Kemran's POV
My father was really venting on me, while those present were too afraid to even approach. And what now!? If I wanted, I could have countered him a long time ago. He finally calms down and stops, Evera rushes toward me, holding my shoulder.
Evera: Do you need anything? I'll go get you some ice.
She's about to run, but I grab her hand.
Kemran: Don't run, you might get hurt. I'm fine, it's just a small wound, don't worry about it.
I raise my head and see my father's shocked expression. Hm, he must be wondering why I'm acting like this. I wipe the blood running from my mouth.
Kamran: Now explain!!
Kemran: I have nothing to explain, father!!
I say in my usual tone—cold.
Kamran: What is this nonsense!?
Kemran: Like you said, it's history.
Kamran: Stop mocking me, Kemran!!
Kemran: Do I look like I'm laughing!?
Kamran: And now you're back with your disrespect again, Kemran.
Kemran: And!?
Kritéa: Please brother…
Kemran: Don't "brother" me.
Kamla: Kemran, that's enough!! A little respect, please.
Kemran: Am I the one yelling all the time?
Kamran: Stop…
Kemran: Or am I the one barging into your rooms without permission?
They fall silent.
Kemran: Then don't you dare ask me to show respect, mother.
Kamla: Why are you so cold with us?
Kemran: Because I was born to be cold.
I turn to Evera.
Kemran: Let's go.
I grab my suitcase and Evera's.
Kamran: Where are you going!? We're not finished talking!!
Kemran: Talking is useless when you're surrounded by fools.
I walk away without looking back, Evera following me, and we head to my room.
Evera: Kemran, I should go to my room.
Kemran: No, from now on, you'll stay in my room.
Evera: But…
Kemran: Do I need to remind you that you're pregnant with my child, Evera?
She shakes her head.
Kemran: Good, then follow me without another word.
She obeys in silence. We enter my room and I set the suitcase down.
Kemran: Get settled, I'll go talk to my father.
She nods, and I leave. I'll have to give some kind of explanation, or maybe we can skip talking about the past—because honestly, I don't want to talk about it. I miss Athènia and Naynah so much, even now, I just wish I could spend time with them like before. I remember the day we went for a picnic in the forest; the river was calm and only our laughter echoed. But alas, that will remain only a memory. I reach the door and walk in without knocking.
Kamran: I was waiting for you.
Kemran: It's not like I've been gone for hours.
I roll my eyes.
Kamran: Kemran, stop being so cold.
Kemran: And how do you want me to be?
He sighs.
Kamran: I just want to know if it's true, Kemran.
Kemran: Sorry to disappoint you, but it's true. I was in a relationship with Athènia and Naynah, I was their mate, and I couldn't resist the bond. Happy now?
Kamran: Thank you for saying that.
Kemran: But just so you know—Evera is with me, and she's pregnant with my child.
Kamran: Kemran, thank you for your honesty, but I must tell you—you will pass from the title of prince to Lord of the Vampires.
Kemran: What!? Seriously?
Kamran: Yes, I will make you the Lord of Vampires. I will pass the reign to you.
Kemran: Okay, father.
Kamran: Go get ready. Tonight will be your big night.
Kemran: See you later, father.
I turn and leave the office. On the way to my room, I run into Kritéa.
Kritéa: Brother…
Kemran: Not now.
I walk past her and keep going. My father is going to make me Lord. Wow, finally—something I've been waiting for a long time. I return to my room and see it neatly arranged. Evera just comes out of the bathroom.
Evera: You're back.
Kemran: How did you manage to clean up so fast?
Evera: Girl's secret.
Kemran: Alright then, you should go get your things from your room.
Evera: Am I really going to stay here!?
Kemran: Of course, go get your stuff—you'll need it for tonight.
Evera: What do you mean!?
Kemran: My father is passing the reign to me.
Evera: Okay then, I'll move my things later.
Kemran: That's fine.
Evera: Tell me, should I go explain the situation to your father?
Kemran: No need, just rest before tonight.
Evera: But uh…
I lift Evera into my arms as she squeals.
Kemran: Stop screaming.
I walk toward the bed and lay her down.
Kemran: Stay here and sleep. I don't want any "buts" or "whys."
She nods and slowly closes her eyes. I knew she wanted to sleep but was forcing herself to stay awake. Now she's sleeping like a baby. I sit down, lost in my thoughts.
A few hours later, I'm standing before the great doors of the hall where the sacred ritual to become Lord of Vampires is held. Everyone will be there. This ritual is unique, nothing like what sorcerers would do to crown a king. I enter the grand hall: everyone is cloaked in red, while I'm the only one in black. In the center, there are two beds—one for the one giving up the title, and one for the one receiving it—surrounded by lit candles. Gaspar, one of the Ancients, steps toward me.
Gaspar: My young master, please lie down on the bed.
I take off my jacket and shirt, step forward, and lie down on the bed. My father does the same.
Gaspar: Call to the ancestors, we invoke you to remove the title of the great master of vampires and bestow it upon another. Oh ancestors, guide our way.
Suddenly, I feel an icy wind, chilling me to the bone. The air turns glacial around me as my vision blurs.
Then I suddenly wake up—but not in the hall. I'm somewhere else, a place resembling hell.
???: Welcome, vampire.
I look toward the voice.
???: I am Hades, god of the underworld.
Kemran: So I really am in hell.
Hades: Yes, my dear. You must pass a trial to prove yourself worthy of the title of Lord of Vampires.
Kemran: Can't wait.
Hades: Tell me, young vampire, what would you do if someone betrayed you?
Kemran: The price of betrayal is death.
Hades: So be it.
I fall from I don't know where, but I manage to land on my feet.
Hades: This woman has betrayed you. Will you kill her?
He says as I strain to see. A sword appears beside me.
Kemran: The punishment for betrayal is death, no matter who the person is.
I take the sword and walk toward the woman. I raise it, ready to strike, when she turns around—it's Athènia. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her. That damn god knew she was my weakness, and he does this to me? I swallow my resentment and drive the sword into her as she falls to the ground.
Hades: Long live the great Lord of Vampires.
He says, as I feel another surge of energy, then I suddenly wake up in the hall. The others are cheering in joy.
Gaspar: Long live our Lord.
He says, bowing to me. The others follow his example, bowing before me. At last, I stand where I have long wished to be. I've achieved it—I am finally, truly, the Lord of Vampires. Now the real game begins.