“Lady Laigila, Lord Black Crow, are these two your new friends?”

  From within the crowd squeezed out a slender little tree spirit, barely a meter tall, with round, delicate features. Pointing innocently at Glenn and Tia, he asked curiously.

  “Yes,” Laigila nodded, once again introducing Glenn and Tia.

  Just as she was about to present the rest of the guests and their races, Daouf raised his hand, interrupting gently. “Allow me.”

  He then began introducing, one by one, the guests gathered for the birthday celebration.

  With Glenn’s sharp memory, he easily matched every name to each face, while poor Tia was already dizzy from the effort. She only managed to recall that the dragon-like creature was called Gabai, and the little tree spirit’s name was Toshuban; the rest blurred together in vague impressions.

  As Daouf introduced each guest, they would step forward to nod or remove their hats politely—except, of course, for the white, dragon-shaped creature, who remained perfectly indifferent.

  When the introductions were complete, Laigila turned to Glenn with a smile. “There are still a few friends who couldn’t make it for various reasons. When there’s another chance, I’ll introduce you to them.”

  “Much appreciated, madam,” Glenn replied warmly. It was obvious she was helping him expand his connections—and that certainly deserved gratitude.

  Laigila then raised her voice, her tone spirited yet graceful. “My friends, it has been many years since we all gathered like this. On this special day, I wished to see you again, to reminisce, and also to introduce a new friend to our circle. It is truly my honor to know each of you. Now, please—enjoy the feast!”

  Her withered hand lifted in a toast, and the hall erupted into cheerful applause and laughter. Glenn and Tia joined in enthusiastically.

  “Daouf, divide the food and cake,” Black Crow said with a smile.

  With a nod, Daouf struck his staff lightly against the ground. Instantly, the cake Glenn had made split into perfect portions and began floating through the air toward the guests. At the same time, countless other delicacies appeared from nowhere, circling playfully so that everyone could easily reach for a treat.

  Tia was the first to snatch a slice of Glenn’s cake, and after one eager bite, her eyes curved into joyful crescents. Glenn too picked up a white confection, tasting it thoughtfully. “Not bad,” he murmured, nodding with quiet approval.

  The guests had dispersed, some chatting with the Black Crow couple, others seated and engaged in easy conversation. The atmosphere was lively and warm.

  Tia soon returned, her mouth dusted with crumbs and cream, her arms full of sweets. Without warning, she shoved a pastry toward Glenn’s lips. “Mr. Glenn, try this one! It’s amazing! And this one too—”

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  The little maid was nearly bursting with excitement. If Glenn hadn’t been quick to eat, she might have stuffed his cheeks to bursting. Seeing her reach for more, Glenn caught her wrist with a sigh. “Mind your manners. And remember to bring some back—there are still two people waiting at home.”

  Tia froze, then clapped her hands together as if struck by divine revelation. “Oh heavens! I forgot the young master and the elf lady! Mr. Glenn, you really do think of everything!”

  She hurried off to fetch the cake box, carefully selecting her favorite treats to pack away—naturally, a generous portion of Glenn’s cake included.

  Across the field, a man bound head to toe in chains watched Glenn calmly enjoying his food. His voice was low and rough. “Why would Laigila invite a werewolf? Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

  Beside him, Gabai, the pale dragon-like being, replied coldly, “Are you questioning my perception?”

  “No, but it makes no sense,” the chained man—Raimons—spread his hands. “Werewolves are a depraved race. Laigila should know that better than anyone.”

  Gabai gave a derisive snort. “Who knows what game she’s playing? Either way, I don’t like it.”

  Just then, a well-dressed man in a clean, tailored uniform and top hat approached, curiosity glinting in his crimson eyes. “What are you two discussing?”

  Gabai bared his fangs in a grin. “You didn’t believe me when I said he was a werewolf, did you? Ask this vampire lord yourself.”

  Raimons turned to the newcomer, explaining, “Bayi, Gabai claims Laigila’s new guest is a werewolf. I find that hard to believe.”

  The vampire—Bayi—cast a glance at Glenn, then smiled faintly. “Gabai’s not wrong. He is indeed a werewolf, Raimons.”

  Raimons blinked, stunned. “Would Laigila truly befriend a werewolf?”

  Bayi shook his head. “That, I can’t say. But this one… feels different.”

  “How so?” both Gabai and Raimons asked.

  “I’ve encountered many werewolves,” Bayi replied, frowning slightly. “Whether in human or beast form, they all radiate that bloodthirsty madness. But this man—he carries none of it.”

  Both turned instinctively toward Glenn—only to find that he was already looking straight at them.

  “He’s noticed us,” Bayi said with an amused smile.

  “So what if he has?” Gabai snorted dismissively.

  Ignoring him, Bayi walked directly toward Glenn.

  Glenn didn’t move, merely watched the vampire’s approach with calm eyes.

  “Daouf has already introduced us,” Bayi said pleasantly. “But allow me to do it properly. I’m Bayi, a vampire.”

  Ah, shouldn’t he call himself a bloodkin? Glenn thought idly, shaking the vampire’s offered hand. “Glenn,” he replied evenly. “A werewolf.”

  As they released their grip, Bayi smiled. “I half expected you to attack me on sight.”

  “Since you’re Lady Laigila’s friend,” Glenn replied with a faint smile, “that makes you mine as well. I doubt she’d associate with someone I couldn’t tolerate.”

  “Well said. Laigila sees straight into the hearts of men. Those she trusts are rarely unworthy.”

  That sentence caught Glenn’s attention. She can see into a person’s heart? So Lady Laigila possessed such an ability? And this vampire had deliberately told him—why?

  Glenn’s thoughts turned quickly, but his tone remained smooth. “Mr. Bayi, it seems you have something to ask me. Why not speak plainly?”

  Bayi’s lips curved in an alluring smile. “Heh… I do like your straightforwardness, Mr. Glenn. In that case, I’ll skip the pleasantries.”

  He drew in a quiet breath before asking, “You seem remarkably adept at suppressing the darker urges of your werewolf bloodline. How do you manage it?”

  How does he know that? Glenn blinked in surprise, replying calmly, “And what makes you say so?”

  “We vampires know your kind best,” Bayi said. “And besides, I’m a scholar. Little details seldom escape me.”

  “I see,” Glenn murmured, understanding dawning.

  He, too, had noticed the difference—most werewolves he’d encountered were driven by chaos and emotion. Not everyone could restrain the beast within.