Chapter 20: Her family
I stood before the mirror, staring at the reflection that gazed back at me. My white hair cascaded softly over my shoulders, the pale strands gleaming faintly under the dim light. My mismatched eyes—one an icy blue, the other a burning crimson—seemed almost alive, their contrasting colors embodying the duality that defined me. It was strange to see myself like this, adorned in something so extravagant, so different from the usual training attire I wore.
The suit Drusilla had given me was impeccable. The black fabric shimmered faintly under the light, embroidered with intricate golden vines that climbed across the lapels and shoulders, each thread meticulously placed. Beneath the jacket, a crisp white shirt peeked through, its ornate collar adding an air of elegance. Chains and brooches adorned my chest, their subtle gleam a testament to their fine craftsmanship. Everything about this outfit screamed nobility, yet I couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh.
It had been a month since Drusilla had transitioned my training from combat to refining my magic and category skills. Despite her efforts to teach me her own techniques, my body simply refused to accept them. It was as if there was a wall between her knowledge and my ability to grasp it. Instead, she shifted her focus, helping me improve my magic and my mastery over my category. And while I had made progress, the fact that I couldn't fully connect with her teachings left an irritating sting.
Today, however, she had handed me these clothes and told me to wear them. "We're going somewhere," she had said, her tone leaving no room for questions. And so, here I was.
I stepped out of my room, adjusting the cuffs of my sleeves as I walked. Standing by the door was Drusilla, waiting for me. She was breathtaking. Her dress, a blend of deep red and black, clung to her figure perfectly, the fabric flowing like liquid fire as she moved. Her crimson eyes locked onto me, and a smile curled her lips.
"You look good," she said, her tone laced with approval.
"I know," I replied casually, smirking slightly.
Her smile turned into an amused smirk. "Since when did you become so narcissistic?"
I shrugged, my smirk widening. "Well, I am that handsome."
"Right," she said, rolling her eyes, though there was a faint blush on her cheeks that she tried to hide.
Without another word, we made our way to the mansion's terrace. Drusilla's wings materialized first, black and bat-like, stretching out with a majestic flair. She took off into the night sky, her form graceful and commanding.
I focused, willing my own wings to manifest. A sharp sensation ran down my back as they emerged—large, dark, and powerful. The fabric of my suit parted perfectly to accommodate them, a testament to the garment's design. With a single powerful beat, I lifted off the ground, following her into the night.
For thirty minutes, we flew in silence, the cool wind rushing past us as the world below blurred into darkness. Eventually, we descended, landing a kilometer away from a bustling city. My wings retracted into my back seamlessly, the faint sensation of my body stitching itself back together lingering for only a moment. Drusilla and I began to run, our clothes and aura radiating such an air of authority that the city guards didn't even attempt to stop us.
We reached a teleportation port, its circular platform glowing faintly in the dark. Drusilla handed over the payment and stepped onto the platform with me in tow. She gave the operator specific instructions.
"Teleport us to the capital city," she commanded.
The platform activated, and in an instant, the world spun around me. My vision blurred, my mind reeled, and then, as quickly as it started, it was over. We stood in the heart of the capital city, the vibrant energy of the place palpable even in the air.
But Drusilla wasn't finished. She turned to the new operator, her voice firm. "Teleport us to Tenebris."
The name struck a chord in me. My ears perked up, and my heart skipped a beat. Tenebris—the Vampire Continent. I realized then that we were heading to Nyxoria, the capital city of Tenebris, and home to the royal family—Drusilla's family.
When the teleportation ended, we were indeed in Nyxoria—Capital city. The city was unlike anything I had ever seen. Gothic architecture dominated the skyline, dark and intricate buildings looming tall and proud. The atmosphere was heavy yet captivating, the very air seeming to hum with the power of the vampires who resided here.
Drusilla's wings unfurled once more, and she took to the sky without a word. I followed, my own wings carrying me behind her as we soared over the sprawling cityscape. For an hour, we flew in silence, the towering silhouette of a castle growing larger with every passing minute.
When we landed, I found myself standing before a massive black gothic castle. Its spires reached into the sky like claws, and the ornate carvings on its walls seemed almost alive in the dim light. As we approached the gates, the guards moved to stop us, their expressions stern.
But when their eyes fell on Drusilla, they froze. Recognition flickered across their faces, and they stepped aside without a word.
Drusilla waved her hand, and the massive doors of the castle creaked open, revealing a long hallway lined with crimson carpets and dimly lit chandeliers. I followed her as she moved with purpose, her heels clicking against the marble floors.
Finally, we reached a pair of grand doors at the end of the hall. Drusilla pushed them open, and we stepped inside a vast chamber.
At the far end of the room stood two figures.
The first was a woman with long black hair and piercing red eyes. Her regal presence was undeniable, and her resemblance to Drusilla left no doubt in my mind—this was her mother. She carried herself with a grace and authority that commanded respect, her gaze sharp as it landed on me.
The second figure made my breath catch.
Sitting on a black throne was a man whose aura was overwhelming. His pitch-black hair framed a face that was both regal and terrifying, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he watched me. He exuded power, his presence suffocating yet awe-inspiring. This man was the monarch of Tenebris—the Vampire King.
But it wasn't fear or awe that caused my heart to race. It was something deeper, something primal.
I felt it in my very core—a recognition, an undeniable pull that resonated within me.
"So," I thought as I locked eyes with the Vampire King, my heart pounding furiously. "This is how it feels when a Primordial Vampire meets another Primordial Vampire."
And from the way his gaze lingered on me, I knew he felt it too.