Mirena, of course, hadn’t given up on escaping.

After all, she knew that with her current strength alone, she couldn’t stand against the vampires.

So right now, Mirena wasn’t even thinking about revenge.

She just wanted to escape this hell as quickly as possible.

That’s right—she hadn’t given up.

During her free moments, she’d sneak out to explore different areas.

Yet the guards around seemed to recognize her instantly.

No matter where she went, they’d gently escort her back like she was some precious treasure.

Once or twice, she could brush it off with the excuse of “getting lost.”

But if it happened too often, it would obviously draw the vampire’s attention.

Still, Mirena used those three words—“I got lost”—as a shield.

Quietly, she memorized the castle’s layout and the number of guards.

All for escaping this place.

It had to be said—the castle’s security was extremely tight.

This was probably the largest castle in the entire city.

From what Mirena understood, that blonde vampire must be a “noble.”

What kind of noble, she had no idea.

But one thing was certain: she wasn’t an ordinary noble.

If she were, how could she live in such luxury?

As Mirena followed Luce to Hestia’s room, she silently reviewed yesterday’s preparations.

Once inside Hestia’s room,

Luce grabbed Mirena by the collar and lifted her small body up.

“I’m warning you—don’t make me drag you out every time. Have some self-awareness. Don’t think becoming the young mistress’s Blood Slave means you’re her equal. Your status is still the lowest of the Elvenfolk in this city.”

“…”

Mirena slightly lowered her head, accepting Luce’s lecture.

She had no choice—she was a pet now, unable to resist anyone.

Resisting would only bring worse treatment.

“Don’t mistake the better food and room for kindness. It’s just to keep you well-rested and nourished… so her blood tastes delicious.”

Luce stood before Mirena, stating this cold fact.

Mirena already knew it.

Here, she was nothing but a Blood Slave with no rights.

They’d never treated her as a “person.”

No—more accurately, they didn’t see her as a living being at all.

To them, she was merely a blood-sucking tool.

“That’s all for now. Next time, it won’t be just words. Think carefully!”

Luce stormed out and slammed the door shut behind her.

Outside, she let out a deep sigh.

“Haa…”

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

Hestia, freshly bathed, approached the room.

“Young mistress… you’re here?”

“Mhm. Is Nana being disobedient?”

“Yes… Master, why treat her like this? Other vampires will just think you’re spoiling a pet…”

“It’s fine. Gentleness is part of the training…”

“?”

Luce tilted her head in confusion, while Hestia smiled mysteriously.

Mirena sat in the bed’s corner, refusing to listen to her enemy.

But resisting too much before escaping would draw attention.

So she was deeply conflicted—

[Vampires are savage, violent creatures.]

That’s what her [mother] had once said.

It seemed true—

Yesterday, she’d been turned into a Blood Slave through brutal force.

Now, forced to serve as a bedmate… it was too much.

Mirena burned with unwillingness—

Just then, the door burst open.

Hestia sat beside her, gazing with intrigued eyes.

Mirena’s expression was subtle—not outright refusal, but like a child admitting fault.

A trace of grievance lingered on her face.

“Come sit beside me, little Blood Slave Nana…”

“…”

Mirena stayed frozen against the wall, torn between obeying or not.

“I hear you ignore my orders?”

Only when Hestia’s small hand forced Mirena’s chin toward her

did Mirena face those blood-red eyes brimming with killing intent.

“Do you still think you’re the Elven princess? I said it from the start—know your place. If words fail, action follows.”

Hestia’s powerful hands threw Mirena onto the bed.

She pinned Mirena down, pressing her full weight on her.

Mirena felt their bodies touch through the thin nightgown.

To her shock, the vampire’s skin was delicate and warm.

She’d expected cold hardness—but this was soft, alive.

“Nana, don’t compare me to lowly vampires. I’m nobility. My warmth and softness outshine those demons.”

“Guh!?”

Mirena gasped—had she stolen her thoughts!?

No… had her own thoughts just been exposed?

“Ah, yes. This is the Blood Lord and Blood Slave bond. I read your mind; you can’t read mine. The contract hides nothing from me. Sadly, it only works up close… so your escape plans are laid bare. Wearing that magic Collar, yet still dreaming of freedom… Do you know what comes next?”

Magic Collar!? She meant the collar around her neck.

“Don’t joke!!”

Mirena struggled with all her might—but her limbs felt clamped by iron claws.

Her body wouldn’t budge.

Hestia’s tongue flicked against Mirena’s smooth neck.

Mirena’s tension melted instantly.

“Then… I’ll start eating.”

Cold fangs pierced her tender neck.

A sharp pain surged through her.

Blood drained steadily from her body.

—It hurt, but she couldn’t resist.

If only there was a way to avoid this…

This was what happened to Mirena the previous night.

Probably why she was trapped here now.