Did You Order an Heir?

Vlad starts unbuttoning his shirt. He’s a lion, the master of the pride—who dragged a ewe into his den. He enjoys the prey and doesn’t hurry to eat it. He plays.

I watch, spellbound: one button, two, three…

— W-what are you doing?— I ask, hoarse, noisily exhale, and pull the doorknob. It’s locked!

Oh no! A danger signal booms in my head.

Run! Immediately! Now!

— And how do you think?

— Don’t you dare!— I tremble with excitement. — Don’t you dare!