SEBASTIAN

The arcade was packed with people, a sensory overload that sent both my sense of smell and hearing into overdrive. It got to the point where Silas and I had to dip out and find a random café outside the mall to relax.

"It's okay to feel overwhelmed," Silas reassured me as I stifled the urge to groan in embarrassment.

"We usually go to arcades on school days when there aren't as many people."

As always, Silas was so understanding—even when I was the one who invited him out. "Still, I've been a vampire for a year now. I should've gotten used to this by now," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Don't be an idiot," he said with a small laugh. "I've studied magic since I was a child, but even now, I still get overwhelmed by it sometimes. Does that make me any less of a person?"

"No, of course not," I sighed, sneaking a glance at him. Silas offered me a small, reassuring smile.

Honestly, I had planned to use the arcade as a way to get closer to him. It was Kath's idea, not mine. She'd once mentioned, in passing, that Silas seemed to enjoy arcades, like it was his first time experiencing them. And she was right—he played as if he'd never been in one before. I doubted there were any magical arcades where Silas used to study.

"You should pick what coffee you want. I'll buy it for you," I said, sliding the menu toward him. Silas shot me a surprised look.

"I can buy my own," he replied.

"I insist. I invited you out, so I should be the one paying."

For a moment, I thought I saw a faint blush creep across Silas's face—he must not have been used to someone treating him. Then again, he was probably ridiculously rich, so me buying him coffee was unlikely to make a dent in his bank account.

"Fine," he relented. "But only if you let me offer you more blood. I didn't agree to get you a blood donor just for you to keep turning my hard work down."

I grinned. "I don't want to rely on it too much, but okay."

Silas picked up the menu and ordered a cold coffee. While he was at it, I added a slice of Biscoff cake for him to enjoy.

"You know," Silas teased as the waiter walked away, "I'd almost think this was a date."

I choked on my own breath, barely stifling a cough. "Really? Uh—no homo," I said awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

Silas stared at me for a moment, and I worried I'd just exposed myself. Then he burst out laughing. "Geez, Sebby, you're so awkward. I was just teasing. I get it if you're super conservative and hate jokes like that."

I waved my hands frantically. "No, no, I'm not! It just caught me off guard, that's all. I'm not against LGBT stuff… In fact, I might—uh, actually be part of it." I shrugged, rubbing the back of my neck.

Silas took a bite of his cake, grinning at me. "Hey, congrats. I support you fully."

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask him the question that had been on my mind. "What about you?" I asked as casually as I could, leaning my cheek against my arm to feign disinterest.

Silas hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… I've never really thought about it, I suppose."

I stifled a disappointed sigh. "Eh, it's a new generation. You should at least have an idea by now," I teased, nudging him.

Silas laughed. "Why are you so interested? Don't tell me—you're into me?" He wiggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly.

I felt my soul leave my body, but years of perfecting my poker face saved me. Not a twitch of emotion crossed my face, even as Silas tried to read my reaction.

"Tough crowd," he muttered, pouting when I didn't react. Then, more seriously, he added, "But really, I'm not interested in romance at all."

"Oh, I see," I said softly, hiding my disappointment. Still, I couldn't help but feel a small spark of relief—at least I knew he wasn't seeing anyone. Maybe I had a chance… someday.

Before I could dwell on it, Silas's phone buzzed, cutting through the moment. "Oops, hold on," he said, pulling it out of his pocket. "Hello, Gael speaking."

I rested my head on my arms, idly watching him as he took the call. I could faintly hear Shira's voice on the other end, shouting, "I need you to come quick! I found the missing werewolf. I'm in pursuit!"

That caught my attention. I sat up straighter, watching as Silas's eyes widened in alarm. "Alright, I'll be there. Wait for me," he said before hanging up and standing abruptly.

"Look, Seb, I—" He started, but I cut him off.

"I'll help you," I said, standing as well.

His brows furrowed. "Wait, it's too dangerous for you to join us."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. Dangerous? Please. I'd been a vampire for a year now. Did he really think I hadn't experimented with what I could and couldn't handle? Besides, I didn't die easily. A single cut healed in under a second unless I was sleep-deprived. And right now, I was well-rested and well-fed—thanks to Silas, no less.

"I can handle myself. Let's go!" I urged, already moving to follow him.

—

Silas must have used some kind of speed spell to match my pace—it's impressive since my speed is already pretty fast, if I do say so myself.

Right now, we're in what seems like a forest. Well, not quite a forest. There are just enough trees to block out the sun, casting everything in a dim, shadowy light. It's surprisingly comfortable for me, though.

Eventually, we came to a stop, unsure of where Shira could be.

"I can't call her. There's no signal here," Silas bemoaned, raising his phone over his head in a futile attempt to catch a bar of service.

While he fussed with his phone, I scanned the area, sniffing at the air.

I've memorized the scent of Shira's perfume by now—if the air would cooperate, I could probably track her down.

Something else hit me instead. A sharp, pungent smell of wet fur assaulted my nose, making me groan and scrunch it up in distaste.

"What's wrong?" Silas asked, his gaze flicking to me with concern.

"Smells like a wet dog," I replied, pointing toward the direction where the scent was strongest.

Silas's eyes lit up in recognition. Grabbing my arm, he pulled me forward with sudden urgency. "That must be the werewolf we're looking for. Come on!"

We took off running again, and soon, I heard it—heavy pounding against the ground, like a large, four-legged animal barreling toward us.

Before I could react, something massive burst from the trees. It was the size of a small tree itself, charging straight at us. Silas had already yanked me back, pulling me out of harm's way.

It was only then that I got a good look at what was attacking us.

"A werewolf," I muttered, awe and surprise mingling in my voice.

The creature stood at least six or seven feet tall, its back hunched and its snarling snout scrunched in obvious aggression. Sharp teeth protruded from its mouth, and its fur, a mix of gray and brown, was streaked with blood that dripped from its hind leg.

"Silas! Catch her!" Shira's voice rang out, echoing through the trees.

A loud crack split the air beside me, followed by a flash of golden light so bright it forced my eyes shut. A guttural growl erupted, making my stomach clench.

"Move! I can't believe you brought the vampire here!"

I felt Shira grab my elbow and shove me aside. When I opened my eyes again, I saw a glowing golden rope wrapped tightly around the werewolf, with Silas holding it in place. His face was twisted in concentration.

"A little help here!" Silas grunted as the werewolf thrashed violently, nearly pulling him off his feet.

Planting his heels into the soil, Silas managed to hold his ground. Shira lunged forward, grabbing the rope alongside him. With a sharp tug, they forced the werewolf to the ground, its chest slamming against the dirt with a heavy thud and a pitiful whine.

"You took your sweet time," Shira snapped, casting a sidelong glare at Silas, who let out a breathless laugh. He released the rope, leaving her to finish the job. With quick, methodical movements, Shira tied the werewolf up as if she were wrapping a present.

For a moment, I think they forgot I was even there. Silas turned to look at me, his face lighting up in surprise.

"Oh. I forgot you were here," he admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

I waved dismissively. "Trust me, I have that effect. But… was that a werewolf?!" I asked, my voice brimming with excitement. It was probably the first time I sounded this alive, but come on—a werewolf!

Silas chuckled, placing his hands on his hips proudly. "The one and only," he said, only for Shira to smack the back of his head lightly.

"A high-class mage must be faster on his feet. What if I was hurt?" she scolded, clicking her tongue.

Silas pouted, rubbing the back of his head.

Shira turned her attention to me next, her glare sharp. "And you—you're not supposed to be here. You're not trained for this kind of situation yet."

I offered her an awkward smile. "I have low chances of dying, so don't worry."

She huffed, turning back to the subdued werewolf. Crouching down, she leveled her gaze with it. "Are you the alpha? It would be easier if you returned to your original form so we could talk properly."

The werewolf growled low in its throat, refusing to comply.

Meanwhile, I walked over to Silas, who had decided to lean against a nearby tree.

"That was awesome," I said, grinning at him.

"Was it? I made a ton of mistakes. I stumbled and wasn't nearly fast enough," Silas sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.

"I thought it was amazing. And I noticed you didn't chant anything for that rope," I pointed out, crossing my arms as I sat down beside him.

Silas smirked down at me. "Chantless magic is only for the best of the best."

"So… you?" I teased, rolling my eyes when he winked at me.

Then, Silas's attention snapped back to the werewolf. I followed his gaze and noticed its body slowly shrinking, bones cracking and reshaping. Moments later, the hulking beast was gone, replaced by a nude woman.

Her hair was a mix of brown and gray, and she looked no older than me or Silas—though she couldn't have been more than four feet tall in her human form, compared to the towering six-foot werewolf she had been.

Her eyes gleamed with malice, and her teeth were bared in a snarl.

"Shira, I would've thought you'd recognize me by now," the woman said, her voice dripping with venom and amusement.

I saw Shira stiffen, taking a step back in shock. "Rosemary?" she whispered.

"Just Mary will do," the woman replied with a wicked grin. Her gaze shifted to Silas. "Oh, and hello to you, Silas."

When her eyes finally landed on me, her lips curled back in disgust. "And to think you'd be fighting alongside a vampire. Disgusting." She let out a low, guttural growl.

I raised an eyebrow, slightly offended by her tone.

I didn't know what this asshole's connection was to Shira and Silas, but she clearly had some history with them. Sure, she had a pretty face, but that mouth of hers was downright nasty.

I turned to Silas, ready to voice my thoughts, but the look on his face made me pause.

He looked pale.

"M-Mary?" he stammered, his voice trembling.