "Thank you, my sire." Taking a napkin, he scribbled a message onto it, the ink laced with a whisper of necrotic mana.

"A gift to you, Princess Shadowmourne."

---

At the other end of the café, Kol adjusted his hat, his fingers rolling a familiar cigar between them. It remained unlit, resting idly on his lips as he leaned back against the wall. Beside him, Poe straightened his monocle, tightening his necktie as his eyes swept the room, searching.

"There." Kol's voice was smooth, calm. His gaze locked onto Seraphine's silhouette, leaving Jack to his own quiet theatrics.

Poe followed the line of his sight. "Hm?" His shoulders stiffened slightly at the sight of her. Something about Seraphine felt… different tonight. Her movements, usually slow and almost dreamlike, were sharp. Calculated. Focused.

"You seem lively today, sister." Poe took his seat across from her, arms folding as he studied her expression. "Did something good happen, perhaps?"

Seraphine rolled her eyes at Poe's familiar catchphrase, exhaled a slow stream of smoke, her lips curving slightly. "Well, well, someone took their time." She gestured for them to sit, her voice carrying the faintest amusement. "And where's the other one—Jack, was it?"

Kol smirked, remaining standing. "Apologies, m'lady. We had to make ourselves presentable." His tone was effortlessly smooth, though his gaze wandered, taking in the café with a quiet wariness. "If you'd like to discuss the Gates, that would be kindly appreciated."

Seraphine's gaze flicked toward Jack just as he approached. He walked with a regal poise, one he had learned long ago as a royal assassin—a hero, in another world.

His emerald eyes flickered with something unreadable before settling on Poe.

"Lord Shadowmorningstar, you failed to inform me that your sister is oh so enchanting."

Kol closed his eyes for a brief second, exhaling sharply through his nose.

「Gods help me.」

Poe let out a groan, palm meeting face. "Jack…"

Seraphine tilted her head, an eyebrow arching. "Ah, the walking corpse. How gracious of you to join us." Her voice was smooth, indifferent, but her gaze held a glint of assessment.

Jack moved with effortless fluidity, bowing before her as he placed the pouch of ash on the table. "Milady of Selûne's moon, I am enthralled by you, Lady Shadowmorningstar." He straightened with a charming smirk. "I have come to present my deed of vampiric killing and collect my magical items."

Seraphine's expression remained unreadable as she plucked the Corpse Rose from his outstretched hand.

Jack watched, pleased with himself.

「Command, Hero Team 6 taking the kill shot.」

Seraphine turned the flower in her fingers, the cold petals brushing against her skin. "I see." Her voice was flat, unimpressed. "You found that Corpse Rose from the old gentleman by the entrance earlier." Her lips barely curved in amusement as she took a small pinch of ash from the pouch, rolling it between her fingers before bringing it to her lips for a subtle taste.

"Mm. Fogwind Pine Wood. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're testing my patience, Jack."

Jack's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second.

「Command, target is actually enchanting—double take for missile launch.」

He recovered quickly, fixing his cloak. "You knew my name before I knew yours. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were stalking me."

Seraphine's smirk grew as she took another slow drag from her pipe. "Of course. I tend to know the names of my clients before they're aware they need me. It's good for business."

Poe blinked rapidly, looking between the two. His head hurt.

Kol glanced at Jack, uncertain whether to be impressed or utterly baffled.

Jack took the moment to slide into the seat beside Poe, leaning back with a wistful sigh. "Dear Lady Shadowmorningstar, please tell me where the nearest Gate is so I may finally leave your mesmerizing presence."

Seraphine rolled her eyes. "Why not? You seem to be one of the few who can actually annoy Little Poe like this. It's quite amusing."

Poe clicked his tongue. "Don't encourage him, Sera."

Seraphine chuckled, shaking her head. "There's an anomaly Gate near Honeywell. By the Aetherite Fields. Poe can lead you there. Now that we have that out of the way, how would you three like a job?"

Jack's playful expression sharpened instantly. "What job?"

Kol's brow arched. "A job, you say?" His curiosity was piqued.

Seraphine tilted her head, watching the three. "Simple." She exhaled another plume of smoke. "Climb the Spire of Rest and retrieve an artefact." She shrugged. "That's all."

Kol's smirk widened. "That does sound interesting." He leaned forward slightly. "And the pay?"

Seraphine didn't even hesitate. "Two thousand gold. Each."

Jack stilled for a second. Memories of scraping for gold in Fayrunê flickered through his mind, the endless struggle, the desperation. His lips parted slightly.

"Two grand?" His voice was steely.

Kol folded his arms. "Add magical items to that, and we have ourselves a deal." He gave Seraphine a knowing smirk.

"Matter of fact, m'lady, being of noble blood, I'm sure you have an armory. I believe we'd personally like to choose our magical items."

Jack exhaled slowly, impressed.

「A master at work.」

Seraphine tapped her pipe against the table, considering. Then, with a slow, knowing smirk, she extended her hand.

"One magical item each. Two thousand gold. And one condition—no witnesses."

Jack's eyes gleamed.

「This is exactly what we want.」

Seraphine's smirk deepened. "Do we have a deal?"

Kol leaned back slightly, his gaze shifting between his two companions. "Hmm, that sounds fair to you both?" he mused aloud, his tone casual. "It sounds fine to me."

Across from him, Jack cracked one eye open, the corners of his lips twitching with amusement as he turned his attention to Poe. "Go on, shake your sister's hand, Lord Shadowmorningstar," he drawled, a smirk playing at his lips.

Poe, however, remained unmoved. His eyes fixed on Seraphine, sharp and unwavering. "Why do you even need this artefact?" he asked, voice edged with suspicion.

Seraphine exhaled a slow breath, clearly unbothered by his defiance. "Business that doesn't concern you," she replied coolly. "Not yet, little one. Do we have a deal, or no?" Her hand remained in the air, waiting.

Kol didn't hesitate. He reached forward, gripping her hand with practiced professionalism, his expression unreadable. "We have a deal, Seraphine Shadowmourne," he said, his voice carrying the faintest trace of sly amusement.

Seraphine's lips curled slightly in approval. "Well, well," she mused. "It's been some time since I've had such a smooth deal. You've made some interesting companions, Poe. Especially one who's been butchering our family's name—" her gaze flickered toward Jack with mild amusement "—but I can see how you could mistake that."

Then, she turned her attention to Kol. "And you, 'wraith'. I expected deals with your kind to be far more tedious. I'm glad to be proven wrong." There was a trace of something like respect and a hidden knowing in her tone, though it remained faint.

Without further preamble, she lit her pipe once more, inhaling deeply. "Well then, off you go."

Poe hesitated before nodding, still processing the exchange. "R-right. When do we get our items?" he asked, curiosity evident.

Seraphine exhaled a slow plume of red smoke, her expression laced with amusement. "What a hassle. You get them after the job is done."

Poe's expression hardened. "Well, if you want that artefact faster, I want it now." His voice was firm, unyielding.

Kol raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.

Seraphine let out a long-suffering sigh as she pushed herself to her feet, stretching lazily. "Ugh, fine. Quickly now, I have an appointment with my opium trader soon." She rolled her eyes as if the entire conversation had been a minor inconvenience.

Without another word, she turned toward the exit of the café, making it clear she wasn't about to wait for them.

Kol grinned, reaching out to give Poe a firm fist bump on the shoulder. "Good job," he said, his approval evident as he followed after Seraphine.

Jack, meanwhile, stared at Poe with an exaggerated look of bewilderment before pushing himself up from his seat with a dramatic bow. "Lord Shadowmorningstar, your item awaits…" he intoned with faux reverence.

Poe blinked, momentarily taken aback by his own boldness. He could still feel the weight of Kol's casual encouragement. When he turned to Jack, however, he found the man's energy for antics still running high. He sighed, choosing to relent for now. "And so does yours, Jack," he muttered, offering a weak thumbs-up, unsure what else to do.

「Is this going to be a regular thing? Hells, I hope not.」

Jack smirked as he trailed behind them.

「You ain't know what's coming, kid.」