At that, Ana’s skepticism all but evaporated, her grin practically radiating with eager anticipation. She’s clearly been waiting for an opportunity to cut loose.

—-----------

With the help of Shaggy and Young, you convinced the people of Monster Metropolis to hang back until the three of you could figure out a way to strike back at Varnae. For them, that meant preparing the components for a curse potent enough to cause lasting damage to a Vampire Lord.

But you had your own ideas for creating a headache for the colossal jerk. And it would involve tapping one of the only reliable contacts that you still had down here.

“Cindy Moon. It is good that you are well.” Mina said with a slight bow and her usual lisp.

A detailed depiction of the vampire’s silhouette was staring down at you from a boiling pot of green liquid. Much like the smoke that was rising up to the ceiling, Mina appeared in varying shades of green. This was apparently a means of two-way communication used by witches. And, since Janine was still wearing her witch outfit, she was able to set everything up for you without Young and Shaggy knowing.

“You too, Mina. Thanks to your Bloodstone, I was able to help my grandma get better.”

A look of mild surprise registered on her face, then. She looked different from when you had met her last. More…Nosferatu-like, somehow. Her overbite had grown slightly more pronounced. Her eyes were becoming an almost solid color as her pupils had started to lose some definition. Her ribs were more visible now, the dress she’d been wearing no longer hugged her figure as much as it seemed to hang off of her. Her posture had grown slightly worse as well, and you couldn’t help but notice her nails and fingers having almost extended to the point of being classified as “claws”.

“Ah…you have chosen to offer it to your grandmother, instead. How admirable of you.” Mina commented, her voice sounding little more than “unaffected”. “I would expect nothing less from the one that spared my brother. It is good that my offering has proven useful to you.”

You chose to believe that she wasn’t as heartless as she sounded.

“More than useful. She seems a lot healthier now.” you insisted. “Really, I can't thank you enough.”

“The honor is mine…Cindy Moon.” Mina replied, shaking her head. “From what I hear, you have thwarted Varnae once again.”

“You heard about the zombie invasion?”

She nodded.

“I regret to learn that such events unfolded upon our departure. Queen Delphyne Gorgon and Lord Carnelian are moving to aid the city as we speak. You will soon possess the support of the Amazon Tribe and the Were-Confederacy.”

You breathed out a sigh, and you let your shoulders sag in relief.

“Really? That would be amazing!”

“You shall receive our support as well. House Morvayne, and its allies, are prepared to stand alongside you.”

(Cont.)