Vesper City reveals itself gradually as we crest the final ridge.
The coastal plains stretch before us, and there—rising from the landscape like a crown of white stone and red tile—sits the second-largest city on Aerox.
I stop walking, taking it in.
Vesper is *magnificent*.
Where other settlements we've encountered were functional or defensive, Vesper is *architectural*. Wide boulevards lined with ancient trees. Buildings that rise three, four, sometimes five stories high with balconies and arched windows. A harbor filled with ships from across the planet, their sails painted in colors that catch the afternoon light.
And everywhere—*everywhere*—the gleam of wealth.
"It's beautiful," Melinda says quietly.
"It's a seat of power," Ghatak corrects. "Look at the harbor. The trade routes. The fortifications disguised as decoration."
He's right. Now that I'm looking for it, I see the strategic design. Guard towers positioned at key intersections. Walls that appear ornamental but would funnel attackers into kill zones. The harbor itself is a natural fortress, protected by cliffs on three sides.
"This isn't like the villages," I say.
"No," Ghatak agrees. "This is where vampire nobility lives. Where decisions are made that affect the entire planet."
"And where Bia supposedly visits," Melinda adds.
*Supposedly.*
Victoria's intelligence brought us here. Said Bia comes to Vesper regularly, that the city's resources and coastal location make it a natural stopping point for someone who travels constantly.
But standing here, looking at this fortress disguised as a city, I feel the first stirrings of doubt.
"We need to understand the rules before we enter," I say. "Ghatak, what do you sense?"
He closes his eyes, extending his awareness. After a moment, he opens them again, frowning.
"The no-slave policy is *enforced*," he says. "Not just law—*enforced*. There are wards throughout the city that detect slave collars, binding magic, coercion spells."
"How sophisticated?"
"Very." He gestures toward the main gates. "Anyone entering is scanned. Vampires can bring personal servants, but there's no slave trading, no kidnapping, no forced labor within one hundred kilometers of the city center."
Melinda whistles softly. "That's... unusual."
"It's strategic," I say, understanding clicking into place. "Vesper wants to be seen as civilized. A place where trade happens freely, where merchants feel safe, where even humans can conduct business without fear of being snatched off the street."
"It makes them rich," Ghatak says. "And powerful. Because everyone wants to trade here."
"Which means we can't just harvest the population," Melinda observes.
"No," I agree. "Here, we're *civilized*."
The word tastes bitter, but I understand the necessity. We've spent six weeks being monsters. Now we need to be something else.
At least temporarily.
"Let's go," I say. "And remember—we're wealthy travelers seeking information about a missing family member. Nothing more."
---
The gates are even more impressive up close.
Massive ironwood reinforced with steel, covered in intricate carvings that I recognize as both decorative and functional—wards woven into art. Guards stand at attention, their armor polished to a mirror shine, their weapons clearly well-maintained.
Professional. Disciplined. *Dangerous*.
"State your business," one of the guards says as we approach.
"Trade and information," I reply smoothly. "We're seeking news of a family member who may have passed through recently."
The guard's eyes flick over us, assessing. I see him note our weapons, our bearing, the quality of our clothing.
"Weapons must be peace-bonded within city limits," he says. "No violence, no coercion, no slave trading. Violation results in immediate expulsion and permanent ban."
"Understood," Ghatak says.
The guard gestures, and another steps forward with what looks like ceremonial ribbons. But as they're tied around our weapon hilts, I feel the magic activate—a binding that would alert the city guard if we drew our blades.
*Clever.*
"Entry fee is ten platinum per person," the first guard says.
I hand over thirty platinum coins without hesitation. The guard examines them, then nods.
"Welcome to Vesper City. May your stay be profitable."
The gates swing open, and we step through into another world.