The vampire's face did not change. It was only sensible to write a clause into the slave contract that once Samandriel's Grace was restored, Carrick would be in no danger from the angel. He'd heard of the raw, glorious power of an angel in combat, but he'd never fought one himself. While some part of him mused on the challenge it would provide, the monstrous pride that had grown in him over the centuries would not allow him to even consider facing a slave in combat.
Carrick took up the stack of papers and let his pale gaze drift down the pages, taking his time. The thick walls muffled all sounds from outside, and the silence inside the room was velvety and deep. Finally he placed the papers back on the table.
"24 hours. That's a measly amount of time, given what I'm offering you."
He gestured to the slaves an switched to English for a moment. "My young friend needs a reminder of what's at stake here. Show him."
The slave with the case held out his wrist, and the other man unfastened the padlock, sliding the handle of the case free. He unlocked a second set of catches on the case itself and opened it. He placed the Grace reverently on the table before the Vampire.