Silvano: "I remember, your wings saved me once."
Darkness. Darkness everywhere. I hear the soft beating of my heart. It slows and fades into the night. I feel dead, but I'm not afraid. In this black void, I feel peace and tranquility. I'm so tired. I want to rest. Leave me alone. Smelling the lingering scent of blood, my consciousness stirred. The light that spilled over me turned red. I was enveloped in an almost all-pervasive heat, but it didn't touch me. A mirage appeared before my eyes. This was definitely a hellish dimension. Heaven and earth are separated by corpses. Who are all these people? Where am I and why are they dead? Warriors of different races, hybrids, broken weapons, embedded banners with emblems unknown to me. There is no wind, no birds. And time has definitely stood still.
Descending from the bloody skies, I found myself on an even bloodier earth. Who are all these people and non-humans? There must be an explanation. Have I found myself in the epicenter of war? Or rather, what was left of her. Then I felt my heart clench. On a rise from the pile of corpses, he sat—someone unfamiliar to me. He was terrifyingly beautiful and dangerous. I realized he was a Demon. His terrifying aura, his captivating gaze, his black armor, and his horns betrayed an unearthly nature. This ice warrior—this was his realm, and I was clearly out of place here.
Before I could blink, His Majesty materialized right before me. Standing at full height, he forcibly crushed my will. As if hypnotized, I couldn't do anything. My very being screamed danger, but my body remained motionless. My eyes quickly darkened, and I quietly whispered his name: Mem-nokh...
- "Welcome to my side. You're mine now, little vampire," he smiled wickedly.
- "Die and be reborn again, my immortal warrior of darkness."
- "Kill them all. Come to me and take my throne."
His voice slowly took hold of my consciousness. I extended my hand, hoping to find shelter in his shadow. And enormous wings, like a cloak, covered me completely. I felt his heavy breathing. And sharp fangs pierced my neck. But I felt no pain; it all felt like a dream. A dream from which I cannot awaken. The remnants of my humanity were no longer able to resist his will, and I submitted.
It felt as if Memnoch were devouring my soul. The blood was leaving me, and I was about to faint when I felt the taste of iron in my mouth. Surprisingly, this drink unleashed a storm of desire within me to consume as much as possible. After all, the Demon's blood is so powerful. I drank his blood and responded to his call. And with every drop, I felt new strength. The power that filled me and changed me. I felt my mind clearing.
Taking a deep breath, rejecting the sweet drink, my fangs grew back. The scales fell from my eyes, and I clearly saw the world I found myself in. I was in the domain of the Night King. And he had graciously turned me into a vampire. My eyes were as bright and alluring as his. I could literally see through the night. My senses heightened. I knew I could do anything, and I was filled to the brim with this wondrous energy. The demon placed his hand over my heart, and the alien blood began to draw to me like a magnet. Covering my entire body in liquid, it hardened, turning into a noble metal. In seconds, my body was clad in black armor. It seemed this armor was alive and heeding the desires of its master.
"Now you are beautiful, my friend. Go forth into the world to sow chaos. And when darkness covers everyone, I will come for you." To rule, my vampire, my friend, my beloved…
Memnoch lightly touched my lips. Two inhumans stood together on the heights, in the middle of the battlefield. The wind, filled with the scent of blood, failed to disturb the idyll between us and simply blew softly. Shocked, I tried to pull away from him, but my body was easily immobilized. I was about to strike him, but an unknown force consumed me. I felt myself disintegrating into a multitude of birds and began to fall even deeper into the darkness. I screamed in horror, but the scream did not leave my throat. It was too late, I had fallen into the night…
***
I heard the sound of falling water and the scent of a wild forest. I slowly opened my eyes and was horrified. I found myself in a dimly lit room, practically chained to a slab in midair. Bound by chains, I could barely feel my body. I was wearing a once-white shirt, now more like rags and trousers. My long, snow-white hair fell over my shoulders. I was forcibly chained in some kind of basement that looked more like a crypt than a dwelling. A collar of precious metal hung around my neck. I realized the dream I'd been having was real. I realized I had a bloody heart and was not human.
My red eyes shone with a bloody light in the night. A little while later, I realized I was hungry. As if I hadn't fed in a hundred years. It seemed I had returned to earth. But the place I'd been given was only vaguely familiar. My hands were shackled. Activating the armor, the armor obediently covered my hand, and a sharp blade formed on the bracer. I forced my right arm free, then freed myself completely. True, I hadn't calculated that I'd fall from a height. But before I realized it, the armor protected me from harm. Two enormous wings materialized behind me, and I floated to the floor. How convenient, I thought. And then I remembered Memnoch. How I'd hovered with him over the corpses. Then I remembered the light kiss, and, confused by what had just happened, I hovered for a moment. But my thoughts were interrupted by the smell of blood nearby. Like a seasoned hunter, I slowly moved toward the stairs. I was determined to find them, no matter the cost.
Finding myself in a long corridor, I noticed antique candelabra on the walls. The dim light barely illuminated the tunnel, but that didn't stop me from moving easily in the darkness. Walking down the corridor, I found myself in a spacious room. Everything was covered in dust, and the antique furniture looked terribly worn and old. A decanter with wine glasses sat on the coffee table next to the sofa. They were covered in a thick layer of cobwebs.
But it was clear that these expensive dishes belonged to wealthy owners. As I approached the objects, various images of the room formed in my mind. Instinctively, I realized this was my living room. Approaching the panoramic window, barely covered by tattered curtains, I saw dim moonlight. I walked up to the window and was mesmerized by nature. A wonderful view of the forest opened up before me, and somewhere in the distance, I heard the sound of falling water. So I was in a castle. It seemed I had once lived here. But why was I constrained and why did I remember so little? Turning around, I saw a formal portrait on the opposite wall. Moving closer, I finally got a good look at it. Was that me?! The portrait showed a young count of about 25 years old, standing full-length. In his tailcoat, jewelry, and cane, everything about him betrayed a festive mood. His dark hair and blue eyes perfectly suited the handsome teenager. A powerfully built and clearly intelligent man, he was the light and hope of the estate.
I stood there for a moment, trying to recall those times, but couldn't. The young man in the painting was unfamiliar. A strange sense of loneliness overcame me. It felt like I was completely alone. Wasting no time, I returned to searching for blood, as the scent was clearly tickling my nose. And my vampire nature craved it.
Without thinking twice, I sighed and went into the next room. Unlocking the door with an effort and a terrible creak, I found myself in a huge study. The polished mahogany desk was decorated with inlays and bronze fittings. On it lay writing utensils, an inkwell, a paperweight, and a stack of parchment. A luxurious high-backed chair was upholstered in deep blue velvet. Now all of this was covered in dust, and their color was barely discernible.
The bookcases along the walls were filled with leather-bound volumes. Between them are elegant figurines and antique vases. A bureau with secret drawers serves as a repository for important documents. The library is spacious, but in this ancient atmosphere, time seemed to stand still forever.
Almost lost in the labyrinth of books, I leaned against the wall, and it miraculously opened. I realized I had entered a secret chamber. Following my instincts, I entered. In the center of the dimly lit room stood an altar. An ancient artifact towered in the dim space, emitting an ominous shimmer. Its shape resembles an organic growth, pierced with sharp spines and fangs, as if growing from the earth itself.
The central part of the altar is a depression, resembling a bowl framed by curved claws. The side elements resemble clawed paws frozen in stone. The upper surface is covered with strange growths, resembling crystallized remains. A crimson stone serves as the altar's base, its surface covered in strange runes and symbols glowing with a dim purple light. Sharp protrusions along the edges create the impression of a living being, ready to spring to life at any moment. Shadows around the altar move independently of the light source, like living beings. The air is thick with the smell of sulfur and decay. Echoing sounds and whispers emanate from the depths of the earth, intensifying as one approaches the altar.
A sword levitates above this concentration of dark energy. I feel a resonance between my armor and the metal of the sword. This is the sword of Memnoch, and I hear its call.
The matte blackness of the blade absorbs all the light that falls upon it, creating the impression that the blade is forged from darkness itself. The metal shimmers with inky hues, and crimson reflections play across the surface, like blood frozen in steel. The sword's distorted geometry violates all the canons of blacksmithing. The blade curves in several places, forming ominous serrations and spikes. Chaos runes cover the blade, pulsing with a dull scarlet light. The guard is shaped like demonic wings, ready to unfurl at any moment. At the top is a stylized demon's head with glowing rubies for eyes.
A gloomy atmosphere surrounds the weapon. The air around the blade distorts, as if from heat. A soft whisper came from the depths of the metal. Obeying the call, I spread my wings and soared toward the ceiling. I grabbed the sword, and a stream of demonic energy surged through me, filling me with even more of my master's power.
My body gained some muscle mass, and I looked noticeably better. After all, I had acquired a weapon capable of destroying the entire world. Suddenly, the air thinned, and a goblet appeared in the sword's place. It was filled with blood—the same blood I had felt upon awakening. My vampire reaction was even faster: I grabbed the goblet and emptied it in a couple of minutes. Hot blood rushed through my veins, filling me with life. I realized who I was once again and was completely satisfied with the drink. The goblet disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
I sank to the floor, and my wings softly dissolved into thin air. Looking at the sword, I felt that the metal didn't recognize me as its master. It seemed to me that it was trying to devour me, just like that Demon. Wanting to make it mine, I shared my blood. I bit my finger and pressed it to the metal. The sword quickly absorbed it, letting out a silent scream. I pressed it to my back, and a living armor of metal enveloped it, molding it and encasing it in a sturdy sheath. Leaving the secret room, I approached the desk. On the dusty surface, among the papers, sat a small box. I easily opened it and found a sealed letter. The coat of arms of this estate was so weak that I easily destroyed it. From the envelope fell a ring and a letter.
This is what the letter said:
"My dear son,
If you are reading this letter, it means I am no longer in this world. I know this will be difficult for you to accept. You have always been my light in the eternal darkness, my only solace in the endless night.
I write these lines to you knowing that I will no longer be able to hold you and look into your eyes, as deep and wise as your mother's. I am leaving, but my love for you will remain forever.
You must know the truth about our kind. We are not just vampires—we are the guardians of the ancient balance between light and darkness. Our power is not a curse, but a great responsibility. Use it wisely, my son.
Remember what I always taught you: strength lies not in the blood we drink, but in the heart, which continues to beat, albeit at a different pace. Be merciful to those weaker than you. Do not let the darkness consume your soul.
I leave you the kingdom I built with love and wisdom. Ruling it is a heavy burden, but you will rise to the occasion. You have inherited my heart and your mother's mind. You will be a great king.
Cherish those dear to you. Do not forget your humanity, even as you become immortal. And remember—I will always be with you, in every sunset and every sunrise, in every drop of blood and every tear."
Your father.
P.S. In the box with my relics, you will find something that will help you in difficult times. Keep it as a memory of me.
Father... Faint images flashed through my mind. It felt like it was a long time ago. I pressed the letter to my heart and closed my eyes, hoping he'd left without regrets.
I took the ring. It was the beautiful black ring of the Vampire King. Upon receiving it, I realized my current status as the Prince of the Night. And this dilapidated estate held the secrets of my past.
So, when I arrived at Memnoch's, I was already dead. Was it my war then? And he wanted me to be on his side? A host of questions filled my head.
Lost in deep thought, I almost didn't notice the approaching dawn. The dim light slowly filtered through the window, enveloping the room in a dim, muted light. Its pale rays, like weary travelers, barely pierced the gray veil of clouds, creating a special, almost mystical atmosphere in the room. Outside the window, a blurry, watercolor-like landscape stretched out: the outlines of the trees were lost in the haze. The light was so dim that it seemed as if the night was reluctant to give up its rights, only slightly retreating before the timid rays of morning.
In this subdued light, every detail took on a special character: shadows deepened, and the outlines of objects softened. Through the glass, one could see the fog creeping along the ground, and the air seemed thick and viscous, like honey. This dim light did not awaken, but rather evoked reverie, plunging one into a state of semi-slumber where reality mingled with dreams, and the morning seemed an extension of the night.
Covering myself with my wings, out of habit, I quickly rushed through the castle to the basement. The deepest part of the dungeon where I had awakened was completely shielded from light. A pleasant chill settled in, and I felt calmer. Besides the slab and scattered chains, I noticed an ancient coffin in the far corner of the room. Its half-destroyed slab lay next to the sarcophagus. I stabbed my sword nearby and lay down in the coffin. I stared at the ring and couldn't stop thinking about my parents. I realized they were long dead and not human. I needed to rest and decide what to do next. With these thoughts in mind, I quickly fell asleep.
Suddenly, my sweet slumber was interrupted by squeaks and rustling in the darkness. I realized it was a rat scurrying about, searching for something edible. My keen hearing was even sharper after my rest. Opening my eyes, I took a deep breath. The high ceiling of the dungeon revealed itself to me. It was dreary, dim, and the light barely illuminated the entire room. I realized I didn't want to remain in this darkness for another second. Slipping out of the coffin, I grabbed my sword and set out to explore the castle.
Walking through the estate, I found nothing remarkable. Everything looked expensive and luxurious beneath a thick layer of dust. I couldn't find any clothes either. And I was getting tired of wearing torn ones. I realized I belonged to a royal family and was the next vampire king. Instinctively, I knew the family loved me. But until recently, I didn't know I belonged to a noble family. From my father's letters, I learned that there were other vampires. Demons also existed, and in general, there were many races in this world. Each race had its own heraldry, and conflicts often arose between them. A big question remained for me: how the sword of Memnoch ended up in our basement. And, apparently, something tragic had happened, for I was forcibly confined to the family nest. Moreover, my memory had not fully recovered.
I left the estate to look around. A chilly air enveloped me, and by the looks of it, it was mid-autumn. Next to the estate lay an abandoned rose garden. The once majestic garden had been abandoned. The rose garden greeted me with rickety gates and a dilapidated fence. The grounds, once well-kept and fragrant, were now hidden behind a thicket of wild vegetation. The rusty gate hinges creaked at the slightest touch, as if complaining of neglect.
In the center of the former grounds were the remains of a fountain complex, now ruined and overgrown with moss. Fragments of garden sculptures and broken flowerpots lay scattered everywhere. The roses, once the pride of the collection, had now run wild and grown unchecked. Their thorny branches intertwine with weeds, creating whimsical compositions. Some bushes are in relatively good condition, but most look neglected and unkempt. A peculiar aroma hangs in the air—a mixture of wilting flowers, damp earth, and wildlife. The silence is broken only by the occasional sounds of nature and the rustling of leaves.
Walking through the rose garden, I noticed the treetops that partially surrounded our estate. But I noticed it was quite quiet. Am I alone? I couldn't help but wonder. How so? And then I remembered my ability to fly. Surely, from above, I would be able to tell where I was.
Before I could even send a command to the armor, the collar responded to my desire. My back became covered in impenetrable black armor, and powerful wings emerged.
In the evening light, I finally saw how beautiful they were. I could feel them perfectly, like my arms, like a part of myself. I immediately felt a breath of wind, and carried by its gust, I felt one with nature. Raising my eyes to the sky, I felt the delight of the evening and instinctively soared above the ground. My zeal sent a gentle wave across the ground, and I soared upward. My first full flight was a sea of delight. I listened to the wind and caught its wave to rise higher.
A feeling of lightness filled me. Nothing was superfluous, and I was completely free. I felt like part of the air. My strong wings were ready to carry me anywhere.
Being quite high, my vision did not deteriorate in the least. Frozen in mid-air, amid the low autumn clouds, I finally got a good look at where I was. The panorama of the world unfolded before me in all its glory. My estate stood on a hill, practically impassable to climb. At the foot of the mountain lay a wild forest. These forests are called wild because a race of werewolves lives there. I also discovered that there was a city beyond the forest. I learned this after seeing a map of the area in my father's office. It didn't take me long to memorize it. The forest is dense and full of secrets. People disappear without a trace there, animals are present, but not everywhere. And of course, travelers often die there. The crescent moon barely touched the treetops with its light. You could often hear howling in the night and the cries of black birds.
The sound of water suddenly reminded me of itself. After a brief survey of the area, I discovered a valley. The roar of a waterfall was so clear that I flew in its direction without hesitation. It didn't take me long to reach it. A beautiful night view opened up before my eyes. The water descended among the high cliffs and crashed down with a roar, sending out a trail of water particles. Its path ended in the lake. The coolness of the night gave the air a special freshness. A light mist rising from the water created a mystical haze. The trees on the shore cast whimsical shadows that were hidden in the moonlight. A silver path of moonlight cuts across the surface of the water, like a path to another dimension. The water seemed magical, as if all the secrets of the world had dissolved in it. The moon's reflection created the illusion that the sun was both in the sky and in the depths of the lake.
Mesmerized by the view, I approached the water's edge. Without thinking twice, I decided to take a swim. Yesterday's cup of Demon blood had sated my hunger. This should last me for a while. Since Demon blood is rare, I should be full for some time. Now it was time to take a dip and change. I folded my wings, which obediently dissolved, and the armor vanished from my body as quickly as it had appeared. Thrusting my sword into the ground, with a flick of my wrist, I shed the remnants of what passed for clothing and entered the water. Feeling a refreshing coolness, I dove headfirst into the pool. The lake turned out to be quite deep. Only the faint moonlight barely penetrated the water, and in this depth, I felt as weightless as in a dream. I swam after the moonlight, alone with myself. Feeling short of breath, I rose to the surface and felt no fatigue at all.
Thanks to the body of an immortal, I felt strong and resilient. My naked body was still waist-deep in water when I realized I'd been lost in the moonlight. Its light fell softly on my damp, fair skin, and droplets of water flowed smoothly down my body, following its contours. My wet locks gracefully framed my back, revealing the face of an unearthly being. A beautiful and perfect, dangerous and immortal man. Like Apollo, I felt at one with the world around me and was happy in my own way. Even the collar, the Devil's gift, didn't feel like shackles. It seemed alive and had chosen me. Its metal gleamed pleasantly in the moonlight, aware of my every thought.
Then a small cloud of smoke erupted from it, and within the black outlines, I heard the Demon's voice.
"Silvanoo... You are beautiful in the moonlight." After hearing this phrase, my thoughts tensed considerably. I felt like I was being watched.
- How do you like my gift? Do you like it?
- Don't be afraid, I'm not in this dimension. This armor is simply a part of me. And if you want even more power, drink more blood. This armor absorbs blood, from any race, and you will become even stronger. It can not only protect you and provide you with weapons, but also serve as clothing.
- I await you in Hell. We will conquer this world and be kings. Come to me, my friend, and I will guard your peace, my beloved vampire.
His voice quickly faded into thin air. Stunned, I couldn't comprehend what he had said for a long time. And only one thing became clear: I would not be able to escape the fate of this nightmare.
Emerging from the water, the black metal slid over my naked body. The demon was right. Reconstructing the image in my mind, the armor transformed into clothing and equipment. Finally, I felt renewed. I was ready to explore this world. And first, to reach the city, I would have to pass through the wild forest.
The night forest greeted me with coolness and silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant cries of night birds. My heightened senses captured every sound, every scent, every vibration in the air.
Like a soft shadow, I glided between the trees, my movements smooth and silent, as if I had become part of this nocturnal kingdom. The moonlight silvered my silhouette, making it almost ghostly, and the shadows obediently hid me from prying eyes.
The scent of fresh blood from forest animals hung in the air, and my fangs lengthened slightly with the anticipation of the hunt. But for now, I took my time, savoring the moment of peace and freedom. Every rustle in the undergrowth made me wary, not from fear, but from the thrill of the hunt. My eyes, accustomed to the darkness, discerned the smallest details: dewdrops on leaves, the glint of a spiderweb, the movement of a nocturnal beast.
A cool wind carried a multitude of scents to me: the scent of damp earth after rain, pine needles, and mushrooms. My ears could even detect the heartbeats of sleeping animals in their burrows.
In this nocturnal forest, I felt truly alive, free from the fears and limitations of day. Here, amid the shadows and silence, I was master of the situation, part of a nocturnal symphony where every sound and movement had its own meaning.
Suddenly, I heard the crackling of branches ahead, and he emerged from the trees—a werewolf warrior. His powerful figure radiated strength and confidence, and his bearing conveyed the millennial wisdom of ancient warriors.
His broad shoulders were covered in special leather armor, adorned with runes and symbols of ancient tribes. An impressive sword with a silver-inlaid hilt hung from his belt. His eyes, piercing blue like two crystals, studied me intently, betraying no emotion.
The warrior's movements were graceful and animalistic—every step measured, every movement imbued with hidden power. He exuded an aura of danger, not malice, but rather a warning: "I am ready to defend what is dear to me."
His face, with its sharp features and strong chin, bore the marks of many battles. His short hair was styled in a strict order, and around his neck was an amulet—a wolf-fanged pendant.
When our gazes met, I felt a chill run down my spine—he was not just a warrior, but a guardian of ancient traditions, capable of transforming into a beast at any moment. His presence filled the space with a special energy, commanding both respect and fear.
He was in no hurry to attack, merely observing intently, as if assessing whether I was worthy of his attention or could simply be ignored. That silence was the essence of a werewolf warrior—readiness for action and the ability to bide his time.
The earth shook under the weight of his mighty paws as the werewolf charged. His roar shattered the stillness of the night, echoing off the rocks. I met his blow with my shield, but the force was such that I was thrown back several meters.
The battle unfolded during a full moon—the perfect time for a werewolf. His muscles rippled beneath his skin, his claws glinted in the moonlight, and his eyes blazed with animal fury. He moved with incredible speed, morphing now into man, now into beast, toying with me like a cat with a mouse.
Each of his strikes was calculated, each movement imbued with ancient power. He crushed trees with a single swipe of his paw, tore the earth with his claws. But I didn't give up—I parried blows with my sword, dodged deadly thrusts, and counterattacked in moments of calm.
Suddenly, the werewolf assumed his full bestial form—a huge wolf with fur the color of night, with fangs capable of cutting through steel. His leap was lightning fast, but I rolled to the side. The blade's steel met flesh, but the wounds only enraged him further.
The battle became a dance of death—I dodged his attacks, he tried to catch me in his deadly embrace. The ground around me was pockmarked with the marks of the struggle, the air saturated with the smell of blood and sweat. Every breath was labored, but there was nowhere to retreat.
At the decisive moment, as the werewolf prepared for the final leap, I gathered all my strength. The blade described a deadly arc, and in that moment the moon seemed to stand still, observing the outcome of the fight. The steel found its mark, but victory came at a high price—we were both wounded, exhausted, but alive. Silence fell over the battlefield, broken only by the heavy breathing of the two opponents, acknowledging each other's strength.
"You're a good one," the other growled. His chest rose and fell. "So you're a vampire?! You're too fast for a human. This is clearly not my night. If I see you again on my soil, I'll tear your head off." With considerable effort, the wolf rose to his full height. I instinctively grabbed my sword, trying to defend myself, and my ring gleamed like metal in the darkness.
"Are you the Vampire King?" the Wolf asked, staring intently at the artifact. "What a surprise," he said, his grin flashing in the night. "My name is Conry. Everyone knows the heir was killed by humans. What are you doing here?"
Seeing that the beast wasn't about to attack, I broke my defensive stance. I introduced myself, and we shook hands firmly.
"I'm heading to Darkshire. I want to find other vampires and restore my memory." "Haaah... Be careful, Prince of the Night. The city is in turmoil. The vampire race is in decline after the events of 30 years ago. The city was shaken by the news: the vampire royal guard had exterminated the settlement, leaving behind only a commander's badge. In horror and anger, the people hunted the highest vampire line, killing their ruler in an attempt to weaken the entire race. Since then, encounters with bloodsuckers in the city have become rare.
Due to the endless unrest and the weakening of the vampires' control, the Demons have gone wild. More than once, attacks by demons on humans have been observed." The wolf narrowed his eyes slightly and thought for a moment. "Rest and head north. You'll reach him in three days." Having finished his speech, the werewolf retreated softly and disappeared into the dense tree canopy.
The deep wounds from the werewolf's claws oozed dark blood, pulsing with pain. Usually my wounds healed in seconds, but now the process was excruciatingly slow.
I leaned against the tree trunk, feeling the strength drain from my body. Every cell screamed in pain, but I knew I had to cleanse the blood, or the wounds would never heal.
Slowly, drop by drop, I released the poisoned werewolf blood, letting it drip onto the ground. With each movement, I felt a familiar warmth begin to ignite within me.
First, the small scratches disappeared—as if an invisible hand had drawn them together like a web. Then the deeper wounds began to shrink, as if melting under an invisible flame. My skin grew pale, smoothed, returning to its normal appearance.
When the last wound healed, I took a deep breath of the night air. My body was filled with strength, but I knew that without fresh human blood, full recovery was impossible. I needed to find shelter and wait for dawn, so the wounds could fully heal and my strength would return. Only by drinking blood would I be fully restored and ready for another battle.
Walking a little further, I finally spotted a cave and decided to stop there. I slowly sank down onto the cold stone of my shelter, feeling my strength gradually returning. After the battle, my body still bore the marks of the recent encounter, but the ancient blood was already doing its work—the wounds were healing, and energy was filling every cell.
In the darkness of the cave, I allowed myself to relax, leaning against the damp ceiling. Here, in my secret place, I was safe—neither sunlight nor enemies could disturb my peace. Silence enveloped me like a soft blanket, and the cool stone brought peace.
I closed my eyes, listening to the slow, measured beating of my heart. The blood gained in battle pulsed through my veins, providing not only physical healing but also spiritual balance. In moments like these, I felt a particularly keen connection with the ancient powers that nourished my lineage.
Gradually, the tension left my muscles, and my thoughts became clearer. I allowed myself to recall the details of the battle, analyzing my mistakes and successes. This was necessary—every battle taught me something new, made me stronger, more experienced. After a while, I opened my eyes. The wounds had disappeared without a trace, and my strength had fully restored. Now I could leave the shelter and set out.
The northern forest greeted me with a chill wind and the creaking of ancient trees. Dark trees stretched toward the sky, creating a gloomy canopy overhead. I moved along the bed of a small river, its waters silvering in the moonlight.
By midnight, the forest had become denser—heaps of fallen trees and deep ravines appeared. My keen hearing picked up the distant howls of wolves, and my vision allowed me to discern the slightest movement in the darkness. By dawn, I found shelter in an abandoned hunting lodge, hidden in a hollow between the hills.
As darkness fell, I continued on my way. The forest had changed—moss and lichens appeared, covering the tree trunks. The air became fresher, and the earth damper. I felt the approach of the north in every breath of wind.
By mid-night, I came across a small swamp surrounded by centuries-old pines. I had to make a detour to avoid the dangerous spot. Suddenly, the sky was illuminated by the northern lights—blue-green waves sparkled against the black velvet of the sky. Even my cold heart trembled at this unearthly beauty.
By morning, I found shelter in a cave, the entrance to which was masked by dense thickets of ferns. On the third day, the last night of the journey proved the harshest. The forest became increasingly wild and uninhabited. The trees grew more sparse, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of fallen pine needles. I felt the north pulling me like a magnet.
Leaving the forest, I found myself on a small rise. In the distance, I finally saw the spires of the city of Darkshire.
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