The New Son of the Holler Family
On a winter night, the wind carried a biting chill through the air. Low clouds drifted across a sky swallowed by darkness. The people of Thrace hurried to bolt their doors, for they knew well… something was coming. Hundreds of thousands of bats poured out of their caves beneath the dim silver glow of the moon. Each household prepared for the cruelty of the night. Those who preserved ancient knowledge brought out their protections crosses, holy water, and thorn branches laid tightly along their fences.
Tonight was no different.
Tyler, the wicked vampire who reveled in the scent of human blood, lured young women with charm and wealth before stealing their final breath along with the last drop of their blood. He was the sworn enemy of the Holler family especially of Hill Holler, a vampire who rejected human blood and chose to feed only on animals. Hill's pale golden eyes were nothing like Tyler's.
And on this night, cruelty descended upon Edward Hawne's small, homeless family. Taking shelter beside a crumbling wall, they were ambushed without warning by Tyler and his bloodthirsty bats. Cold hands and razor-sharp claws clamped around Edward's father's throat. His scream shattered the silence. Blood sprayed into the air, its metallic scent thick and suffocating. Tyler's crimson eyes burned like the flames of hell as his grip tightened, veins bulging beneath his victim's skin.
Edward and his mother hid behind broken timber, forced to watch the husband and father they loved suffer without mercy. She pressed her hand tightly over her eight-year-old son's mouth to stifle his sobs.
"Come out! Or I'll tear him apart piece by piece!"
Tyler's voice echoed across the ruins. He desired only the blood of women; the men were left for his swarm. Edward trembled, fury and grief blazing through his tears.
His mother looked at him one last time before loosening her embrace. Her eyes said everything she would go, and she would not return.
"My son… live to help others. Your life matters. Do not worry about us. You must live… for everyone."
Her final words lingered as Edward clutched her skirt, begging her not to leave.
In a heartbeat, Tyler was upon her. Bones cracked beneath his grip. He sank his fangs into her neck, draining her life and her soul. Her body withered pale and lifeless.
Meanwhile, the bats tore into Edward's father until nothing remained.
Edward sat frozen, suppressing his cries, until footsteps approached. A hand seized his wrist. He nearly screamed until another hand covered his mouth.
"Do not be afraid. We must leave. I cannot defeat him tonight I came alone."
The stranger was Hill Holler.
Wrapping the trembling child in his cloak, Hill carried him through the shadowed alleys. Bats gave chase, but Hill leapt over towering walls, moving with supernatural speed.
Soon they reached an ancient mansion hidden within the forbidden quarter of the city a sacred place even Tyler dared not enter. Hill set Edward upon a cold stone bench and gently wiped away his tears.
"You are safe here, Edward. But your life will never be the same."
"Why save me… when you are a vampire too?"
Hill lowered his gaze. "Because I have lost everything before… just like you."
Far away, Tyler stood beneath a flickering lamp, blood staining his fangs.
"I can smell him… the traitor. Hill Holler."
"We will meet again. And next time, you will not escape."
That first night in the abandoned church, Edward's grief was unbearable. Yet within the darkness, there was a faint light one not human.
"You will not fear again, Edward. I will teach you power. One day, you will choose between vengeance and forgiveness… as my son. Edward Holler."
Though cared for, the boy remained wary, fearing he might one day become prey.
Ethan soon arrived with his nephew Henry.
"My lord, I have arranged the school. Three options but one is most suitable. A night academy for those of special bloodlines."
"Good. No one is to interfere with the boy until he is ready."
"Will you tell him… he may no longer be entirely human?"
"Not tonight. He deserves rest before the truth changes him forever."
Henry studied the boy quietly. "He remembers everything. Even the blood in the dirt."
Ethan nodded. "He is the next son of Holler. From this night onward, we stand as the blades behind him."
Ethan retrieved a carved wooden box wrapped in black cloth.
"I recovered this from the scene. I believe the boy should see it."
Hill's voice was low.
"Keep it… until he is strong enough to hold it himself."
Inside the box lay the ashes of Edward's parents.