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"Surprised?" Ezra asked with a smirk.

As the City Lord, Itachi was aware of and had been in control of the market before he had given Yuri along with Southside. He\'d controlled the market by using by choosing the overseer who received instructions from him through an organization he had created.

The document in Elliot\'s hands was an official directive from the very same organization that both secretly sanctioned and profited from the market\'s illegal activities.

It was the same organization that now belonged to Countess Yuri.

The document stated, in clear terms, that Ezra was now the acting overseer of the entire operation.

Elliot looked up, his attitude shifting from wary to respectful but Ezra could see from his expression that he still wasn\'t convinced. "This is unexpected." He said. "I wasn\'t informed about any changes in management."

"And?" Ezra tilted his head, his gaze steady and commanding. "This is your notice, Elliot. Your job is to accept your commands, not to be informed of them before they come."

Elliot watched him, silent.

"The nature of our business requires discretion." Ezra turned away, his eyes skimming the shelves. "I\'m here to ensure that operations continue without disruption and perhaps... with some improvements."

The implication was clear. Elliot could be one of the improvements in the form of a replacement.

"And if I refuse to acknowledge this?" Elliot challenged, though the edge of defeat was already creeping into his voice.

"You could." Ezra conceded, his voice cool and collected. "But I would advise against it."

He waved negligently. "My credentials and the authorization in that document are irrefutable. You can verify it with your contacts, though I assure you they will confirm the legitimacy of my position."

"But the question is..." he paused theatrically,casually thumbing through the documents on the shelf beside him, "can you deal with the consequences of refusal."

Ezra turned to stare at Elliot, his gaze intense. "Choose wisely, Elliot." He whispered.

Elliot studied Ezra for a long moment before nodding slowly, acceptance dawning on his features. "Very well, Mr. M. What do you need from us?"

"For now, continue as usual. I\'ll be making rounds, getting acquainted with the operations, and making assessments. We\'ll meet later to discuss the details of how things are run and where improvements can be made." Ezra instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ezra turned to leave the tent, not waiting for the acknowledgement. His time was short and he had things to do.

**********

As the light of the moon streamed through the windows of the throne room, Yuri sat on her throne. This time, the moon was opposite her, making her halo trick unfeasible.

She knew just how important appearances were among vampires and that was why her second trick would be on display tonight.

She smirked, knowing that due to the light of the moon hitting her directly, it would look to her guests like she was sitting on a throne made of shadows.

She followed the progress of her guests with her Aura until they walked into the room, where she could see them with her eyes.

The trio of vampires whose reputation preceded them as much as their enchanting appearances entered, wearing matching smiles.

Fiona led her partners, Luna and Charlie, each step deliberate, their dark hair flowing down their waists. Their dresses caught the light and shimmered, a trick to ensure that all eyes that could see them remained fixed on them.

Yuri smirked. The girls did know their business.

She watched their approach with a casual demeanor, leaning back on her throne. She knew the value of allies in the upcoming war, especially ones as capable and influential as the A X E.

"Welcome A X E, to Southside." Yuri greeted them.

"The pleasure is ours, Countess." Fiona, the leader, said as they bowed slightly. "We would like to present ourselves to you as mercenaries in your war."

"I see." Yuri said. This was what she had been expecting. But she did have a question. "And why me? Why not Solomon or Vladimir?"

"Two reasons, Countess." Fiona smirked. "First, we would like the opportunity to work under a female Count. There\'s not many of those around. Second, the Flower Shop girls have decided to throw their support behind Count Solomon. What better way to guarantee a fight against them than joining you?"

"And I assume that your services don\'t come cheap." Yuri controlled her expression, putting on a neutral mask. Even if her interest was piqued, this was now a negotiation. "Tell me. What, precisely, do you seek in exchange for your allegiance?"

Luna stepped forward slightly, her gaze steady. "We wish to be granted access to the Ascension Well, Countess. Each of us seeks to drink from its waters and ascend to the fifth ring as payment for our services," she stated, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious room.

Yuri\'s gaze shifted between the three ladies as she considered their offer. The Ascension Well was currently her most prized possession. It was one of the reasons for the current war.

Whoever controls the well, controls the rate of ascension between fourth and fifth ring. The well on its own, was enough to turn the tide of any war.

"The Well\'s gifts are precious and its waters limited. I can agree to grant access to one of you, but no more." Yuri countered.

Charlie, the third A X E, stepped forward. "Countess, we\'re aware of the general state of your affairs right now. The power we bring to you could very well secure your victory on one front. Surely such an advantage is worth more than a single drink."

"Not when a single drink is enough to set an unprepared vampire on the path to godhood, no." Yuri countered. "Helping me win a war is not enough. What value can you bring to me?"

The ladies were silent, waiting on their leader. Finally, Fiona spoke.

"We propose a year of our unwavering service. In return, at the end of the stipulated time, each of us will be granted access to drink from the well."

Yuri paused, the proposition tempting. She knew she was not in a position to easily refuse such valuable allies. The A X E had played their hand well, understanding both their value and her need. But she could get more out of this.

"Five years of service." She stated.

"Two." Fiona countered.

"Four." Yuri leaned forward on her throne.

Fiona paused. "Three or no deal, Countess. Take it or leave it."

Yuri paused, thinking about it. Three years of service in exchange for raising up three vampires to the fifth ring. Vampires that would be a good counter to the Flower Shop girls.

After a moment of silence, she nodded slowly. "Very well. Serve me loyally for three years, and at the end of it, you shall each drink from the Ascension Well."

"Come." She stood from her throne, stepping slowly down the dias. "Let us seal the deal with a blood oath."