Adrian sat at the table with his family, Orion, fresh from school in the city, couldn’t sit still, his grin wide, voice spilling with excitement. “Mother, Father, Big Bro… I’m telling you, the city’s where it’s at.” His spoon clinked against the bowl. “Better schools, better food, better everything.” Their mother’s brow creased. “And safety?” Orion’s eyes gleamed. “Guards on every corner, police and transcendents stronger than MoonBrook’s either working for guilds, churches or government. In short, the city is very safe with enchanted walls and buildings.” Adrian leaned back, arms crossed. “Can’t leave. The Special Squad needs me.” His grin looked easy, but the memory of screams and blood in the cult’s lair pressed tight in his chest. “Because of you, Bro,” Orion said softly. “Father’s got his promotion. We’re eating well. You’re even a transcendent now.” Lydia giggled, nudging Theron. “Big Bro’s a hero!” Clara clapped, pigtails bouncing. Their father lifted his glass. “T

Adrian bursts outside, Maria and her father close behind.Five demons waited. One was a harpy-like creature, another a hulking beast with four arms and four eyes. A third had horns and dragon-like wings, while the last two were so weird that Adrian couldn’t even name them.“Demons?” Maria’s father muttered.“They should just rename this place from Blackrock City to Godforsaken City,” Maria spat.Adrian’s body cracked and warped as he shifted into his man-wolf form.Maria smirked at him. “You know, when you turn like that, you kinda look like them.”“I am nothing like them,” he snarled before launching himself at the nearest demon.Maria’s father, a seasoned Blood Warrior, sliced his finger and fired a rapid barrage of blood bullets. They struck with crushing force, but the demon only staggered back, unharmed.Maria hesitated, unlike her father, she wasn’t reckless like her father; she refused to spill her own blood to fight. All she could do was dodge and strike with her dagger when o

In the dimly lit hall of BlackRock’s grand manor, Alucard lounged atop a high table, a cup of blood cradled in his pale fingers. Below him, the owner of this mansion knelt, his forehead nearly brushing the cold stone floor.“Gabriel,” Alucard said lazily, his voice smooth as velvet, “why didn’t you and your men greet me upon my arrival?”“We…we…thought you were coming tomorrow, my lord,” Gabriel stammered, “I beg your forgiveness.”Alucard’s lips curled faintly, his crimson eyes fixed on the cup as he twirled it, watching the blood catch the candlelight. “This city’s blood tastes... dull. You nobles seem to be enjoying yourselves in this forsaken dump, though.”Gabriel stiffened but kept his head bowed. “Not at all, my lord. We’ve been diligent. Over the years, we’ve razed the churches, eliminated the transcendents who stood in our way, and turned the city’s nobles into vampires. We rule BlackRock from the shadows now.”Alucard’s gaze flicked briefly to Gabriel, unreadable. “Good,” h

The cottage door creaked as Bella pushed it open, her eyes scanning the shadowed interior. Maria and Elias stood by the hearth, their faces tense. The sun was climbing, but Adrian hadn’t returned.“Where’s Adrian?” Bella asked, her voice filled with worry.“He’ll come back,” Maria said. “Trust me, he’s tougher than he looks.”Bella frowned but nodded. “I hope you’re right.”—Adrian wandered the bustling city streets, his newly regrown hand flexing unconsciously. The clamor of merchants and clattering carts reminded him of MoonBrook, his old home. A pang of nostalgia hit, but he shook it off, forcing the memories down.A group of children darted past, one bumping into him. “Sorry, mister!” they chirped before scampering off, their laughter echoing. Adrian’s lips curved into a faint smile. He tilted his head, gazing at the sun blazing overhead. ‘Could children still play in a world of eternal darkness?’ The thought gnawed at him.“I need a drink,” he muttered, heading for the nearest

A man in the white robe bowed low. “Lord Alucard, Forerunner of the Messiah. I humbly greet you.” Alucard stood at the edge of the pool, back turned. He swirled the dark liquid in his glass without looking at the man. “Priest… or should I call you traitor to the Evernight Goddess? Well done.” “Thank you, Lord Alucard.” The priest lifted his head, a foolish smile stretched across his face. Adrian would have recognized him instantly, this was the same man who had once asked about his faith, back when Adrian saved his father during the beast tide. “Did you bring the special liquid?” Alucard asked. “Yes, my lord. The blood of the infant demon-god.” The man produced a vial from his robe. Alucard snapped his fingers. A bottle shimmered into his palm. He examined the vial, nodded once. “Very good.” “Even though those heretics you funded died in the end, you still managed to erase that small town. Impressive.” “It was nothing, my lord. Mortals are simple, just pull the ri