MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

The big smith loosed another wheezing chuckle. "Aye, you've more than had your hands full with those warmblood princelings, I'd wager. Still, can't say I envy the battles you missed here at home."

Reggie shook his head slowly, a weary respect in his gaze. "I'm endlessly impressed by Rose's fortitude and leadership during such dire straits. Though I can't pretend I'm surprised - she's proven herself time and again."

"That she has," Dumpheries agreed with a solemn nod. "Which is why the noble houses showered her and Damien with gifts and accolades after the dust settled".

Reggie felt his ears prick up at that intriguing detail. "The noble houses, you say? Which precisely?"

Dumpheries waved a meaty hand. "You should ask the Durello house, they might know something about Rose's and Damien's whereabouts".

Reggie thanks Dumpheries for his time and quickly heads to the Durello's house and began asking a few nobles he met sitting under a shed, sipping wine.

Reggie greeted them and asked where he could find Damien but they gave same response he has been hearing; "Damien left not long ago after the events that befell the city".

Reggie responds helplessly, "Yes, I know he's not here but I would like to know his exact address as I have an urgent information to pass to him".

It was then a noble responded, "Well, from the last time we sent some gifts to Damien in appreciation for what he did for the city, the gifts was sent to a new place. Some little human hamlet far to the west. A place called..." He furrowed his brow, rummaging through his memory. "Brimstone Ridge, if I've the name right."

"Brimstone Ridge," Reggie repeated slowly, scanning his own mental repository of maps and geografica. The name rang a faint bell, plucking a distant chord of recognition. If he wasn't mistaken, it referred to a sleepy rural community nestled in the foothills of the Corlinn mountain range - well beyond the borders of the Milarus princedom.

Which begged the question - why had Rose agreed to go with Damien so far from Reggie's own operating territory? A sharp prickle of unease needled the base of his skull at the thought.

"Well, I'd best be on my way to pay this Brimstone Ridge a visit," he said at last, inclining his head and taking a low bow before the nobles. "You've been more help than you know, I appreciate."

The noble who had given Reggie the name of Damien's new location snorted wry amusement. "Just don't go telling Damien I was the one who gave out his location to you, eh? I'm getting too old for that showmanship." He reached out to clap Reggie's shoulder with a massive, calloused paw. "Give my regards to Rose and Damien when you find 'em."

With that parting benediction, Reggie turned and retraced his path beyond the manor grounds, his thoughts already bent towards this new destination - Brimstone Ridge.

As the vampire city dwindled to a hazy smear of shadows behind him, Reggie couldn't shake the nagging sense that he stood on the cusp of something far larger than a simple quest to reunite with Rose.

That tantalizing trail of whispers and uneasy glances spoke to something more ominous brewing beneath the surface...something that may well have lured Rose and her unlikely ally far from familiar territory.

Only time would shed light on what awaited him in this enigmatic little hamlet called Brimstone Ridge. Squaring his shoulders, Reggie turned his booted feet westward and let the shadows swallow him whole.

Reggie decided to do something first. He decided to pay dumphries a visit before leaving. After all, the grizzled smith had been of invaluable help. As Reggie made his way back to Dumphries' forge, he felt a sense of gratitude welling up within him. Dumphries had provided him with valuable information, and Reggie was eager to express his appreciation.

As Reggie made his way back to Dumphries' forge, the clang of metal against metal echoed through the air, signaling the blacksmith's diligent work. The scent of burning coal mingled with the earthy aroma of heated iron, enveloping Reggie in a familiar cloak of industry.

Approaching the forge, Reggie could see the flickering glow of the fire dancing within, casting long shadows that danced across the walls of the dimly lit workshop. The rhythmic pounding of the hammer against the anvil reverberated through the space, a testament to Dumphries' skill and dedication.

As Reggie stepped closer, he could make out Dumphries' hulking form amidst the swirling haze of smoke and steam. Beads of sweat glistened on the blacksmith's brow as he worked, his muscles bulging with the effort of shaping molten metal into formidable weapons and tools.

"Dumphries," Reggie called out as he approached the burly blacksmith. "I just wanted to thank you again for your assistance. Your insight has been invaluable."

Dumphries looked up from his work, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "Aye, lad, it's the least I could do. Glad to be of help. Did you find what you were looking for?"

Reggie nodded, a determined glint in his gaze. "Yes, I believe so. I've discovered a clue that may lead me to Rose. I intend to pursue it immediately after leaving the city."

Before Reggie could turn to leave, Dumphries called out to him, his voice low and cautious. "Wait, Reggie. There's something else."

Curious, Reggie paused, turning back to face the blacksmith. "What is it, Dumphries? Is there something more you wish to share?"

Dumphries hesitated for a moment before reaching into his apron pocket and withdrawing a small, intricately wrapped bundle. Unfolding the cloth, he revealed a dazzling ruby necklace, its crimson hues catching the flickering light of the forge.

"This..." Dumphries began, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is for Rose's unborn child."

Reggie's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the exquisite necklace. "For Rose's child?" he echoed, his voice filled with awe.

Dumphries nodded solemnly. "Aye. I know I'm not supposed to be sharing this with anyone, but...you're Rose's knight, Reggie. I trust you'll see it gets to her."

Reggie accepted the necklace with a reverent nod, cradling it gently in his hands. "Thank you, Dumphries. I'll make sure this reaches Rose when we find her."

Dumphries smiled, a hint of relief in his expression. "I appreciate that, Reggie. Now go on, lad. Find Rose and bring her home."

With a final pat on Reggie's shoulder, Dumphries bid him farewell, watching as Reggie turned to leave.

-********

*Author's note!!*

Thank you all so much for the support!

Thanks for the gifts, the power stones, comments and golden tickets!

Thank you all for making a dream of mine slowly come through. It can only get better now, I hope!