Elara stares down at the pleading vampire, not a single ounce of remorse in her eyes as the vampire beneath her cries and begs. Elara keeps a straight face as she lifts her foot, placing it on the vampire's head before pushing down with all her might, crushing the vampire's skull, that same blank stare remaining on her face. She lets out an annoyed sigh at the vampire blood on her suit. "Dammit... I'll just wash it off myself." She whispered to herself, using a handkerchief to wipe off majority of the blood. As she does so, she hears rustling in a nearby bush. Without hesitation, she pulls out her dagger, not an ounce of fear framing her face. She slowly approaches the bush, her movements calculated and quiet. As she reaches the bush, she immediately throws her dagger. Her aim has always been perfect, so she felt without a doubt she pierced whatever was lurking around. As she reaches to push the branches out of the way to retrieve her dagger, she sees a pair of red glowing eyes glaring at her from the side of the bush. Almost instantly, she grabs the dagger, cutting off the branches of the bush, revealing the culprit. She holds her dagger in between the person's eyes. As Elara looks closer, she notices the fangs. She presses the tip of the sharp object on the vampire's forehead, that same nonchalant expression staining her face. "You know I can kill you... right?" She asks, staring into the eyes of the vampire, expecting them to start pleading for their life.

Her eyes narrow as the vampire tells her to calm down and insists they weren't going to do anything bad. Elara scoffs softly before pushing the dagger harder against its forehead, drawing a small trickle of blood from it. "Funny, that's what all of them say." She whispers coldly.

Her hand tightens on the hilt of her dagger. "I don't take chances with vampires," she says flatly, eyeing Lapsha9 suspiciously. "Now, you can either come quietly and I might spare your life for tonight... or we can do this the hard way." Her voice is low and dangerous.

Without another word, Elara swiftly moves the dagger forward. The tip of the blade sinks into the vampire's neck, drawing a thin line of blood down its flesh as it connects with an artery. Lapsha9 cries out in pain, struggling weakly against her grip.

Elara grunts slightly, losing patience. She lets go of the dagger and grabs Lapsha9 by the throat instead, easily overpowering its feeble attempts to escape. Her eyes narrow as she watches the blood slowly drain from the vampire's body. "You know what they say... once a vampire always a vampire," she whispers icily, then her voice turns cold and hard as stone. "Now tell me why I shouldn't just kill you right now."

Her face doesn't register the slightest reaction to the vampire's words as she continues to squeeze its throat, but her eyes flicker with interest. "Very well," she says coldly. With one final push, she forces Lapsha9 to the ground and drops her grip on the throat. She stands up, brushing off her hands. "Let this be a lesson for you."

She pauses, considering something. Normally she would've just left it at that, but there's something about Lapsha9 that intrigues her. Perhaps she could use the vampire to gather information on other rogues in the city. "Tell me why I shouldn't leave you here as an example," she says quietly, not bothering to keep the threat from her voice.

Elara raises an eyebrow at the vampire's claim to be a succubus instead of a full-blooded vampire. It would explain why she didn't attack her outright before. "A succubus, huh?" she murmurs thoughtfully. "And how exactly does that change anything? You're still part of the same filth that roams this world, preying on innocents."

Her gaze flickers over to where she had been cleaning her dagger earlier before coming back to rest on Lapsha9. "You have three choices," she says in her low voice. "One: I kill you now and be done with it. Two: You come with me and try to prove yourself useful by giving me information about the other rogue creatures like yourself. Or three: You stay here, and I'll leave you as a warning for any others that might be foolish enough to think they can take me on."

Well, she didn't expect that to be easy. Elara smirks faintly as the succubus agrees to come with her, deciding against killing it outright. Perhaps there's some truth to its claims about not harming people; after all, most succubi survived by seducing rather than murdering their prey. Still, she keeps a close eye on Lapsha9 as they continue through the night, never fully trusting the creature. "So," she says casually, her voice pitched low to avoid attracting attention, "what kind of information are you thinking I could use?"

"Fine," she says with a shrug, not bothering to hide her disdain. "Tell me about the other succubi in the city." She pauses for a moment before adding, almost as an afterthought, "And any other vampires or creatures like them that you might know of, of course." The way she says it makes it clear she doesn't expect much out of this conversation.

Elara nods in acknowledgement as the succubus informs her about the other creatures. Interesting... She hadn't expected there to be so few of them left. Perhaps this knowledge could prove useful in the future. "And why is that?" she asks casually, her voice devoid of any emotion. "Why are you different from the others? Or do they just not know how to hide as well as you?" She pauses for a moment before adding, "Perhaps I can help with that."

Her tone makes it clear she isn't offering assistance out of kindness. If anything, this seems like another way for her to manipulate the situation to suit her needs.

Her eyes narrow slightly at the mention of the female vampire who had almost killed Lapsha9 and seemed to be a rival. Interesting indeed...She purses her lips as she listens to the succubus's story, trying to decide whether or not to believe it. It seems plausible enough, though it's hard for her to tell with creatures like this. Still, there's an advantage to having someone who knows about both sides of the fence. "You may find my methods... different from what you're used to," she says at last, "but I can guarantee that they will keep you alive. And if we run into this female vampire again..." She trails off meaningfully, letting her words hang in the air for a moment before finishing with a cold smile, "I won't hesitate to deal with her myself."

Her eyes flick over Lapsha9 thoughtfully. This creature may prove useful yet...

"Weakness is something I can't abide," she murmurs coldly, her tone sharp enough to make the succubus flinch slightly. "But for now," she adds, her voice softening slightly, "you'll just have to trust me." Her eyes narrow as they assess the creature before her. For someone who claims not to be a threat, Lapsha9 seems awfully weak. She wonders if there's something more going on here.

Her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of movement nearby. Without warning, she lunges forward and grabs the succubus by its throat once again, pressing it against the nearest wall. "You didn't think I wouldn't notice that little ploy for sympathy, did you?" she snarls, her eyes boring into Lapsha9's own. "Don't test my patience."

Her grip on the succubus's throat tightens threateningly as her expression turns grim and calculating once again. There was something about this situation that was off...and she couldn't quite put her finger on it yet. But she would, soon enough.

Her eyes narrow as she studies the creature in her grasp, looking for any sign of deception. The more she thinks about it, the more something feels off about this entire situation. She releases her grip on Lapsha9's throat but doesn't step away, maintaining a wary distance instead. "Prove it," she says curtly, not bothering to hide the skepticism in her voice. "Show me why you're worth keeping around."

There's a long pause as Elara continues to watch Lapsha9 closely, waiting for some sign that might confirm or deny her suspicions. This entire encounter has left her feeling more uneasy than she cares to admit, and she can't help but wonder what role the succubus plays in all of this...if any.

For now, though, she contented herself with keeping an eye on Lapsha9 until it could prove itself useful once again. Or until it became too much of a liability to keep around. Time would tell.

Her expression doesn't change as she listens to the succubus's offer. "Maybe," she replies noncommittally. "But first, you're going to have to prove yourself useful right now." She pauses for a moment, considering the creature in her grasp before adding coldly, "Show me what you know about this female vampire who almost killed you."

There's an unspoken threat behind her words; if Lapsha9 doesn't provide her with the information she wants, there will be consequences. The succubus hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly in understanding.

"Very well," she says curtly, still maintaining her usual distance. The description matches up with what she was expecting; another powerful vampire who might prove to be a useful asset...or a deadly threat. "What's her name?" She asks, not bothering to hide the razor-sharp edge in her voice.

She studies Lapsha9 carefully as the succubus answers, searching for any sign that it might be lying or holding something back. For now, she keeps her trust at a minimum; experience has taught her not to underestimate creatures like this.

Elara raises an eyebrow skeptically at the succubus's answer before letting out a small, cold laugh. "A fair point," she concedes reluctantly. "But it seems I will have to find another way to get that information, then." She pauses for a moment, considering her next words carefully before adding, "Perhaps once you've proven yourself more useful, I may reconsider your position within my... circle of acquaintances." Her voice is quiet but carries an undercurrent of threat nonetheless.

For now, though, she turns her attention back to the task at hand: hunting down the powerful female vampire who seemed intent on causing trouble for both her and Lapsha9. There would be time enough for tests and deception later; first, she needed to ensure that this threat was neutralized before it could cause any more harm.

While the succubus struggles to remain standing, Elara quickly reaches down and grabs it by the shoulder, supporting its weight. "You're coming with me," she says curtly, her expression unreadable as she leads the weakened creature away from the scene. As they move through the shadows, Lapsha9 occasionally protests or asks if there's anything that can be done about its condition, but Elara pays it no mind, intent on finding a secure place to rest and regain its strength.

Eventually, she finds an abandoned warehouse and drags the succubus inside, propping it up against one of the support beams. "Rest," she commands sharply. "And don't even think about leaving this spot until I say so." With that, Elara turns on her heel and disappears into the darkness, leaving Lapsha9 alone to ponder its fate.

A soft chuckle leaves her lips as she watches Lapsha9 struggle to sit up and take in its surroundings. "Ah, you're finally awake." She steps closer, studying the succubus thoughtfully. "How do you feel?" Her tone holds a hint of mockery; after all, it wasn't like this creature could honestly answer truthfully.

Lapsha9 grunts and sighs softly before speaking, its voice hoarse from lack of use. "Still weak... but better than before." The succubus eyes Elara warily, unsure what to make of the vampire hunter's sudden change in attitude.

"I've been considering your offer," she says casually, fidgeting with her dagger holster. "You could be quite useful to me... if you play your cards right." Her expression remains impassive, but there's a glint in her eyes that belies her words. "What do you say?"

For the moment, Elara lets Lapsha9 believe it still has a choice. The truth is, she'll make sure the succubus understands its place soon enough... when she's ready to reveal her true intentions.

Elara smirks faintly at the creature's resigned tone. "There's always a choice," she says, sounding almost amused. "Even for something like you." She pauses, studying Lapsha9 once more before continuing, her voice taking on a slightly colder edge. "But I suggest you make the right one this time." Her eyes flicker over to where her dagger holster hangs at her side, as if inviting the succubus to consider the consequences of its actions.

There's a long silence as they both continue to assess each other. Finally, Elara breaks it with a shrug. "Well then," she says casually, not bothering to hide the irritation in her voice. "What are your terms?" She crosses her arms over her chest and leans back against the support beam, waiting for Lapsha9's response.

The succubus hesitates, clearly unprepared for such a blunt question. It glances away, seemingly lost in thought for a moment before finally speaking. "I-I don't know..." it stammers weakly. Elara raises an eyebrow skeptically but says nothing, content to let the succubus stew in its own confusion for now.

Eventually, Lapsha9 musters up the courage to continue. "I want to live," it says slowly, almost as if speaking the words out loud would make them real. Elara snorts derisively at this, but once again, lets the creature finish. "And... I'll help you any way I can. Just don't kill me..." The succubus trails off, voice cracking with fear and desperation.

Elara regards Lapsha9 carefully before nodding slowly. For now, it seems like this might

Well, well...it seems our little succubus is eager to show its worth. "I know of a place," she says finally, "but you'll have to earn that information first." She pauses for effect, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing, "First things first: prove your loyalty. Find me that female vampire I told you about earlier and bring her back here alive." Her gaze hardens as she issues this command, making it clear that failure is not an option.

There's a long silence as they both regard each other once again. Finally, Elara breaks it with a shake of her head. "Don't take too long," she says curtly before disappearing into the shadows once more, leaving Lapsha9 alone to ponder its next move.

The succubus stands motionless for several heartbeats after Elara has gone, uncertain and terrified by this new development. Eventually, however, it forces itself to take a step forward, unsure of what the future holds but determined not to waste whatever chance it might have been given.

It's almost amusing how quickly this creature tries to weasel its way out of the deal. "You'll manage," she says, her tone unyielding. "And if I have to, I'll make sure you get what you need." Her eyes flick over Lapsha9 again, taking in the creature's form once more before continuing. "Just find me that vampire and bring her back alive. The rest will work itself out."

With that said, Elara disappears into the darkness once more, leaving Lapsha9 standing there alone with its thoughts and fears. The succubus takes a deep breath, steeling itself against the looming challenge ahead as it resolves to find the powerful female vampire and earn its place amongst whatever twisted scheme Elara might have concocted.