The Narrator
Chapter 23 = The Gala... The Lothrin Estate in the Pallisades of the Spawling Gardens District of New Alexandria in the year 1988 AD on Earth #8193… The hunter's moon looms ever watchful above the city of New-Alexandria. The shimmering silver and glass spires of the city glow with the phantom kiss of lunar light, hiding the putrid, rotting heart that squirms and writhes with wicked secrets and monstrous deeds. The Narrows bleeds its hellish chorus of slaughter and tears.
The Stalking Beast
NO PLEASE!... [DEATH SCREAM]... Wait, what happened… Where… where am I… I…
The Narrator
Down in the dripping shadows of the Narrows, something awakens, stirring among the muck and grime. The stalking beast opens its eyes to a blackened, tainted-glass world of chaotic noise and blurred shifting forms. The beast rises unsteadily, barefoot on wet concrete, still clad in the clothes she died in, a pale blouse and dark skirt, now stiff with dried blood, dirt ground into the fabric, one sleeve hanging by threads. The scent of copper and grave‑earth clings to her like a shroud. Her senses flare, the urban hellscape bleeding away into pulsating blooms of flowing golden light.
The Stalking Beast
I feel so… so strange… thirsty… so thirsty… I need…. I need… What's wrong with me… so weak, so thirsty… Wait, what's that… that scent… It's so intoxicating… so irresistible… the light, it's bright… it calls to me.
The Narrator
The stalking beast's senses lock on to the one light, burning brighter than the others as all else fades into the periphery. Into the cold night air the beast flies, closing in on the brilliant pulsing source.
(Location change [Olympios District Tenement Tower])
The Narrator
From the fire escape, she crouches low, peering through the large window of the penthouse apartment. With leering eyes and hunter's thirst, she stares, captivated, at the young Jessie Talbot as her heart-mothers sit on bed nearby gazing at their heart-daughter fondly.
Jessie turns and twists in front of the mirror, the midnight‑blue chiffon of her gala dress swaying around her ankles. The fitted satin bodice catches the lamplight, silver embroidery at the neckline and waist glimmering like constellations. Sheer flutter sleeves brush her shoulders, leaving her collarbones bare, while the full‑length skirt falls in soft layers concealing the upper‑outer thigh scars her heart‑mothers know she cannot yet bear to show.
She is not sure she is exactly ready for the amount of skin the dress shows, but she also knows these baby steps in her process towards 'self-reclaimation' are important. Sophia and Zahrell chose the dress for this night, knowing Anya's home is the safest place in the world for Jessie to test the waters of reclaiming her body.
For a moment, she lets herself admire her reflection. The way the dress moves, the way the silver pendant rests against her skin. Then, without thinking, her gaze flicks toward the tall window behind her. She can't see anything in the dark just beyond the glass, but the hairs on her arms lift. A lifetime of Narrows‑bred vigilance has taught her to trust this feeling.
The feeling is gone as quickly as it comes like a phantom prickle, nothing more and when she glances at Sophia and Zahrell, they're still chatting, oblivious to the strange quiver in her heart. Jessie forces herself to turn back to the mirror, smoothing the skirt as if nothing happened.
Zahrell
So how does the new dress fit? Good? Do you like it?
Jessie Talbot
Yeah, it's nice. Honestly, it makes me feel sexy but in a good way. [grateful tone at first and then ending with a confident tone]
Zahrell
Damn right you're sexy. Flaunt it, girl. [playful and amused tone]
Sophia
Remember you don't have to hide from the world tonight, Jessie. This is your night to be seen the way you want to be seen, beautiful, strong, untouchable.
Jessie Talbot
Feeling good and looking hot. [playful joking tone]
Zahrell
Exactly, that's our girl [playful and amused tone]
The Narrator
Jessie still cannot understand how she got so lucky. She loves her heart-mothers and all that they do for her every day, just so she knows she is loved.
Jessie Talbot
It feels strange going to a party for the first time as a guest and not just some sexual party favor to be abused and used. You have both done so much for me, you've literally saved my life, given me a home, shown me love I never knew I could have or even deserved and now this. I just really love you both so much.
The Narrator
Jessie's blood glows like liquid light in her veins. Outside, the Beast's pupils dilate, her breath quickening. She presses a dirt‑smeared palm to the glass, leaving a faint print, then melts back into the shadows as the family gathers their things to leave.
(Location change [The Lothrin Estate])
Anya Lothrin
"Feeling nervous, darling? I know these corpo-galas always make you a little uncomfortable, even if they are hosted in your own home."
The Narrator
Anya wraps her arms loving around Emma from behind placing sweet tender kisses up and down the back of her neck. Emma's heart takes what refuge it can in the tender warmth of Anya's touch as bitter heavy thoughts weigh her down.
Emma
Only because I know most people in this city still think I don't even deserve to be a servant at such an event, much less an equal attendant and spouse of the host. Funny… you'd think after all these years being considered subhuman by most of society, I would be used to it by now.
Anya Lothrin
There's nothing funny about it, my love. And though we have not fixed society completely together, you, Oskar, Artair, Anko, and I have made great strides in addressing social inequality through corpo and political efforts. The process is just painfully slow, is all.
Emma
"I know and I love you with all my heart. I do not mean to be a stick in the mud at these things."
The Narrator
Emma turns toward Anya resting her head lovingly on Anya's bosom.
Anya Lothrin
"Hey, you're not a stick in the mud, your feelings are justified, this current system is beyond cruel and unjust, it killed my parents and dehumanises the woman I love. But together with time and courage, we will see the system changed. I promise you my love."
The Narrator:
Emma places a loving kiss on Anya's lips as Anya runs her hands affirmingly through Emma's hair.
Emma
"I know… and I know the attendees tonight are from your company, meaning they are not only safe for the most part but most of them believe in our cause… in my humanity, but it's just so hard to completely ignore how the law and society as a whole still views me and people like me."
Anya Lothrin
"Hey, it's going to be okay. No one is ever going to hurt you. I promise. Now, go shower and get ready for the party. I still have a few last-minute things to deal with, and then I will rejoin you once the guests start arriving."
Emma
"As you wish, my dear Anyalein."
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The Narrator
The great glass doors of the Lothrin Estate stand open to the night, spilling warm light and the low chorus of conversation into the manicured courtyard. Inside, the air is rich with the scent of polished wood, champagne, and the faint ozone tang of the estate's security wards.
Clusters of Lothrin Industries employees in tailored suits mingle near the marble staircase, their laughter polite, their eyes bright with the thrill of being invited into the inner circle. Waitstaff in crisp black and white weave between them with trays of sparkling drinks.
At the top of the stairs, Anya waits to greet each arrival with the easy grace of someone who owns the room. Emma stands just behind her, a steady presence, her hand occasionally brushing Anya's as if to anchor herself.
Suspended in the cold night air, The stalking beast hovers above the estate like a shadow stitched to the moonlight. The world below is a living map of pulsing veins and glowing hearts. Through stone, steel, and glass, her blood‑vision paints the estate in crimson light but she keeps her bloodthirsty gaze locked on the young Jessie Talbot, waiting for her chance to strike.
First to the top of the stairs as a family unit are Sophia, Zahrell, and Jessie. Sophia's elegance is understated but commanding, Zahrell's grin easy and disarming. Jessie walks between them, the midnight‑blue chiffon of her dress catching the light, her posture poised but her eyes scanning. Her Narrows‑bred vigilance softened by the safety of the space but not completely gone.
Anya steps forward, her smile warm. Sophia greets her with a soft kiss on the lips, the kind of affection that speaks of long trust. Zahrell follows with a more modest corner‑of‑the‑lips kiss, still warm but less overt.
Anya Lothrin
Dearest friends, I am so glad you could join us in our home once more, I beg you rejoice to your hearts content for you are safe here and you are loved.
Sophia
Please you know stealing your booze and fucking in your fancy spare rooms is joy we can never pass up. [playful joking tone]
Zahrell
Exactly, it really spices up our love life. [playful joking tone]
The Narrator
Emma receives the same greetings from both, Sophia's kiss gentle, Zahrell's brief but affectionate kiss, a quiet affirmation that she is just as much family.
Emma
It is so good to see you both again, you both look beautiful welcome to our home.
Zahrell
Oh, please you are looking truly stunning yourself tonight sweet Emma.
The Narrator:
Jessie watches, absorbing the easy intimacy. She knows her heart‑mothers' affection is genuine, but the part of her still fresh from the Narrows can't help the flicker of suspicion when her gaze meets Anya's.
Anya Lothrin
And you must be their beautiful new heart-daughter Jessie, it so wonderful to finally meet you.
Jessie Talbot
"Yup, that's me… it's um nice to meet you." [tone of nervous faux politeness]
The Narrator
Anya beams at the young girl who offers a polite nod in return. Jessie keeps their handshake brief, unsure how to feel in Anya's touch.
When she turns to Emma, her shoulders ease a fraction. Emma's presence feels different, less like power, more like someone who's been on the wrong side of it. Jessie holds her gaze a beat longer, giving a small, genuine nod.
Emma
Welcome to our home Jessie, please relax and enjoy, here you are welcome and here you are seen.
Jessie Talbot
"Right, thanks, that means alot" [tone of nervous faux politeness]
The Narrator
Jessie's golden glow shifts as she turns her head. Monica tilts her own, lips curling in a slow, hungry smile.
Next come Dr. Emilia Lebenstocher and her partner, Dr. Gwendolyn L. Valentine. Emilia's handshake with Anya is firm, her eyes bright with professional respect and personal gratitude.
For Gwen, the moment is heavier. This is her first time meeting the woman who has done so much for her and Emilia, the safer home in the Narrows, the new A.C.E., the Voluntary Ownership agreements that keep bounty hunters at bay, and the job that gave them stability. Gratitude runs deep… but so does the awareness that, on paper, Anya technically owns them both.
Gwen knows knows Anya's mother was Katrina Lothrin, the greatest hero and martyr the Narrows ever had. She knows the programs that scouted her talent, the scholarships that took her out of the Narrows, the physical therapy that saved her leg, the advanced brace that lets her walk without pain, all of it came from the Lothrin family's reach. She knows she only met and kept the love of her life; Emilia because Katrina's legacy proved to the Narrows that at least one True‑born could be good.
She also knows that her Olympic gold was stolen by a rival's paid attack, and that the system let it happen because she was Narrows‑born. That ego-wound will never fully heal.
So when she takes Anya's hand, her smile is polite, even warm, but her eyes are measuring. Admiration and resentment braid together in her gaze, impossible to untangle.
Anya meets it with unflinching grace and warmth, offering no hint of offense.
Emma steps forward to greet Gwen, and the air shifts. Here, there is no benefactor and beneficiary only one survivor recognizing another. Gwen's shoulders loosen slightly. Emma and Gwen share a subtle knowing smile.
Anya Lothrin
Oh, real quick Dr. Gwendolyn, in case I do not get a chance to catch up with you again later, I know you have been trying to get a job at Ashcroft Asylum, The Warden there is a friend of mine, so I put in a good word for you. Your interview should go much smoother now. I did not mean to overstep if I did but I have read much of your work and you are more than qualified for the job and I think you deserve it.
Gwen
I see, thank you, it is much appreciated. [hesitant uneasy tone]
The Narrator
The golden pulse of Jessie's heart is momentarily obscured by other heartbeats, but Monica shifts her position in the air, tracking Jessie with her eyes as the girl moves deeper into the hall with her parents.
Employees and their families continue to arrive, filling the hall with the low murmur of conversation and the clink of crystal. The gala is in full bloom, a rare gathering where power, safety, and celebration seem to coexist.
The music swells in the Grand Hall as the sounds of laughter and frivolity fill the air. Jessie stands with Sophia and Zahrell near the edge of the crowd, her eyes still flicking now and then toward the tall windows. She leans toward her heart‑mothers.
Jessie Talbot
"I'm just going to find the bathroom."
The Narrator
Sophia gives her a quick squeeze of the hand, Zahrell a wink. Jessie threads her way toward the host's dais, where Emma is speaking quietly with a pair of guests.
Jessie Talbot
"Sorry to interrupt, could you tell me where the bathroom is?"
The Narrator
Emma's expression softens instantly.
Emma
"Of course, sweetheart. Down that hall, second door on the left. You'll see a little brass plaque."
The Narrator
Jessie thanks her and slips away, heels clicking softly on the polished floor. The hallway outside the grand-hall is quieter, the music muffled by thick walls and heavy doors.
From above, the thirsty beast watches Jessie's golden pulse separate from the cluster of other heartbeats, moving down a side corridor. Her lips part in anticipation. She drifts lower, silent as falling ash, until she hovers just outside the bathroom window.
Jessie steps into the bathroom, the light flickering on. She steps inside, letting the door swing shut behind her. The mirror catches her reflection, a flash of blue chiffon, silver at her throat.
Suddenly the window shatters inward as stalking beast crashes down upon her in an instant. Jessie's back hits the counter, her breath catching as Monica's hands pin her in place.
Stalking Beast
"Your blood, it calls to me, I must drink"
Anya Lothrin
"GET OFF HER!"
The Narrator
Anya's voice cuts like a whip as she tears the strange, feral woman off Jessie and throws her out into the hallway before rushing her and pinning her hard against the wood panneled wall.
Anya Lothrin
"JESSIE GO INFORM EMMA, ALERT NO ONE ELSE, NOW!!"
The Narrator
Jessie hesitates, glancing between them, but Anya's tone leaves no room for argument. She bolts back towards the party in search of Emma. The beastly woman's strength is great as she shoves Anya away from her hard, The woman low and predatory, fangs bared, claws flexing. Anya meets her gaze without flinching. She knows she's at a disadvantage: no Knight‑Raven exo‑suit, no armor, no weapons. Just a silk evening dress, bare hands, and the muscle memory of a thousand fights.
Anya Lothrin
"Umm I don't know who you are but this is my house and here we only bite people consensually"
The Narrator
Their eyes lock and for a heartbeat, neither moves. The woman's nostrils flare, drawing in Anya's scent, and her pupils dilate. Anya quirks her head for a moment as the woman slowly smiles, her fangs sharp, and eyes hungry, the dried blood on her collar catching the light. Anya moves first, snatching up a long, polished brass candlestick from the side table. The woman lunges, pinning Anya to the ground. The impact knocks the breath from Anya's lungs. Fangs descend toward her throat, hot breath brushing her skin and for a split second, the danger feels almost like a dare. Anya jams the candlestick crosswise into her mouth, arms locked, legs braced, holding the predator back.
Anya Lothrin
"Look, normally having a strong girl like you pinning me to the ground and biting me would be a turn but you're coming on a little too strong."
The Narrator
Jokes Anya, her voice strained but steady. A low, throaty sound escapes the woman, not quite a snarl, not quite amusement before her claws rake down, shredding the silk from Anya's torso in a single swipe leaving Anya completely naked to her feral fury.
Anya Lothrin
"Well, there goes that… 2,000 Drachma dress by the way… plus my ass looked great in it."
The Narrator
The woman's gaze flicks down Anya's body for the briefest moment before snapping back to her eyes. Anya twists her hips, rolling with all her strength, reversing their positions and slamming her attacker onto their back. For a moment, they're nose‑to‑nose, breath mingling, eyes locked, and the air between them hums with something dangerous, electric, and undeniable.
Anya Lothrin
"I'm Anya, I don't suppose I get to know your name"
The Narrator
The woman kicks and writhes in response forcing Anya off of her with a hard kick to the chest. Anya stumbles back but catches herself on a nearby table edge. The woman streaks through the air at Anya who grabs her mid-lunge and spins sending her shattering through a heavy wooden door into the west-wing parlour room of the Lothrin Estate.
Not wanting to lose the advantage Anya rushes her round house kick to the head but the woman catches her ankle mid‑arc, nostrils flaring again as if savoring Anya's scent, before lifting her and slamming her down hard onto the nearby pool table. The woman lands ontop of Anya pinning her once more.
Anya Lothrin
"Okay so you're a girl who clearly likes to be on top, Emma would love you."
Stalking Beast
"Give me your blood" [hissing bestial tone]
The Narrator
The bestial woman straddles Anya, claws digging into the felt for leverage. Anya plants her feet against the table's edge and bridges hard, trying to buck the feral woman off her but she rides the motion for a second, leaning in close her hot breath on Anya's cheek before Anya twists, rolling them both off the table. They hit the floor in a tangle.
Anya scrambles up first, snatching a pool cue from the rack. She spins it like a staff, jabbing to keep her savage attacker at bay. The womanly creature catches one of the jabs, yanking the stick from Anya's grip and snapping it in half.Anya Lothrin
"Guess you're not much for billiards. I get it. Not everyone likes playing with balls"
The Narrator
The woman's lips curl into a wicked smile as Anya blows her a kiss. Suddenly the creature surges at Anya who sidesteps just in time, shoving the woman into a small chess table. Pieces scatter across the carpet.
Anya grabs the heavy board and brings it down hard towards the woman but she catches it, The bloodthirsty woman tilts her head, gaze flicking down Anya's bare torso for a fraction of a second. Anya can feel the simmering heat of her stare as her eyes also scan the battered but fit well-toned body of the woman.
With the woman's hands locked on the chess board between them with hers Anya takes advantage of the opening, side-kicking the woman into nearby bar counter. The woman scrambles to her feet as Anya picks up a nearby dart and tosses it at her. The dart lodges into the woman right shoulder causing her to pause. A low, almost curious growl vibrates from the bestial woman's as she rips the dart from her body and discards it.
Anya uses the moment to shove her a nearby wine rack. Bottles shatter, the scent of red wine flooding the air, mingling with the copper tang of blood. Anya grabs a bottle by the neck
Anya Lothrin
"Damn and this ones a good year, oh well"
The Narrator
Anya smashes the bottle on the bar, and holds the jagged glass between them. Anya slashes at the woman forcing her back again and again until they pass through the swinging door into the West-Wing Kitchen of the Lothrin Estate. The woman grabs Anya's wrist mid-slash, twisting until the bottle clatters away. The woman forces Anya backward, pinning her hard against a nearby kitchen counter, chest‑to‑chest, breath mingling, eyes locked.
Emma rounds the corner into the kitchen to find her beloved Anya naked and covered in cuts pinned against the counter by something with claws and fangs. spilled wine and blood adorn the tile floor, glass glittering underfoot.
Emma
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
The Narrator
Anya drives a knee up, forcing separation and sending the woman clamouring to the ground.
Anya Lothrin
"I know, right?"
The Narrator
Responds Anya cooly. The bloodthirsty woman scarmbles back to her feet and rushes Anya with slash after slash of her claws as Anya weaves and dodges but then the woman catches by the throat and slam pins Anya against the nearby metal fridge.
Anya Lothrin
Open the door to the Knigth-Gallery [hoarse, choking tone]
The Narrator
Chokes out Anya, the woman's hands tight around her throat. Emma rushes into action as instructed and activates the hidden trigger in the kitchen. The fridge shudders, then drops away beneath the floor with an electric hiss, unpinning Anya as cold air rushes up from the darkness below.
Anya twists free from the woman's grasp, latching hold of her wrists and hurling her attacker down the stone steps. Both Anya and Emma rush into the Knight-Gallery with Emma shutting the hidden door behind them in case anyone enters the kitchen behind them.
The woman scurries back to her feet but Anya wastes no time rushing her and forcing her back into a nearby containment cell and sealing the door. The bestial hisses furiously as she examines the thick transparent walls of the cell in which she is now contained. The transparent walls hum faintly as the feral woman slams a palm against the wall nearest to Anya and Emma, her claws screeching down over reinforced nanoplexi.
Her gaze locks with Anya's both their passions still simmering from the fight. Anya breathes in savouring the feeling.
Anya Lothrin
This is so cool, Vampires are real. Somewhere, Hathor and Aphrodite are placing bets on me." [playful amused tone]
The Narrator
Jokes Anya with an excited smile as she stares at the pacing and snarling caged predator before her.
Emma
"Who the fuck's the party crasher? What the fuck is our party crasher"
The Narrator
Asks Emma her eyes flicking over the vampire, then back to Anya. No jealousy, no surprise. Just the same calm she's always had when Anya's gaze lingers a little too long on someone else, a quiet ease born from years of shared love and a life where affection was never a scarce resource.
Anya Lothrin
"Not sure but she would have sucked Jessie dry if I had not intervened."
The Narrator
Anya makes her way over to the nearby medical station, grabbing the first-aid spray and applying it to the various cuts and slashes all over her body. She tosses the spray to Emma who applies it to the cuts and injuries on Anya's back for her.
Anya Lothrin
"Tenjin are you there?"
Tenjin
"Of course as always Anya."
Anya Lothrin
"Run a DNA scan on our vampiric friend here and see if you can find any matches in the city database."
Tenjin
"Match found, she appears to be Monica Bathory. A 24 year old True-Born and an employee at Lothrin Industries, though clearly something must have happened to her to turn her into this."
Anya Lothrin
"So she's one of mine. Then that makes her my responsibility. Emma, please go get something with sleeves for me to wear so we can return to the party before any of the guests get suspicious. Tenjin, I have a party to get back to, but keep our friend company and make sure she does not escape that cell. While you're at it bring up her employee file and any other data you can hack from other city databases. I also want all workplace surveillance footage of her from the past 24 hours so I can review it all when I return."
The Narrator
Anya makes her way over to the cell and places her hand on its transparent surface in front of raging and clawing Monica as they hold each other's gaze. Both feeling something that neither can deny or fully explain.
Anya Lothrin
"I don't know what happened to you. But I'm going to find out… You're not alone"