To clarify last chapter and future chapters: In Vampire lore it is described that humans receive pleasure when vampires feed on them, which can become addictive. Sort of like how vaping can be an addictive moment of pleasure (also please don't vape it bad). So uh yeah I'm trying to make this 'lore accurate' so if you know any monster facts feel free to let me know!

~•~

Grian stumbled through the doors of the throne room, papers and scrolls falling out of his hold as he rushed down the hall with panic clear on his face. He practically fell over in front of the throne, kneeling before the king with a dirtied appearance. "S-sir! I-I-I'm so sorry, I-I didn't mean to show up so late to our meeting, everything is a blur, and I—"

Scar laughed, his crown slightly crooked on his head. "G, come on. It's okay!" Said the king, rising from his seat and walking down the steps. He took off his crown, handing it to his royal advisor. "But jeez, you don't look so good. Is everything okay?"

"Um, I-I think I got lost in the forest last night." The architect muttered, rising back to his feet while trying to collect the papers he dropped. "I don't really remember much. Like I said, it's really all a blur."

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up. I have a royal tailor to make you some brand new clothes." Scar pointed out, Grian's tunic and trousers rather maimed and dirty.

"O-oh, I couldn't-"

"Please," He smiled. "I insist. You're my friend, Grian. I can't allow you to run around covered in mud, now can I?"

He gave a sigh in defeat. "Alright Scar, you win. But what about our meeting?"

"Bdubs can reschedule it." The ruler laughed while waving his hand dismissively. His assistant grumbled underneath his breath at that, though remained quiet otherwise. "Come now, the servants should lead you to the washroom. They'll have you cleaned up and fed in no time."

Scar walked Grian to one of the doors off to the side of the throne room, which would lead deeper into the castle. "Oh? What about you?" Asked the builder, causing the king to laugh once more.

"My work is sadly never done. I have way too much I need to catch up on. I'll meet you in the grand hall for lunch, alright?"

"Okay then... I guess I'll see you at lunch." Grian smiled, walking out of the throne room and into the hall. He was escorted by a servant who had been waiting there, the king and his assistant watching as they walked out of view.

As he disappeared round the corner, the smile across Scar's face fell into a frown. His royal advisor placed a hand on the king's shoulder, equally as concerned as the ruler. "You heard what he said, didn't you?" Bdubs asked, his voice hushed.

Brushing his hand off of him, Scar nodded as he walked towards his throne. "Of course I did. And I saw those marks on his neck."

Eyes widening, Bdubs paused. "Marks? You mean—"

"Yes, right on the neck. I spotted them when he was trying to collect his things." The king said, reaching up towards a torch mounted on an iron holster against the wall.

He tugged at it like a lever, causing a faint 'click' to ring through the throne room. Then began a heavy rumbling, his seat slowly shifting towards the side to reveal a hidden staircase underneath. Scar lifted the burning torch out of the iron wall mount, handing it towards his assistant. "Come." He said, beginning to walk down the stairs. "I believe we deserve some answers."

The two walked down the stone staircase, the faint sound of dripping water echoing alongside their footsteps. The only light was the orange of the torch that Bdubs held, which glowed dimly in the cold dungeon air. The stairs spiraled further and further, heading deep underneath the castle, far below the earth. As they reached the end, two guards stood behind a heavy iron door. One guard opened the door, gesturing for the king to enter.

"I never liked it down here..." Bdubs grumbled as he followed Scar inside the dungeon.

"I'm aware. But it is the most secure prison that we have."

The cells were dark, figures hidden in the shadows, cowering in the corners of their stone dungeons. Bdubs carried the torch, the creatures in the cells flinching as the light passed over them for just a moment. The king stopped in front of a cage, iron bars blocking the beast inside from escaping. He stepped closer, his assistant following, causing the light to fill the darkened prison.

Behind the bars, the demon hissed, moving back into the furthest corner it could. It wore rugged clothes that were dirty and torn, as if it had been on the run for quite some time. Its eyes were blood red, which seemed to glow in the dark, while its hair was a golden blond. It even had a skinny tail with a puff of blond hair at the end.

"Hello demon." Spoke the king, his voice firm. "I hope these accommodations are treating you well."

It hissed at them, the chains around its body and neck jingling as it struggled. "Silence." Scar commanded, snatching the torch from Bdubs and waving it around. The demon whimpered, turning quiet as it shivered in fear.

"Much better. Now, I want you to tell me about that thing living in the forest."

The demon stayed quiet, only slight whimpers falling from its lips. "Answer me, beast." Scar growled, his green eyes turning cold.

"He's not gonna say much." A voice spoke up from the opposite cell, causing the king and his advisor to turn towards the sound. "I've been trying to get him to take since he was thrown down here. I don't think he knows English."

Scar smirked, walking towards the cell with the torch in hand. "Etho, good to hear from you." The king greeted the beast behind bars, giving a slight bow as he spoke.

Etho seemed to be mostly human, though his snowy white hair and red eyes said otherwise. Not only that, but he had a pair of fox-like ears atop his head, along with multiple fluffy tails. He bowed, almost mockingly, at the king. "Your highness. Good to see you too. You look as lovely as ever, perhaps even more so."

"Enough flattery, beast!" Bdubs snapped, though Scar held up a hand to silence his advisor.

"It's quite alright, Bdubs. You know how Etho gets."

"So what brings you down here, sir? What creature lives in the forest that terrifies even your great kingdom?" He spoke slickly, sitting on the edge of a cot while running a hand through the slick white fur of one of his tails.

"It seems as though we have a bit of a problem." Scar said, his posture straightening. "A friend of mine came to me. I believe he was attacked by a rather elusive beast last night. I was hoping that demon would give me some information on the whereabouts of the monster."

"Mm, I see." Etho licked his chops like a hungry fox, showing off his sharp teeth as he grinned. "Why don't I help you out? Let me stretch my legs a bit."

"Now, now. Calm yourself, beast. I don't think even you could handle the creature we are after."

"You're no fun. I just wanna enjoy myself a little. The wind in my fur, oh I miss it dearly."

"And you'll get your chance soon enough. A beast such as yourself is too lovely not to use in battle. But I don't believe you could handle a vampire in a fight." The king said, which caused Etho's ear to twitch.

"Vampire, you say?" He smirked, "I have a bit of info on a vampire I knew before you caught me. I'd be happy to fill you in...for a price."

"Cow livers, I assume?"

"Only the best." Etho smiled. "I expect them to be here for breakfast tomorrow."

"Yes, yes. You know I always treat my prized beasts. Now, what do you know?" Scar asked.

"Mm. He was quite the stubborn one. Always hiding with the other beasts deep in the forest. I met him a few times before you caught me. But he always seemed to be more of a loner, despite sticking with the other monsters."

"This isn't very helpful info. I want to know how to catch these beasts."

"Well, I heard chatter a while back." Etho mentioned as he leaned his back against the wall. "Couple months ago, I think. Heard he turned a human into a vampire. So there might be two you need to worry about."

"Another vampire?" Scar though for a moment, scratching his chin. "Alright, is that all?"

"I think I got a bit more. I hear they got pretty wild powers. Hypnosis, shapeshifting, super strength and speed. They're rather strong from what I've been told. Strong enough to take down an army by themselves."

"So what, we should stop searching for the vampire? It sounds rather dangerous, and like a waste of men." Bdubs spoke, though Etho smirked while shaking his head.

"That human who was turned, I bet he still has no handle on those new powers. If you find him, I bet he'll be much easier to capture. Maybe he can even lead you to the other beasts."

"Useful as always, aren't you?" The king smiled at the hybrid. "I'll make sure to have a bucket of livers dropped off tomorrow, just for you."

"Happy to help." Etho grinned, showing off his sharp fangs.

Scar turned to Bdubs. "Have a bounty put out on that beast. Make sure the reward is hefty. Gather up our best hunters for the quest."

He nodded. "Of course, sir. Shall we head back up to the castle?"

"Yes, we're done here. I must get to my meeting with Grian."

~•~

Grian was already sitting at the dining table when Scar arrived, his hair washed and cleaned with brand new clothes as well. He was already eating, taking large bites of fluffy rolls of bread. He awkwardly froze as the king stepped into the room, realizing how sloppily he was eating. "Mmph—! Smir—" he spoke with a mouth full, swallowing the bite of food as he rose from his chair. "I—, uh, sorry—, I was just starving—!"

"Oh, don't worry about it! Please, eat all you like!" He laughed, taking a seat across the table from the builder. Grian smiled and took more food onto his plate, a large amount for a man as small as him.

Scar's gaze shifted towards his neck, spotting the mark of the vampire's fangs. He must have taken a lot of blood, since Grian seemed to be starving. "So," The king spoke up. "What happened to you last night to make you so dirty? It looks like you were chased through the forest."

"Oh, uh, 'm not sure." The architect spoke with a mouthful of pork, devouring everything on his plate. "I just woke up like that."

"Mm. I see. Why not stay the night at my castle? Just to keep you away from the forest."

"Huh? Why?" Grian asked as he shoved a loaf of bread into his mouth.

"There's been some issues lately with the beasts we've been hunting. It's just a safety precaution for you. I don't want you sleepwalking in the forest."

"Ha, ha." He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Fine, but only because you insist. And because this food is so good."

"Eat as much as you like! I must be getting back to work. I'll have the maids show you to your room once you're finished."

"Oh? But you just got here. What about lunch?"

"I'm not too hungry." Scar said as he rose from his chair. "Plus, a king's work is never done. I have Bdubs bugging me to finish up a couple of meetings I've been procrastinating, so I should get going before he flips out."

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then, since you're so busy."

"I promise we'll talk in the morning, okay?"

Grian smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'll see you then."