So Carmen is confined in the domain. An occasion to explore this huge domain.

Enjoy ^^

During the night, Carmen woke in a startle. She sighed. A nightmare. The young woman got up, and went on the terrace. The night was soft, the sky starry. She reflected on what she was still feeling right now. Worry.

" Worry ... about what ?"

Staying here and be bored ? Not really. Her team being without her ? Hm, Shadowsan and Chase will be more than enough to protect them. Maelstrom ? Not even close. So what was it ? As she was staring in the void, Sandiego didn't notice a voice calling her.

" Carmen !"

She blinked.

" Chase ? Is that you ?"

The vampire just jumped and landed on the terrace near her.

" What happened, did you have a nightmare ?" he asked, leaning a bit to her.

" Sharp." smiled the one.

" I can't see why you'd be up otherwise. Now, what's troubling you, little Chalice ?" asked Chase softly.

" That's the problem : I'm worry but I can't figure why." confided Carmen, looking aside.

" Aaah. Well, that's delicate if you don't know."

Carmen sighed, leaning on the guardrail. What could be preoccupying her ?

" Anyway, were you out for a stroll ?" asked Carmen, turning her head to the vampire.

" More like patrolling. I check for thieves, humans or not. Any kind of intruders, especially since I have something very precious." replied Devineaux.

" Such as ?"

He displayed surprise. Shouldn't she be aware by now ?

" You of course. I don't know if the new of another Chalice spread, but I won't take any chance. Not anymore."

Carmen blushed. Well, she knew a Chalice was important and all, but hearing him saying this never failed to provoke a reaction in her. Chase's face darkened when remembering that Carmen got kidnapped. That fear, that worry. Since when was the last time he felt that way ? That was …when he lost his second wife. Anne. Five centuries ago. He had been close to lose the young woman. And to a catastrophe. So now, any unwanted guest would meet no less than death. Julia and some of his attendants were helping him on surveying the place, with this very order : kill anyone without any formal invitation or message. Carmen was twiddling a bang of hair, her heart dancing in her chest.

" Are you feeling better ?" resumed the vampire.

" Huh ?" startled Carmen.

Chase repeated his question.

" Oh yes. Thanks for the talk."

" No problem, Carmen. I'll let you finish your night."

She smiled, while he jumped down. Chase turned a last time to her. Carmen waved at him, looking the vampire disappearing in the night. This sight made her frown all of a sudden. She knew he wasn't far away, that he would be back with a simple call. Then why the unpleasing feeling again ? Carmen opened her mouth.

" I am worry. Not for me or anything … but for him." Realized the girl.

Worried because he'll have to face Gunnar, an older and stronger vampire than him. Worried he might not come back alive, despite having her blood. He might not be able to drink it, should his enemy take him by surprise. And she was to stay here, instead of coming and helping. Stay here and worry, not knowing what is happening. She bit her lip. After another sigh, Carmen went back inside, to try to end her night.

The next day was the departure one. She hugged the siblings, nodded to Shadowsan then turned to Chase. The rest of the team exited, heading to the car.

" Well then. This is it." said Carmen.

She was unsure of what to do. Part of her wouldn't mind a hug from him. Chase came closer.

" Yes. Try to behave in here, little Chalice. I'll call you as much as possible, okay ?" he said, lifting her chin with his index.

" Okay. And you be very careful alright ? Don't go … don't fight too many enemies that you can't handle." she said.

" Oh ? Worry about me miss Sandiego ?" smiled the vampire.

She reddened.

" Well I … hum … Maybe ?"

He chuckled, caressing her cheek.

" I will. Thank you for your concern." he said low voice.

Carmen had a little smile.

She walked on the porch, near a servant named Claire, waving at everyone leaving. She went back inside. Well then, time to get busy. She decided to explore this huge mansion and began by the attic. She opened the door.

" Gee ! Is every room in here the size of a house ?" she said discovering the place.

It was very large, and full of objects. Carmen took an amazed look around. This was Ali Baba's cave. Chase must have gathered here every belongings of his family, through ages. She didn't even know where to begin. Her eyes hooked on a tapestry. Getting closer, she realized it was actually a family tree.

" Woow." she huffed.

As she discovered, the oldest family in France near the kings' one. She strolled her look until she found Chase's name on it, with his face embroidered above. Just near, a woman's one. His first wife. Under, a still born child. Only one. Certainly because he met Anne Devineaux, fled with her before being turned to a vampire. Carmen also found his cousin, Pierre, born a century later. Married too, and with children. He left all this behind as well. Carmen left the tapestry to continue exploring. Some objects were offered, as different blazons on them proved. Certainly for a wedding. Her fingers passed on silver cutlery. On a box she found old clothes. Colours were fade, but still wonderful. They were from a large part of history. Carmen also found toys, and smiled imagining little Chase playing with those. Feathers for writing and scrolls with exercises, maps, and child desk followed.

Farther Carmen found objects from other countries, with a little label on it.

" Stupid things to hunt a vampire ?" she read on a briefcase, amused.

Carmen opened it. Some amulets representing a feather, some herbs (with a label indicating it's only good against diarrhea, duh !), a potion (label said : yeah, like we can be defeated with perfume ), dust in a bottle ( smells like a grandma, are those humans dumb or what ?) Carmen suspected it to be Chase's handwriting. It was a refined one, fitting a noble. She found a silver fork next ( that's fake silver, patsies), a scroll written in Latin ( oh boy. Most of them doesn't even know how to read. And they still bought this ? Their stupidity is the thing that will kill us !) Carmen had a tender laugh. Final was a bottle of salt and one of pepper (got mixed signals here. Was that human trying to fight me or inviting me to a grilled food party ? He had such a weird way of talking).

Sandiego replaced all objects in the briefcase, before continuing her exploration. Claire, the vampire in charge of her, went to warn her it was noon and her meal served. Carmen was surprised that time passed so fast. She followed the attendant, saving the rest of her exploration for other days. Eating alone kinda saddened her. During the afternoon, she paid a visit to Graham.

" Oh it's you Carmen. It's been a while, how are you ?" said Graham, laid on the bed.

" Fine for now. But you ? Being cloistered in her must be really hard."

She sat on his bed, facing him while he straightened.

" Well, it's not easy I admit. But when I think about what could await me at VILE island … I put into perspective."

Crackle's eyes went dark.

" How could I … you were right about them Carmen. I've been stupid. There was not a day when I not cursed myself." confided the wolf.

" I understand. Everybody makes mistakes, but if Chase defeats your master, you'll be free."

He had a little smile. Ever since he knew that another vampire discovered her, he kept praying. First, for this vampire to find out about her, then claim her, and now kill Maelstrom. He asked her to describe her relation with that Devineaux guy. Carmen had a smile before telling how he mingled in her team, created bonds with them, then with her. Crackle narrowed eyes when hearing her. Her voice tone, how she was smiling, her glowing eyes …

" Oh. Boy. Didn't see that one coming." thought Crackle.

Was she aware ? Should he tell her ? Hmmm nah. Let's just wait and see about this.

" Well, the more I hear about him the more he seems a good vampire." sighed Crackle.

The kind of master he would have wished for. Carmen agreed. Graham rolled on his back. Carmen displayed sadness. She wished she could free him, if it weren't for this damn blood contract. The young woman suggested to play board games. Crackled accepted with a little smile.

Meanwhile on VILE island, Gunnar was pacing once again. He sent a vampire follower to inquire about Dokuso some days ago. No tracks of her, but the scent of blood was still there when he arrived. The vampire then confirmed her death later. Another failure. He had been close this time, part of him believed in it, but another one remained pessimist. His business here with VILE kept him from going on the field up until now. He had to attend classes this time again, to his dismay.

" I heard of a werewolf known to kill vampires in the past. He works now as a mercenary, I'll contact him."

That will have to do until he can find a way to leave the island unnoticed. Gunnar would also ask someone to find who was Carmen's owner. Then, his location. In all likelihood, Sandiego was to remain in this vampire's domain after what happened. That was a risky move. No one ever dared to sneak in the Council's archives. That was liable to death. However, Gunnar was insane enough to risk it. His dream was still shining strongly for him to dare. He took his phone. First, an appointment with this werewolf. Then, the archives. The vampire got in touch with the wolf through a computer the next day.

" Mister Davis I suppose."

" Lord Gunnar Maelstrom. Please to meet you. I understood you have a job for me." replied Davis.

" Yes. I'd like you to steal a person for me."

" A person ? Tell me more about it."

Kidnapping wasn't foreign to the wolf. Gunnar described Carmen, adding he would send someone to locate her.

" To the vulgar things now. What is your price ?" questioned Gunnar.

" Weeeelll … I already kidnapped people in the past, but for a vampire to want a human, she must be special, isn't she ?" smiled Davis.

" Sir Davis, you do know I rule an organization specialized in theft. That human was originally part of us, but betrayed us. She kept inflicting us damages, and all of our operatives failed to capture her. That's why I'm resorting to you today. You're supposed to be the best for that sort of case, aren't you ?" replied Gunnar.

Like hell he'd tell how special and precious was Carmen. Davis seemed convinced, and announced his fees.

This morning, Carmen decided to stroll outside. She discovered a garden full of flowers, of every colour. A wonder for the eyes. Some were also very perfumed, and she smelled it with delight. Relaxing. Father, another garden in a Japanese style.

" Wow."

A small wooden bridge spanned over a little watercourse, pouring a basin where fishes were swimming. Carmen could see the vampire roaming in there.

" It's like I'm feeling his presence."

She had a little smile. Too bad she had to do this alone. She would have really like Chase to be here. Her phone rang.

" Hello ?"

" Good evening, morning or whatever, miss Sandiego." said a warm voice.

A bright smile adorned Carmen's face.

" It's still morning in here. How are you Chase ? How is everyone ?" asked Carmen.

" I hope I didn't wake you ?"

" No, I'm in your Japanese garden." answered Sandiego, sitting on a bench.

" Aaaah yes. One of my favourites places to loiter."

She smiled even larger.

" And what are the others ?"

" The attic, the library, the forest." he said.

Same as her. Chase informed her they just finished a mission, successful. Her teammates were here with him too.

" I had to ride a werewolf Carm' ! That was freaking awesome !" exclaimed Zack.

" Grmph ! Couldn't you wait that I give you the phone ?!" retorted Devineaux.

Carmen greeted the Bostonian. She listened to him describing a pursuit in which Julia carried him. She was fast enough to catch up with a car. Carmen wondered why he had to do this.

" Well, our tyres got flat so we did otherwise to help."

" I see. But … they saw in her wolf form then ?" asked Sandiego.

" It went so fast I don't think they understood what hit them."

Ivy was next, adding more details about what they took from VILE, how useful a vampire and a werewolf were. Some minutes later was Shadowsan's turn.

" I will just tempered the young ones talk. I found Chase more … aggressive than when you're around." he said.

" He is ?" said Carmen, suddenly serious.

" Yes. Our enemies kept flying like bowling pins, not to mention he never forget to break a bone or two. That Julia is a bit more composed though."

Carmen remained silent. Should she talk to the vampire, saying to be calmer ? Or was it a way to force Gunnar out ? Anyway, Chase took back the phone. He asked her if she wasn't too bored. To what Carmen replied that with such a big house she doubted she would. They continued chatting for one hour.

" Well then, little Chalice. Time for us to have dinner." concluded the vampire.

" Alright. Just …"

" Hm ?"

" Don't overdo it okay ?" asked Carmen.

Chase didn't reply to that one. He wished her a good day, then hung up. Carmen sighed. Visibly, he was holding back with her, more than usual. It was amazing that such a being would listen to her. Memories of their second encounter came back to her, when he dared her to escape. The strength she felt when he imprisoned her in his arms. However now, the vampire was willing to obey her somehow. Certainly because he valued her.

" But … is it because I'm a Chalice or out of respect for me, my person ?" wondered Sandiego, looking at the sky.

Both probably. She stayed here lost in her thoughts until noon. She decided to continue exploring during afternoon. Carmen spent a lot of time with Crackle, to kill time essentially during the following days.

" Aren't you feeling gloom ?" she asked.

They were laid on the floor.

" Yeah … I miss going out." he replied.

" Personally I'm starting to remember when I was stuck on VILE Island. When everyone was able to move as they pleased, while I was compelled to remain there." said Carmen.

" Ah. Well now I know how you felt back then. Our roles are reversed, except that you were able to get outside." replied Graham.

" Then … maybe I can ask Chase about it. There must be a solution." continued Carmen.

That was right then the vampire called. Crackle observed her face getting bright, as she answered. How her expression became soft, her smile large. She finally hung up after one hour, and spotted Graham's sly expression. She replied by an interrogative one.

" You seem quite attached to that vampire." he made.

" Huh ? I wouldn't say that."

" Of course you wouldn't."

" Just that we became good friends with time."

" Good friends eh ?" added the wolf.

" ?"

" You should have seen your face, Carmen. I never spotted that expression before."

" What do you mean ?" finally wondered Sandiego.

" That to me, you seem to have a crush on him."

Shock were all over her face, followed by intense red that made him chuckle. Carmen protested, or rather spluttered. Crackle tried to hold back his laugh. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, she decided to leave. The young woman crossed the house, before getting out. A crush. Seriously. Just because she was happy to hear him, she who was confined here. He said he was coming back home, so it was normal she was glad to see friends. Didn't mean anything else. Carmen was walking swiftly, thoughtful. Graham definitely stayed shut in way too much. He was imagining things to occupy himself. She wasn't interested in romance. Not at all.

" Huh … where am I ?"

She never came in that part of the domain. It seemed a bit less maintained than elsewhere. Carmen walked slowly. She soon discovered what was a little cemetery. Visibly some of Chase's ancestors decided to rest in here. She put aside branch of a weeping willow and froze. A statue was here. One of … Chase. He was holding a sword, blade down. Seeing his face made her heart beat. Her eyes fell on a plate. She leaned. It was in old French and she couldn't read properly. But … she noticed that it had been displaced. Curious. Thing is, Carmen went back near the statue. Seeing him was relaxing for her, until she could see him in the flesh. She also decided to read, and found a book about his family. Then, she looked on the internet through her smartphone.

" That's …"

Typing his name allowed her to discover several articles about a patron funding medical research, technology, arts, charities, science, all under the Rochechouart name. Or to be more specific, anagram of this name or the other family branches such like Mortemart, Barbazan, or Devineaux. Carmen smiled, and dug in to this.

A few days later, as she was once more contemplating the statue, sat on the ground, louds steps resonated suddenly.

" There you are."

Devineaux was standing behind her. Carmen blushed, recalling what Crackle said.

" Oh. Hey." she greeted, getting up.

" Exploring ?" he asked getting closer.

" Not really. I didn't pay attention to where I was going."

He didn't reply.

" Hem. That's a nice statue of you. What is the plate saying ?" asked Carmen.

" Nothing important."

He glanced at it before responding, with indifference. Carman was curious, but decided to not interrogate him more. She had a hunch this statue was made after he was turned into a vampire. Like all of them, he disappeared, and his family made this as a tribute. Why did he moved it ? Why was it hidden in here ? Carmen was wondering all this while contemplating the statue.

" Your team is waiting for you." announced Chase.

" Oh yes, coming."

He turned his back. Sandiego glanced one last time behind before following.

" By the way, I wanted to ask you."

" What, little Chalice ?"

" Well, it would be nice if Gray could come outside. Can't we just, I don't know, like detach his chain from the wall ?" questioned Carmen.

Chase stopped, with round eyes.

" What ?! Why would I do that ? He is a prisoner Carmen, and not in a hotel. Plus, you spend way too much time with him as it is !"

Way … too much time ? And could he tell ? Unless … one of his servants must report to him.

" What do you mean by that ? Do you expect me to remain in here all alone, without someone to talk ?" questioned Carmen.

" If you need to discuss so badly then talk with the retainers." he replied.

Chase resumed his walk. Carmen blinked, confused.

" Graham was my friend before I escape, why shouldn't I spent time with him, please ?"

The vampire tightened his fists.

" Are your for real ? Do I have to remember you that his mission was, and still is, to bring you back to Gunnar ? That wolf isn't your friend, but your enemy. He would carry out his mission if we would allow him to."

" Only because of his blood contract ! But I'm sure that if he had the choice, he would change side !" insisted Carmen.

" Yeah right. I'd never imagined you'd be so naïve."

He was dishonest here. He knew it, and understood since a while that Graham wouldn't hesitate to betray his master if he could. Carmen gasped hearing that. She planted herself in front of him.

" Naïve ?! Just because I want to help a friend ? Do you really think I have room left for naivety with all I lived, even before I met you ?!" she exclaimed.

Chase just had a deep breath.

" I am not naïve, mister vampire. Don't ever said that again or I'll make you swallow your fangs." warned Carmen.

Devineaux widened eyes. If someone else was to say this to him, he would simply burst out laughing. Internally, Carmen wasn't that assured. He would the one to make her swallow her teeth.

" Then don't act like this." he retorted.

With this, he left. Carmen grumbled before following. She welcomed her teammates with joy and relief. Even if they called each other a lot to maintain contact, they still had a lot to talk about. They chatted until dinner time. Chase entered the living room, simply sat in a chair, before reading files. Sandiego glanced at him then leaned eyes. This reunion wasn't what she expected nor wanted. They just argued. And now, it was like he was ignoring her. Julia went to find her later, while she was staring at the sky.

" Is something wrong, miss Sandiego ?" asked Argent.

Carmen huffed.

" You seem to be the sharp one, miss Argent."

" Us werewolves are kinda good at noticing feelings through body posture. You seems sad, and I'd say angry too." continued Julia, before leaning against the guardrail.

Carmen smiled a bit sadly. She decided to confide in her, telling what happened during the day. Julia widened eyes.

" Oh miss Sandiego ! That … that is just what I thought." chuckled Julia.

Carmen looked surprised.

" Do you really know why he said this ?"

Carmen shook her head.

" Of course our lord knows that your wolf friend isn't a threat, if it weren't for his contract. Also, you're protected against both species so there's no real problem." began Julia.

" Then why ?"

" It hold in one word. Jealousy."

Carmen opened both eyes and mouth, all while blushing.

" Jea …. Chase is …"

" Hm hm. You should have seen him when he got reports that you were during all the day in the same room as him. I must admit I enjoyed that quite a lot." revealed Julia.

" Would you look at that. You like to mock your master, don't you ?" smiled Carmen.

" Tee-hehe. Guilty here. Vampires, especially nobles, can be so rigid sometimes I just want to shake them like a carpet."

Carmen had a laugh.

" I think it's a way to show affection on my part, too. I'm glad I could find someone like him, because he's funny which isn't that common." added Julia.

" Yeah. So you think he's jealous that I spent so much time with Gray."

" Yep. One might think it's because of what you are. But from I could hear according to the others attendants in here, his cousin don't react like this at all. Meaning there's something else."

Julia added that werewolves didn't need Chalices, so vampires shouldn't mind them getting close to theirs. Carmen blushed again, before a smiled tried to form. Julia smiled too. The women got inside, as the night was falling. Meanwhile, vampires began their patrol. Just when Davis and his pack arrived on site. They transformed, and began to eliminate guards, without spilling their blood which would alert the enemy. They progressed toward the mansion. Given what Julia revealed to her, Carmen decided to make it up with her vampire, before he leaves for another mission. She looked for him to suggest a nocturnal stroll.

" Alright, just let me finish reading this report … go out first, I'll join you." said Devineaux.

" Okay."

Carmen left his office, and went outside. The night was soft.

The wolves were getting close. Davis made them stop, apperceiving Carmen. She was fitting Gunnar's description. If she was out, all the better. Suddenly, a servant appeared and shouted :

" INTRUDERS !"

A werewolf went to make him shut up. But it was too late. Davis rushed to catch Carmen. The thief could only see him once close to her. A dark wolf. Chase arrived at the same time, blocking his paws before pining him down. Davis was quick to get rid of him. Julia arrived and grabbed Carmen, taking her away. All the retainers got out to fight. Carmen looked through a window. The fight between Chase and Davis was intense. She muffled a scream when she saw the wolf ripping out Devineaux's left arm. The vampire broke a hind paw that unbalanced the creature. He took back his arm he just reattached. Davis pierced his belly and sent him away.

" He looks like as old as Chase. I must fetch weapons." said Julia.

So he needed her, thought Carmen. She rushed in the opposite direction. Davis saw her and approached in his human form.

" Hooooo, but I had no idea you were that beautiful ! I'll keep you for me." He said.

The wolf tended a hand. Red lightening welcomed it.

" YELP ! What ? What was that ?!" he exclaimed.

Carmen offered him a returned kick than sent him flying. His packmates then caught her in a net. Right after, light hisses resonated followed by whines of pain. The wolves were touched by special arrows, made of silver. They began to scream and convulse on the ground, saliva filling their mouth. Julia was firing with a crossbow. She aimed at Davis who dodged every hit. He let out an impressive growl. One of Davis' packmate rushed to stop Julia. He dodged her arrows, then arrived on her. She transformed to welcome him. They fought an instant before he sent her against a wall.

" Yelp !" she whined.

He grabbed her by the muzzle and lifted her, keeping her jaws shut. Julia planted a silver knife in his wrist. Then, she simply bit and teared his throat. This done, Argent threw the corpse through the window. Chase teared the net imprisoning Carmen.

" Chase ! You must drink my blood quickly !" she exclaimed, while getting up.

But he wasn't listening, his attention focused on the enemy. Davis jumped on the wall, climbing fast. He was going to Julia. Chase pushed Carmen to his butler, then jumped. Julia turned to defend against that strong opponent. Devineaux arriving behind distracted him from killing the young woman. He already broke her crossbow and clawed her from bottom to top. Alerted by all this ruckus, the Red Team was here as well. The Bostonians gasped before the beast. Shadowsan spotted the silver arrows. He looked at Chase, now shirtless thanks to the wolf, then moved. He ran and rolled to grab an arrow. Davis felt him coming and turned, making Chase crashed against the man.

" What are you doing ? Are you crazy or what ?" shouted Chase.

Davis launched a paw. The vampire felt something in his hand. Shadowsan gave him an arrow. But he had to stop the paw. Davis was about to pierce both of them. Chase would be fine, but not the man behind. His hand met the werewolf's big one. Chase spread his energy, suffocating his adversary. Then, he hit him with his shoulder, so fast and strong they broke a window and fell. Chase exited his arrow during the fall, to stab it directly in his chest as they hit the ground. The wolf let an awful sound, between a roar and a whine. He tried to claw the vampire astride on him, but that one hold his paw. Straightening up, Chase lifted a foot he put on the arrow. Slowly, he pushed. His victim screamed in pain. It lasted awhile, before he stopped moving and turned back human.

Devineaux released him. Carmen wanted to go to him, when his butler hold her firmly and hid her behind him. Sandiego displayed surprised. Why would he …

" This is bad." said the butler.

Turning her head to Chase, Carmen noticed his expression. Cold, and most of all, looking like a predator. A predator … whose attention was focused on her.