Chapter 30: Master Of The Vampire Coven

Adelie

I arrived here without a clear plan. I knew I had a purpose, but the specifics were hazy. The only thing I was certain of was that this was the right thing to do.

Despite the obstacles that stood in my way, I was here. And somehow, I knew there was no other place I should be.

I approached the massive gate that led to the castle. The only view I had was through the black bars of the gate, the rest of the grounds were hidden behind a high brick wall. A large lock held the gates closed. I wondered who they were trying to keep out. After all, who could harm them when they were feared by all?

Suddenly, two men materialized from the wall and positioned themselves on either side of the gate. They were draped in red capes that cast shadows over their faces. Their bodies were lean, but they were tall.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as they approached me. I didn’t dare move, but I tried to catch a glimpse of their faces. What I saw was barely human, a faceless creature lurked beneath. I couldn’t bear to look at them any longer, so I focused my gaze on their chests, as they towered over me.

“What is your purpose here?” a chilling voice from the left asked.

“I...I...I am...” I stuttered, my voice shaking more than I expected. I swallowed the lump in my throat and gathered my courage. “I would like to speak to the leader of the vampire coven.”

“And why is that?” he asked.

“Vampires are killing my kind. I want to stop that,” I replied.

Suddenly, the man on the left pulled out a knife, and the one on the right produced a white silk cloth. “A drop of blood for the visit,” the one on the left said, handing me the knife. I tried not to touch his skin as I took it. The one on the right held out the cloth, waiting for me to bleed onto it.

I took a deep breath and pressed the knife into my palm. I winced as the cold metal cut my skin. I handed the knife back to the man on the left and held my bleeding hand over the cloth. But I had misunderstood. The man on the right handed me the cloth to wrap my hand.

They didn’t need my blood on the cloth, but on the knife, which they were now inspecting.

“No one is killing your kind. Your kind is not meant to be killed,” the one on the left said.

“They are killing werewolves,” I argued.

“Werewolves are your servants,” he replied, not giving me a chance to respond. “Follow me, Death child,” he said, and the gate opened.

Death child? Did they already know who I was? I followed them, the air growing colder and denser as we moved further into the castle. The house seemed even larger from the inside. We took turn after turn, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to escape on my own. I just hoped I wouldn’t need to.

We finally entered a room. “Master, she is finally here,” the one on the left announced, stepping aside to reveal a table with four men in black suits. In the middle, in the largest chair, sat a stunning young woman.

Her skin was as white as porcelain, her eyes a lifeless grey. Her brown hair was neatly arranged to one side. She didn’t have the cruel smirk I’d seen on other vampires. If it weren’t for her dead eyes, she could have passed for human.

“Adelie Murrell, the time has finally come,” the woman said, her voice warm and her Italian accent filling the room. She didn’t seem cruel or evil, but the man beside her had a deadly look in his eyes. They seemed to be judging my every move. It was strange that she knew me. Why would she know me?

The woman rose and approached me. “Don’t mind them, we’re not big on visitors,” she said. “I’m Lilith. You’re the only one who can call me by my name.”

“Why?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“You’re different from the rest. You’ll actually be of use,” she said, her voice so sweet I almost missed her last words.

“Useful?” I echoed.

“Absolutely! Your time to fulfill the prophecy has arrived,” she said, circling me, appraising me. “I thought we could handle it ourselves, but it seems you’re the one. I’m glad to have you on board.”

I turned my head sharply towards her. “Prophecy?” I stammered. “B...but that’s not why I’m here.”

Lilith moved to stand in front of me. “I know why you’re here. But the prophecy is what you’ll fulfill on your quest to find your father,” she whispered. “The stars have decreed that you’re ready for the prophecy. Retrieve the book from Aldred that we need for peace, and I’m certain you’ll find your father along the way.”

Aldred! I’d heard tales about him.

Once, twenty-four years ago, there was a powerful and wise wizard named Aldred from a renowned wizarding family. Wizards were rare then, and still are, which made him quite famous. He used his magic for evil.

He was a bitter, grumpy man in his thirties who despised everyone for no clear reason. For a long time, his spells were merely a nuisance. Then he vanished for a few years. Rumor has it he went through hell in search of something.

When he returned, he was even more powerful. One day, he stole something from the vampires. The wizards lived among werewolves and they were allies. Naturally, the vampires began to view the wizards and werewolves with suspicion. Later, it was revealed that the stolen item was an ancient book containing evil rituals for summoning the dead, becoming a vampire without a bite, and annihilating the vampire species. That’s what terrified them the most.

“W...what?” I was bewildered. “If you know where the book is...why do you need me?” I asked, intrigued. How long had she known its location?

“Aldred is powerful. We stand no chance against him. One wrong move and he’ll turn our spells against us. But you...you have great powers, Adelie. Use them.”

“Why all this bloodshed?” I asked. “Why kill werewolves if you know that Aldred has the book?” I was livid.

Lilith just laughed. “How naive can you be, child?” she said, fixing her gaze on me. It was strange that she called me a child when she appeared to be my age.

“Aldred collaborated with werewolves and some still serve him. Where do you think he gets all his information? No one has seen him out, yet he’s always in the know. He sends us letters and is aware of everything that’s happening. He wants us to live in fear,” she said, crossing her arms. “Lately, he’s been showing a lot of interest in the Night Walkers pack. A lot. I wouldn’t be surprised if those bastards are working for him,” she spat.

“Don’t you dare speak about my pack like that.” I used my Luna voice on her and the men at the table rose, baring their fangs. Lilith raised her hand, signaling them to sit.

“Bring me the book, so the spells can’t be used and I’ll admit I was wrong,” she said.

“Why are you so sure the spells haven’t been copied elsewhere?” I asked.

Lilith chuckled. “Any spell copied from that book anywhere else goes up in flames.”

“But why are you so sure I’m not working with my pack and hiding the book?” I challenged her.

Lilith smiled at me. “You’re good, and you’ll fulfill the prophecy even if it hurts your pack. You’re destined to bring the book to me, which means you’ll go through hell and high water to get it. That’s your purpose.”

“Where’s Aldred? I can’t find him in my pack,” I questioned.

“Head south,” she instructed, “You’ll find it in the heart of the forest, where the trees are thickest. It’s a two-day journey on foot.”

The doors creaked open and the creature from before reappeared. “Kairos Garcia has arrived,” he announced. I should’ve known Kairos wouldn’t heed my warning to stay away.

“Do we need to let him in?” Lilith asked, glancing at me. I shook my head in agreement. “Show Adelie out,” she commanded the creature. As I followed him out, I heard Lilith’s voice echo behind me, “I look forward to our next meeting, Adelie.”

The creature led me back the way we came, though I still had no sense of direction. Once we were outside, I caught a whiff of Kairos’ scent. He must’ve sensed me too, because he turned to look at me through the black metal bars. Raphael was there too.

The creature held the door open for me and I rushed into Kairos’ arms. He buried his face in my neck, whispering, “What am I going to do with you, Adelie? Your reckless ideas are going to drive me insane.” I could feel his smile against my skin, despite his frustration.

I glanced back to see the creatures had disappeared. Kairos gently lifted my hand, which was wrapped in a white cloth. “It’s just the entry fee,” I explained.

“Are you alright?” he asked. I nodded in response. “Let’s go home,” he suggested, but I shook my head. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“I can’t. It’s time for me to fulfill my prophecy,” I told him.

“Who told you this?” he asked.

“The vampire master,” I replied. “The prophecy has always been about establishing peace between werewolves and vampires. I need to find Aldred. He has the book.”

“Aldred? He’s just a myth. A crazy wizard,” Kairos argued.

“No, he’s real. And I think he’s more powerful than we realize, especially if he’s bold enough to threaten vampires,” I countered.

“Then we’re coming with you,” Kairos declared. “And I don’t want to hear any arguments. We’re going, end of discussion.”

“It’s a two-day journey south through the forest,” I warned him. “You could get there much faster in your wolf form.”

“I’m never bored with you,” he assured me.

“Alpha!” Raphael interrupted. “I think we should bring our warriors. They can gather tents for us to sleep in.”

“Good idea,” Kairos agreed.

“But…” I began to protest.

“No buts. We need to be prepared for anything. I’m not letting you out of my sight again,” Kairos insisted. “We’ll start our journey now. They’ll catch up by nightfall.”

This wasn’t their battle to fight. It was mine. But I couldn’t leave Kairos again. Fear began to creep in. Not fear of death, but fear of war. Of the countless lives that could be lost. What if I wasn’t strong enough to face Aldred?