A few days later, early in the morning, the van was still moving steadily along the deserted road. The sky was covered with gray clouds, and a cold breeze swept across the empty landscape. Inside the vehicle, everyone was sleeping soundly after several exhausting days of travel. Nadia sat behind the wheel, her eyes heavy with fatigue but still focused on the road ahead. Beside her sat Velmora, who remained completely awake. Her eyes were fixed on the horizon, and her expression was unreadable.
"Is there any way you can connect with Milan and the others?" Nadia finally asked, her voice filled with concern.
"It's been days since we last spoke to them, and I keep wondering if they're alright." Velmora slowly turned her head toward her.
"I will try to search for them," she replied calmly.
"But over the past few days, I haven't been able to sense their presence anywhere on the surface of the Earth. It is as if they have completely disappeared." Nadia tightened her grip on the steering wheel.
"Let's hope everything is going well," she said softly.
For several more minutes, silence filled the van. The only sounds were the humming of the engine and the gentle breathing of those asleep.
Suddenly, a gigantic structure appeared in the distance. Nadia's eyes widened. A massive wall stood before them. It was constructed from hardened sand, yet it looked stronger than stone itself. The enormous wall stretched as far as the eye could see, surrounding the entire area like an impenetrable fortress.
"We're here!" Nadia shouted.
"Everyone, wake up! We've arrived!"
One by one, everyone inside the van woke up. Lucy rubbed her eyes and looked through the window.
"Wow… I can't believe we actually made it."
"You should believe it," Emma replied while gathering her weapons.
"The thing is literally right in front of your face."
Zara remained silent, tightly holding her knife. Ben looked outside in amazement.
"This place is huge…" Ben spoke
"Stop the van."Velmora suddenly spoke.
Nadia immediately slowed down and brought the vehicle to a halt. Silence filled the van.
Velmora slowly stood up.
"This is as far as I can take you." Everyone looked at her.
"The people behind these walls will give you shelter and keep you safe. As for me, I must return and search for Milan and the others." Layla frowned.
"Aren't you going to come inside with us? At least for a little while?" Velmora gently shook her head.
"I cannot." She looked at each one of them.
"But that does not mean we won't see each other again." Her gaze finally settled on Nadia and Zara.
"I promised Milan that I would protect all of you. No matter what happens, I will come for you. Just remember this…" Her eyes glowed faintly.
"I have your backs. All of you." For a brief moment, nobody spoke. Then Velmora slowly lowered herself into the ground. The earth beneath her began to ripple like water. Within seconds, her entire body merged with the surface.
Two minutes later, she was completely gone.
The atmosphere inside the van became strangely empty. Nadia sighed deeply before restarting the engine. The van slowly approached the giant walls.
As soon as they got closer, six armed guards appeared from their positions.
"STOP THE VEHICLE!" The guards raised their rifles and aimed them directly at the van.
Nadia immediately turned off the engine.
"I hate guards," Emma muttered while reaching for her sword.
"And I definitely hate walls." Lucy quickly grabbed her arm.
"No. We have to do things their way. If we want to survive, we need to stay calm."
Nadia nodded. She slowly rolled down the window and raised both hands.
"Please! We only need help. We mean no harm."
The guards kept their weapons aimed.
"Everyone, get out of the vehicle slowly!" the leader shouted.
"Kneel down and place your hands behind your backs!"
The van door opened.
Nadia stepped out first and slowly knelt on the ground. Layla followed, Then Emma, Lucy.
Soon after, Ben, Ivory, and Zara joined them.
The guards cautiously surrounded them.
"What are you doing here?" the leader asked sternly.
"And how did you find this place?"
"We heard about this settlement from a friend," Emma answered.
"We were told this place protects children and offers refuge to survivors."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances.
"We should call the Team Leader."
One of them immediately used his walkie-talkie. Several minutes later, a man walked through the gates. The moment Emma, Layla, and Ivory saw him, their eyes widened.
"Alex?!" Alex looked equally surprised.
"Well… this is unexpected." A smile slowly appeared on his face as he walked toward them.
"I never thought I'd see you people again." He stopped in front of them.
"I remember all of you—Layla, Emma, Ivory, Zara, and Ben." He chuckled.
"The last time we met, you were all heading toward the Scottish Highlands. So… what happened?"
Nadia spoke first.
"It's a long story, but we really shouldn't discuss it out here. We're seeking refuge and shelter. We heard this place accepts survivors." Alex finally looked at her carefully. His expression changed.
"And who might you be, beautiful?" Nadia frowned slightly.
"My name is Nadia. I'm Zara's mother. I believe they told you about me back when you were trapped inside St. Thomas Hospital."Alex's eyes widened.
"So you're Nadia." He looked at Zara.
"I used to tell this little girl that you were probably gone, But she was stubborn as hell." He smirked.
Zara glared at him. Alex laughed softly.
"Anyway, get up." The guards lowered their weapons.
"Welcome." Everyone slowly stood up.
"We'll provide you with rooms and hot water for bathing. This evening, you'll be interviewed by the Sheriff herself." His expression suddenly became serious.
"But first, all weapons must be surrendered."
Emma immediately frowned.
"No weapons are allowed for civilians inside the walls," Alex continued.
"Your van will also be taken somewhere safe."
Reluctantly, everyone began placing their weapons on the ground. Everyone except Zara.
She still held her knife tightly.
Alex slowly walked toward her.
"Hey, Zara." She looked up at him.
"You know who I am and what I can do. Put the knife down. We will keep it safe." Zara shook her head.
"It was a gift." Alex's expression softened.
"And you'll get it back. I promise." He knelt down to her level.
"Once you prove yourself capable of handling it, all your weapons will be returned." Zara looked at the knife for several seconds.
Memories of Nutaila giving it to her flashed through her mind. Slowly, she placed it on the ground.
Another guard stepped forward and collected all the weapons. Alex stood up and looked at the massive gates.
"OPEN THE GATES!"
A loud mechanical sound echoed across the area.
The gigantic gates slowly began to open.Everyone stared in shock. Beyond the walls lay an entire civilization. People were walking freely through busy streets.Children were playing.
Merchants sold fruits, clothes, and supplies in crowded markets. There were shops, farms, animals, water wells, and houses stretching into the distance.For the first time in years, it looked like a normal world.Lucy covered her mouth.
"This place…"Nadia could hardly believe her eyes.
"It's beautiful."
Emma remained cautious, carefully observing the guards stationed at nearly every corner.
"This place is heavily protected."Alex smiled proudly.
"We've spent years building it." He led them deeper inside, heading toward the refugee quarters.
As they walked, people curiously stared at the newcomers.
"So, Layla," Alex suddenly said,
"it's been a long time. Who else survived?"
His eyes narrowed.
"Where are Dr. Patel and Ayanna?"
Layla smiled.
"They're both alive."Alex looked relieved.
"They had some important matters to deal with first, but they'll eventually come here."Layla then smiled slightly.
"And I think you'll be very happy to see Zero again."
Alex suddenly stopped walking. His smile disappeared.Memories flooded his mind.
The betrayal, The guilt, Leaving Zero behind.
He slowly forced another smile.
"Zero…"His voice was almost a whisper.
"He's alive?"
"Of course he is."Alex looked completely stunned.
"Did he… tell you anything?" Layla looked at him carefully.
"How did he survive?"
Layla stopped walking and stared directly into his eyes.
"Zero never shared his story with anyone."
A moment of silence followed.
"But don't worry."She turned around and continued walking.
"I'm sure you'll meet him soon."Her voice became softer.
"And when that time comes…"She looked back at him.
"You two will have plenty of time to talk." Alex remained standing there for a few moments, staring at her as guilt slowly filled his heart.
As they finally reached the Refugee Household, Alex led them to the reception area. Several people were moving around, carrying supplies, cleaning, and assisting newly arrived survivors.
A middle-aged woman stood behind the desk. She wore simple clothing, but her stern expression made it clear that she was someone of authority.
Alex turned toward the group.
"This is Madame. She will assign you to your beds, and tomorrow you will be given work after your interview with the Sheriff tonight." Without waiting for a response, Alex nodded politely and walked away. Madame carefully observed each of them from head to toe before speaking.
"Welcome to the Kingdom." Her voice was calm but firm.
"We do not have many rules here, only three." She raised one finger.
"First, weapons of any kind are strictly forbidden inside the walls." A second finger.
"Second, we look out for one another. Everyone protects everyone." Then the third.
"And finally, we make sure Rules One and Two are always respected." She straightened herself.
"Now, please follow me. I will show you to your dormitories." Madame took the lead and guided them through a long corridor. The Refugee Household was enormous. It contained a large dining hall, storage rooms, bathing areas, a medical section, and several dormitories for both adults and children. As they walked, many people greeted them warmly. Eventually, they arrived at the second dormitory. Madame opened the door.
"This is the adults' dormitory. Each room can accommodate up to ten people." Inside were neatly arranged beds with wardrobes beside each one.
"You will find fresh clothes inside the wardrobes. Please clean yourselves and dispose of your old clothes." Nadia hesitated before stepping forward.
"I'm sorry, but we have two children with us. There are enough beds here, and we're only seven people including the children. Can't they stay with us?" Madame shook her head immediately.
"Rules are rules." She looked at Zara and Ben.
"The children have their own dormitories. They are not allowed to live with adults until they reach the age of fifteen." Seeing Nadia's worried expression, she softened her tone slightly.
"But don't worry. They are free to visit you during the day, and you may visit them as well." She smiled faintly.
"Now then, children, your dormitory is nearby."
Zara looked at her mother. Nadia knelt down and gently touched her daughter's face.
"It's okay, baby. You'll be fine." She smiled warmly.
"Take care of Ben, make sure both of you clean yourselves, and I promise I'll come check on you later." Zara nodded slowly.
"I will." She reached for Ben's hand.
"Come on." Together, they followed Madame.
After walking through another corridor, they arrived at the children's dormitory. Madame opened another door.
"Each room houses four children." Inside the room were two other children around their age—a boy and a girl.
"This room already has two occupants." The two children looked curiously at the newcomers.
"Meet Phil and Claire." Madame paused for a moment.
"I didn't catch your names earlier."
"My name is Zara," she replied politely.
"And this is my younger brother, Ben."Madame smiled.
"Wonderful." She looked at all four children.
"Please make them feel welcome. Remember, all of you are family here."She turned around.
"I'll leave you children to get acquainted." The door gently closed behind her.
Silence filled the room.
Claire suddenly smiled and approached them.
"Welcome." Phil waved awkwardly.
Ben smiled shyly and immediately sat on one of the beds. Claire then showed Zara and Ben their beds.
As Zara looked around the room, something immediately caught her attention.The walls.
They were covered with drawings. Dozens of them, Her eyes widened. Every single picture was of Scarlet. Some showed Scarlet holding her twin swords. Others showed her fighting vampires.
Some drawings looked old, while others seemed freshly made. Zara stood there in complete shock.
Claire walked beside her.
"You know her, don't you?" Zara slowly nodded.
"Yes." A smile appeared on her face.
"She saved my life, More than once." Her eyes sparkled with admiration. She looked at one of the drawings.
"She's a hero. A brave woman who will put an end to all this vampire misery." Claire's expression slowly changed. The smile on her face disappeared.
"What about you?" Zara asked curiously.
"How do you know her?"
Claire slowly sat on her bed.For several moments, she remained silent. Then she began speaking.
"Long before these people found me…" Her voice became quieter.
"When chaos consumed the streets, my mother and I were trying to survive."She lowered her head.
"My mother was badly injured while protecting me."
Her hands slowly clenched.
"The vampires found us."Her breathing became heavier.
"I ran into the streets, screaming for help." She looked up at one of the drawings.
"And then… she appeared."Her eyes filled with mixed emotions.
"Scarlet, She came out of nowhere and killed every vampire that was trying to hurt me." Zara listened carefully.
"I begged her to save my mother."Claire laughed bitterly.
"But she refused." Zara's expression changed.
"She was going to leave me there." Claire's eyes became red.
"So I begged." Her voice trembled.
"I knelt before her… like she was some kind of god."
Silence filled the room.
"Eventually, she agreed." Claire swallowed hard.
"I took her to my house." Her hands began shaking.
"She looked at my mother and examined her wound." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Then she told me to go and bring a medical kit."
The room became silent. Claire's voice broke.
"When I returned…" Her entire body trembled.
"I saw her." Zara stared at her.
"She had drawn her sword…" Another tear rolled down her face.
"And she drove it straight through my mother's heart." Nobody spoke.
"Right in front of me." Ben slowly stopped unpacking his things. Phil lowered his head.
"I ran away."Claire wiped her tears angrily.
"I hated her."Her fists tightened.
"I survived alone, In the rain, In the cold, In summer and winter. No food, No shelter, No one." She looked at her hands.
"I was just a little girl." Her voice became colder.
"I faced monsters… starvation… and death." She took a deep breath.
"Then one day… Alex found me." Her expression softened slightly.
"He saved my life and brought me here." Claire slowly stood up.
"Since that day, I have never forgotten her face."
She looked at the countless drawings on the wall.
"Every night I have the same nightmare." Her voice became filled with hatred.
"I see her killing my mother again." She slowly touched one of the pictures.
"So I draw her. Every single day." She turned toward Zara.
"She may be your hero…" Her eyes were burning with anger.
"But to me…" Her hands trembled violently.
"She is the person who took everything away from me." Silence filled the room.
"I train every day." Her voice became firm.
"I have unfinished business with her." A tear rolled down her face.
"And one day…" Her expression became terrifying.
"She will pay for what she did." Zara remained speechless.
"I will kill Scarlet." Claire's fists clenched so hard that her knuckles turned white.
"Even if it costs me my own life." The room fell completely silent. Zara, Ben, Phil, and Claire all stood there, staring at the countless pictures of Scarlet hanging on the walls. There were so many of them, Different poses, Different moments, Different expressions, But all of them shared one thing. The face of a woman who was a hero to some, and a monster to others.