MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Chapter 342: Find wisdom or madness

As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of dark red, Blake, Reggie, Randall, and Dumpheries prepared to leave the vampire city. The cobblestone streets were still mostly empty, with only a few early risers going about their business. The group stood in front of Dumpheries' modest home, double-checking their supplies and steeling themselves for the journey ahead.

"We'll need horses," Reggie said, his voice tight with urgency. "The Whispering Woods are too far to reach on foot, and we can't waste any time."

Dumpheries nodded, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I've already arranged for that," he said. "Follow me."

He led them through a series of winding alleys, the buildings growing taller and more imposing as they approached the city center. Finally, they emerged into a large courtyard dominated by an ornate stable. The scent of hay and leather filled the air, mingling with the earthy smell of horses.

A tall, lean vampire with piercing green eyes stepped out to greet them. "Ah, Dumpheries," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

Dumpheries clasped the vampire's hand warmly. "Terrence, old friend. Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice."

Terrence's gaze swept over the group, lingering curiously on Blake. "Anything for you, Dumpheries. Though I must admit, I'm intrigued by this... eclectic group you've assembled."

Blake stepped forward, extending his hand. "I'm Blake," he said. "And we're grateful for your help. Time is of the essence."

Terrence shook Blake's hand, his grip firm but not challenging. "Indeed," he said. "Well then, let's get you all situated, shall we?"

He led them into the stable, where four magnificent horses stood ready. Blake's mount was a jet-black stallion with a white mark on its forehead. Reggie and Randall were given sturdy warhorses, while Dumpheries' steed was a graceful gray mare.

As they saddled up and secured their supplies, Blake couldn't help but marvel at the quality of the horses. "These are fine animals," he said to Terrence. "How much do we owe you?"

Terrence waved his hand dismissively. "Consider it a favor to Dumpheries," he said. "Just promise me you'll bring them back in one piece - and that someday, you'll share the tale of whatever adventure you're embarking on."

"That, we owe you," Dumphries said with a smile. Clearly, both Terence and Dumphries were familiar with one another. Dumphries used to supply Terence weapons which he sold out a long with his horses and over time a few credits were owed which were never accounted for.

With final checks complete, the group led their horses out of the stable. The streets were beginning to fill with more activity now, and curious glances were thrown their way.

As they reached the massive gates that marked the city's edge, a gruff voice called out to them. "Halt! State your business."

A burly vampire knight stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Dumpheries dismounted smoothly, approaching the guard with a disarming smile.

"Ah, Captain Drakus," he said. "We have urgent matters to attend to outside the city. I believe you'll find our papers are in order." He produced a scroll from his coat, handing it to the suspicious guard.

Drakus unrolled the parchment, his eyes widening as he read. He looked up at Dumpheries, then at the rest of the group, before nodding curtly. "Everything seems to be in order," he said. "You may pass. But be warned - the lands beyond our walls are not as safe as they once were."

"We'll keep that in mind," Blake said, unable to keep a hint of impatience from his voice. Every moment they delayed was a moment Rose suffered.

With a grinding of gears and creaking of wood, the massive gates swung open. Blake took a deep breath, the reality of their quest settling over him like a heavy cloak. They were really doing this - leaving the relative safety of the vampire city to venture into unknown dangers.

As they urged their horses forward, the cobblestones gave way to a well-worn dirt road. The city walls receded behind them, and soon they found themselves surrounded by rolling hills and distant forests.

For a while, they rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. It was Reggie who finally broke the quiet, his voice carrying a forced lightness. "So, Dumpheries," he said. "Care to share how you managed to get us out of the city so easily? I was under the impression that leaving wasn't a simple matter."

Dumpheries chuckled, a sound that seemed at odds with their grim mission. "Let's just say that when you've lived as long as I have, you accumulate a fair number of favors owed. And sometimes, a little misdirection goes a long way."

"Misdirection?" Randall asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed," Dumpheries replied with a mischievous glint in his eye. "As far as Captain Drakus knows, we're on a sanctioned research expedition to study rare flora in the Whispering Woods.It's not entirely untrue, after all."

Blake shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips despite the weight in his chest. "Remind me never to play cards with you, Dumpheries." The group laughed as whole, momentarily forgetting their worries.

As they continued their journey, the landscape began to change. The gentle hills gave way to more rugged terrain, and the distant line of trees grew closer and more imposing with each passing mile.

"We should reach the edge of the Whispering Woods by midday to evening," Dumpheries said, his voice growing serious. "From there, we'll need to be on our guard. The woods are not kind to uninvited guests."

Blake nodded, his hand unconsciously tightening on the reins. "What can we expect?" he asked.

Dumpheries' expression grew thoughtful. "The unexpected," he said after a moment. "The Whispering Woods are ancient and filled with magic that even I don't fully understand. Paths that seem straight may lead you in circles. Creatures that shouldn't exist roam freely. And always, always, there are the whispers."

"Whispers?" Reggie asked, a note of unease in his voice.

"Yes," Dumpheries confirmed. "They say the trees themselves speak to those who enter the woods. Some find wisdom in those whispers. Others find madness."