The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 15/Madam Quaila and The Night Market

"This place, I think you will enjoy," said the Duke as we departed from the throne room and returned to the magic broom cupboard again.

Two months ago, a place I would enjoy would be a torture chamber where vampires had their fangs removed. Now, it had changed; I had learned about them from Mary, and my opinions were less fixed on their suffering and eradication. I knew of Duke Sadismann, the fierce warrior blood lord, but these moments hinted at a different, more vulnerable man I was discovering.

As the elevator moved, I felt like I had seen the precise scene in a dream. It was like déjà vu, but for both time and place. It was like a part of a recurring venom dream; it had something polished red, a sweet scent, and a shout. I felt the words of my voices rising before I could stop them. I said, "Sadismann kislat Ought."

"What?" said the Duke, looking down, his face confused.

"Sorry, its the somniloquy.  does the word 'Kislat Ought' mean anything?" I asked.

"Kislat? It's a vampire word for silver arrow, why?" said Sadismann.

I paused. "Just something I heard in my venom dream."

Sadismann smiled as though he was talking to a child. "You can scare the high priestess with that stuff, but you'll find I'm not that superstitious."

"Then I won't ask you what 'Ought' means," I said.

"It means nothing. Thalan Ought is a member of the coven; he's a crow leader, a good soldier, I think," the Duke said as the doors to the elevator slowly opened, revealing a busy world beyond.

"We are no longer alone, Princes." He said.

I nodded, understanding. "Yes, I understand, Lord Duke." I said.

I marched purposefully through the parting doors, eager to explore what lay beyond. This time, as we emerged, I found myself in the midst of what could only be described as an indoor town market, a bustling and vibrant scene that teemed with life. It was far bigger than any I had seen in the barren lands.

"Welcome to the night market" the duke said smiling.

The market stretched out before me, a labyrinth of stalls and kiosks that extended as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with a cacophony of voices, each haggling and bartering in a variety of languages that filled the space with a symphony of foreign sounds. It was a witness to the diverse origins of the vampires who congregated here, each bringing their own unique goods and wares to trade.

The stalls themselves were a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, each one adorned with an array of exotic and tantalizing items. Richly woven fabrics in deep, sumptuous hues hung like tapestries. Elaborate jewelry, adorned with glistening gemstones, sparkled under the soft, satin lights, tempting passersby with their opulent beauty.

Aromas wafted through the air, a melange of scents that ranged from the earthy richness of spices to the sweet allure of freshly baked pastries. Merchants enticed potential customers with samples of their culinary delights, and I couldn't help but be drawn to the delectable offerings that beckoned from every corner.

To the edges of the market were rows of glass-fronted shops behind ornate arches. The large central space was dominated by a huge ornate iron stair case which linked the ground level with the levels above. The higher floors were set behind opulent balconies that provided views of the busy market below. There above I noticed Mary on a high balcony, standing against a railing looking down for me.  l I was enthralled by the sight of it all as I descended more into the scene, which was a sensory explosion and a colorful, buzzing microcosm of vampire society.