- 2 days ago
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00:00On my birthday I showed up right on time at the upscale blood banquet lounge Daniel Cook had reserved.
00:05Genuinely excited for the night ahead.
00:09By the seventh time a blood servant waiter came over with a polite smile to ask if I was ready
00:14to order.
00:14My phone finally lit up with an iMessage from Daniel.
00:18Something urgent came up with the elders council.
00:21Go ahead and order yourself a glass of blood plasma, Don.
00:25Don wait for me.
00:27A second later, I scrolled straight into a new Instagram post from his first love, Camila Bennett, a pureblood elite.
00:35In the photo Daniel was seated at a table, casually flipping through the menu.
00:40He was even handing a fine silk blood napkin to someone just outside the frame.
00:46His attention clearly elsewhere.
00:48Been asleep in the old world for so long.
00:50Someone was worried I'd come back to New York and starve because I could read the menu.
00:54So he's treating me to a proper feast.
00:57Anything for you?
00:58Just like that, the entire evening lost its flavor.
01:01I handed the menu written entirely in archaic Latin I couldn't even begin to decipher.
01:06Back to the blood servant waiter.
01:08I'll have one of everything from your signature blood reserve selection.
01:11By the time I finished feeding and had the rest packed up to take back to my underground manor in
01:16Manhattan,
01:17my phone was flooded with missed calls, dozens of them, all from Daniel.
01:24I didn't respond, a relationship that keeps surviving on promises of next time.
01:29Was that really something worth waiting for?
01:31Especially for someone like me, a member of the vampire kind with time stretching endlessly ahead?
01:39A few days later, I went out for the night with a friend and ended up running into Daniel at
01:44a night lounge.
01:45We had barely been seated when a pair of icy hands suddenly grabbed my arm.
01:49Lydia, you ignore my texts and then show up here in the middle of the night to drink?
01:53Before I could respond, my friend shook his hand off and shot a cold look at the woman behind him.
01:58Ah, so you can hang out alone with another female vampire, but we can't come out and relax.
02:04Daniel pinched the bridge of his pale nose.
02:06Don't start.
02:07Camilla brought her entourage out for drinks.
02:09I was worried they'd end up drinking low quality blood and getting into trouble,
02:13so I came along to keep an eye on things, and I did text you.
02:16You're the one who never replied.
02:18There was a trace of frustration in his voice.
02:21Only then did I notice the messages he had sent after that.
02:24A mix of updates and attempts to smooth things over.
02:27I was genuinely surprised.
02:29Daniel had never been the type to keep me informed.
02:31Back when I once asked how many nights he'd be away on a trip to the Elder's Council in Washington,
02:36D.C.,
02:36he had shut me down immediately.
02:38Lydia Ross, every vampire needs their own space.
02:40Do you have to track me like a radar?
02:42It had taken repeated apologies before he let it go,
02:45warning me not to interfere with his schedule again.
02:47Locked my screen and answered casually.
02:50Sorry, didn't check my phone.
02:52Daniel looked caught off guard.
02:53Right then, Camilla stepped forward.
02:55Daniel, if Lydia's uncomfortable, you should go back with her.
02:58I'll be fine getting back on my own.
03:00I clinked my glass of blood wine with my friends without even looking up.
03:04I'm not.
03:05Do whatever you want.
03:06Daniel frowned, scanning me from head to toe.
03:09Lydia.
03:10Be reasonable.
03:11Go home first.
03:12If you want to unwind, I'll pick up your favorite block pudding.
03:14After I take Camilla back to her resting place at the hotel, we can eat together.
03:19All you want.
03:19Daniel had a serious aversion to anything unclean.
03:23He never allowed strongly scented, half-blood food inside his barrier.
03:27After moving in with him, I had given up both blood pudding and woof thang mix.
03:32Assuming he was just in a hurry to get Camilla settled, I nodded dismissively.
03:36Got it.
03:37You should go.
03:38He seemed surprised at how easily I agreed.
03:41Good.
03:41Wait for me at the castle hotel.
03:43Like a reward, he reached out and ruffled my hair.
03:46He left in such a rush that he didn't even notice me subtly pulling away.
03:50By the time I got back, dawn was approaching.
03:52The moment I pushed the door open, I ran straight into Daniel, who looked like he had been about
03:57to go out and look for me.
03:58The instant he saw me, his expression turned cold.
04:02Lydia, do you even know what time it is?
04:04The sun's about to come up.
04:05You've lived this long, and you're still acting like one of those newly turned, storming out
04:09and staying away all night.
04:11I was so exhausted, I could fall straight into torpor the second I closed my eyes.
04:16I didn't have the energy to deal with him.
04:18I tried to walk past him toward the coffin in the bedroom.
04:21He stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
04:23Stop getting jealous over nothing.
04:25If there were really something between me and Camilla, do you think it would be your
04:29place?
04:29Then he pulled out a small blue box from the pocket of his tailored coat.
04:34A Tiffany box.
04:35Here, your birthday gift, and don't act this childish again.
04:39I was too tired to argue.
04:41Without even looking, I took the box and headed for the bedroom.
04:44Fun!
04:45Thanks!
04:46I tossed the little blue box, still holding a magical charm inside, onto the vanity
04:51without a second thought.
04:53Whatever.
04:53I slipped into the coffin, and shut my eyes.
04:56Before I could even process who had slammed the front door so hard, the sound echoing through
05:01the manor, I had already fallen completely into sleep.
05:04The next night, as I sat scrolling through Instagram, with a cup of pure blood brew in
05:08hand, I finally realized what had happened.
05:11Daniel had slammed the door, and left, the night before.
05:15Camilla had already posted again, wish this moment could last forever.
05:18The photo showed her and Daniel standing side by side atop a castle in upstate New York,
05:24their backs to the camera as they looked up at a blood moon.
05:27I tapped like out of habit, then let out a quiet sigh.
05:30Not good for them, I guess.
05:32Romantic for the two of them.
05:34My door was the one that suffered for it.
05:36After a few quick sips of a custom blood plasma mix, I headed to the vampire consorta team offices.
05:41When the executive council manager heard I was finally willing to accept a transfer,
05:46she looked both surprised and relieved.
05:49The last time I had turned down a position in the Seattle Territory branch,
05:52because I did not want a long-distance relationship with Daniel,
05:56she had genuinely felt it was a waste.
05:58Glad you finally came around.
06:00With teleportation gates this advanced, visiting each other is just a few hours through a night transit array.
06:06You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
06:09I smiled politely at her teasing, before adding,
06:13Calm and matter of fact, I am planning to dissolve our blood bond.
06:17By the time I finished the paperwork, it was midnight, our usual break.
06:21A few co-workers I was close with immediately insisted on taking me out for a farewell blood feast.
06:28Laughing, I followed them into the elevator.
06:30At the moment we stepped out of the revolving doors,
06:33Daniel appeared out of nowhere and pressed a bouquet of black roses,
06:36still damp with night dew, into my hands.
06:39Peace offering.
06:40My co-workers instantly erupted.
06:42Wow, what did you do to make Lydia mad?
06:45You are down here waiting with flowers.
06:47Too late, Daniel.
06:48Lydia's midnight slot is booked.
06:50She is ours tonight.
06:52Sorry everyone, Lydia and I need to take care of something.
06:55I will make it up to you next week.
06:57Daniel laughed, as he pulled me gently toward his UV-protected SUV.
07:01Thinking something urgent had happened back at the Underground Manor,
07:05I said goodbye to my co-workers and slayed into the passenger seat, as he opened the door for me.
07:11The first thing I did was toss the bouquet of black roses into the back seat before fastening my seatbelt.
07:17Daniel saw it the moment he got in, his pale lips pressed into a thin line dot at a red
07:22light.
07:23He finally asked, unable to hold it in.
07:25You do not like them?
07:27I was still replying to work handover emails on the dark web.
07:30It took me a moment to even look up.
07:32What?
07:33Then it clicked.
07:34Oh, the flowers.
07:35You forgot I am allergic to black rose pollen.
07:38Daniel froze, then winced.
07:40God, I am sorry.
07:41I will remember next time.
07:43My eyes had already dropped back to my phone.
07:46It is fine.
07:47It was not the first time.
07:48A high-ranking vampire envoy, who could fluently recite obscure ancient languages,
07:53did not forget something like that by accident.
07:55He just did not care.
07:57At least now, I did not need him to.
07:59We are here.
08:00By the time Daniel told me to get out,
08:02I had just confirmed my start date with the Seattle Territory Supervisor.
08:06I glanced out the window, and frowned.
08:09Thought this was not our neighborhood.
08:10It was the parking lot, of an international teleportation gate terminal.
08:14Before I could ask anything, Daniel had already opened my door and grabbed my hand.
08:19Pulling me into a run through the lobby, I blinked in surprise.
08:23In my memory, Daniel had always been composed, refined.
08:26Every bit the pure-blood elite.
08:29This kind of impulsive, almost boyish energy,
08:31was something I had only ever seen in Camilla's Instagram posts.
08:35Lydia, hurry.
08:37Our night, Transalito R.A., is about to depart.
08:40By the time we dropped into our first-class seat,
08:42both of us slightly out of breath,
08:44I finally managed to ask,
08:46What is going on?
08:47Did something happen to your family, the prince in your house?
08:50Daniel's family had lived in European castles for generations,
08:53so I had assumed something serious had come up.
08:56He was still catching his breath as he tucked away our night passes and vampire passports.
09:00I know you have not used your sabbatical year yet.
09:03You have always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower at night in Paris, right?
09:07I finally have time off, so I am taking you on a proper trip.
09:11Just do not be mad at me anymore, okay?
09:13That was when it hit me, dot in three years together.
09:16This was the first time Daniel had ever taken me on a trip.
09:19Every single one of his previous vacations had been spent with Camilla,
09:23or more accurately, his vacations existed for her.
09:26He would take her to the African savannah to drink lion blood,
09:29to Iceland to watch the Northern Lights,
09:31to Australia to see kangaroos,
09:33but when all I wanted was for him to check out a new blood bar with me in Brooklyn,
09:37he would brush me off, saying the elders' council kept him too busy.
09:41I let it go.
09:42I would treat this as our last trip before ending the blood bond.
09:46A clean break.
09:47For now, I swallowed the urge to bring it up.
09:49Wait.
09:50If we are teleporting directly, what about our luggage,
09:53the soil, our clothes?
09:54Daniel reached over and patted my head, indulgent.
09:57Relax.
09:58I figured traffic in New York might slow us down,
10:01and make us miss the flight.
10:02So I asked a friend, who is also heading to Paris,
10:05to take our luggage ahead, to the Castle Hotel.
10:07I nodded dot.
10:09At least I happen to be between roles right now.
10:11Otherwise, disappearing from work like this
10:13would have been hard to explain to the executive council.
10:15By the time we arrived at the French teleportation gate,
10:18it was already deep into the night.
10:20We had barely stepped into the lobby of the Castle Hotel,
10:23when Daniel's phone rang, sharp and sudden.
10:25He picked up immediately.
10:27Hey, don't cry.
10:28Stay where you are.
10:30Avoid the moonlight.
10:31If you can, I'll be there right away.
10:33Lydia, Camilla followed us to Paris.
10:35Vampire hunters are pretty active in this district,
10:37so it's not safe.
10:38I'm worried something might happen to her.
10:40Go up to the room and get some rest.
10:42I'll be back as soon as I find her.
10:43His expression tightened with urgency.
10:45He rushed over to the valet,
10:47and practically snatched the keys to our rental car.
10:50Before I could say a word, he was already gone,
10:53speeding off into the night.
10:54He had completely forgotten that I did not speak a word of French.
10:58Worth my vampire passport and all my identification were still in his briefcase.
11:02The trip had been so sudden, I had not even set up international roaming.
11:07Unable to reach him, I tried using a translation app
11:10to communicate with the ghoul at the front desk.
11:12Without a passport, they could not check me in.
11:14So I ended up sitting on a couch in the lobby,
11:17waiting.
11:18The long transatlantic journey, combined with the time difference,
11:21had left me drained.
11:23I needed blood.
11:24I needed torpor.
11:25Curled into the soft couch, I felt sleep pulling at me.
11:28The drive from the teleportation gate to the hotel should have taken 30 minutes.
11:34Two full rotations of the clock hence later,
11:37Daniel was still nowhere to be seen.
11:39I stopped wondering what he and Camila were doing.
11:42Just as I closed my eyes again, ready to drift off,
11:45a low, smooth voice spoke right beside me.
11:47Lydia.
11:48I jolted upright, instantly awake.
11:50Alexander, what are you doing here?
11:52I nearly jumped to my feet.
11:54A rush of excitement cutting through my exhaustion.
11:57Running into someone you knew in a foreign country was one thing.
12:01Running into someone who used to sit next to you,
12:03at the turning academy,
12:05was something else entirely.
12:07Alexander Carter walked over with an easy smile.
12:09Business trip closed the territory deal earlier than expected.
12:12His gaze swept across the empty lobby,
12:15his crimson eyes narrowing slightly.
12:17Daniel brought you here?
12:18Where is he?
12:19He did not even consider the possibility that I had come alone.
12:22Anyone who knew me,
12:23knew my grasp of ancient languages,
12:25was practically non-existent.
12:27I grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the front desk,
12:30waving it off.
12:30He went to pick up a friend.
12:32Then, without bothering to hide my exhaustion,
12:34I added,
12:35Can you help me get a room?
12:36I need to get into a coffin and sleep.
12:38I am not making it to sunrise like this.
12:41Before we parted,
12:42Alexander added,
12:43A little more serious now.
12:44The room they gave you won't be near mine.
12:46I'm in 1312 upstairs.
12:48If you need anything,
12:49come find me.
12:50I nodded quickly.
12:52Got it.
12:52You're still as naggy as you were back at the academy.
12:55Go get some rest.
12:57Good night.
12:57I had barely closed the lid of the coffin,
12:59when Lime Pounding shook the door.
13:01Half asleep,
13:02I assumed it was Alexander.
13:04I stumbled out,
13:05still groggy,
13:06and fumbled with the handle.
13:08The moment the door opened,
13:10someone pulled me into a tight embrace.
13:12Lydia,
13:13are you serious right now?
13:14Some random male vampire,
13:16gets you a room,
13:17and you just go to sleep?
13:18Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?
13:21That voice snapped me fully awake.
13:24I shoved Daniel away.
13:25What else was I supposed to do?
13:27Sit in the lobby,
13:28and wait for you until sunrise,
13:29and turn to ash.
13:31His confidence faltered instantly.
13:33He opened his mouth,
13:34the shock of being pushed aside already forgotten.
13:37I'm sorry,
13:38this is on me.
13:39Camilla,
13:39lost her night pass,
13:40at the teleportation gate.
13:42So I stayed with her to look for it.
13:44As he spoke,
13:45he reached for my hand again.
13:46Lydia,
13:47come back to our suite,
13:48with me.
13:48This room is perfect for Camilla.
13:50I stepped back,
13:51avoiding his touch.
13:52My voice flat,
13:54no thanks,
13:55I trust you.
13:55If there were really anything between the two of you,
13:58you'd already be together.
14:00It wouldn't be my place,
14:01Daniel froze.
14:02Because those were his words,
14:04the same excuse,
14:05he had used on me,
14:06over and over again.
14:08Two years ago,
14:09when Camilla came back and forgot to bring sleepwear,
14:11she wandered around in his oversized black t-shirt.
14:14Last year,
14:15when she burned herself on silver during a castle visit,
14:18she insisted on clinging to him until he carried her.
14:21And this year,
14:22she even borrowed his expensive silver daquer to trim her nails.
14:26Every time I pointed out how inappropriate their closeness was.
14:30Every time I asked for some boundaries,
14:32Daniel would brush it off with that same line.
14:35If something were really going on,
14:37it would have happened already.
14:38I yawned,
14:39my fangs briefly visible,
14:41too tired to keep arguing.
14:42Without another word,
14:44I slammed the door in his face.
14:45Then I collapsed back onto the soft bed,
14:48and let myself fall asleep again.
14:50Sometime in my sleep,
14:52I vaguely remember hearing knocking again,
14:54when I woke up the next night,
14:56and saw a note slipped under the door,
14:58along with a stack of euros,
15:00and my passport.
15:01I realized,
15:02it had not been a dream.
15:03Lydia,
15:04I took Camilla to the eldest council office to replace her pass.
15:07I'll be back as soon as we're done.
15:08Don't be stingy with the money.
15:10I'll take you on a night cruise along the same tomorrow.
15:12I tucked the cash and my passport into my bag.
15:14As I passed the trash can,
15:16I tossed the note without a second thought.
15:18After getting ready,
15:19I opened the door and ran straight into Alexander,
15:21who had just been about to knock.
15:23I lit up.
15:24Alexander,
15:24perfect timing.
15:25He smiled,
15:26calm as ever.
15:27Guess it is.
15:28Is Daniel around?
15:29I thought I saw him heading out this morning,
15:31with another female vampire,
15:32when I went downstairs,
15:33for blood plasma.
15:34He's probably not back yet.
15:36I shrugged it off.
15:37Not about to let Daniel ruin what little piece I had left of this trip.
15:41Alexander casually took my bag from my shoulder.
15:43Then how about tonight?
15:44We go see the Eiffel Tower.
15:45I booked a private night cruise.
15:47Seriously?
15:48My eyes lit up instantly.
15:50Let's go.
15:50I've been dying to try the specialty blend
15:52at the underground blood bar on the left bank.
15:55Paris was especially beautiful that night.
15:57We strolled past the Arc de Triomphe,
15:59drifted along the same river on a private boat,
16:02paused to listen to a wandering vampire musician
16:05playing the accordion by the riverbank,
16:07and finally ended the night with dinner
16:09at an upscale night restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower.
16:12Back at the hotel,
16:14Alexander said he would come down with his camera
16:16to transfer the photos,
16:18so I left the door unlocked.
16:20A message popped up from him on WhatsApp.
16:22India, there's an issue with the pipes on the 13th floor.
16:25No hot water.
16:26Do you mind if I use your shower?
16:27No problem.
16:28Bring the camera down too.
16:30After handing me the camera,
16:31Alexander grabbed a change of clothes
16:33and stepped into the shower.
16:34I was completely absorbed in the photos,
16:37scrolling through shots after shots
16:39of the stunning night views.
16:40When someone knocked on the door,
16:42I called out automatically.
16:43Just a minute.
16:44Right then, Alexander walked out,
16:47towel in hand, drying his hair.
16:48He went over and opened the door for me.
16:51Son of a bitch.
16:52The curse snapped me out of it.
16:54I looked up just in time
16:55to see Daniel throwing a punch straight at Alexander.
16:58Daniel pointed at him, shirtless.
17:00A towel slung low around his waist,
17:03his eyes blazing red as he turned on me.
17:05What the hell is he?
17:06I frowned, genuinely confused
17:08by the way Daniel was acting like the wronged party.
17:11In the past, when he traveled with Camilla,
17:13he had even shared his suite with her
17:15without thinking twice.
17:17And whenever I argued with him about it,
17:19he would accuse me of having a dirty mind
17:21and being narrow-minded.
17:22How he was standing here,
17:24looking like the victim.
17:25When I stayed silent,
17:26he grew more agitated.
17:28Lydia, answer me.
17:29Who the hell is this guy?
17:31A flicker of irritation crossed my eyes.
17:33He's just an old friend.
17:35Why are you making such a scene?
17:36I glanced at Alexander.
17:38The spot where Daniel had hit him
17:39was already swelling,
17:41faint streaks of blood surfacing beneath the skin.
17:43My voice dropped, cold and sharp.
17:46Daniel, apologize.
17:48His eyes widened in disbelief.
17:50What?
17:50You want me to apologize to him?
17:52I looked at him, puzzled.
17:54He walked in and punched Alexander without a word.
17:56He's choosing not to make a scene out of basic courtesy.
17:59The least you can do is apologize.
18:02Daniel's eyes turned even redder.
18:04Something almost wounded flashing across his face.
18:07That was when Alexander spoke up, perfectly timed.
18:10It's fine.
18:11Lydia, if your boyfriend doesn't want to apologize,
18:14let it go.
18:14One hunch isn't a big deal.
18:16Vampire kind, he'll fast.
18:18Before I could respond,
18:19Daniel snapped like a bat,
18:20with its tail stepped on.
18:22Shut up.
18:22I'm talking to Lydia.
18:24Who said you could interrupt?
18:25The last bit of warmth drained from my face.
18:27I shoved Daniel back.
18:29The last bit of warmth drained from my face.
18:31I shoved Daniel back.
18:33If you can't manage to speak like a civilized pureblood elite,
18:36then there's nothing left for us to discuss tonight.
18:38I moved to slam the door shut.
18:40Daniel panicked,
18:41jamming his elbow against the heavy wood to stop it.
18:44Wait, Lydia.
18:45Lisa, that's not what I meant.
18:46Only when he stopped acting like he might explode at any second,
18:50did I loosen my grip.
18:51He immediately pushed his way inside,
18:53as if afraid I would shut him out again.
18:56Words rushing out in a desperate attempt to explain.
18:59Lydia, don't be mad.
19:00I was just worried.
19:01It's not that I don't trust you.
19:02It's just that this is Europe.
19:04I walked in and saw you alone,
19:06in a room,
19:06with a heaven necklace.
19:08Male vampire.
19:08I thought you might have been bidden.
19:11Alexander let out a quiet, mocking laugh.
19:14Sorry to interrupt.
19:15So Mr. Cook does understand
19:16that leaving Lydia alone in a foreign hotel
19:19is dangerous.
19:20especially when she can't even communicate in Old French.
19:23Daniel's face went pale instantly.
19:25He reached for my hand again,
19:27voice urgent.
19:28Lydia,
19:29yesterday
19:30really was
19:31an emergency.
19:32I've already helped Camilla
19:33get a temporary night pass
19:35from the Elder's Council office.
19:37From now on,
19:38I can focus entirely
19:39on you.
19:40I swear on my blood oath,
19:41I won't leave your side
19:42for the rest of this trip.
19:44He looked at me expectantly,
19:46searching my face
19:47or any sign of relief
19:48or happiness.
19:49There was none.
19:50I calmly pulled my hand away.
19:52You don't have to.
19:53You should go stay with Camilla.
19:55I've already made plans
19:56for the rest of the trip
19:57with Alexander.
19:58Panic flickered across his face.
20:00How can that work?
20:01Lydia,
20:02are you still upset
20:03about me
20:04and the Camilla?
20:05We're bondmates.
20:06How could I leave you
20:07to go spend time with her?
20:08I frowned slightly.
20:09How many times
20:10had he already done
20:11exactly that?
20:13The thought of ending our bond
20:14had been on my mind
20:15for a while.
20:16He would have to hear it
20:17sooner or later
20:18and I refused
20:19to let the rest of this trip
20:20be ruined by him
20:22and Camilla.
20:23After a brief pause,
20:24I said it.
20:25Daniel,
20:26we're done.
20:26It hit him like a bolt
20:27of pure silver lightning.
20:29He stood there,
20:30stunned,
20:31struggling to process it.
20:33Lydia,
20:33you're just angry.
20:35No matter how upset you are,
20:36you can't use breaking our bond
20:37to threaten me.
20:38I sighed,
20:39saying it so abruptly
20:41was probably hard
20:42for him to accept.
20:43Fine,
20:44then I would make it clear.
20:45I glanced at Alexander.
20:47He understood immediately.
20:49I'll head upstairs
20:50and change.
20:51He said,
20:52picking up his clothes
20:52from the bathroom.
20:53I'll come back down
20:54later for the camera.
20:55He made a quick gesture
20:56like a phone.
20:57If you need anything,
20:58just send a blood raven message.
21:00I gave him a grateful smile.
21:02The moment he left,
21:03Daniel shut the door in,
21:04as if afraid of being interrupted,
21:06turned the lock several times
21:08before setting up a silencing ward.
21:09I walked over to the French sofa
21:11and gestured calmly
21:12for him to sit across from me.
21:14He hesitated,
21:15lips moving slightly,
21:17unable to form a complete sentence,
21:18as if any wrong word
21:20might set me off again.
21:21Camilla,
21:22her pause really was lost.
21:23He finally said,
21:24carefully watching my expression.
21:26When I remained completely indifferent,
21:28he grew anxious.
21:29Lydia,
21:29you have to believe me.
21:31There's nothing between us.
21:32We grew up in the same house.
21:33That's all.
21:34There's no way anything could ever happen.
21:36I nodded faintly.
21:37I truly did not care anymore.
21:40So why was he still wasting time
21:41trying to explain this?
21:43Seeing how cooed I was,
21:45his brow tightened further.
21:46Lydia,
21:47what's wrong with you?
21:48I tilted my head slightly.
21:50What do you mean?
21:51Isn't this exactly
21:52what you always wanted?
21:53I let out a quiet breath.
21:54Every time you spent
21:55the night out with Camilla,
21:57I used to act like
21:58I was guarding against a thief.
22:00I'd call you over and over again,
22:01terrified that if I looked away
22:03for even a second,
22:04you'd end up in the same coffin with her.
22:07Back then,
22:07he had gotten so angry,
22:08he blocked every way
22:09I had to contact him.
22:11When we got back to New York,
22:12he only forgave me
22:13after I promised again and again
22:15that I would stop
22:15being jealous of Camilla.
22:17And now,
22:17I had given him
22:18exactly what he wanted.
22:20Complete freedom.
22:21So why,
22:22now that he had it,
22:23was he the one
22:24complaining that I had changed?
22:25The thought suddenly struck me
22:27as almost laughable.
22:28I had wasted years
22:29of my long vampire life
22:30on a relationship like this.
22:32I had even nearly
22:33given up my chance
22:34to go to Seattle
22:35and rise within
22:36the elders' council.
22:37Lydia,
22:37you were a fool.
22:39When I looked up again,
22:40the words came easily,
22:41almost like a relief.
22:42Daniel,
22:43let's end this.
22:44I don't love you anymore.
22:45Daniel looked like
22:46he was about to cry
22:47tears of blood.
22:48Then,
22:49out of nowhere,
22:50he asked,
22:51Is this because of Alexander?
22:52I blinked,
22:53caught off guard.
22:54I genuinely did not understand
22:55what Alexander had to do
22:57with any of this.
22:58I shook my head,
22:59still feeling the weight
23:00of exhaustion.
23:01No,
23:01this has nothing to do with him.
23:03I'm ending our blood bond
23:04because you never cared about me,
23:05and I don't love you anymore.
23:07That's all.
23:08Daniel fell silent.
23:09The room sank
23:10into a suffocating stillness.
23:11Then suddenly,
23:12someone knocked on the door.
23:14He moved like he was in a daze,
23:16undoing the silencing ward
23:17and opening it.
23:18Camilla stood outside.
23:19A moment she saw him,
23:21her legs seemed to give out
23:22as she collapsed
23:23into his arms.
23:24Daniel,
23:24I've been waiting for you
23:25and Lydia in the lobby forever.
23:27I think I had too much
23:28strong blood wine at the bar.
23:30I feel a little dizzy.
23:31Daniel instantly broke
23:32into a cold sweat.
23:34He tried to push her away
23:35while stumbling over his words,
23:37rushing to explain.
23:38Lydia,
23:39don't get the wrong idea.
23:40Camilla and I are never this close.
23:42She's just drunk tonight.
23:43I looked at her,
23:44the exaggerated haze in her eyes,
23:46the way her arms clung to him
23:48like creeping vines,
23:49refusing to let go.
23:50It was obvious she was pretending,
23:52but whatever game existed
23:53between childhood companions
23:55was none of my business anymore.
23:56I was not about to insert myself
23:58into it as the ex.
23:59Okay,
24:00take your time.
24:01I'm going to sleep.
24:02At that,
24:03Daniel tried harder to pry her off,
24:04panic rising in his voice.
24:06Wait,
24:06Lydia,
24:07I'll take her back to her room
24:08and come right back.
24:09Don't go to sleep yet.
24:10I can't explain everything.
24:11The moment he said that,
24:13Camilla tightened her arms
24:14around his neck even more.
24:15She practically climbed onto him,
24:17her long legs locking around his waist.
24:19I had always believed
24:21in letting people have
24:22what they wanted.
24:22So as Daniel staggered out the door,
24:25tangled up with her,
24:26I shut it firmly behind them.
24:27There's nothing left to explain.
24:29Take care of Camilla.
24:30He tried to turn back,
24:31probably to knock again,
24:33but Camilla clung to him so tightly
24:35he had no choice
24:36but to carry her toward the elevators,
24:38murmuring to calm her down.
24:39I had just sat down
24:40when something hit me.
24:41I shot to my feet and rushed out,
24:43moving so fast I was almost a blur.
24:46Wait,
24:46I'm coming with you.
24:47Daniel turned around,
24:48his face lighting up with sudden hope.
24:50Lydia,
24:51are you worried about me?
24:52Before he could finish,
24:53I cut him off.
24:54My luggage,
24:55the soil and everything
24:56is still in your suite.
24:57The moment I got my suitcase back,
24:59I made a clean escape.
25:01While Daniel was still
25:02tangled up with Camilla,
25:03I took the opportunity
25:04to disappear.
25:05To avoid being bombarded
25:07later through bad messages,
25:08I went straight to the front desk
25:10and switched to a room
25:11on a different floor.
25:13That night,
25:13just as expected,
25:15I was left in peace.
25:16When I woke after sunset
25:17the next evening,
25:18I saw that Daniel had flooded
25:20my WhatsApp with messages.
25:21Lydia,
25:22are you asleep?
25:23I've settled Camilla
25:24into another coffin room.
25:25Don't worry,
25:26she's in a separate room.
25:27Can you open the door
25:28so we can talk?
25:29Are you already in torpor?
25:30If you are,
25:31we can talk tomorrow night.
25:32There has to be some serious
25:34misunderstanding between us.
25:36Please give me a chance
25:37to explain.
25:38I swear on the progenitor,
25:39I will never cross any boundaries
25:41with Camilla again.
25:42There were dozens more.
25:44Along with several missed voice calls,
25:46I did not bother reading the rest.
25:48I blocked him.
25:49I still had to go back to New York
25:51to pack up my things
25:52from the underground manor we shared,
25:53so it was not time
25:54to delete everything completely,
25:56but this was enough for now.
25:58After confirming a time
25:59to meet Alexander,
26:01I started peeking out what to wear.
26:02I settled on a Gothic-inspired
26:04French gown for the night.
26:06By the time I arrived
26:07at the night restaurant,
26:08Alexander had already ordered
26:10a classic French blood feast.
26:11He pulled out a chair for me
26:13like a perfect gentleman.
26:15Once I sat down,
26:16he served me a bowl
26:17of silver-filtered unicorn blood bisque.
26:20Try this.
26:20I think you'll like it.
26:22Before I could thank him,
26:23a tall shadow fell over the table.
26:25Daniel,
26:25he appeared like a ghost,
26:27pulled out a chair,
26:28and sat down without asking.
26:29Then he shoved the bowl aside
26:31with a sharp motion.
26:32Trying this hard to impress her?
26:33That's suspicious.
26:35Don't you know Lydia hates
26:36blood mixed with silver?
26:37Just like I do?
26:38Alexander paused,
26:39then looked at me
26:40with a hint of guilt.
26:41Really?
26:42Sorry Lydia,
26:43I thought your taste
26:44hadn't changed
26:44since the Turning Academy.
26:46The Turning Academy?
26:47At those words,
26:48Daniel's face turned
26:49an ugly shade of green.
26:50We had only met
26:51after joining
26:52the Elder's Council.
26:53The version of me
26:54from the Academy
26:55was something
26:56he had never known.
26:57I shook my head
26:57at Alexander
26:58and calmly pulled
26:59the bowl back
27:00in front of me.
27:01No,
27:01he remembered wrong.
27:03I've always liked
27:03silver-filtered blends.
27:05The truth was simple.
27:06Daniel was severely allergic
27:07to even trace
27:08amounts of silver.
27:09He also hated
27:10the metallic aftertaste
27:11once the blood cooled,
27:13so after we moved
27:14in together,
27:15I had given it up
27:15for his sake.
27:16Daniel's already pale face
27:18looked even worse.
27:19Only after I finished
27:20the soup at my own pace
27:22did he manage
27:22to steady himself
27:23enough to speak again.
27:24So,
27:25what's your plan
27:26for the rest of the night?
27:27Did you get tickets
27:28to the Underground Louvre?
27:29I know quite a few vampires here.
27:31If you need access
27:31to a VIP shadow corridor,
27:33I set down my linen napkin,
27:35thanks,
27:35but Alexander already
27:36had a blood servant
27:37secured tickets in advance.
27:39Then I turned to Alexander.
27:40Are you done?
27:41If you are,
27:42let's head out.
27:42I'm good.
27:43Let's go.
27:43He stood up immediately,
27:45perfectly in sync with me.
27:46Daniel seemed
27:47completely thrown off.
27:48Then,
27:49I'll come with you.
27:50He said quickly.
27:51If you need help
27:52with old French,
27:53I can.
27:53I picked up my bag.
27:55That won't be necessary.
27:56Alexander has lived
27:57in Europe for centuries.
27:58His old French is fluent.
28:00You should stay with Camilla.
28:01Daniel looked lost.
28:02My refusal
28:03had clearly shaken him
28:04more than anything else tonight.
28:05Seeing us ready to leave,
28:07he scrambled
28:07for something to say.
28:08How are you getting there?
28:10I can drive you.
28:11I rented
28:12a UV protected car.
28:13I already booked
28:14a private night driver
28:15through an app last night.
28:17My patience was gone.
28:18No.
28:18He fell quiet,
28:20finally backing off,
28:21but he could not resist
28:22one last attempt.
28:23If you don't need me,
28:24then I'll go meet
28:25a pure-blood friend
28:26in Paris
28:26with Camilla tonight.
28:28He stared at me,
28:29searching my face
28:29for any sign of jealousy.
28:31There was none.
28:32I kept walking,
28:33heels clicking
28:33against the floor.
28:34Your plans are your business.
28:36You don't need
28:36to report them to me.
28:37Daniel went silent,
28:39deflated like a bat
28:40with the air
28:40knocked out of it.
28:41I let out a long breath.
28:43Finally,
28:43I could enjoy
28:44the romance of Paris
28:45at night without him.
28:46I thought Daniel
28:47had finally gotten the message
28:48and decided
28:49to leave me alone.
28:50But when we returned
28:51to the hotel
28:51just before dawn,
28:53Alexander received
28:54an urgent call
28:54about territory business.
28:56He stayed outside
28:57in the shadows
28:57of the entrance
28:58to handle it
28:59and told me
28:59to go upstairs and rest.
29:01The moment I stepped
29:02into the grand lobby,
29:03Daniel appeared again,
29:05as if he had been
29:06waiting there for hours,
29:07sticking to me like glue.
29:09Lydia,
29:10you are still mad at me,
29:11aren't you?
29:12The question caught me
29:13completely off guard.
29:15Mad about what?
29:16You blocked my number.
29:17I stared at him,
29:19genuinely incredulous
29:20at the hopeful look
29:21in his deep crimson eyes.
29:22You can't seriously
29:23think I blocked you
29:24because you spent
29:25the entire night
29:25running around with Camilla.
29:27To my disbelief,
29:28he actually nodded.
29:29I almost wondered
29:30if he had left
29:31his brain back in New York.
29:33Seriously,
29:34I blocked you
29:34because you spammed me
29:35with messages all night.
29:37It was annoying.
29:38We've already ended
29:39our blood bond.
29:40Whatever you and Camilla
29:41do next,
29:42form a blood alliance
29:43or get married.
29:44It has nothing
29:45to do with me.
29:46I won't interfere
29:47and I definitely won't
29:48interrupt your little world
29:49together.
29:50So please,
29:51act like a centuries-old
29:52adult vampire
29:53and leave me alone.
29:54Let me enjoy my vacation.
29:56Stop saying things like that
29:58just to push me away.
30:00Fortunately,
30:01his performance
30:01was cut short
30:02by Camilla Colley.
30:03Daniel hesitated,
30:05glancing down
30:05at the screen
30:06because his finger
30:07hovered over the answer button
30:08then paused
30:09at the last second.
30:10A perfect chance
30:11to escape.
30:12I was more than happy
30:13to help.
30:13I reached out
30:14and tapped
30:14except for him.
30:15The call connected
30:16immediately
30:17and Camilla's
30:18soft, pitiful voice
30:19filled the speaker.
30:20Daniel,
30:21can you come pick me up?
30:22It's almost sunrise
30:23and I can't get an Uber.
30:25Chloe had an emergency
30:26with her coffin
30:26and already left.
30:28I'm out here alone.
30:29I don't know
30:29any other vampires here.
30:31I'm really scared.
30:32Daniel hesitated,
30:33which was rare.
30:34Find Shengwei safe
30:35and out of the light first.
30:36Maybe a cafe
30:37or a basement.
30:38I'll call a friend here
30:39and have them come get you.
30:40I raised an eyebrow.
30:42Surprise!
30:42What was this?
30:43Since when
30:44did Daniel not
30:45drop everything for her?
30:46In the past,
30:47he would already
30:47be flooring the accelerator,
30:49racing through the night
30:50like some kind of
30:51dark night
30:51to rescue her.
30:52Clearly,
30:53Camilla had not expected
30:54to be refused either.
30:55There was a brief pause
30:56on the other end
30:56before she spoke again,
30:58her tone shifting
30:58into that familiar,
31:00carefully crafted vulnerability.
31:01But I don't really
31:02know your friends
31:03and it's almost dawn.
31:04They're probably going
31:05back to their coffins soon.
31:06I don't want to
31:07trouble anyone
31:08or cause you problems.
31:09I watched,
31:10fascinated,
31:11as Daniel's expression
31:11shifted between
31:12conflict and hesitation,
31:14so even her tried
31:15and true ex
31:15did not always work.
31:17Still,
31:17I had no intention
31:18of sticking around
31:19to see how this played out.
31:20The sooner I got away
31:21from him,
31:22the better.
31:22I turned on my heel
31:23and headed straight
31:24for the elevators.
31:25Well,
31:26if you've got a damsel
31:26to rescue,
31:27you should get going.
31:28I'm exhausted.
31:29I'm heading back to sleep
31:30and don't knock
31:31on my door again.
31:31Goodbye.
31:32Actually,
31:33better yet,
31:33let's not see each other again.
31:35Lydia.
31:35There was a flicker
31:36of hurt in his eyes.
31:37I ignored him completely.
31:39The moment I stepped
31:40into the elevator,
31:41I started jabbing
31:42the close button
31:43without hesitation.
31:44Over the next few nights,
31:46Alexander and I decided
31:47we'd had enough
31:48of the noise
31:49and switched
31:49to a more discreet
31:50castle hotel.
31:51A vacation
31:52without an ex
31:53buzzing in my ear
31:54like a mosquito
31:55was exactly what I needed.
31:57But come Monday,
31:58I was due to report
31:59to the Seattle Division
31:59of the Vampire Consortium.
32:01If I didn't get back
32:02to my New York apartment
32:03and pack soon,
32:04I'd be cutting it
32:05way too close.
32:06I picked a time
32:07when Daniel would normally
32:08be at the Elder's Council building
32:10and returned
32:11to our underground manor
32:12in Manhattan.
32:13The moment I pushed
32:13the door open though,
32:15I found him spalled
32:16stiffly across
32:16the dark velvet couch,
32:18still in a wrinkled
32:19black silk shirt,
32:20dead asleep.
32:21The creak of the door
32:22snapped him awake.
32:23He sat up abruptly
32:24and our eyes locked.
32:26I forced an awkward smile,
32:27letting the edge
32:28of a fang show.
32:29I'm just here
32:30to grab the rest
32:31of my things.
32:32I'll be out
32:33as soon as I'm done.
32:34Daniel didn't answer
32:35right away.
32:36He just stared at me
32:37with a look
32:37that was equal parts
32:38hollow and complicated.
32:40After a long pause,
32:41he finally spoke,
32:42his voice hoarse.
32:43You accepted
32:44the reassignment
32:45from the Elder's Council.
32:47You're moving to Seattle
32:48next week.
32:49That caught me off guard.
32:50How did he know that much?
32:52As if reading my mind,
32:53he lowered his gaze.
32:54After you blocked me,
32:56I tried everything.
32:57Blood magic.
32:58Every contact method I had.
33:00Nothing worked.
33:00I waited here for days
33:02after I got back.
33:03You never came home.
33:04I even went to
33:05your company building
33:06and asked around.
33:07That's how I found out
33:09you were being transferred
33:10to the West Coast.
33:11I didn't respond.
33:12There wasn't anything
33:13I wanted to say.
33:14The silence stretched
33:15until it felt suffocating.
33:17Finally,
33:18he spoke again,
33:19almost pleading.
33:20Lydia,
33:21can we sit down and talk?
33:22It was time to end
33:23this properly.
33:23I took a seat
33:24across from him.
33:25Fine,
33:26say what you need to say.
33:27Daniel met my eyes,
33:28more serious than
33:29I had ever seen him.
33:30I swear,
33:31I'll cut off
33:31all private contact
33:32with Camilla.
33:33From now on,
33:34every night,
33:35we'll be yours.
33:35We can form a blood bond again.
33:37Start over,
33:38please.
33:38I felt nothing.
33:40No anger,
33:40no sadness,
33:41just a faint sense
33:42of absurdity.
33:43He gave a bitter smile
33:44and continued,
33:45dissecting himself
33:46piece by piece.
33:47I know you've always hated
33:49how close I was to her.
33:50I've thought about it
33:51these past few days.
33:52You're my bound mate.
33:53Your feelings
33:53should have come first.
33:55I cross lines
33:55I shouldn't have.
33:56I swear it won't happen again.
33:57Whatever problems Camilla has,
33:59she can deal with them herself.
34:01I shouldn't have taken
34:01your love for granted.
34:02I shouldn't have assumed
34:03you'd never leave.
34:04I was arrogant,
34:05careless.
34:05I acted like a complete idiot,
34:07but I know I was wrong.
34:08Just give me one last chance.
34:10We can go back to
34:10how things were
34:11when we were newly turned,
34:13please.
34:13So that was it.
34:14He had always known
34:15exactly what he was doing.
34:17He had always been capable
34:18of drawing a line with her.
34:19He just never wanted
34:20to do it for me.
34:21I let out a soft laugh.
34:23There's really no need.
34:24I stopped caring a long time ago
34:26whether you and Camilla
34:27were sharing a bloodbath
34:28or keeping things
34:29strictly platonic.
34:30Then I added,
34:31almost casually,
34:32and don't worry,
34:33I don't hate you.
34:34If the two of you
34:35end up together someday,
34:36I'll even send
34:37a congratulations card.
34:38Daniel shot to his feet.
34:40You think I'm lying?
34:41You don't believe me?
34:42His voice rose sharply.
34:43I'll prove it to you right now.
34:45Right in front of me.
34:46He activated
34:46ascending circle
34:47and connected to Camilla.
34:49The circle flickered twice
34:50before her voice came through,
34:52light and teasing.
34:53Wow, Daniel,
34:54it's only been a few nights.
34:56Miss me already?
34:57Normally,
34:58that kind of flirtation
34:59would have drawn
35:00an indulgent smile from him.
35:01This time,
35:02his expression hardened.
35:03Camilla,
35:04listen carefully.
35:05I'm saying this clearly.
35:06I already have Lydia
35:07as my partner.
35:08From now on,
35:09we keep our distance.
35:10Unless it's an emergency,
35:11that'll get you burned
35:12to ash in sunlight.
35:13Don't contact me again.
35:15A sharp intake of breath
35:16crackled through the circle.
35:17Daniel,
35:18it's not April Fool's.
35:19What kind of joke is this?
35:21Her voice trembled,
35:22rising with disbelief.
35:23What happened?
35:24We were perfectly happy in Paris.
35:26We promised,
35:27back when we were embraced,
35:28that we'd spend eternity together.
35:30And now you're throwing
35:31that away for some woman.
35:33Then her tone shifted,
35:34brittle and defensive.
35:35Oh,
35:36I get it.
35:37Lydia's throwing another
35:38one of her little fits,
35:39isn't she?
35:39I told you from the start,
35:41someone that petty
35:42and low tier
35:42doesn't deserve you.
35:44Enough.
35:44Shut up.
35:45Daniel cut her off
35:46with a furious snap.
35:47Lydia is my partner.
35:48You will show her respect.
35:50And I'm not joking.
35:51We're done.
35:52Don't contact me again.
35:53The communication charm.
35:54His device began vibrating nonstop.
35:57Emila was calling over and over.
35:58Without hesitation,
35:59he crushed the phone itself
36:01in his hand,
36:02magic shattering it
36:03into useless fragments.
36:04Then he turned to me,
36:05his expression
36:06almost desperate.
36:07Please.
36:08See, Lydia,
36:08I've made it clear.
36:09I'll make it up to you.
36:11I'll devote myself to you
36:12completely.
36:13I looked at him quietly,
36:14this suddenly unfamiliar man,
36:15and felt nothing but exhaustion.
36:17Daniel,
36:18I said softly,
36:19it's too late.
36:20I don't love.
36:21Don't.
36:21He cut me off,
36:22panic flashing across his face.
36:24Please don't say it.
36:25It's not too late.
36:26We can rebuild
36:27the blood bond.
36:28Then,
36:29as if making a final,
36:30irreversible decision,
36:31he clenched his fists.
36:32I'll resign from the elders council.
36:34I'll go to Seattle with you.
36:36We can start over.
36:37I had to admit,
36:38for a split second,
36:39that shook me.
36:39A pure blood diplomat
36:41who lived for power,
36:42willing to throw it all away from me.
36:43But the moment I thought back
36:45on the past three years,
36:46every quiet humiliation,
36:48every compromise
36:48that had cost me pieces of myself,
36:50clarity hit like ice water
36:52laced with silver.
36:53Stop,
36:53I said calmly.
36:55Don't romanticize this.
36:56Let's end it here.
36:58Leave each other
36:58with at least a little dignity.
37:00That's the best ending
37:01we're going to get.
37:02I didn't stay any longer
37:03than I had to.
37:04I grabbed a few essentials
37:06and walked out
37:06of that suffocating manner
37:07for good.
37:08The rest of my belongings,
37:09including my coffin and equipment,
37:11I had packed and shipped
37:13through a professional
37:13blood servant moving company,
37:15via the shadow corridor,
37:16straight to Seattle.
37:17After that,
37:18I stayed in a discreet,
37:19boarded hotel in the city,
37:21where my new company was based,
37:22avoiding Daniel entirely.
37:24Three nights
37:25before my official start date,
37:27I finally signed
37:27a long-term basement lease,
37:29with a well-connected
37:30local landlord in Seattle.
37:32With a bit of time to spare,
37:33I flew back to New York,
37:35to retrieve the last few
37:36important scrolls
37:37I had left behind.
37:38Somehow,
37:39Daniel got hold
37:40of a new contact method
37:41and reached me.
37:42His messages were desperate,
37:43begging me to wait,
37:44saying he was wrapping up
37:46his final handovers
37:47and would fly to see me
37:48one last time.
37:49I didn't reply,
37:50not even a period.
37:51Before passing through security
37:53at the teleportation gate,
37:54I pulled the SIM card
37:55out of my iPhone
37:56and tossed it straight
37:57into a trash bin
37:58in the terminal.
37:59Right then,
38:00connected to the gate's
38:00free Wi-Fi,
38:01WhatsApp lit up
38:02with a new message.
38:03Lydia,
38:04are you at the night corridor
38:05of the Seattle-Tacoma
38:06International Teleportation Gate?
38:08It was from Alexander.
38:10Also,
38:10was he here too?
38:11I looked up,
38:12scanning the crowded
38:13arrivals area.
38:14Stay where you are,
38:15I can smell you,
38:16I'll find you.
38:17I typed back quickly,
38:18okay.
38:19I stepped aside
38:19behind a pillar,
38:21pulling my suitcase
38:21filled with soil,
38:22out of the way
38:23of the rushing
38:24night travelers.
38:25Lydia.
38:26A light tap
38:26landed on my shoulder.
38:28I turned,
38:28and there he was,
38:29Alexander Carter,
38:30dressed in a shark,
38:32vintage-inspired suit,
38:33a Ramoa suitcase
38:34in hand,
38:35just like mine.
38:35I couldn't help
38:36but smile.
38:37Wow,
38:38what are the odds?
38:39Yeah,
38:39he said with a grin.
38:40Pretty incredible.
38:41What brings you
38:42all the way to Seattle?
38:43Business territory negotiations?
38:45He shook his head.
38:45Those striking ruby eyes
38:47catching the light.
38:48No,
38:48I'm here to officially
38:49join my new division.
38:51Then,
38:51with unexpected formality,
38:53he extended his pale,
38:55cool hand.
38:55Miss Lydia Ross,
38:56looks like we'll be working
38:57in the same warded office.
38:58I'll be counting on you.
38:59Something clicked in my mind.
39:01I remembered someone
39:02from the executive council
39:03mentioning that headquarters
39:04had spent a fortune
39:05recruiting an elite pureblood
39:07from a European house.
39:09Someone who would be
39:10starting in Seattle
39:11at the same time as me.
39:12I smiled,
39:13understanding at last,
39:14and took his hand.
39:15Nice to meet you,
39:16Mr. Alexander Carter.
39:18Looks like we'll be seeing
39:19a lot of each other
39:20for a very long time.
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