Another week came by, and Pierre was getting restless.

"What's up with Davin? He won't come for me?"

"I'm sure he didn't mean anything bad."

"Listen. Your castle's comfy and all, and is not made of sand, and I'm happy to be here. Honest. But not without Davin! Never!"

"Okay, I get it--"

"No you don't! We went through many things, slept together under the stars, played hide-and seek..."

His tone was angry, but you might sense that the events he recounted was... kinda fun?

Or maybe this was because he's used to living in places where no one really told him what to do and how to do it. Plus, he might have had some other friends that might come for him.

Sigh... I kinda envy you, Pierre...

"Hey..."

"Yeah?"

"Um... sorry to ask, but have you been separated long?"

"A couple weeks. Why?"

"Wondered what made you part ways?"

Almost at once his face was red with... anger? Or is the fever returning?

"Those vamps."

"What?"

"Vamps! Don't tell me ya never heard of 'em, Gremory boy?"

"Well, I have... my tutor said they are dangerous."

"Oh, well, when it comes to Vladista..."

"What did they do?"

"Oh come on, rack your head! They came for us, okay? Attacked our village. Made us flee!"

"But... wait, let me put this straight. They came into your village, for you and Davin. But here you are, and Davin, someplace else. What happened to the village itself, then?"

"Dunno. Might be burned down. No traces. Or, might be they're still out for us. So, yes, they are dangerous, Milli. That's what they never told you behind these walls, right?"

"Good point... but if only you had given yourselves up..."

"Don't joke around!" He leapt up in my bed, standing there with clenched fists and teeth. "Us, into the snatch of Vladistans? What could a pampered Devil boy like you possibly know 'bout them?! I bet my tail, you've heard of them just hours ago. Right?!"

"Sssh... hey, calm down, you're not in some pig-sty--"

"...Oh? There, you knew a bit of lesser words, don'cha?"

He jumped off. When he touched the floor, it was as a cat again. It purred at me, then stalked out of the room.

"Millicas!"

Mom's voice.

"Yes?"

"Why the racket?"

...Uh-oh.