Because he come back

"Okay. This is a mess. How about a little cleaning up."

The voice in the center of the stage silenced everyone, from the musicians, guests and the party crashers.

Not that they were too excited to say anything. Usually only their screams could be heard.

The horrible and majestic scene disappeared. The blood and the bodies too. And the party crashers... they retreated in terror. Everyone in the hall had their sights on them and their gazes were heavy, piercing and disturbing.

"I apologize. We had an unforeseen problem with security, but everything is working now..." Arrest them."

As soon as the order was given, several figures passed through the doors. In a minute, no, seconds, everyone was lying unconscious and soon they were dragged out. The music returned as a more lively and festive concert.

"I know you have complaints but please save that for later. For now, enjoy the banquet."

Under the sound of soft applause, the Lord, a masked middle-aged man, bowed before stepping down from the stage.

The conversation resumed as if it had never been silent and a few couples dared to dance in the center.

In one of the liveliest corners of the hall, Nero and Diana finally rejoined the group.

"Great dance you had," Beatrice, the evil fairy, greeted with a smile.

They all saw the couple clinging to one side of the hall. Some were still getting rid of the red tone on their faces.

"A little more deadly than usual, but it was fine... Thank you," Nero smiled back.

"Now that we're here, why not talk?"

Diana didn't quite understand how it started but a single statement from her made people act strange.

Like bees around the café, everyone soon found their place.

"What will it be this time?"

"It's not obvious, use the system, count the votes and make new suggestions. I don't want to drag this out too long."

"I agree. If there's something important, I'd rather hear it in the comfort of my own home."

There were many voices. Some were shy, low, and suggestive, others were confident and direct. Diana was touched on the shoulder at some point. Carla and Ema were there.

"You're not going to turn into a vampire, are you? After he bit you... That seemed more sexual than I thought. Is that what you guys do locked in the office?"

"Quiet, Ema... Does this look like the place to pepper her with questions?"

Diana nodded while Nero hid his laughter. When his eyes met Ema's, he raised his hand. Like two children, they high-fived before Nero went in the opposite direction.

"Seriously?... A high five?" What are you kids?" Diana pinched the bridge of her nose. But like Carla, she couldn't help but smile.

"What are they talking about?"

"Something problematic."

"For us or..."

"For anyone listening," Diana remembered why she was here. "They form alliances and mess up the world that way. If everything goes well, my company will be part of it. And I'll be able to leave it in someone else's hands."

"Are you going to retire?" Carla's eyes were wide open.

"I'm going to work remotely. Do something else. I'm not sure yet. But I don't want the company to sink without a future."

Ema came closer.

"And me?"

"I don't know yet. I think I'll fire you."

"I want to retire too."

"Work hard and dream big. Good luck."

"Huh, I'm so jealous... Do you need a pet? I'll accept adoption."

Diana shook her head, preferring not to answer, and turned her attention back to the group.

The discussion was heated. The young woman only had enough space to watch; she could hardly imagine saying anything in front of those living fossils.

The innocent and fun atmosphere had given way to a solemn meeting, where words were sharper than swords.

Nero had a lazy air while on the other side of the group. Diana had been watching him for a while since he seemed quite close to two other beautiful women.

Diana was starting to need a notebook to write down the names.

When she clicked her tongue, he finally turned to her.

'And the ring? Don't you have to save the company?', she moved her lips forming the words, without taking her eyes off his.

Telepathy was one of the bride's privileges.

He nodded, making a positive gesture with his fingers. Diana sighed. Thank the gods she wouldn't have to get involved with those people.

"So, who will be the newbies tonight?", a beautiful woman, elegant and a little proud, spoke minutes later. Her voice was soft and her lips raised, but she almost threatened the fools to try something.

Nero, like a good fool, stepped forward with a smile of delight.

Diana covered half of her face with her hands before he reached the front.

"Well, I guess it's me...", a wave of sighs. Her open eyes widened. Was he that foolish? "But I guess newbie doesn't suit me well, do you?"

The green-eyed fairy was all smiles.

"I couldn't agree more."

And the elegant woman too.

"I think the news is worthy of another banquet but... What made you change your mind?"

"Yes. We thought this castle would burn down before you got together with anyone."

Why the hell did he always get the women first? Diana couldn't believe the reputation of that jerk.

Looking around she felt strange seeing so few men. That group seemed special, in a way. After all there were groups in that room made up only of men.

"Well. I got her into this trouble...", and why the hell did he have to look that way.

Their gazes were heavy.

He smiled with his fangs showing.

"Now I have to take responsibility."