My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

The room was lit by torches mounted on the walls. James knew he could've gotten light bulbs and everything but how else was he to make the dungeon look like… a dungeon?

Besides, it would be too disrespectful to the… guest he had down here.

The feral vampire kept twisting his body in madness, trying to get out of his unbreakable restraints. He strained, his fangs bared and dripping spit to the floor.

James Harlow, dressed impeccably as always, stood just outside the reach of the mad vampire.

His hands were clasped behind his back as he observed the beast with the amusement of a man taking his kid to the zoo for the first time.

He kept holding back his urge to attack but as always he fought it down. He was an old hat at that. He was sure he'd be able to keep his cool even if he met two Princes of Daydream at the same time.

"You know," James said conversationally, his voice cutting through the creature's hisses and growls, "your little kit has been running around the city, creating fires. Fires I've been snuffing out easily. It's almost like playing catch with a kid. Too easy."

The vampire snarled, his body jerking violently against the chains. His mind was lost to the madness. This was definitely not one of his good days where there was still a part of him that could at least understand what James was saying.

He kept raging towards him, claws out.

James laughed like he found the whole thing amusing. "It's almost funny, really. You thought your legacy would live on through your kit, that they would take your place and become the champions of humans or something."

"But here you are, chained, hidden away forever. No one will ever find you. No one even knows you're here. And those humans you so cherished, your kit is running around, killing them in fires. Don't tell me I'm the only one that found that funny."

The vampire let out a guttural roar, his body convulsing as he tried to lunge at James. The chains rattled, but they held firm, keeping the creature bound and powerless.

"This is where you'll die, Nicodemus. Nothing lives forever. Not even you."

James watched Nicodemus struggle for a moment longer, then turned on his heel and left the chamber without another word.

He moved through the winding underground passages of his estate, ascending the narrow stone staircase that led to the upper floors. Nicodemus stayed below along with his darkness, locked away where it belonged, while James returned to the world above.

As he entered his study, he found Alfred waiting for him, standing by the desk with his usual calm composure. James took his seat behind the ornate mahogany desk, leaning back in his chair as he gestured for Alfred to speak.

"Report." James said, his voice smooth and commanding.

Alfred stepped forward. "One of Hyde's youngest wives tried to contact Ezra Matten. She wanted to give him information about Hyde's dealings. Something she thought might be useful in his investigation."

James arched an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "Did she succeed?"

"No." Alfred replied. "Countess Lana caught wind of it before she could talk. She informed me, and I was able to intercept the woman before she could reveal anything to Matten."

James chuckled softly. "Efficient as always, Alfred. But I take it there's a complication?"

Alfred's face remained impassive, though there was a slight hesitation before he spoke again. "Ezra saw me. He's now suspicious of my actions."

James leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling as he regarded Alfred with amusement. "Ezra is always suspicious. But I suppose this will make things more... interesting. What do you plan to do about it?"

"I've already handled the situation for now." Alfred said. "Ezra may still be suspicious but I have left nothing he can use to come after me."

"Good." James nodded.

"I'll be keeping a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't stray too close to the secrets. Once I have eyes on him, I'll shift my attention back to monitoring the killer, as you've ordered."

James's expression shifted, his amusement dimming slightly as he sat forward. "Have there been any changes in their movements?"

"None so far." Alfred replied. "They have stuck to the same patterns. Quiet with no deviations and no signs of new activity."

James frowned, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his chair. "They won't stay inactive for long. Watch them closely, Alfred. The moment they make a move, I want to know."

Alfred inclined his head, accepting the order without question. He paused for a moment, as if debating whether to continue, then spoke hesitantly.

"If I may, my lord, I suggest taking Ezra off the case. His suspicions could lead him closer to the truth, and the longer he remains involved, the more complicated things could become."

James's lips curled into a smirk, amusement returning to his eyes. "No, Alfred. I think I'll keep Ezra exactly where he is. I'm quite enjoying how this is playing out. I want to see his reaction when he finally discovers who the killer is."

Alfred said nothing, though his expression remained unreadable.

"Lighten up, Alfred. It'll be fun."

Alfred gave a slight nod and turned to leave the study, his footsteps barely making a sound on the thick carpet.

As the door closed behind Alfred, James stood and walked over to the window, his gaze drifting to the street outside his mansion.

In the distance, the statue of the Money King stood as it always had. That statue had stood in the city for just as long as the vampires had been here.

It was tradition for the City Lord's house to be on the same street as the Money King.

James chuckled softly to himself as he stared at the statue. He was the real money king around here.

There was still so much left to happen, and he was in no hurry to stop the fires Ezra was scrambling to extinguish.

After all, it was far more entertaining to watch than to fight.