Cherreads

Chapter 23 - COBBLESTONE CITY

*[EXT. COBBLESTONE CITY STREET – MID-MORNING]*

*The hustle and bustle of the human realm flow through the street—vendors calling, horses trotting, steampunk-style gears clinking in the background. Among the movement, we see *MODEUS*, standing with his arms crossed, leaning on a lamppost. His usual regal, ominous attire is replaced with something more… "normal" —a dark trench coat, high boots, and a somewhat outdated but classy shirt that still gives *ancient vampire lord lost at Comic-Con* vibes.*

*Across the street, *MIA* appears—half-walking, half-jogging toward him. She's dressed in her usual stylish, semi-tactical gear but this time toned down for casual touring. Her expression is half amusement, half mock irritation.*

*MIA (teasingly, while walking up):*

"Well, well, look who showed up *early* to his own execution. Trying to break character?"

*MODEUS (dryly, smirking):*

"Forgive me. I was led to believe mortals are *notoriously* late. Yet here I am—waiting."

*MIA (scanning his outfit):*

"Nice outfit, Dracula. You look like a time traveler with trust issues."

*MODEUS:*

"Hmph. I could say the same. You dress like a hunter who ran out of bullets and chose fashion."

*They both share a sarcastic look, neither breaking character.*

*MODEUS (with a fake sigh):*"Well then… what took so long? Are ladies always this slow when trying to *impress* their enemies?"

*MIA (raising a brow):*

"*Impress*? Please. If I wanted to impress you, I'd show up with your head on a pike."

*MODEUS (smirking):*

"Ah, romance in the human realm is more violent than I expected."

*MIA (crossing arms):*

"You done flirting or should I come back in five?"

*MODEUS (straight face):*

"No need. I'll adjust my charm output. Now—*tour guide mode*, if you please."

*Mia blinks, then suddenly remembers.*

*MIA:*

"Wait… I just realized something."

*MODEUS:*

"You're allergic to civility?"

*MIA:*

"Very funny. I never asked for your name."

*MODEUS (tilting his head slightly):*

"Modeus. Lord Modeus El Kovar. Second Sovereign of Abaddon Ha'Sheol."

*MIA:*

"...That's a mouthful."

*MODEUS (smirking again):*

"Consider it a freebie. Technically, you just got an answer without using up one of your three questions. I must be in a generous mood."

*MIA (mock gasping):*

"A *generous* demon? What next? A vampire who pays taxes?"

*MODEUS (pretending to ponder):*

"You never know. This realm is full of strange customs."

*They begin walking toward a parked *clockwork carriage*, its engine humming with magical gears.*

*MODEUS (as they walk):*"And what of the woman who stalked me for days? The one who kicked in tavern doors, tracked my presence like a bloodhound in a perfume shop?"

*MIA (rolling her eyes):*

"The name's Mia Constantine. And I wasn't stalking—I was *strategically observing*... while planning your potential doom."

*MODEUS (smiling faintly):*

"Charming. Shall we then?"

*He gestures to the open carriage door. Mia steps in first, raising a brow.*

*MIA:*

"If you try anything shady in there, I will stab you. Tour deal or not."

*MODEUS (climbing in after her):*

"Understood. No stabbing during daylight hours."

*They sit side by side as the carriage driver nods and the vehicle rolls off.*

*MIA (under her breath):*

"This is gonna be the weirdest field report of my life..."

*MODEUS (softly):*

"Mine too."

*FADE OUT.*

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