The moon shone brightly that night as Urd Geales walked around Moscow with his right-hand man Ky Luc by his side.

"Is there anything else that requires my attention, Ky Luc?"

"No, my lord."

"Very well, then you may leave."

"Understood, I wish you a good night, my lord," the brown-haired bowed and disappeared. The blond was about to return to his opera house when he noticed a familiar cat at the corner of the street.

"Artemis."

"Meow," she came to him and nuzzled his leg.

"Were you waiting for me?" Urd bent down to pick her up.

"Meow."

"Hm." He petted her soft fur, then turned his attention to the opera. It would begin in half an hour and he didn't want to miss it. However, the cat in his arms started to stir as her ears pricked up. He looked at her and noticed something behind him.

"What's wrong?"

"Meow."

"I see," he sighed, realizing it was just a rat. "There have been a lot of them lately. Seems like you and your kin don't do their job well. I might have pampered you a bit too much."

"Grr!"

"There, no need to get upset." He continued to pet her while walking, then felt something on his arm.

"Did you just bite me?" he asked as the small fangs tried to penetrate his skin.

"Mrrr..." Artemis didn't seem to understand that she had done something bad, and continued biting his arm.

"Enough." He gently removed her mouth and continued walking. The cat looked at him but didn't attack again. "We're almost there."

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

"You seem tired, my lord."

Urd's crimson gaze lifted slowly, fixing on Ky Luc with an intensity that made even the seasoned vampire pause. "Is it that obvious?" Urd's voice was low, deliberate, carrying the weight of centuries spent mastering both control and disdain.

Ky Luc, ever the observant right hand, allowed himself a faint, knowing smile. "Only because I have served you for so long, my lord."

"As a vampire, I should not grow tired," Urd mused, his tone as cold and calculating as the still night outside. He leaned back slightly, his golden hair catching the dim light of the room, giving him an otherworldly glow. "Is it the monotony of dealing with fools or the constant strain of managing their fragile order?"

"Or," Ky said with a glance toward Urd's lap, "could it be because of her?"

Urd's gaze flicked downward to the small feline curled up in his lap. Artemis lay there in peaceful defiance of her surroundings, a stark contrast to the regal, commanding figure she rested against. Her steady purring broke the silence as her tail twitched lazily.

"Perhaps," Urd admitted after a pause, his voice softening ever so slightly. He ran a gloved hand along Artemis's fur with a precision that mirrored the rest of his demeanor—controlled, deliberate. "But I like it. It is quiet, warm, and...comfortable."

Ky Luc arched a brow, unafraid to tread where few dared. "Comfortable, my lord? That is not a word I often associate with you."

Urd ignored the remark, continuing to stroke the feline. Artemis stirred briefly, shifting but remaining in the safety of her perch. "The animals in this city sense what we are," he said, his tone distant yet contemplative. "They recoil from us, as any creature with survival instincts would. But not her."

"She even seems to enjoy your presence," Ky observed. "I've never seen her act hostile."

"Except when she decides to bite me without provocation," Urd remarked dryly, though a faint glint in his eyes betrayed amusement.

"She is bold, then," Ky said with a smirk. "I think I will take my leave, Lord Urd. It seems I am not needed tonight."

Urd inclined his head, his movements fluid, almost serpentine. "Good night, Ky Luc."

Ky Luc bowed, though his sharp gaze lingered briefly on the serene picture before him. Urd Geales, the cold and untouchable Second Progenitor, stroking a cat as though the world outside were not brimming with conflict and intrigue. It was a sight no one would believe, and one he knew better than to mention. "Good night, my lord."

The heavy door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Urd and Artemis alone in the dimly lit chamber. Urd's fingers continued their rhythmic motion through her fur, his eyes fixed somewhere far beyond the room.

"You don't even realize what you're doing, do you?" His voice was a whisper now, spoken more to the stillness than the cat. Artemis's blue eyes opened, blinking up at him as though she understood.

"Meow."

Urd let out a breath, a sound too faint to be a sigh. "If anyone were to find out that the King of Vampires indulged in such trivialities, it would be...embarrassing, to say the least. Not that anyone would dare speak of it." His tone was cold, but the way his hand rested against her suggested otherwise.

"Meow," Artemis stretched, her small form arching against his touch. She rubbed her head against his chest, her affection unguarded.

"You are a peculiar creature," he murmured, his voice carrying a rare note of warmth. The contrast between his cold, commanding presence and the gentle way he handled her was stark, a dichotomy no one but Artemis could ever witness.

For a moment, Urd allowed the quiet to settle over him, the world outside his walls forgotten. He resumed stroking her, his movements precise and unhurried, as though this moment was his sanctuary.


•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Years had passed since Artemis first nestled into the life of Urd Geales, the aloof and enigmatic King of Vampires. She was no longer just a stray cat who had wandered into his opera house; she was a constant, an unspoken part of his carefully curated world. Urd often allowed her to accompany him on his nightly rounds, her small, confident presence both an oddity and a quiet comfort. On rare occasions, she would sleep curled up on his bed, a stark contrast to the cold grandeur of his chamber.

One evening, Artemis perched herself in a tree outside the opera house, her sharp blue eyes watching the sun sink below the horizon. Urd had been away for days, dealing with unrest in another territory. Before leaving, he had briefly addressed her as though she understood. "Behave yourself," he had murmured, his tone clipped but not unkind. She meowed softly, as if in acknowledgment.

As the evening deepened, she leapt gracefully to the ground and began her nightly wanderings. Artemis roamed the streets of Moscow with the confidence of one who knew she belonged, despite her diminutive size. The rats scattered before her, birds flitted nervously out of reach, and the humans who spotted her merely smiled at the sight of the collared feline.

Her path eventually led her to a familiar building—a bustling corner of the human district where the scent of warm food and laughter spilled into the streets. Artemis padded inside, her keen senses searching for something, or someone, familiar. When no trace of her master was found, she turned her attention to the humans.

"What do we have here? A little cat!" a young man said, crouching to her level. His voice was kind, if a bit surprised. Artemis tilted her head, watching him with unblinking curiosity.

"Where did you come from?" he continued, extending a hand toward her.

"Meow," she replied simply, walking away. But the young man followed, undeterred. He reached into his pocket and produced a small snack, breaking it in half. "Here, you must be hungry."

The feline stopped, sniffing at the offered treat before delicately taking it. She licked his hand, a small act of acknowledgment, before rubbing her head against him. The boy laughed, scooping her up. "You're so friendly. Someone must be taking good care of you. That collar...you belong to someone, don't you?"

Artemis remained silent, content to let him carry her outside. He continued speaking, asking questions she wouldn't answer, but his tone was gentle. As they reached a dimly lit alleyway, the boy suddenly froze. A noise—a faint shuffle, a suppressed gasp—echoed from the shadows.

"W-what was that?" he stammered, his grip on Artemis tightening. She growled softly, her sharp instincts sensing danger.

"I need to get home," he whispered, his voice trembling. Artemis pawed at his arm, trying to dissuade him, but the boy pressed on, stepping into the alley.

Moments later, the muffled sound of a scream pierced the night. The scent of fresh blood filled the air, sharp and unmistakable. Artemis crouched at the mouth of the alley, her fur bristling. A figure emerged, cloaked in darkness and smeared in crimson.

"A cat?" the vampire murmured, his red eyes narrowing as he spotted her. Artemis hissed, retreating a step before darting away. But the vampire was faster, snatching her up with a cruel laugh.

"An interesting little creature," he mused, examining her. "That collar must mean something. Perhaps you belong to a human...or to one of us?" His voice turned cold. "But I can't risk you causing trouble."

Artemis growled, her tiny body trembling with defiance. The vampire smirked, his grip tightening. "Don't worry. It will be quick."

Before he could act, the vampire's expression twisted in pain. A sickening crack filled the air as an iron grip crushed his throat, silencing him mid-breath. Artemis fell from his grasp but was caught mid-air by familiar hands. She purred weakly, nuzzling against her rescuer's chest.

"Lord Ky Luc," the vampire choked, his voice barely audible.

Ky Luc's expression was cold, devoid of his usual playful demeanor. "You've broken Lord Urd's law," he said, his voice laced with venom. "No one drains blood in this city without his express permission. You know the price."

Guards appeared from the shadows, their presence swift and unquestionable. The offending vampire struggled, pleading as they dragged him away.

"Take him to the cells," Ky Luc ordered. "And clean up this mess. I don't want a trace left."

Turning his attention to Artemis, who now lay calmly in his arms, he sighed. "You always seem to find trouble, don't you?" he muttered, his tone softening as he scratched behind her ears. She purred louder, reassured by his presence.

"Come," Ky said, cradling her close as he began walking. "Let's get you home before Lord Urd returns. He'd have my head if something happened to you." His voice carried a hint of humor, but there was a truth in his words that even he wouldn't deny.

The streets of Moscow seemed quieter as Ky carried her back to the opera house, the night now still and heavy with the weight of unspoken law. For Artemis, the chaos of the evening was forgotten as she drifted into a peaceful slumber in the arms of the vampire who feared Urd's wrath as much as anyone.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

The grand hall of the opera house was dimly lit, its usual aura of regal elegance subdued in the absence of its master. Ky Luc stepped inside, the sound of his boots faint on the polished floor. Cradled in his arms was Artemis, the small feline nestled against him, her fur still carrying traces of her recent escapade. She seemed content now, her purring soft and steady.

"Where's the king?" Ky asked, his tone casual, but his sharp eyes scanned the room.

"He's still attending to matters in the other territory," a servant replied, bowing slightly. "But he is expected to return soon."

Ky nodded, dismissing the servant with a flick of his fingers. He glanced down at Artemis, who blinked up at him with her usual inscrutable expression. "The king is very fond of you," he murmured, his voice softening as he absentmindedly stroked her fur. "I wonder what makes you so special."

Artemis responded with a questioning meow, her head tilting slightly as though she understood the sentiment behind his words.

"Oh, curious now, are we?" Ky chuckled, settling into one of the ornate chairs. "Not that it matters. It's not as if you can answer me." His smile was faint but genuine as he continued petting her. "You're warm...soft... I can see why he tolerates you, though I suspect you remind him of something—or someone."

Another meow, this one sharper, as Artemis turned her bright eyes toward him. Ky smirked. "Touched a nerve, did I? Or maybe you're just hungry. You tend to get fed quite well by our dear king, don't you?"

Artemis stretched in response, her tiny claws digging lightly into his arm before she hopped down to the floor.

"All right, all right. Wait here," Ky sighed, standing and heading toward the adjoining room. He returned moments later with a small bowl of milk and a plate of finely prepared fish, setting them on the floor. Artemis immediately began eating, her contentment evident in the way her tail flicked lazily as she devoured her meal.

Ky settled back into his chair, watching her with a curious expression. He pulled out a sleek bottle from his coat, its dark crimson contents glinting faintly in the low light. Pouring himself a glass, he swirled the liquid thoughtfully before taking a long sip.

"This batch is good," he remarked, mostly to himself. His gaze lingered on Artemis as she licked her paws, her meal finished. "Still, nothing compares to drinking from the source. But no...his rules. Always his rules." He sighed dramatically. "You wouldn't understand, would you? What it's like to have power and be denied indulgence. But then again, you seem to get away with everything."

Artemis meowed again, padding over to him. She jumped lightly onto the couch, curling up beside him. Ky regarded her with a bemused smile, setting his glass aside to run a hand over her fur.

"You really aren't afraid, are you?" he murmured. "You know exactly what I am, yet here you are, curled up like nothing in the world could harm you. Bold little thing." His hand moved to scratch behind her ears, and Artemis purred in response, her tiny body relaxing further.

"Mm," Ky leaned back, his eyes growing heavy as he allowed himself a rare moment of rest. "This is...surprisingly nice."

Artemis stretched out, pressing herself closer to his side as her purring deepened. Within moments, both vampire and feline had drifted into a quiet slumber, the room silent save for the faint rhythm of her breathing and the distant hum of the city beyond the opera house walls.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Ky Luc stirred, the faint sound of his own breathing interrupting the silence as his eyes fluttered open. His surroundings came into focus, the dim light of the room casting long shadows on the ornate walls. He blinked, realizing he had drifted off with Artemis still nestled in his lap. Her gentle purring resonated softly in the air.

"Did I fall asleep?" he murmured groggily, sitting up slightly.

"You did," came the unmistakable voice of Urd Geales, calm yet powerful, carrying an edge of cold detachment. Ky straightened immediately, his sharp eyes meeting the king's unreadable gaze.

"My lord, welcome back," he greeted, inclining his head slightly.

"Did she keep you company the entire time?" Urd asked, his tone neutral but his gaze falling on Artemis with a flicker of something softer, almost imperceptible.

"Yes, my lord," Ky replied, watching as Urd crossed the room with his measured steps, settling gracefully into the chair beside him. Artemis immediately perked up, her purring growing louder as she jumped down from Ky's lap and trotted toward her master.

"Meow," she greeted him, rubbing her head against his knee.

"Hello, Artemis," Urd said, his voice softening in a way that Ky had only ever heard when the cat was involved. He extended a hand, and Artemis eagerly climbed onto his lap. "She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?"

"Of course not, my lord," Ky replied with a small smirk. "She was the perfect companion. May I ask something, though?"

Urd's golden eyes shifted to him, their intensity unwavering. "Go ahead."

"Is there a particular reason why you keep her here? It's just... unusual, considering who you are." Ky gestured faintly toward the feline, who was now stretching luxuriously in Urd's lap, utterly oblivious to the gravity of the moment.

Urd's gaze returned to Artemis, his hand idly stroking her fur. He paused, as if considering his answer carefully. "There's no profound reason. I have simply grown fond of her," he said evenly. "That is all."

"I see," Ky said, bowing his head slightly. "Please forgive me for asking. It wasn't my place to question you, my lord."

"You meant no harm, Ky Luc," Urd replied, his voice as steady as ever. "You needn't apologize."

Ky gave a small, relieved nod. "Thank you, my lord."

"Meow," Artemis chimed in, stretching her tiny body before curling back up against Urd's chest.

Urd allowed a faint smile to tug at the corner of his lips, his fingers running gently along her spine. "How have things been in my absence?"

"All is in order, my lord," Ky reported. "There were a few minor incidents, but they've been handled. The nobles are requesting an audience with you, though."

"I'll address them later," Urd said with a dismissive wave. "For now, I need a moment of quiet."

Understanding the unspoken command, Ky rose to his feet. "Then I'll take my leave. Have a restful evening, my lord." He bowed deeply and left the room, leaving Urd alone with Artemis.

The vampire king leaned back in his chair, his fingers continuing their rhythmic motion along Artemis's fur. "You've become quite the little diplomat, haven't you?" he murmured, his voice low and thoughtful. Artemis purred in response, shifting slightly to nuzzle against his chest.

Urd's gaze drifted toward the window, where the faintest glow of dawn was beginning to creep across the horizon. "Unlike me, you'll die one day," he said quietly, his voice carrying an unusual weight. "Cats live what? Twelve, twenty years at most? You've been with me for a fraction of that time, and yet I already find myself dreading the inevitable."

"Meow," Artemis replied softly, as if sensing the gravity of his words.

"I shouldn't grow attached to something so fleeting," Urd continued, his tone almost self-reproachful. "But I suppose even I am not immune to such weaknesses."

Artemis shifted, curling into a tight ball against him, her tail wrapping around his arm. Urd's expression softened, his free hand resting lightly on her side. "You don't see me as a king or a progenitor. To you, I'm just... me. That's why I keep you close. Perhaps it's selfish, but I don't care."

He stood slowly, careful not to disturb her as he cradled her in his arms. He carried her to the couch, setting her down gently before turning his gaze once more to the window. "The sun is rising. You should rest, Artemis. I have much to do today."

"Meow," she replied with a sleepy yawn, curling up on the spot he had left her.

"Goodnight, Artemis," Urd said, his voice dropping to a near whisper. He lingered for a moment longer, his gaze softening as he watched her settle. Then, with a flick of his coat, he disappeared into the shadows of the palace, leaving her in peace.

-END-

A/N: I've rewritten and updated all the Fearless parts, and there's more to come! Stay tuned :)