"You know that’s impossible."

Lucy hadn’t truly expected Mefia to agree—not after throwing out a vague offer like *"Name your price."* In fact, refusal was the only sensible response.

But this Vampire Lolita before her was simply too mouthwatering. Even Lucy felt a flicker of impatience.

"Tch."

"How about this—if you get a new pet, will you give me Shelley?"

She’d coveted Shelley for ages, just as she did Avril. Though not as rare as the unseen Bloodkin, Catfolk girls were still precious slaves. And her sister’s specimen? Top-tier.

Too bad her sister never let her touch them.

"Impossible!"

"Catgirls are scarce, but not unobtainable. Find your own if you want one." Mefia’s tone was icy, her gaze detached. She’d cooled down after Shelley’s earlier teasing, granting her a sliver of patience. Not out of kindness—

She just didn’t want Lucy fixating on *her* pets.

*Better she finds her own toy and vanishes forever.*

Sisters or not, Mefia wished they’d never cross paths again. And *never* lay hands on what was hers.

After all, while this Catfolk girl was valuable, she still circulated in markets—unlike the utterly unique Bloodkin neither had ever seen. Most of the time, such slaves were more often priceless than priced, hunted by nobles with deep pockets and deeper obsessions.

"*Ara?* How domineering, sister." Lucy’s voice dripped with mock innocence. "You’ve got to give me *something*—the throne or a pet?" She shot Avril a jealous glare. Even she had to admit: her sister’s luck was infuriating.

Not only had Mefia snatched Shelley right under her nose—

But now this adorable Vampire Princess had appeared out of nowhere. Lucy’s eyes locked onto the collar around Avril’s neck. The thought of chaining such a cute creature, pinning her down and having her way…

*Thrilling.*

Unfazed by Mefia’s silence, Lucy suddenly clutched her flushed cheeks, cooing like a lovesick schoolgirl. "Ahhh~ So adooorable~" Her voice turned syrupy sweet. "Ahhh~" She leaned toward Mefia, eyes gleaming. "Tell me, sister—does she make sweet little noises in bed too~?"

She didn’t care that Avril and Lorin were listening. Her hunger was naked, unapologetic.

Mefia’s fist clenched. *I should smash that smug face in.*

"Little one—" Lucy reached for Avril’s hand.

Avril flinched. This woman who looked like Mefia was acting strangely, saying things she couldn’t understand. Fear prickled her skin.

This time, Mefia didn’t hesitate. She yanked Avril behind her with her free hand. "Keep your filthy hands off my things!"

The pull was too sharp. Avril staggered, nearly falling—

***Thump… thump…***

Small fruits tumbled across the floor.

Tiny apples spilled from Avril’s pocket.

Every eye snapped toward the sound—even Mefia’s glare shifted from her sister.

"*Eh?*" Lucy blinked, snapping out of her act. *Definitely not because of sister’s guard-dog routine.* An apple had rolled to her feet. She bent down, plucking it up. A dent marred its skin where it hit the floor. "An apple?" She hadn’t seen where it fell from.

"G-Give it back…"

Avril had crept forward, trembling. Her voice was small, her eyes wide and wet like a kicked puppy’s. She was terrified—of this stranger, of Mefia’s presence, of displeasing her master. But these apples… they mattered. She’d saved them, gone hungry for them. The injustice burned.

She stepped forward anyway. Then instantly shrank back, stealing a fearful glance at Mefia.

"*Oh?*" Lucy smiled, sensing Avril’s terror. "Yours?"

Avril nodded jerkily, eyes darting between Lucy and Mefia. "Y-yes…"

Mefia frowned. *Why hide food?* "What do you need an apple for?" Neither sister knew vampires could eat anything but blood.

"I-I’m hungry." Avril’s voice was raw, honest. She just wanted her apple back—even the bruised one in Lucy’s hand. Tears welled, spilling over. Her tiny nose scrunched as silent sobs shook her shoulders.

"Tsk tsk." Lucy twirled the apple, grinning at Mefia. "So *this* is your taste? She’s obedient enough—no need for such harsh training, is there?" She crouched, whispering to Avril: "Does she even let you eat your fill?"

Then, louder, dripping with false sweetness:

"Hey, little one. Want to come with me instead? I’ll keep you *very* well-fed~"

"*Every* day~"

"*In every way~*"