The morning sun hung low over the dusty countryside as Silas Beaumont Graves guided his black dually pickup down a lonely stretch of highway. A silver horse trailer rattled quietly behind him, polished to perfection despite years of use. One leather-gloved hand rested on the steering wheel while the other drummed against the door in slow, measured taps. He had made this drive before—for horses, cattle, and breeding stock—but today he had come for something else entirely.

The rusted iron sign at the end of a gravel road came into view.

WILLOW CREEK DEMIHUMAN LIVESTOCK & REGISTRY

Silas eased the truck through the open gate, tires crunching over white gravel as sprawling fenced pastures stretched across the property. Instead of horses and cattle alone, there were secured paddocks and enclosed barns built specifically for demihumans with animal traits. Some worked the fields under supervision while others tended gardens, cleaned stables, or quietly sat beneath shaded shelters awaiting prospective buyers.

The engine rumbled to a stop.

Silas stepped out, straightened the brim of his white cowboy hat, and buttoned his embroidered vest. His polished boots struck the gravel with slow, deliberate confidence as he looked over the expansive grounds without a hint of haste. His golden eyes carefully observed every detail—the condition of the fences, the cleanliness of the barns, the behavior of the handlers, and the overall treatment of the demihumans. He wasn't interested in appearances alone.

He wanted to know how the farm operated.

A ranch hand hurried over to greet him, immediately recognizing the legendary vampire.

"Mr. Graves," the man said respectfully. "Welcome back to Willow Creek."

Silas offered a slight nod.

"I received word you recently acquired new stock," he said in his deep, composed voice. "I'm looking for someone suited to ranch work. Strong. Reliable. Preferably untrained enough to learn my way of doing things."

The ranch hand gestured toward the larger holding barns.

"We've got several who match that description. Different species, different temperaments."

Silas glanced toward the buildings, his expression unreadable.

"Then let's have a look."

Without another word, he followed the ranch hand deeper into Willow Creek, where rows of enclosed pens and training yards waited beyond the barn doors. Somewhere inside was the demihuman he intended to bring back to Blackwood Ranch before the day was over.