That confusion flickered plainly across his face. This was a bloodsucker noble—yet somehow the first he'd ever encountered who spoke to him like that.
Alden turned to leave.
Then—
"Sven."
The voice stopped him cold.
He turned back.
Some of the irritation had faded, leaving behind something guarded, restrained.
"My name," Sven said. "That's all. Farewell, Lord Noble Vampire."
He turned away, already walking in the opposite direction, clearly intending to disappear into the garden.
"Alden!"
The name rang out louder than Alden intended.
Sven paused, just barely.
"My name is Alden," Alden added quickly, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "It's… nice to meet you, Sven."
Sven didn't turn around.
But he lifted a hand—just slightly—and gave a small, fleeting wave before vanishing between the hedges.
Alden stood there, stunned.
What… was that?
"Sven," he murmured under his breath.
He'd find out if he worked here.
He had to.
----
