Chapter 85: Negotiations

Konstantin’s house was as terrifying as it was the first time I saw it.

The shutters made it seem like there was never anyone home, and I wondered if any curious soul ever tried to break in and found themselves standing face-to-face with a monster.

A blood-sucking one at that.

I took a deep and steadying breath. Now that I was here, I couldn’t turn back. I’d come too far. I crossed the unkempt lawn, and onto stopped when I reached the front door.

I raised my fist and knocked.

At first, there was no reply. I had a moment of derealization. I was having them more frequently. I felt dizziness and an intense disbelief for a handful of moments, and then there was nothing.

I heard his voice from within. It was tinged with curiosity. “Who dares to knock on Konstantin’s door? Do you willingly seek death? If so, you’re in the right place.”

I lamely said, “It’s me. Jade.”

“Jade?” he asked, sounding confused.

“I was here with Felix.”

He opened the door right away. I heard him unlock it,