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SHORT STORIES My other, shorter works. THE MAW Micro Fiction 3rd place winner of Wattpad's mini saga duology challenge. Kala loved her little brother to no end. She'd do anything for him. That creature had taken his sister. Sam was ready to destroy it. ➣ Read on Wattpad CROWLEY Short Story Winner of Wattpad's Aim To Engage 2021 (Zombies) Crowley was all I had left of my brother, but I had no choice but to leave him embedded in the head of a monstrous creature. ➣ Read on Wattpad FALLING SKY Short Story Winner of Wattpad's Teen Fiction Contest: End of the World We all received that same notice--just fourteen hours left. For some, it was devastating. For me, I might say it was a long-awaited relief. ➣ Read on Wattpad INCUBATOR Short Story Published in the IN THE NECK OF THE WOODS anthology by Greykin Press There was something in the Clovedale Woods. A rabid dog, a manged animal twisted and mutilated by the chemicals that the local pharma dumped in the lake, or a deranged man driven insane by the deaths of his family? ➣ Read on Wattpad ⏎ Return to Home

About Us Finding Inspiration in Every Turn This is your About Page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your website has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. Our Story Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does, and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers, and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery, or video for even more engagement. Meet The Team Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager Kevin Nye HR Lead Alex Young Customer Support Lead

Back to Demons Index Back to Treatise Categories Taxonomy & Classifications The official classifications of the species within the Caeleste ecosystem. Associated Volumes and Records This section highlights related records and supplementary texts that provide additional context, expanded research, or alternate perspectives relevant to the subject of this chapter. These volumes are recommended for readers seeking a deeper understanding or cross-referenced material within the archive. Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Nosferatu Sanctioned Amendments and Updates ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩...

Back to Arcana Bestiary Index Back to Arcana Bestiary Categories Brinewretch Lurks in brackish estuaries; secretes a paralytic slime and mimics the cries of drowning children. ◈ Quick Stats ◈ Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce... Preferred Habitat Field Notes ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Size and Mass ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Tracking Signs ⍴age ∪∩ɍeco∨eɍabℓe—øɍiginaⱠ ⊥ex⊥ beℓie∨e∂ ¢o∩sumed ⊏y sen⊥ie∩⊥ i∩k. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Repellent Methods ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... - Previous Next -

< Back to Index Page Mortem Metallum Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... ʍi$si ∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion. ɍeco ∨eɍy ⓔ xpe¢ ⊥ed $oo ∩... Previous Next

Number of records recovered: 14 Number of pages recovered: 0 Arcana-Science & Nature Arcana‑Science & Nature explores Arcana as a measurable force in the natural world. This category includes studies of Arcana materials, enchanted ecosystems, alchemy, and the elemental sciences that shape Caeleste life and matter. Back to Arcana-Science & Nature Categories Arcana-Materials The world’s known arcane metals, crystals, stones, and composite substances, each with unique properties, affinities, and Arcana reactions. From energy-harbouring conduits to volatile weapon-grade compounds, these entries explore the raw elements that power, protect, and endanger the Caeleste world. Whether used to enchant structures, store essence, or ignite spells, these materials are the lifeblood of arcane innovation and survival. Arcanean Metals and Natural Composites Metals and natural composites with Arcanean properties and abilities & 'mundane' metals with anti-ethos abilities Additional Information Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Demonbone A very rare type of material of demon origin but not fully explained or documented. When carved into a weapon, this material can permanently injure demonic creatures. Primary Classification: Forged Metal (FM) Sub-Classification: Infernal Metal (IM) Read more > Deridiuz Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Ebonsteel Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Gold Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Lunacite Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Mortem Metallum Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Platinum Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Quicksilver Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Rhodium Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Silver Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Sunroot Gold Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Tenebricite Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Varyn Brass Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Vendite Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce… Read more > Research Contributors & Institutional Sources: All data within this section has been reviewed, contributed to, or published by recognized bodies, including the R.G.S.A, Mage Consortium: Arcanometallurgy Guild, The Sanctum of Afterlight, The Boundfire Circle, Caeleste Institute of Energetic Matter, The Ashen Archive, Aethric Metallurgic Union, The Tenebric Atelier, the Forgehall of Vel Ornos, and the Consortium Armament Division. See individual volumes for case-specific field studies and citations.

Back to Demons Index Back to Treatise Categories Known Figures of Interest Key individuals from ancient or modern times. Associated Volumes and Records This section highlights related records and supplementary texts that provide additional context, expanded research, or alternate perspectives relevant to the subject of this chapter. These volumes are recommended for readers seeking a deeper understanding or cross-referenced material within the archive. Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Nosferatu Sanctioned Amendments and Updates ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩...

⏎ Return to Lore Directory Applied Sciences and Technology This section covers the practical study and use of ethos and natural forces in everyday life, medicine, engineering, and combat. From healing organs like the proselytus to stabilizing ley-line gateways, applied sciences focus on how knowledge is put to work. Here you’ll find manuals on Arcana surgery, rune mechanics, portal engineering, enchanted agriculture, thaumic architecture, and more. It is the discipline where theory meets craft, and where understanding is transformed into tools, cures, wards, and weapons. Medicine & Biology Arcana Physiology The study of Caeleste anatomy and ethos-driven systems, including how organs like the proselytus regulate power and vitality. ➣ Read Medicine & Biology Arcana Surgery Manuals Step-by-step guides on operating on organs like the proselytus, ethos marrow, or hybrid circulatory systems. ➣ Read Medicine & Biology Comparative Ethos Anatomy How ethos circulates differently in vampires, demons, fae, werewolves, etc. ➣ Read Medicine & Biology Pharmacothaumaturgy Compounds, tinctures, elixirs, and how ethos-reactive ingredients are stabilized ➣ Read Medicine & Biology Arcana Pharmacology A catalogue of medicines, elixirs, and compounds designed specifically for Caeleste physiology. ➣ Read Medicine & Biology Venom & Toxin Protocols Antidotes for werewolf venom, handling silver poisoning, stabilizing ethos shock. ➣ Read

Back to Demons Index Back to Treatise Categories Editorial Note “Much of what you read here is translated, disputed, or retrieved from ruins best left buried. Handle with caution.” — Transcription Notice, Volume I: Demons Associated Volumes and Records This section highlights related records and supplementary texts that provide additional context, expanded research, or alternate perspectives relevant to the subject of this chapter. These volumes are recommended for readers seeking a deeper understanding or cross-referenced material within the archive. Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Nosferatu Sanctioned Amendments and Updates ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩...

Back to Demons Index Back to Treatise Categories Appendices & Cross-Referencing Additional resources ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Associated Volumes and Records This section highlights related records and supplementary texts that provide additional context, expanded research, or alternate perspectives relevant to the subject of this chapter. These volumes are recommended for readers seeking a deeper understanding or cross-referenced material within the archive. Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Fie⌊d ʍage$ ⊥racking $ouɼce… I⥏n∫or₥₳tion tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω en⊢ɍy a∨äiℓâbįⱠï⊥ÿ ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩ $ome ⍴ageş $⊥i⌊ aωãťi∩ǥ Fie⌊d ʍage ɍeco∨eɍy ➤ Read Volume Nosferatu Sanctioned Amendments and Updates The latest approved archival updates, newly verified information, and regulatory revisions entered into the Nosferatu Crown Archives Public Records. Updates include, but are not limited to, newly verified intelligence, recovered documents, revised translations, and significant recent events. ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩...

Back to Arcana Bestiary Index Back to Arcana Bestiary Categories Mossjaw Toad Looks like a patch of moss until it snaps shut with stone-crushing force—its croak can cause dizziness. ◈ Quick Stats ◈ Fie⌊d ʍage$ $⊥i⌊⊥racking ∇he $ouɼce... Preferred Habitat Field Notes ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Tɍαn$ℓa⊥iθ∩ øƒ $¢Ɽip⊥ ⍴en∂inǥ. ⊂he¢k ⊏a¢k ∩ex⊥ ⓛunaɍ ¢y¢ℓe... ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Size and Mass ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Tracking Signs ⍴age ∪∩ɍeco∨eɍabℓe—øɍiginaⱠ ⊥ex⊥ beℓie∨e∂ ¢o∩sumed ⊏y sen⊥ie∩⊥ i∩k. ɍeco∨eɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Repellent Methods ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... - Previous Next -

CHAPTER THREE ー ⊰ ✟ ⊱ ー THE CAUSE | Elvin | Elvin scribbled in his notebook, glancing over at the boat in the distance every so often while he waited for the vampire to return. But as each moment passed, he grew more and more impatient. He slammed his notebook shut and tucked it into his pocket along with his quill. What could be taking Alucard so long? Why did he have to fly over to some ship? Who was he talking to? The bard rolled his eyes and pouted, resting his chin on his knees as he wrapped his arms around his legs. How much longer was he going to have to wait? It was cold, damp, and miserable. He wanted to go home; he wanted to hear about what Alucard had been up to tonight. The bard pondered. Alucard told him to come up with a new name for him; many people knew the vampire as Vuuren—pretty much everyone called him that. There had been times Elvin heard people call him Alucard, but he rarely let anyone use that name. Vladimirescu was the name Damien called him by, so Elvin wouldn't use that. A totally new name: he'd think of something eventually. Alucard suddenly emerged on the beach with an aggravated look on his pale face. Elvin pounced to his feet. "So?" he asked excitedly. "How did it go?" The vampire glanced at him and rolled his eyes. "Vantastic," he grumbled. He frowned at Alucard's answer and followed him along the beach. "Are you going to tell me about your night? What happened?" he asked eagerly. "Stuff," he muttered, following the stone path that led away from the beach. The bard pouted and stared ahead, following Alucard in silence as they approached a tall, black-brick manor in the distance. It consisted of a four-story building standing within its centre, two smaller sections made up of two. The black-tiled roofs were tall, sharp and pointed, sinister shadows creeping across the flat-grass lawn, shrouding the majority of it in darkness. Every light within the rectangular-shaped windows was off, the only light coming from the six moons above. A large city sat a few miles in the distance, its glow emanating through the grassy hills. The collection of trees the pair had earlier walked through was a small cut of a much larger forest that surrounded the huge, vast area of open grassland, separating it from the rest of the world. Black, nightmarish mountains towered in the distance, bestowing a dark shadow over the manor up ahead, cobblestone walls surrounding its grounds. They reached the black steel gates which sat between the walls, and as they opened, Alucard led the way through the grounds towards the manor's doors. "Okay, what stuff?" Elvin then asked, hoping that his few minutes of silence would help get the vampire to answer his questions. Alucard rolled his eyes and snarled irritably. "I met some zemon." "A demon? But...demons and vampires are enemies; that's like getting you to meet a werewolf." "Vell, I'm supposed to be 'elping 'im move some vampires vrom 'is vorld to zhis vone." "You're bringing vampires from some other world...to this one?" He nodded, reaching the manor's black front door. "Is...it really a good idea to bring more vampires here? It's only been six months since you outran the Diabolus—what if they find you again? What will you do with all these vampires?" Alucard sighed. "Zhe Diabolus von't find me 'ere; zhe last place zhey vould expect to vind me is living among 'umans." Elvin reached into his pocket and pulled out his notebook. "True...." He nodded but then shuffled around excitedly. "A whole new world?!" he squealed, scribbling onto the paper as he followed the vampire into his house. "What was it like? Was it like Alvenguard? Was it magical?" "Vone moon," Alucard said with a shrug, taking off his cloak, hanging it on the coat rack. "Some...eroded castle, not much to see." Nodding, Elvin followed him through the dark entrance hall and into a lounge. "And these vampires; why do you have to bring them here?" Alucard clicked his fingers, the candles lined around the room atop each shelf instantly lighting with small flickering flames. He then slumped down onto the black-leather, red-cushioned couch. He rested his right leg over the arm and looked over at Elvin as he slowly sat in the same-styled armchair opposite him. He took a moment to rest, looking around the black-adorned room. All the furniture was dark in colour and looked to be antique. The walls were black with oak-brown panelling lined around them; the front wall possessed three tall, arched windows, lantern-like lights hanging from the wall space between each of them. The vampire looked over at Elvin. "Zamien vants to undermine 'is brover, Levoldus." "The...god?" Elvin frowned, looking over at him. He nodded and looked over at the silent fireplace. "Zhe virst step in doing so vould be to fill zhis vorld vith ethos zhat is not of 'is origin, zherevore not of 'is control. So, ve are starting vith zhese vampires. 'E 'as me 'elping some zemon zhat apparently vants to 'elp zhe vampires of 'is vorld because zhey vere loyal to 'im vroughout a war. Now, I 'ave zhis night and 'alf of tomorrow to find somevhere to put zhem and to try and 'urry up zhis treaty I 'ave been vorking on vith zhe 'umans of zhe city." Nodding, Elvin scribbled in his notebook as Alucard spoke. "The human-vampire cohabitation treaty?" The vampire nodded. "Da." "I don't know if they'll hurry that up...so, you're helping a demon transport vampires from another world to this world because Damien wants to overthrow his brother, aka, the god of this world. Well, they're not really brothers, are they? These god people just call each other brother and sister—kinda weird. Anyway, why does Damien wanna overthrow Letholdus?" he asked, looking over at the vampire. Alucard shrugged and flicked his hand, the fireplace lighting with fire as crimson as his hair. "Zamien 'ates 'is siblings, 'e vants to be on top; noving more to it, veally." "He wants to be in charge...so he's gonna...what? What's he doing once he has ethos that isn't Letholdus' in this world?" Looking over at him, Alucard shrugged again. "Outside ethos vill corrupt zhe ethos 'ere. Zhe more zhere is, zhe more damage is done. I gazzer zhat Zamien vants to veaken Levoldus and zhen kill 'im." Elvin wrote it down. "Kinda barbaric." "Eh, not my problem. Gods vill do vhat gods vant to do," he grumbled, staring into the fire. The bard then looked over at him. "So, are you gonna do it? Help the demon?" Alucard sighed. "Vhat choice do I 'ave? Zamien asked me to do it; I can't exactly say no." Scribbling in his book once more, Elvin nodded and looked back over at him. "What about this demon?" he asked with a smirk. "He? She? What was it like?" The vampire scowled. "Must you know?" "Well, yeah. I need all the details. How else am I supposed to write this book? Could this book...possibly become a story of romance?" he teased. "A love triangle!" Rolling his eyes, he glared back into the fire. "Insufferable, stuck up businessman type; suit, blazer ving...I vink 'e 'ad a tie. I actually met 'im virst outside a tavern; seems like Zamien sent 'im to meet me on 'is own—I zon't know vhy 'e vhought zhat vould vork." "What happened?" "I told 'im to fuck off." Elvin sighed, but there was amusement in his voice when he said, "Oh, Vuuren. Perfect description, though. Love that." He wrote it down. "Seems like Zamien loves 'im," the vampire grumbled. Elvin then stopped writing and looked over at Alucard. "From what I've heard, I really don't think that creature of a man could ever love anyone; he probably loves the fact that this demon guy does what he's told," he assumed. "Da," Alucard mumbled. "Okay, do you have a plan?" The vampire looked over at him. "Vor vhat?" "The whole...moving vampires from there to here thing." "Vhat is zhere to plan? Go zhere, bring zhem 'ere. Simple." "Okay, but where will they live? You haven't got the treaty sorted yet with the humans in the city, so they can't exactly live there, can they?" "My castle, I guess." Writing it down, Elvin nodded. "And the treaty?" "I'll try and sort zhat tomorrow; 'umans sleep zhe night avay like babies," he grumbled. "So, you'll use tonight to prepare the castle, I assume?" "Da," he confirmed. Elvin smiled. "See, why can't you be like this all the time? You only seem to answer me when I'm asking for the book—you really do believe in me, don't you?" He grinned from ear to ear. Alucard rolled his eyes. The Bard sighed and closed his notebook. "Well, are you okay?" he then asked, concern in his voice. Alucard frowned, glancing over at him. "Vhy vould I not be?" The bard shrugged. "I worry about you; you never really talk about how you feel, and you always look miserable when you get back from seeing Damien." "Zon't you 'ave an 'ome to get to?" Alucard dismissed. Elvin frowned. "Well...yeah, but...don't you want me to help you tonight? I don't really have anything else to do." "No," Alucard denied. "Go 'ome." The bard stood up and sighed. "Will you let me get chased by wolves? Attacked by pirates? Walk me home...please?" he pleaded. The vampire looked over at him. "No, no, and no," he grumbled, scowling. "Sergiu is outside vith zhe carriage; tell 'im I told 'im to take you 'ome." "Mean," Elvin mumbled as he turned around, heading for the door. "Where should I find you tomorrow?" he asked, looking back over his shoulder at the vampire. "Zhe city, outside zhe 'ouse of commons," he instructed, looking over at him. Sighing, Elvin turned around and made his way over to the door. As he left, he glanced back at Alucard, watching him as he made himself comfortable on the couch. He was worried about him—he knew how much Alucard despised Damien. But as much as he wanted to try and be there for him, he knew Alucard didn't want his company right now. Elvin knew him well enough to know that he wanted to be left alone for the rest of the night. With a pout on his face, Elvin pulled the door shut behind him and started searching the courtyard for Sergiu. ⤝❖⤞ | Alucard | As the bard left, Alucard looked back into the fire. Tonight hadn't been what he expected. This was the first time Damien sent an associate to find him on their own, and the first time he'd forced Alucard to work side-by-side with someone, too. At least all their working together involved was meeting to drop off and pick up the vampires, though. Alucard was glad, however, that he didn't have to see Damien alone. The last thing he wanted was to be in that creature's presence by himself. But the meeting had been somewhat humiliating; this new demon—Zalith—clearly thought that Alucard was incompetent and that he couldn't do what Damien asked of him. But Alucard was undoubtedly going to prove them both wrong. There had never been a time he failed at a task—not since...then. But he didn't want to think about that. Then, he scowled. Zalith had mentioned 'the cause'—what was the cause? He hadn't been made aware of any cause, something that the demon seemed to be familiar with alongside Damien. Clearly, Alucard had been left out of something once again. Did he care, though? Yes, he did. Damien made sure to always involve the vampire in some way or another. So, why hadn't he been told what this cause was? Not only did he have that to worry about now, but it looked like the werewolves were testing the waters. They hadn't set foot in any of Dor-Sanguis' towns or villages ever since he'd scared them off, so why had one been brave enough to hunt in Wrodiff tonight? He hoped it was just a stray desperate for food, but part of him knew things could never be that simple. The wolves were up to something...and he needed to find out before someone was killed—that would ruin everything he'd been working so hard for. "Don't you have a job to do?" came Damien's harrowing voice. Startled by his appearance, Alucard sat up straight and looked back over his shoulder. "Vampires need moving," Damien said, standing behind him. He made his way over and slumped down in the chair Elvin had been sitting in. "And yet, you sit around here like some useless fool. Not a surprise, though." He sighed, tapping his claws on the arm of the chair. Staring over at him, Alucard frowned cautiously. "I vill be starting tomorrow; I need time to prepare a place vor zhem to stay." Nodding slowly, Damien glared at him. "You still keep that human around—why?" "'E's...my vamiliar," Alucard answered. "Hmm...." He nodded. "You tell him an awful lot, don't you?" "'E's vriting a novel." Damien scoffed. "Pointless frivolity. To sit somewhere for hours looking at written words when you can simply speak from memory. Human minds don't have such a capacity, though. Do you, Vladimirescu?" he asked as a smirk crept across his face. Keeping his eyes on the Daegelus, Alucard frowned slightly, unsure whether he was meant to answer or not. But Damien then sighed. "You heard Zalith and I mention the cause; I suppose I should tell you since I'll be needing you for it." "Vhat is it?" he asked—he wasn't surprised Damien knew he was thinking about it. The Daegelus never requested permission to peer into one's mind. The Daegelus grinned and grabbed his shirt—Alucard did his best not to panic...and stared into his eyes. "If you speak a word of this to anyone...." His eyes wandered down to Alucard's chest. "It's a fascinating organ—the proselytes. It gives you mortal creatures the ability to harness the energy you were graced to have been born with. I've heard it's such a painful existence to have had one...and then to have lost it." Alucard understood his threat. "I von't tell anyvone." Damien scowled and let go of him. Then, he looked over at the fireplace. "I want everything my siblings have. I want access to their bloodlines; I want dominion over what they have come to make, to build, to own. I want all of it, and to do so, I need to possess their blood, their ethos, and I've found a way to do so." The vampire frowned. "You said zhat vone day you vould initiate zhe creation of anozzer Zaegelus—a child." He nodded. "Yes, I will need to create another creature quite like myself—another Daegelus. But when I do so, I will carefully craft into it everything I will need. I will make sure it possesses the blood of each of my siblings, the ethos of everything and everyone that I require. And then, when it has grown, I will simply absorb it, thus gaining everything it possesses, granting myself what I need." "Vhy do you need me?" "I need four fathers." "Vhat?" "Four males of each bloodline—Lucifer's, Lilith's, Ephriel's, and Erich's. You so happen to be Lucifer's son, so what better choice for Lucifer's bloodline? Yes, you are incompetent, insufferable, but I simply have no other better choice. Zalith is of Lilith's bloodline. I am in search of an angel from Ephriel's, and I have one in mind. Then one of Erich's. Once I have found them, we will all meet to discuss preparations." "And...I gazzer you need a mother, too? For zhis child." "Yes," Damien answered, looking over at him. "Whilst you assist Zalith, I will be searching for a suitable mother—do you have any more stupid questions?" "No," he said, looking away from Damien's evil stare. Damien then smirked. "I have heard of an angel sent by my sister to keep an eye on Letholdus. I have thought about asking him—I will steal him from Ephriel, as I have stolen you from my brother." Alucard glanced over at him. "Now, get to work. I want those vampires in this world by this time next year, as I said. If you falter, you'll suffer." As Damien stood up, a look of angst appeared on Alucard's face. "I von't fail." "Good." The Daegelus smiled, placing his hand on Alucard's shoulder, digging his claws into it. The vampire scowled, keeping his eyes focused on the fire. "Remember what I have taught you, Vladimirescu, and don't let me down—again," he warned, letting go of his shoulder. Then, as Damien left as silently as he had arrived, Alucard stared sullenly, watching the flames within the fireplace. At least now he knew what this cause was—the cause that Zalith had mentioned. Damien was planning to create another Daegelus; he wanted to give it the blood of all the other Eternal Gods so that he may absorb it, thus absorbing the power he would give it. What was he going to do once he had access to the other Eternals' bloodlines? He knew that Damien wanted to kill Letholdus; that had to be why he didn't want someone possessing that Eternal's blood—if there were even any people out there descended from Letholdus. But what were his plans for his other siblings? Did he want to kill them, too? Or did he really just want access to their lineage? It wasn't really Alucard's problem—or his business. He had to do what he was told, and that was all he knew. He stood up and waved his hand, all of the flames within the fireplace withering. He made his way over to the door, irritably snatched his cape and left, setting out to begin preparations for the new task he had been given. ⏎ Back to Nosferatu ➲ Want to read a little more? Chapters 1-10 are available on Wattpad!