VAESEN - The Ruins of the World

Chapter 21 - Between the Fangs

„Please," he repeated, panting, and Myreille gave Zane a sidelong glance. She wouldn't stop him if he wanted to kill Casimir. Instead, her watchful gaze slid around and met one of the servants flitting through the ranks like ghosts.

A heartbeat, maybe two, passed. He stared, his mouth open, though no sound left his lips.

Myreille pursed her lips, showing her long fangs and raised her hand as if in silent signalling. The servant's gaze fell on her fingers ... on the silver lustre on them and the ring she was wearing - then the sole witness hurriedly turned his gaze away and quickly departed. Sometimes, being at the service of the most bloodthirsty and dangerous forces in this depraved city had its advantages. Myreille lowered the Blood Lord's signet ring with her hand and was already peering past the pillars toward one of the exits...

„I-I can help you!" it rasped behind her, and she paused. Slowly, her attention slid back to Casimir.

Zane's long claws were already digging into his neck, piercing the skin, and dark, blackish blood seeped from the incisions as skin and flesh reddened under the pressure of the powerful fingers. Casimir rattled more violently, scratching and baring his teeth. His eyes were already twisting and rolling back...

„Wait," Myreille whispered, meeting Zane's skeptical gaze. The Cait-Sith bared his teeth and growled, „You're not serious!".

But Myreille's gaze was sharp and clear as she grabbed Zane's forearm, emphasizing her demand with light but firm pressure.

With a low, guttural sound of displeasure, the warrior's fingers disengaged from Caismir's throat, just enough to make the vampire gasp and his eyelids flutter.

„What makes you think YOU can help us?" Myreille hissed icily.

„I know of a tunnel!" the vampire squeezed out hoarsely. „A secret escape tunnel through which you can escape! No one would follow you!"

„Oh yeah?" Myreille narrowed her eyes suspiciously. „And how would you, of all people, know of such a secret tunnel?"

Was he trying to play her for a fool? Myreille didn't trust this rat. Where had this sudden change of heart come from?

Casimir pursed his lips, his long fingers clawing at the Cait-Sith's arm, who, even in his weakened state, could still hold him to the wall with one hand.

„When I was still..." Casimir began, swallowing hard, „When I was a soldier, the command staff discussed attacking the Palais to deal a heavy blow to the morale of our hereditary enemy. I had the opportunity to take a look at the plans... There was talk of blowing up the tunnel as a precaution so that no one could escape."

„You're talking about the Second World War... The German war against us before the First Cycle," Myreille muttered, knowing full well that Zane, like most otherworlders, had little idea of human enmities.

Casimir nodded - or tried to, as far as he could.

„The attack was no longer necessary because we were able to take Paris in just six days... that's why the tunnel still exists," Casimir murmured, his eyes flickering back and forth between Myreille and Zane.

Myreille felt Zane's gaze rest on her as well. It was understandable because he didn't know if the scion was telling the truth. On the other hand, she had been here before the tear in the veil to Thule and knew the feuds of the humans...

The vampiress curled her lips and clicked her tongue. As much as she disliked it...

„It's possible," she admitted.

„I'll show you the tunnel," Casimir promised. And now that the rat sensed the morning air, the dark eyes flashed more courageously again. „I won't betray you. I'll even cover for you!" he offered generously.