Chapter 77: Adam, the Black Panther

After Richard's command, Sheffield had no choice but to comply. However, Anran noticed a flicker of surprise in both Sheffield's and Lestat's expressions. 

Soon, she understood why. 

"Adam" was not a person—it was a black panther. 

The sleek black beast walked beside Sheffield with a lazy, graceful stride, its golden eyes half-closed. Its fur was pitch-black, without a single blemish or any adornments. Its powerful limbs hinted at untapped strength, and its tail swayed gently as it ambled toward Richard. 

Seeing Anran's shocked expression, Richard said with satisfaction, "This is our other family member, Adam." 

He placed his hand on the panther's head, gently stroking it. 

The panther obediently crouched on the woolen rug, basking in its master's affection while keeping a wary eye on the stranger in the room. 

"Adam, are you looking at the little kitten? Ah, come to think of it, you two are part of the same family. Go and say hello," Richard said with a mischievous grin, patting the panther's head. 

*You're the feline here!* Anran thought resentfully. 

But when the panther started moving toward her, her body stiffened with tension. This was the "big cat" Richard had mentioned—keeping a wild beast as a pet? The guy was truly dangerous! 

The panther stopped in front of Anran, its golden eyes locking onto hers. She froze, acutely aware that this so-called "big cat" was a wild predator. But then, the panther began nuzzling her feet, its long tail swaying in a playful, friendly manner. Gradually, Anran's body relaxed. 

"Little kitten, it likes you. Try petting it," Richard suggested, lifting a delicate porcelain teacup for a leisurely sip. 

Anran glanced at him, her eyes asking, *Are you sure it won't bite me?* 

Richard smiled back, his violet eyes twinkling with reassurance. *Don't worry, I'm here.* 

Taking a deep breath, Anran cautiously reached out and placed her hand on the panther's back. Its fur was soft and smooth, a pleasure to touch. 

Adam, meanwhile, half-closed its eyes, clearly enjoying the attention. Her hand was warm and gentle, and she carried the scent of its master… 

After a while of playful interaction, a relaxed smile finally appeared on Anran's face. The unease from her unexplained collapse the night before and the formality of being in the castle vanished without a trace. 

About half an hour later, Anran decided it was time to leave. 

By now, she had grown somewhat attached to Adam. As she stepped out of the castle, she caught sight of the black church on the opposite hill. 

Anran paused, recalling the night she had wandered lost in front of the church. It suddenly dawned on her where she had seen Sheffield before—he was the man she had mistaken for a priest that night. 

It seemed there was indeed some kind of connection between her and the Morris family, Anran thought to herself. 

After saying goodbye to the Morris brothers, Steward Sheffield, and the "big cat" Adam, Anran mounted her motorcycle and began her descent down the hill. 

"Adam, did you remember her scent?" Richard stood at the castle's entrance, watching the motorcycle fade into the distance. His voice was low as he added, "Go on, be a good boy." 

With a soft growl, Adam's agile figure darted like lightning into the forest…