Tsurumi stood by one of the tall windows in the main hall of the manor, gazing out into the night. His dark eyes scanned the misty grounds with an intensity that suggested he was waiting for something—or someone. He could sense it. A presence, unfamiliar, had stepped onto his land.

A smile curled his lips, revealing just a hint of his sharp fangs. “It seems we have a visitor,” the vampire murmured to himself.

“Tsurumi-sama...” a silhouette of Usami half-materialized behind him and whispered softly, almost playfully. “Should I greet them?”

Tsurumi chuckled, turning away from the window. “No need to frighten them just yet, Usami-kun. Let’s see what our guest wants first.”

The ghost obediently faded back into the shadows; his presence lingered, though, a cold chill that hung in the air.

Tsukishima entered the hall next, his heavy boots thudding softly against the stone floor as he approached Tsurumi with his usual calm demeanor. His dull eyes betrayed no emotion as he addressed his master.

“Master Tsurumi,” Tsukishima said quietly, “there’s someone approaching the manor. They’ve crossed the outer grounds.”

Tsurumi tilted his head slightly, considering. “And what do you think, Tsukishima? Are they prey... or something more interesting?”

At that moment, the sound of claws clicking against the stone floor echoed through the hall, and Koito bounded into view, his black wolf ears twitching atop his head and his tail wagging excitedly behind him. He leaned in close to Tsukishima to whisper hurriedly into the zombie’s ear.

Tsukishima sighed softly before turning to Tsurumi. “He says... he wants permission to scout ahead and see who the intruder is.”

Tsurumi chuckled lightly, his gaze shifting back toward the window. “Very well, Koito-kun. Go ahead. But remember—observe first.”

Koito gave a sharp nod and bounded off with a speed that only a werewolf could manage.

Tsurumi watched him go, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Ah, youth...” he mused aloud. “Make sure he doesn’t get too carried away, Tsukishima.”