Kael stopped walking.
Sylvia
He turned back toward the spot where the old woman had vanished.
Sylvia had always been a pain in his butt. It had been a while since he last saw her—she'd mentioned going on some kind of retreat or whatever.
But the real question was: why is she here now of all the times.
Vesper noticed his unease and asked, "You look sick. And pale. I mean, you're always pale, but now you look ugly pale. You okay?"
"It's Sylvia," Kael said, his voice low. He looked like someone had just run over his cat. Not that he had one. Well—he had one. It was killed by him. Accidentally. Like all his pets. Except for Vesper, which honestly felt like a miracle. It was as if Vesper had been created especially for him.
"You mean that old hag?" Vesper scoffed. "She was way too sweet to be real. It made me sick." He gagged dramatically.
"Yeah... she's Sylvia," Kael replied, his voice flat. He was already dealing with enough, and now the universe had decided to send him his second worst nightmare. His first was already happening.
"You mean that witch? That old lady is that cunning, sexy witch?!" Vesper practically yelled.
Julius turned and shot him a glare. "Shh!"
Vesper rolled his eyes and muttered, "I wish had a sexy witch drooling over me..."
A string of drool slid from his lip and landed squarely on Kael's shoulder.
"What the heck, Vesper!" Kael snapped. "Control yourself"
"Oh, I should control myself," Vesper scoffed. "Just admit it—you like it. You really need it anyway. It's been, what, a day or two since your last shower?"
Vesper's tone was dripping with disgust.
"I don't smell," Kael said, instinctively sniffing his own clothes.
"I don't think you think so," Vesper replied, shaking his head in pity.
The others watched the two of them like they were crazy—some were jealous of their friendship, while others silently cursed them in their minds. They couldn't risk Kael hearing them, or it would be over for them.
"Hey, look, I see a building!" One of the guards pointed out.
A rumble echoed from above in response—the low growl of thunder, or perhaps something more menacing.
As they approached, the mansion came into view. It was a grand, imposing structure, its dark stone walls and towering spires rising out of the dense forest. The sunlight cast an eerie glow on its facade, hinting at the ancient power and mystery that resided within.
"Wow!" Kevin gulped in fear. "I'm getting goosebumps." The guards nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Kael watched Kevin with growing curiosity, wondering how the boy had switched from excited to fearful so quickly. He had been eager to meet his father, but now he looked terrified at the sight of the mansion.
"Welcome to my home," Kael said, spreading his arms wide. A thunderclap struck the roof, making the moment all the more ominous.
At that moment, most of the guards, including Kevin, began to regret their decision to become palace guards. They were never meant for this kind of life. They were chickens in human clothing.
Julius couldn't help but sigh. How had he ended up with a bunch of amateurs for apprentices? A great knight like him, surrounded by chickens. He was born for this, but they weren't.
Julius approached Kael and Vesper, who were both snickering at the fear on the guards' faces. "Where's your father?" he asked, his voice flat.
"Inside," Kael gestured toward the massive wooden door. It was adorned with intricate carvings of vampire symbols and ancient runes, gleaming with a subtle silver trim. The door's dark finish seemed to absorb the surroundings, making it almost disappear into the shadows. At its center was a heavy iron knocker, shaped like a bat.
As they entered, Julius couldn't help but notice the details—the atmosphere of ancient power that hung in the air. A figure waited for them in the grand hall: Kael's father, the King of Vampdom, Zan.
The king gave them a nod. "I see you've brought guests," he said, eyeing the group. Most of them were shrieking in fear — all except Julius.
Kael stepped forward and gestured to Julius and the rest of the team. "Dad, this is Julius and his crew. We came here seeking your assistance... it's about Penelope."
Julius gave a slight bow. "I sincerely apologize for disturbing your peace, but as your son said, you're the only one we haven't sought help from. I'm sure you've heard about the situation."
"Yes, Vesper told me all about it."
Vesper fluttered over and perched on Zan's shoulder.
"Then I suppose there's not much else to say," Julius replied.
"This way, please," Zan said, gesturing toward a dark wooden table surrounded by ornate chairs. "Have a seat."
Everyone found a spot easily — the room was large and spacious.
"I'm sorry," Zan said as they settled in. "There's nothing I can offer you, you know."
"No problem at all. We brought our own supplies," Julius replied. His face darkened for a moment. "Still... we've tried everything. We have no clue where she might be."
"We do have a few leads," Kael added. "The letter... and her hairpin."
He stood, pacing the room, sniffing the air as if trying to catch a scent. After a moment, he returned to his seat, frowning.
"And how is that supposed to help?"
A female voice echoed through the hall before a figure strode into view "It's not like I don't want to find her but everything seems to be about Penelope"
"I knew it!" Kael shouted. "Keep you mouth shut" he glared at her
"Miss me, darling?"
The woman smirked. Her shoulder-length jet-black hair had strands of stark white running through it. Her piercing grey eyes held a bright gleam. She wore a sleek black leather jacket with silver accents, a flowing white shirt, dark jeans, and black boots. A delicate silver necklace with a crystal pendant bounced against her collarbone, glittering under the chandelier's light.
"Did you really think I wouldn't know it was you?" Kael furrowed his brow. "I thought you were supposed to grow stronger during the retreat—but I guess it doesn't work for everyone."
"I knew you knew," she replied with a grin. "The look you gave me could've sent a real old lady to her grave. Be nicer."
"Who is she?" Kevin asked, jaw practically on the floor.
"She's just a friend," Kael said flatly. "Another pain in my butt—besides Vesper."
"Watch what you say!" Vesper and Sylvia snapped in unison, eyes narrowing.
"Sylvia is a witch," Zan said, his gaze locked on Julius. "She can help us with the search."
Silence fell.
Not only were there vampires—but now witches too? What else were they hiding? How many more were out there?
"Yeah," Kael muttered. "She's that old lady all of you are in love with."
"Really? Aww, thank you so much," Sylvia said with mock pride, giving a playful bow. "It's an honor to be your idol."
She dropped into the empty seat beside Kael and leaned in. "How are you doing, honey?"
She cupped his cheek, but Kael slapped her hand away sharply.
"Stop it. I hate that," he growled, his eyes darkening.
"I was just kidding," she muttered, straightening up.
"Alright, let's get back to the main discussion," Kael's father interrupted.
"Yeah." Kael forced a smile.
"Sylvia, do you care to share your insights?" Zan asked.
"Of course, Your Majesty," she said, giving a slight bow. "As I said, there's something dangerous beyond the forest."
"Who? What is it?" Julius asked, concern creeping into his voice.
"It's a vampire," Sylvia said. "His name is Ryak."
Gasps rippled through the room.
A vampire—with a name.
Everyone was stunned.
Everyone, except Kael. He already knew. He just didn't want to admit it.
"How dangerous is he?" Kevin asked, visibly pale. "Would he… kill her?"
"No," Sylvia said. "He can't. He needs her."
"Why does he need her?" Julius asked.
"Her blood," said Zan, Sylvia, and Kael in unison.
Vesper looked around, confused. "Was I supposed to say that too?".