Alex emerged from pulsating black and white, having arrived at his destination.
He glanced toward the window to find Nadia asleep at the table with the papers she was writing on placed beside her.
Seeing her in such a peaceful state reminded him of a certain beauty back on Earth.
She would always overwork whenever he went out on missions, trying her hardest to ensure everything was okay whenever he came back.
He had caught her quite a few times dozing off in such a manner.
Thinking back now, Alex wondered if he had acknowledged her efforts enough.
"If I am successful here... I’ll get a chance to spend all the time in the world with her and our little troublemaker."
With a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips, Alex once again reminded himself of why he was in Eventide.
Letting out a sigh, he walked over to the table side and gently picked up Nadia before tucking her into bed.
After ensuring she was comfortable, he moved to the chair and sat on it before glancing at the night sky.
Unlike BoneHaven, Krobridge had a better view of the night sky, free from the pollution that ravaged the former.
Alex delved into his thoughts as he pondered on his next course of action.
With Arwen incapacitated, he’d have to wait a bit longer for her help in uncovering the mysteries of his distorted memories.
In the meantime, he wondered if Claudia would be open to introducing him to her father.
But then again, the question of if he would be threatened by his power was a real possibility.
Alex wasn’t under the delusion that all Vampires would worship him the same as Victoria, Finnick, and Claudia.
Especially for those in power, they would be averse to the thought of having to serve someone else, even if that person was their prophesied savior.
"Hopefully they don’t resort to violence to make a point." Alex mused before letting out a sigh.
He wanted as much as possible, to avoid conflicts unrelated to himself or his goal and so, the issue with the Dark Lord was a rather tricky situation.
In any case, as long as he tried his best to convince them that he was no threat to them, Alex hoped they would be smart enough to listen to him.
On the off chance that they don’t... Well, you live, you learn.
Closing his eyes, Alex found himself soaking in his memories and a moment later, drifted off into a deep slumber.
"Finnick," Booker growled as he glared at the pale Vampire with bloodshot eyes.
Despite the clear show of aggression, Finnick remained largely unresponsive as he merely gave Booker a side glance before looking away.
Angered by his reaction, Booker sort to pull out a weapon only to pause as he realized the situation he was in.
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he turned his attention to the lady in the room that looked like the leader of the group of Vampires.
"Who are you and how may I help you?" He asked dryly.
The female Vampire chuckled. "Quite interesting, judging from your tone of speech and facial expression, I’d have thought you weren’t scared of us."
Booker shrugged. "It’s not like I’m not scared but then again, it’s not like showing it would save me so I’d rather act my usual self, damn the consequences."
"Hoh, interesting." The Vampire said in amusement before glancing at Finnick. "I one."
Finnick did not offer a response, instead remaining as stiff as a statue.
It wasn’t hard to tell that he wasn’t in a good state himself but that wasn’t enough for Booker no matter how gratifying it felt.
"So do you plan on answering my questions or..." Booker trailed off as a sudden surge of killing intent erupted from those around him, causing goosebumps to break out all over his skin.
Stifling a chuckle, the female Vampire commented. "I might be amused with your antics but my men aren’t so easy to please. So for your sake, choose your next words wisely."
Frozen in his tracks, the fear Booker tried to forget returned in full force, gripping his heart in a chokehold as he struggled to breathe properly.
As he coughed awkwardly, Booker spoke up, but this time, in a more respectful manner.
"May I know your name, my lady?"
"And may I know why you have graced me with your presence?"
"A simple issue," Charlotte remarked. "We seek the Dark Lord."
"The Dark Lord?" Booker raised a brow.
Charlotte revealed a most sensual smile as she replied. "According to our dear Finnick, he confessed to meeting that great personage here."
"... Are you talking about Kane?"
Pursing his lips, Booker cautiously remarked. "There should have been other ways to find him... why did you look for me?"
"Because unfortunately, there seems to be another already utilizing those other means, and drawing her attention to our workings would be troublesome," Charlotte said before adding. "I hope you understand the dilemma we are faced with."
Booker pursed his lips as he nodded. "Mn."
He remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering something while glaring hatefully at Finnick, of course, the latter did not so much as flinch despite the attention.
Having made his decision, Booker spoke up with a stutter. ".... Forgive my insolence, my lady, but... I have a request."
"... I can tell you where the Dark Lord is and even inform you of his whereabouts in the coming days, including ways to trap him."
"Hoh, you must be quite resourceful to be able to do all that," Charlotte muttered in a jocular manner before inquiring. "So what do you want in return?"
"Him," Booker said as he pointed at Finnick, his lips quivering as he added. "I want him."
"Hmm?" Charlotte raised a brow as she glanced at Finnick while the latter showed a reaction for the first time as he glared at Booker in contempt.
"You bastard." He glowered in vague annoyance.
Booker was unmoved by Finnick’s death glare as he continued. "I want his head."
"Interesting request," Charlotte said. "But what makes you think I’d kill one of my kind for you?"
Booker hesitated as his heart palpitated strongly.
He knew what he was doing was crazy, no, it was beyond crazy but he found himself compelled to do it.
What’s the worst that could happen anyways?
As long as there was a chance of seeing Finnick die, Booker thought the odds to be good enough and so, he took it.
"Because I’m worth it." He said with the confidence of a fool despite the fear in his heart.
Charlotte met his unflinching gaze and for a moment, found herself marveled by it.
"Quite intriguing." She muttered. "You humans have always been quite peculiar."
Finnick was just about to speak up when he felt a sharp pain in his neck after which his perspective of the room changed.
He was falling?... No, only his head fell with the rest of his body still standing upright.
Just like that, Booker had his wish fulfilled and Finnick died a most unfulfilling death.