So...I told him. Not ewerithing, of course not. His feeble little mind would pop like a grape. But I told him enought. About a city of outcasts, inhabited by humans- mostly. About the hunt, a tradition for any newcommers wanting to stay. It was a tradition set mainly for those, who needed humans for...sustenance. Most of us found an alternative. Some didn't. If he could survive two weeks, he would be granted citizenship and thus protection of High Council and, by extension, Matthew. Most hadn't survived the first night.

  Hearing that, he shook his head. "I could survive few more days. Week, maybe. Not...as long as you're saying."

  Even saying that, he sounded...dull. Hollow. What had this man lived throught, to have expression like that? War came to mind, at least. That, or he was just dense like that.

  "Do you...want to die?"

  *What nonsense am I asking?! He's a living, breathing being! Of course he wants to live! And why, for the love of heavens, is he taking so long to answer?!*

  "When my time comes, I'll go. Rather later than sooner."

  Not a snippet of lie. Damn. But it worked in my favor either way.

  "In that case, I may have a proposal. A deal, if you will."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "I'm all ears."

  "I'll protect you in the night. As long as you'll help me, when the sun is up."

  He nodded, like he understood. Maybe he already put pieces together. Smart fella.

  "You need to drink my blood."

  Heavens hold me, I'm gonna kill this man!

  "With all due offence, you may know my kind, but I for sure know yours. I bet there's enought latent alcohol in your bloodstream to kill a horse. No, thank you. You'll help me find the truth. I want to know what happened to the old man that was mauled."

  "What happened? Bear happ-..."

  "A ta ta ta! No bear. Eilias was no ordinary man. He was... Well, same as me, but older. Much, much older. Thus harder to kill. Trust me. On his worst day, he could juggle three bears and sing while he did."

  Ooh, a new expresion! Something in the middle of fear and doubt. It was there, I swear!

  "Allright. Your deal sounds fair. But. If we do find the thing that killed your... That killed him. What do you want to do? What can you even do?"

  Oh, so he does have a brain after all! I sure had my doubts.

  "We'll cross that bridge when we'll get to it. Let's just say I have my ways."

  He seemed a little doubtfull. Little hesitant. Regardless, his lips released a sigh, and then...

  "Allright...deal."

  One of my nails sharpened, and with it I cut a small line into my palm, just enought for it to shed a few drops. One look at my extended hand, and he did the same with a knife. Our deal was sealed, once our blood mixed in a handshake.

  "We'll start tommorow. You'll know where to find me."

  "How?"

  "Trust me, you'll know."

  Just before I left, i carved a small symbol into his door. No, it wasn't a rune magic, I can't do that one. This was something less fancy, yet just as effective. Any beast that would read it would left him alone. My signature is just that damn scary.