It was a calm morning. Vampires favoured the night, but they still valued the sun. Fledglings knew to respect it and seek refuge from it. Meanwhile, elders revered it as a sign, for them to measure the passage of time.

Her people did not fear the sunlight. They could not do so, because it could not be compared to the intensity of fire, which they defied greatly. All took heed, but they did not dread.

Their land was prosperous, full of life, tainted or not. All humans and vampires were free to roam the vast fields and forests, shielded from danger. It was something to be admired.

Her ochre eyes contemplated the view fondly, without doubt. She did not shiver as her hand brushed those sharp nails, which soon tangled gently around her softer fingers. Both cherished their closeness, no longer unnerved by their dissimilarities.

With time, Lyssa let go of all her past convictions. She felt no hate for the people of this land, no matter their condition. Her gaze moved subtly to look at those sharp emeralds. Nerys was observing the far distance in silence, smiling warmly. The two were sitting side by side, on the parapets of the tallest tower, where they once planned their freedom.

Lyssa took a deep contented breath, loving to see her like this. There was heartfelt emotion in her gaze, no trace of worry or dread; she displayed humanity. Her lethargic heartbeat always intensified by her side, and her hold could help her feel less cold.

Right now, her expression was peaceful, caring. There was no hesitation or regret in her gaze, not anymore. They had been able to let go of all worries for a while… Yet time was capricious, and it always could pave the way for adversity.

Lyssa blinked, because Nerys tensed suddenly. She frowned slowly, and her eyes sharpened while she stared at the distance. Her claw began to tremble subtly and soon twitched away from her hand. That scowl became a cold grimace.

“Nerys, is something wrong?”

The answer was snarled.

“I shouldn’t have taken this tranquillity for granted…”

She only understood when she looked at the distance as well. The tower presented a vast view of her domain, allowing one to see the distant villages and fields, which preceded the forests in the horizon. A long road crossed the land from the border, leading to her capital. It was usually crossed by merchants and patrols, for it interconnected all settlements. There were figures traversing it at the moment; Nerys saw them clearly, while Lyssa had to squint to discern them.

There was a luxurious carriage, pulled by two horses. It was covered in beautiful black and red silk, which provided shade for the one that sat inside. There was a small entourage of vampires, who marched slowly, without hurry.

“That surely is a distinguished procession.” Lyssa leaned her head, inquiring Nerys with a frown. “Another lord you know, perhaps?”

Warlords loved to display lavishness and power, all around them. Nerys had always been more humble, never showing a trace of conceit towards her people.

Lyssa began to worry, because Nerys stood slowly, with a darkened gaze. Her next whisper was quiet, clearly apprehensive.

“A lord indeed, but far worse than any other.” She walked away, not as eager to talk. “I wish I didn’t know him.”

By how hurriedly Nerys walked down the stairs towards the courtyard, it was obvious that she was concerned. Lyssa knew well that she had to be diplomatic with other vampires, or else. Still, it was something dreadful, something that they all hated.

Nerys took a deep breath, and then headed towards the throne room. There was tranquility in her castle at the moment, and she would try to maintain it. That beast would roam and inflict an ominous sense of disquiet in everyone, vampire or not.

Her court did not know yet what she knew, but it was only a matter of time. All would witness his arrival, without warning or call. He always loved to have the upper claw, only revealing his presence when he saw fit. Of course, he surely commanded her lookouts at the border to let them through, forbidding all messengers from giving notice of his advent.

There were two guards of hers following his carriage, accompanying his two bodyguards diligently. His word was never ignored, because it was more imposing than hers. He would be in the castle in a few hours. She did not look forward to his approach. Her sire left her right after he introduced her to the disease, which he inflicted her with. He gave her one single command: survive.

She had not expected him to return so soon, because he was ancient, no longer able to value time like others. Sadly, it seemed that he was interested in her evolution, which was swifter than others.

He would always set the terms, leaving her no real choice.

——–

Bastian fidgeted nervously but stayed put. He had quickly attained the same anxiousness Nerys felt, much like her officials did. The hours felt scarce, but they managed to arrange everything for their unexpected guest. The two now awaited by the gates, accompanied by many guards, who stood apprehensively. He broke the tense silence with a cough, leaning closer to mutter something.

“Is there something I should know about him? Or are you going to spare me the details again?”

Nerys never spoke much of her time as a fledgling, and she refused to mention her sire unless it was absolutely necessary. The reason was obvious. He was a cold monster, firm and arrogant, even if sophisticated and serene.

Bastian knew immediately that Alaric was a pretentious fiend, as soon as that carriage halted by the gates. That silk shadowed his figure inside, yet he could tell that he was sitting like a conceited emperor, cross-legged and with his claws laid on his lap.

Neither liked that he was in the castle, at all. Bastian was sure that he hated that beast more than Nerys, but he was wrong. She would rip him to pieces if she could.

“There is nothing you need to know, for now. I’ve told you enough; any more details would only make your blood boil.” She whispered, so faintly that not even the guards nearby heard her. “Be sure to stay quiet; no comments, Bastian. He has very sharp senses, greater than ours.”

How she knew, she did not want to admit. Her first moments as a vampire were something she wished to forget, with all her heart.

Bastian took a deep breath and stood upright, frowning deeply. He was finally going to see the vampire that bit her in those ruins… and he could no longer run at him with a stake. Now he had to show reverence, not only due to instinct. That beast could be considered a king.

Nerys left Bastian’s side and marched forward, because her sire would soon get out of the carriage. All humans were keeping their distance, not daring to mutter a word. It was of utmost importance that they showed submission, more than ever.

Alaric was no normal guest, for he could command the whole clan if he wished to. Nerys had made sure to make arrangements to appear harsher towards her human subjects, to please her superior. She had given due warning to everyone, especially two.

Lyssa watched by the arcs that stood near the quarters. Her stance was relaxed even if she was worried, because she was not intimidated by that huge carriage and its entourage. There were two imposing bodyguards overseeing the arrival, dressed in black and red, like their bringer. She knew that their new guest was Nerys’ sire, but no more than that. Her focus was so intent, that she did not notice how another one observed darkly while she commented.

“That monster does not deserve her reverence…”

She hated it, but she had to accept it for Nerys’ sake. It was due to such impotent loathing that she averted her eyes from the vampires, to look at her mentor instead. By doing so, she finally saw his expression.

Lyssa stared at Sergius, and her gaze quickly lost its brightness. His eyes had darkened, unfocused, even if they never stopped piercing that carriage.

“Sergius?”

He had always hated his name, because it was forced on him. His mind was plagued by those memories, so he was not able to react to her worried call. He just kept watching from the shadows. Nerys was standing firmly by the door of the carriage, waiting patiently for it to open.

His eyes narrowed, and he prayed silently for that fiend to be a mere lord, just another vampire. He did not want to be right; for once, he wished that his old age was affecting his remembrance. Sadly, no matter how much he hoped and prayed, the facts could not be denied. He recognized that carriage, that soft silk. Nerys had always spoken of her bloodline and sire as ancient.

When that door opened, there was no mistaking the claw that emerged slowly. It reached to grasp hers, which she lent to help him down. There was no way one could forget that white stone-like skin, nor those revealing robes, which clung tightly on his slender but tall figure.

Sergius froze, while Alaric stepped out from his carriage calmly. He had always towered over all, but the fact was much more striking when Nerys bowed before him, with her eyes closed in resignation.

Lyssa shivered when Sergius whispered, with a tone she had never heard him use. The next words escaped him in fear, so quiet that he barely heard them himself.

“It’s him.”

Her ochre eyes widened in realization when he hurried away into the castle, without looking back. He said nothing, for he was haunted by the sight of that fiend. When he took her under his wing, he had told her how he had been a slave once. In his young days, he was nothing more than a plaything. He had escaped due to luck, from a being that saw him as an amusing diversion.

Lyssa looked back slowly, and a cold numbness overwhelmed her. There was nothing she could do while that vampire asserted his presence. She could only watch how Nerys stood there to greet him, willfully.

Alaric stood tall and eyed every single vampire around him. After a few seconds, he finally addressed his fledgling, with a faint condescending smile.

“I see you have prospered, far more than expected.”

Nerys took a deep breath, making sure to hide her hatred in her next words, owing him loyalty. Part of her wished to defy him, but the disease commanded in a way she could not resist.

“I did as instructed.”

Not that she had much choice in the matter… He would have killed her the moment she showed hesitance. Right now, he was looking at her castle with the same critical and hungry gaze. Still, he seemed to be pleased. His retort was calculated, as always.

“I’m proud. This land surely fares better under your rule, no longer plagued by filthy savages…”

Her domain had been roamed by feral loners, which were worthless to their society, unable to be controlled. He directed her here, for her to rise in power and share their bloodline. The first months of struggle were hell, but she had proven her capability.

Alaric gave Nerys an intense look. He was eyeing her down, even if her torpors had made her slightly taller than him. His eyes were examining her features carefully, and the pride was obvious. For him, she was a trophy, an achievement.

She had changed, truly. Long gone was the human he bit and infected; no longer could he see that fragile body of hers. Her height was more imposing, and her hands were now strong claws, as sharp as knives. She had the eyesight of an eagle, and her fangs could rip flesh with ease. Her figure was mighty, and her stance firm. There was pride in her expression, as intense as his. Still, there was a trace of that humanity he loathed. There was still weakness in her.

Alaric looked sideways, at her court. There were many vampires, impossibly loyal. However, there were many humans that enjoyed some freedom, even if they were quiet and respectful of her. He could smell fear, but not as much as he would like. She was not keeping those lesser beings under a fierce rule, which they should witness. That was why he whispered, with a suggestive smile.

“Let me guide you once more. We have a lot to talk about.”

Bastian and Lyssa could do nothing as Nerys bowed and outstretched an arm, humble before Alaric’s eyes, obedient and welcoming. He walked forward like if he was the real ruler… and maybe he was.