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<span class="mu-r">“How do you know Cindy and her family?”</span> you asked.
Morbius’ posture seemed to straighten when you addressed him directly. <span class="mu-b">“We worked together on several occasions. Her family had a vested interest in preventing this city from falling into darkness. And at certain times, our interests aligned.”</span> he explained, before turning his gaze on Cindy. <span class="mu-b">“I taught Miss Moon here how to best kill a vampire. She was very young back then.”</span>
Cindy nodded her acknowledgement, but didn’t otherwise let her emotions show on her face.
<span class="mu-r">“Cindy’s parents were killed by cultists.”</span> you carefully said, not mentioning that vampires were involved. <span class="mu-r">“We were wondering if you knew anything about that.”</span>
Morbius turned to look at you, and in that one moment, his expression was unreadable.
<span class="mu-r">“I want to make sure that they aren’t after her too.”</span> you continued. <span class="mu-r">“As I understand, these cultists are of a…similar nature to your own, and may reflect poorly on you. I don’t want to assume, but I’m guessing that you’ll want to get in front of this as soon as possible.”</span>
Morbius took a step towards you, and…smelled you?
<span class="mu-b">“Your blood smells strange. Are you sick?”</span> he asked.
<span class="mu-r">“Not…that I know of?”</span> you answered with a shrug.
He gave you a considering look, before sighing and folding his arms over his chest. <span class="mu-b">“And where exactly do you fit into all this?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I just want to help a kid sleep easier at night.”</span> you easily said.
Morbius remained silent for a long moment, his crimson eyes boring into you without mercy as he tapped a long talon on his forearm.
<span class="mu-b">“Very well.”</span> he finally said. <span class="mu-b">“But let’s stop prancing around the issue and get down to business. Miss Moon’s family was indeed targeted by vampires. And not just any vampires, either. They are servants of Lily Cromwell. Otherwise known as ‘Baroness Blood’.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“You know who did it?”</span> Matt said, finally speaking up.
Morbius nodded. <span class="mu-b">“I do. Snowsnake and Baron Blood were spotted entering Miss Moon’s home that night. And while I do not doubt the young lady’s ability, I haven’t the slightest idea as to why they would allow her to escape.”</span> he mused, glancing over at Cindy. <span class="mu-b">“Blood can be sloppy sometimes, but Snowsnake usually doesn’t make those kinds of mistakes. She is very skilled in combat, and in tracking.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“You think they let her go on purpose?”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-b">“It’s possible. It’s either that, or…they were too preoccupied to continue chasing her.”</span> Morbius said.
The vampiric patrons that you couldn’t quite see were now murmuring amongst one another. You could now see multiple sets of pearly white fangs glinting in the faint candlelight, and you were certain that they were sizing you up like a slab of meat.
<span class="mu-r">“Do either of you think you might have been followed?”</span> Matt asked, looking at both you and Cindy.
(Cont.)
