Demonic Dragon: Harem System

"You're too slow," Strax commented, dismounting from Apocalypse with a fluid, nonchalant motion. He stood before them, completely relaxed, as the three women finally caught up, each wearing varied expressions of irritation and exhaustion.

"We didn't know you had a four-legged freak," Cassandra complained, puffing. Her pout made it clear how much she hated losing.

Strax ran a hand through Apocalypse's mane, who snorted disdainfully, as if mocking the women too. He smiled, more amused than ever. "Not a freak. A champion. Maybe you should train your vampire horses a bit more."

"Show-off knight, that's what you are," Daniela muttered, clicking her tongue as she stopped her horse beside Cassandra. Her tone was sharp, but a faint smile betrayed her.

Belatrix arrived shortly after, positioning herself next to Daniela. Her expression was calm, though her eyes held a glimmer of annoyance at Strax's provocation. "We've got more ground to cover. Why are you stopping? Surely, you're not planning to humiliate us further, are you?"

"Oh, that wouldn't be fun at all," Strax replied, his grin widening as he gave Apocalypse a light pat on the side. "I'm just giving you a chance. My girl here was getting a little bored."

Apocalypse, as if perfectly understanding her master's words, let out a loud, dramatic neigh, her red eyes glowing like embers. Daniela rolled her eyes while Cassandra muttered something unintelligible, clearly irritated by both of them.

"You and that thing... are unbearable," Cassandra finally declared, attempting to maintain some dignity as she fixed her hair, disheveled from the race.

Strax laughed, mounting Apocalypse again with the same ease as before. "Come on, don't be so sensitive. You're great... for second and third place."

"Show-off," Daniela repeated, though this time with a more obvious smile as she adjusted her horse's reins.

Belatrix narrowed her eyes at him, though a hint of amusement glimmered in her expression. "Remember, Strax, the journey is long. And you know what they say: the one who laughs last, laughs best."

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"We'll see," Strax replied confidently. He gave Apocalypse a light command, and she stepped forward, her hooves thundering against the ground. "Now, do you want to keep playing, or should we get to our destination?"

Cassandra tugged her reins, her eyes gleaming with determination. "This time, I'll catch up to you. Get ready."

"I look forward to it," Strax replied with a mischievous smile, as Apocalypse neighed once more, as if challenging their mounts. And with that, he set off again, leaving the three women behind in a cloud of dust.

The journey, which would typically take a week, was being cut down to just a day or two, thanks to the speed of the vampire horses and, of course, the impressive Apocalypse. Although they could arrive faster by running the whole time, the group chose a comfortable, steady pace, making the trip more enjoyable.

For Strax, it was a unique moment. For the first time, he could ride Apocalypse and truly unleash her full potential. The bond between them seemed to grow with every mile, making the experience as thrilling as it was liberating.

The ride continued at a steady rhythm until, in the distance, the imposing capital began to rise on the horizon.

Strax gently pulled the reins, slowing Apocalypse as his eyes fixed on the view ahead. The city looked like a living painting, with tall towers adorned in gothic detail, capturing the golden rays of the setting sun. The black slate roofs shimmered, and the massive walls encircling the city bore the weight of centuries of history and conflict.

He remained silent for a few moments, his gaze absorbed, almost hypnotized by the grandeur and beauty of the scene.

"...Beautiful, isn't it?" Cassandra's voice broke the silence, soft and tinged with pride. She smiled as she observed Strax's awestruck expression.

"It's more than beautiful..." Strax replied, his voice low, almost a whisper. He glanced at Cassandra, who still held that small smile, then turned his gaze back to the city. "It's... breathtaking."

Cassandra tilted her head, as though trying to understand what exactly he saw. "The capital is the heart of the Vampire Kingdom. Every stone, every tower... carries centuries of power and history. And for us, it's a reminder of what it means to be on this side of the world."

"It feels surreal," Strax admitted, adjusting his posture slightly on Apocalypse. "You've lived here for so long… I don't think I ever imagined I'd see it with my own eyes one day."

"It's more than just seeing," Cassandra replied, her eyes narrowing slightly as her smile turned into something more enigmatic. "Now that you're here, you're part of it. Whether you like it or not."

He turned to face her, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smile. "That almost sounds like a threat."

Cassandra chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to dance through the air like an ancient melody. "It's more of a reminder. This place changes people, Strax."

Before he could respond, Daniela and Belatrix arrived beside them, adjusting their horses and gazing at the capital.

"We've arrived," Daniela remarked, her voice carrying a mix of relief and fatigue. "I hope you're ready. This city is as beautiful as it is treacherous."

Belatrix only nodded, her expression serious. "We still have a bit of road left to the main gates. Shall we continue?"

Strax gave the city one last look, his heart beating a little faster with the mix of excitement and anticipation.

"Yes," he said, firmly pulling Apocalypse's reins. "Let's see what awaits us in this place."

...

[Scarlet Mansion]

The near-absolute silence of the vast Scarlet mansion was broken only by the soft sound of cards being shuffled and dealt onto the coffee table. The room, though dim and adorned with gothic elegance, exuded a certain comfort, especially with the four women gathered around the table. Beatrice, Samira, Monica, and Cristine were busy playing cards, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Beatrice, with her hair tied up in a messy bun, was the most focused on the game, though her eyes frequently drifted to the window, where sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains. Monica, beside her, seemed restless, drumming her fingers on the table's edge while glancing at her cards. Cristine, the calmest of the group, still wore a thoughtful expression, while Samira looked on the verge of exploding with frustration, her cards nearly crumpled in her hands.

"I still can't believe they left us here," Samira finally said, breaking the silence. Her voice was a mix of irritation and disbelief. "I mean, we're his wives! It's not like we're… I don't know, simple bystanders!"

Beatrice sighed, setting her cards down and propping her chin on one hand. "Do you really think it would be safe for us? The vampire capital isn't exactly a friendly place for humans, Samira."

"Yeah, but that doesn't explain anything!" Monica retorted, tossing her cards carelessly onto the table and crossing her arms. "No one's told us why the hell they can walk around in this bright sun while we can't even get close without protection!"

Cristine raised an eyebrow, giving a faint smile. "Maybe it's because they're… vampires? And we're human? Have you thought about that?"

Samira huffed, slamming her cards down onto the table. "I have, but it doesn't make sense! Everyone knows vampires burn in the sun! That's how it works, isn't it? They should be ash by now!"

Beatrice leaned forward, calmly picking up the cards and reorganizing them. "Maybe it's not that simple. Scarlet and the others are different. They're not like the vampires we've read about in stories. That's been clear from the start."

"But why?" Monica asked, almost pleading for answers. "Why are they different? And why does no one tell us anything? They treat us like… like we're not part of this!"

"Maybe we aren't," Cristine said, her voice soft but heavy with a seriousness that made the others pause for a moment. "Think about it. We're human. And they're… well, whatever they are. We're from different worlds, and the fact that we're even here is already something extraordinary."

Samira rolled her eyes but didn't respond. Instead, she picked up one of the cards from the table and began twirling it between her fingers, her frustration still evident.

Beatrice glanced at the window again, the sunlight outside casting long shadows across the room. "I admit, I wonder about it too. How can they walk in the sun? Scarlet never explained it, and honestly, I don't think Strax knows either."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Strax seems to… accept everything so easily," Monica said, resting her head on one hand. "As if he's been part of this world for a long time. Meanwhile, we're here, still trying to figure out how any of this works."

Cristine smiled faintly, picking up her cards again. "He's different. He always has been. I think that's why they accepted him so quickly. And why he can handle all of this in a way that we can't."

"Which only makes it more annoying," Samira muttered, tossing the card she had been twirling back onto the table.