Sometimes insanity is the only option

Time to move

As I prepare to depart from the tavern, I raise my hand slightly to catch the attention of the attendant. Carefully, I place two rupi bronze coins on the worn tabletop, signifying the cost of the refreshing ale I enjoyed.

Noticing the payment, the attendant promptly approaches and collects the coins, her smile reflecting a sense of gratitude.

"Hope you come back, sir," the attendant says warmly, extending a sincere invitation.

"Perhaps, one day," I respond, reciprocating her smile with a gentle one of my own.

As I rise and make my way towards the tavern's exit, I seize the opportunity to employ telecommunication magic to inform Marcus of my new plans.

"Marcus, can you hear me?" I utter, my voice resonating through the magical connection.

"Raphael, is everything alright?" Marcus inquires, his concern evident in his tone.

"Yes, everything's fine. I'm reaching out to inform you about what I'm about to do," I reveal.

"I wasn't expecting to hear from you through this form of magic. I must admit, I'm both surprised and intrigued by the nature of this communication," Marcus responds with curiosity.

"While I was stepping out for a breath of fresh air, I decided to stop by the tavern, and guess what I heard—Barbuda has chosen to proceed with the plan of mass-producing vampire blood," I disclose.

"Yeah, it's been a hot topic lately, but what are you thinking?" Marcus asks, his hope mingled with a hint of worry, desperately hoping it's not what he suspects.

"Oh, nothing much. I just had this fleeting idea of visiting Pretória," I casually reply, with nonchalance.

"Ah... you really—never mind. Just let me know when you're going and if you'd like me to come along," Marcus offers, his concern evident in his voice.

"There's no need, Marcus. It'll be a quick visit, as I mentioned," I assert matter-of-factly.

"I'd like to say 'don't do anything stupid,' but at the very least, don't get caught," Marcus sighs, his worry palpable.

"Who do you take me for? Of course, I won't get caught doing anything wrong, after all I'm just going to visit. One or two days should be enough to sightseeing" I retort, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"If you say so I'll trust you, but don't forget to call me in case something unexpected occurs"

"Of course, I... I'll call you later."

Before Marcus can respond further, the telecommunication magic abruptly ceases, cutting off our connection.

"Show yourselves," I command, my voice carrying a calm yet unmistakably hostile tone.

They may believe their silence will deceive me, that I'll doubt my instincts. However, in moments like these, I've learned that nothing spurs action more effectively than embracing the raw power of bloodlust."

I exude an aura of bloodlust, sensing the palpable tremors emanating from the group of five surrounding me. With each step I take towards them...

"Wait!" interrupts a young man, appearing to be around my age.

Undeterred, I continue moving forward, taking another step and then another.

"Wait, please, and hear us out," the young man implores, his voice quivering but determined.

The rest of his group remains silent, wisely opting to withhold their words, for they would struggle to speak coherently in their current state.

"And why should I wait?" I assert, still emanating bloodlust.