Let bygones be bygones

The five of them set out toward the small town to the east, only stopping when night fell upon a desolate stretch of countryside, far from any signs of life. Throughout the journey, Rhine trailed behind the group with a timidity that went beyond mere deference, hinting at a subtle undercurrent of fear. They gathered in silence around the campfire, while Rhine sat alone by the water’s edge. The scent of blood from the pouches Luo Chen and Luo Xuan drank from unsettled Qiao Wei. As she sent Xiaoxiao to rest inside the tent, she failed to notice the strange, dark gleam that flickered in Xiaoxiao’s eyes, as lustrous as black pearls.

Skirting around Luo Xuan and Luo Chen, Qiao Wei made her way to Rhine’s side and seated herself next to her. Tilting her head to gaze at the stars, she asked, as if in passing, “Is your hand better now?”

Rhine paused for a moment before replying, “Thank you for your concern. It’s healed.”

Qiao Wei felt uneasy with Rhine’s overly polite demeanor, even averse to it. Frowning, she said, “Hey, can you stop acting like this? It’s not like you at all.”

“I only know that I must obey Lord Luo Xuan’s orders,” Rhine replied, pouting childishly.

Qiao Wei burst into laughter. “Honestly, you’re actually quite cute. I’m more used to your old, sharp tongue. But tell me, why do you have to listen to him?”

Rhine rolled her large violet eyes in exasperation, as if Qiao Wei were hopelessly clueless. “Among our kind, there’s a very strict hierarchy. Setting aside the common vampires, those of pure blood are generally called ‘Kings’. Lord Luo Xuan and Brother Luo Chen were directly turned by the vampire progenitor, so their bloodline is the purest in the world. The purer the blood, the higher the status. And the older a vampire, the stronger their power. That’s why Lord Luo Xuan’s abilities surpass even Brother Luo Chen’s. At his millennial coming-of-age ceremony, Lord Luo Xuan was bestowed the honor of Vampire King. Hence, all vampires of pure blood must obey his commands! Of course, there are also the lowest class of vampires, whose blood is most diluted and abilities weakest—they’re called ‘Prisoners’. Most have lost all humanity, and if they threaten the interests of our kind, we eradicate them.”

“I see.” Qiao Wei nodded, sizing up Rhine with interest. “So, what about you? What rank are you?”

Rhine swelled with pride, like a little swan, and declared with haughty satisfaction, “I was turned by Brother Luo Chen himself, so my rank is naturally higher than most. My status is second only to the ‘King’!”

Qiao Wei reached out and patted Rhine’s head, her expression full of mock disdain. “What a vain little woman you are.”

“What did you say?! You’re the vain one!” Rhine’s eyes blazed as if she could spit fire, her expression almost comically fierce.

“No, you are!”

“You are!”

“You are!”

…

Their argument dragged on for some time until both grew tired. They stopped at last, exchanged glances, and broke into peals of laughter—clear and bright as silver bells, ringing beautifully in the night.

Qiao Wei had just returned to the tent when she let out a startled cry, “Where’s Xiaoxiao?!”

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Just passing by~~~~