The War of the Red Provinces ⏎ Return to Atheson Coven The Atheson-Noridge Land Siege 698(TG)–700(TG) The war began when King Theobald IV of Noridge, known to his allies as bold and to most others as a greedy fool, set his eyes on Tharnet Bay, Tarnwyck, and Rhaskon—three Atheson provinces rich in arcane metals, rare beasts, and strategic trade routes. Believing the Atheson Crown too fractured to retaliate, he launched a sweeping military campaign to claim them for Noridge. The Atheson people resisted, but they were outnumbered and under-equipped. Thousands died as villages were razed and moors ran red with blood. Within months, Noridge soldiers pressed further inland, ordered to seize Eisbruck, the final buffer between the advancing army and Atheson City itself. That was when the Vampire Creator intervened. Under the Creator's command, Eyra and her Fellkin emerged from the forests, breaking their long silence to shield the wounded and dying. The coven took in abandoned soldiers and civilians alike—turning some, burying others with dignity, and holding the lines in the dead of night while the human armies slept. For a brief moment, the people of Atheson remembered what it was to call the vampires saviours. The war escalated beyond human conflict. Other non-humans joined the defence, including Duskroot werewolves and rogue mages exiled from Noridge. By the end of 699(TG), Noridge’s forces were faltering, and a royal order was issued to retreat. In 700(TG), word of King Theobald’s assassination reached Atheson. He had been killed in his chambers by an unknown assailant. But those within vampire circles knew the truth: it had been Attila, the Creator’s most precise and merciless hand. The message was clear. The land remembers who it belongs to. The provinces were reclaimed. The humans cheered. And for a while, at least, the city and the coven stood side by side. ⏎ Return to Atheson Coven

SUBJECT 0333 Numen Chronicles: Daegelus | Volume One While hunting for his missing friend, Elijah stumbles upon a fiery journalist, who so happens to be looking for the same people as him: the doctors who experimented on him when he was a child. But when the two are forced to go on the run together, Elijah's healing wounds are opened, and he realises that Lyca Corp. took more than his childhood. *** The moment Elijah escaped from the lab where he unwillingly spent the past thirteen years of his life, he planned to live up to his promise: he'd find Haru, the only thing that kept him sane growing up. But with no idea where Lyca Corp. transferred his friend, Elijah hunts down the former doctors who made his life hell in search of answers. After chasing his next lead, however, Elijah accidentally rescues Zoe, a journalist locked in his target's trunk. He has no choice but to bring her and her roommate, Jake, along with him as he flees the city to avoid capture. But as he continues his search, Elijah struggles with the scars Lyca Corp. burned into him. He has no idea who or what he is; he doesn't understand the power raging inside his bodyーthe power Lyca Corp. desperately tried to pry from him. Why does he have an insatiable bloodlust? What does the whispering voice inside his head want? And why does he feel as though a huge part of him has been torn away? BOOK ONE 137,000 words ▶ Read on Wattpad ⏎ Back to Home

CHAPTER TWO ー ⊰ ✟ ⊱ ー THE BARD'S TALE | Elvin | Elvin flew out of the tavern's wide-open door, grasping his beloved lute against his chest. His pecan-brown hair was scattered with pieces of rotten tomato and peanut shells, and as the crowd inside hollered in revolt, he pouted sadly. "You don't know a good story when you hear it!" he yelled, shaking his fist. "Get lost!" the doorman shouted, pulling the door shut. Alone on the street, Elvin scowled sullenly. He had so many other things he could say, but what was the point of wasting his breath? No one wanted to hear his stories; nobody wanted to hear the truth about the vampires they shared Dor-Sanguis with. He was the only one that could tell that story...but he'd not give another second to the hapless drunks inside that establishment. As he ruffled his hair with his hand and shook the food from it, he turned around and walked down the cold, lantern-lit cobblestone street. He pulled his feather-tipped hat from his inside pocket, and once he put it on, he glanced up at the star-filled sky. He admired the array of beautiful colours spread throughout it as a result of the six brightly glowing moons. The mixture of purple, red, blue, and gold shined like sunlight through a stained-glass window, and if there was anything Elvin found beautiful in this world of darkness and misery, it was that. He looked up and down the road, but there wasn't a single person in sight. The quietness sent a shiver down his spine, and he didn't know where he was going. He thought he'd be in the tavern much longer than he was, and for all he knew, it could be hours before it was time to meet Alucard. A small school of shimmering, silver fish swam around the lantern he was approaching. What were they doing out now? Skyfish didn't descend past the clouds unless it was raining. Was it going to rain soon? That was the last thing he needed. His hat wouldn't keep his head dry and he'd surely catch a cold. He started thinking about the tavern again, and it made a sour scowl warp his face. "I'm better than all the other bards," he told himself as he turned left at the crossroad. "All they sing about is nonsense about some ugly lady and her stupid man friend. No one wants to hear about that. Stupid love stories. Stupid bard. Stupid tavern. They should be pining after my stories!" He looked back over his shoulder as the wind raced past him, almost swiping the hat from his head. "I'm talented," he muttered, pouting. His words hadn't gone unheard. He sharply turned his head to stare ahead as a low growl ruptured the night's ominous quiet. The bard frowned and gripped his lute tightly, watching a pair of dim yellow eyes shimmer in the dark alley across the road. He tensed up and dropped his instrument as he screamed in horror, but before Elvin could flee, a blurred beast burst out of the shadows and crashed into him, pinning him against the wall. The bard let out a hysterical screech, and the wolfish monster snarled ferociously in his face. Elvin whimpered and cried as he tried to escape the monster's grip. He knew he couldn't do anything, though. What was a measly little human going to do against a werewolf? Suddenly, the sound of slicing metal silenced the beast. Blood exploded from the wolf's neck, spraying all over Elvin's revolted face, and as the creature's head slid off its body, Elvin squirmed around in revolt. The beast hit the ground, and as a river of red oozed down the street, the bard frantically dragged his hands over his face, trying to wipe the blood away. But then, he gritted his teeth in anger; he turned his head sharply and set his eyes on his saviour. "You always do this to me!" he exclaimed, stumbling back as he glared at the ice-pale man who stood with the dead beast at his feet and a bloody rapier in his right hand. While Elvin stood a mere five-foot-five, this man towered above six feet tall. Alucard took his hellish eyes off the beast and glared over at Elvin. The light of the lanterns shone oddly on his red-as-blood hair, which fell to his jaw in length, tied loosely behind his head—much like Elvin's. A small, gold-looped earring shimmered in his right, sharply pointed ear, and an irritated look clung to his pale face. He flicked his sword, banishing the beast's blood from its blade before sheathing it at his side. Elvin shuddered in fear, wrapping his arms around himself. "What the heck was it doing here?!" "Your guess is as good as mine," Alucard grumbled. His accent was thick, and he spoke much faster than anyone else Elvin knew. Alucard didn't hail from the same land as him, but he had been around him so long that he understood every word. "W-what if there's more?!" he shrieked, looking up and down the road. "There are no more." Elvin trusted him. He let his arms hang at his sides, stared down at the headless beast for a moment...and then gulped, looking over at Alucard. "R-right...okay, well...thank you, I guess." "What are you doing out here? I told you to stay in the tavern." He scoffed and muttered, "They kicked me out, that's what." Alucard smirked amusedly. The bard huffed in frustration. "You hate my stories, too, don't you? You should thank me, you know. I go out of my way to try and tell people your real story. The people here aren't so open to this whole 'become allies with the humans' thing you got going on with the city." "And do they listen?" Alucard asked, stepping away from the headless wolf. He pouted stubbornly. "No." "Then, I suggest you find a new hobby," he said, glancing down at Elvin's shattered lute. Only just coming to notice his precious instrument had suffered in its fall, Elvin screeched hysterically and dropped to his knees beside it. "Why must I suffer so greatly this horrific night?!" "You grieve for your lute, yet it doesn't matter that you almost became something's food?" Elvin looked up at him. "I almost become something's food every night, Vuuren," he said with a scowl. "That isn't my fault. You were the one that chose to follow me around," he mumbled, shrugging as he watched the bard climb to his feet. Wiping his trousers, Elvin sighed. "How else am I supposed to write a story?" he asked, walking beside Alucard as he led the way up the street, leaving the dead wolf on the roadside. Elvin glanced back at it and frowned. "And you're gonna leave that there? In the forest, sure, but here in the middle of the road?" "My people will come and get rid of it," he said dismissively. "No one is going to listen when you try to tell the better side of a story that has forever been told as a tale of horror and murder," he continued. "The people in this town can hate my plan all they want—it is happening, whether they like it or not. As for your story, if it means so much to you, have you not thought about making it about someone else?" "Well, you convinced the city to live with vampires, so I'm sure this place will come around eventually. And why would I want to write about anyone else? You're the greatest man I've come to meet! Where else in this boring world do you think I could find someone like Alucard, the son of a Numen; Vuuren, The Vampire Lord of the night, Vlad, the first monster to walk the land in the body of a man!" he sang. "There's no one else out there I could ever possibly want to write about." Alucard rolled his eyes in response. "That's not what I meant; my name has been spoken ill of for too many centuries. Write about me, but give me a new name." Elvin pointed at him as his eyes filled with astonishment. "You're right! No one would be none the wiser. But what to call you...A...something," he said, tapping his chin. "I'll think of the greatest name! I would call you Alucard—" Alucard scowled in hostility. "But...you don't let anyone call you that. It's either 'Vuuren' or 'my lord'." Sighing, Alucard shook his head. "Just...leave the backstory out, huh?" "Why? Your past is what got you to where you are now; how could I take that out?" "Because it doesn't need to be known," he snarled. The bard hung his head in shame. "Yeah, you're right." Then, he glanced back over his shoulder at the headless wolf. With his fear returning, he looked up at Alucard. "What do you think that wolf was doing here? They've not been brave enough to come out of the forests in weeks." "I don't know. I will find out, though. The last thing I need right now is for them to become a pain in my ass again." Elvin nodded. "Yeah. Maybe Tobias can help." He looked up at him, waiting for him to respond, but when he didn't, the bard swiftly changed the subject. "Did you get your things done for tonight? The things you refuse to tell me about." "Da." That meant yes. "So...will you tell me about them now?" He didn't reply. "Tell me...please?" he pleaded. "No." Elvin frowned irritably. "You never tell me anything." Alucard looked over at him and sighed. "I killed a werewolf Alpha for someone, and then Damien summoned me to meet him." "Oh, Damien, huh?" he asked with a look of angst smothering his once eager face. Even the slightest mention of that man discomforted him. "What did you have to do? Meet someone again? Even more werewolf stuff? Or...Diabolus?" "The first one," the vampire said, glaring ahead as they followed a dirt path out of the town and towards a small forest. The bard eyed him sceptically. "Did you...have a date, Vuuren?" "What?" he snapped, looking over at him. "I don't care what it was." A nervous laugh broke free of Elvin's sigh. "Yeah, true. Well, whatever it was—probably not a date...I want all the details when we get back home. I feel like this might be one for my manuscript." "If you are failing as a bard, what makes you think someone is going to want to publish your manuscript?" the vampire questioned. Elvin shrugged. "I'll make it one day; I gotta find the right angle, you know? And now, with your suggestion of a new name, I might be on my way." "Right," Alucard mumbled, glaring ahead again. "Well, good luck with that." "Aww, Vuuren." Elvin smiled, looking over at him. "You're so supportive." "Am I?" he grumbled, stepping aside before Elvin could place his hand on his shoulder. Elvin frowned in discontent, but then bounced up and down. "Oh, oh, can I write down that little rescue back there? I bet you were chasing that wolf for miles, weren't you? If it weren't for me being there at that exact time, you would have never caught up with it, would you?" Alucard glanced over at him. "That is not what happened at all." "Yeah, but...you told me to switch things up; people don't wanna hear about a scary vampire killing things and saving people, they wanna hear about a mere bard saving a vampire!" "Do they?" he asked doubtfully. As they came out of the other side of the forest and onto a white sand beach, Elvin nodded confidently...but then saddened. "You're always so mean to me, you know," he said with a frown. "Sometimes, I feel like you don't believe in me. I so happen to think this idea would make a great story." "You think everything makes a great story." "Well, it does—if you tell it right." The vampire rolled his eyes. "Wait here for me." "Come on, man, you're making me wait on a beach? What if more werewolves come? Or pirates? I could be mugged!" Alucard looked him up and down. "You wouldn't exactly make a gratifying snack for a wolf, nor do you possess much at all for a pirate to steal." "Wow. Crude as ever—please, can't I come?" he pleaded, holding his hands together. "I'll keep my mouth shut; I'll stand in a little corner and observe. You won't even know I'm there." "No," he refused again. Elvin crossed his arms and pouted stubbornly. "Fine, but if I get eaten, it's on you." "A lot of things are on me these days," he grumbled. "Sit over there," he instructed, nodding over at a single tree. "I won't be long, I just have to talk to them this time." Sighing, Elvin dragged himself over to the tree, slumped down and crossed his arms. Alucard then set his eyes on the open sea ahead. In the distance, a ship was barely visible on the horizon—that was where he needed to go next. Without much falter, he disappeared into vermillion smoke and sped across the water, leaving Elvin on the beach. ⤝❖⤞ | Alucard | Alucard reached the ship. He landed on the deck with a thump and waited impatiently as a tall, sleek man dressed in a black long coat stepped out from the cabin beneath the quarterdeck. Attila, one of Alucard's subordinates. "Long night?" Attila called, his face as vacant as Alucard's. "When is it ever not?" Alucard replied, glaring into the man's crimson eyes, much of his face hidden beneath his coat's hood. He smirked. "What's the news?" "I will be working with a demon," he mumbled irritably, taking his eyes off the man to glare out at the ocean. Just thinking about Zalith aggravated him. "I am moving vampires from another world—Eltaria. They will be staying here in Dor-Sanguis," he explained, slowly setting his eyes back on the man. "There won't be enough space here soon enough, so we need to hurry up and re-establish the empire I had before I disappeared back then. The Nosferatu needs to resurface" The man nodded. "Don't worry, I've got the king eating out of my hands." "Make him beg," Alucard mumbled. "He will not be our friend; he will work for me, not with me." "Of course," the man said, bowing apologetically. "I suspect the wolves are up to something, too. I just found one hunting the bard in Wrodiff. I will be heading to my castle tonight to tell my vampires to be cautious, so you should do the same." A look of concern sat upon Attila's face. "You are concerned greatly. Do you suspect another war?" "I really hope it doesn't come to that. I will get to the bottom of it." Attila then smirked. "Does it make you miss the simpler times, Alucard?" He looked over at him and frowned. "This treaty you have worked so hard for—you wouldn't have had to if our kind decided to stay hidden from the world." Alucard sighed. "There are some that might agree, but I do not. I believe it is better for the world to know about us and learn to live with us—less superstition and mysterious deaths that way, no?" Attila laughed quietly and nodded. "Of course." "Go," he then said. "I will see you in less than a month, no?" "I'll see you then." ⏎ Back to Nosferatu ▶ Next Chapter

✟ THE NUMEN CHRONICLES ✟ Series One 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐙𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫. Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, & 5.7 are now available in paperback, hardcover, and E-book. Head to the shop! ー ⊰ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⊱ ー ー ⊰ 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐞 ⊱ ー BOOKS OF CAEDIS DAEGELUS VERTORA Extras Volumes These books contain the central storyline following the main characters and their journey. Everything in the universe connects back to this core narrative. Interlude Stories Interlude Stories are separate plotlines that follow the main characters outside the central arc, branching off from a mentioned event in the main volumes. These stories are important to read, as they reveal key aspects of the main characters that directly impact the core narrative. Tether Stories Side stories that follow secondary characters as they carry out tasks or missions that directly support or impact the main plot, often behind the scenes. Companion Stories A standalone tale that dives into a side character’s personal life or past. It doesn’t affect the main story but adds depth to the character or world. NOSFERATU Volume One Alucard's a reclusive, former-god-hunting vampire lord. Zalith's a promiscuous warlord who comes from old money and an ancient demon bloodline. When the pair meet, Alucard's quiet life is turned upside down, and Zalith's 600 years of meaningless conquests appear to be at their end. Buy now DEMON'S FATE Volume Two Determined to protect the man he loves, Zalith declares war on the Numen. However, he soon learns that Damien wasn't the only God contending to be Alucard's ruler. Buy now LIGHT Volume Three When Zalith's attempt to save what remains of his people fails, he resorts to a last-ditch effort to get them to safety. But will his desperation to save them end with him losing everything he loves? Buy now DEMON'S BANE Volume Four When a swarm of disease-carrying insects plunges Nefastus into catastrophe, Alucard and Zalith have no choice but to flee their home. But something is on their trail, and making it out of the country alive might not be as easy as they thought. Buy now FORBIDDEN BOND Companion Story The Numen Chronicles 4.5 After watching Luther choose Varana over him yet again, heartbroken Danford makes the painful decision to leave the Yule party and spend the holidays in solitude. But as he slips away into the night, an unexpected encounter with Freja, the powerful and alluring Luna of his pack, changes everything. Buy now ASCENDANT Volume Five As Lilith’s plague spreads and her hunt draws closer, Alucard and Zalith fortify Uzlia, rallying their forces and searching for the Pandorican—the one thing they need before they can kill her. But with hostile elves and a corrupt city lord, securing their home proves just as crucial as waging war against the Numen. Buy now THE SILVER CLAW INTERLUDE Story The Numen Chronicles 5.5 As a deadly bounty hunter closes in and betrayal festers within the Atheson coven, Vampire Lord Alucard must uncover the truth before war erupts. But with his heat rising and forgotten memories awakening, desire may prove just as dangerous as the enemy at the Sanctum gates. Buy now THE HUNT FOR NIEDREID INTERLUDE STORY The Numen Chronicles 5.7 To forge the armour needed to stand against the Numen, Alucard and Zalith hunt an Aegis. But within hours of fighting a demi-god, they are dragged into a labyrinth of snow fiends, spider queens, and a bargain with an angel better left forgotten. Buy now

Before You Read Available Records What are they seeking now? ✯✯Before you read✯✯ Welcome to the Nosferatu Lore Archive! Like those enchanted ledgers found upon the shelves in the Mage Consortium’s historic library, this archive is updated with new information regularly. Some knowledge, however, is not so easily kept. In the early months of the Archive's restoration, a number of critical volumes were stolen by agents of the Diabolus cult—torn from their wards, smuggled into shadowed realms, or simply vanished through infernal means. Since then, field mages, scribes, and sanctioned archivists have been dispatched across the known world to recover lost records, reconstruct stolen texts, and dispel the glamours concealing what was taken. As information is recovered, it is returned here and bound into the Archive once more. White panels indicate entries that remain unrecovered or are currently under Arcanean verification. Panels resembling book spines contain verified knowledge that has been restored and made accessible. Please be patient with the archivists—they’re very tired, slightly cursed, and doing their best. What are the archivists following leads on now? The latest communications tell us that the archivists are currently neck-deep in mountain ruins, coastal catacombs, and—unfortunately—one extremely haunted vineyard, searching for the next wave of lost knowledge. High on their priority list: Century-specific histories, especially from the lesser-documented provinces and wartime periods Country-led magical development records previously sealed by national councils or incinerated "by accident" Arcana bestiary entries, many last seen in scroll form, now likely scattered across half a continent And several crucial chapters from the Caeleste Treatise, rumoured to be in the hands of a retired demonologist who only speaks in riddles and is allergic to sunlight If you're reading this and happen to spot any suspicious glowing tomes, muttering parchments, or scrolls that keep relocating themselves, please don’t engage. Simply alert your nearest licensed archivist, and under no circumstances try to read them aloud. More to come. Assuming the next expedition doesn’t get eaten. What have the mages recovered? Through blood, sweat, and (more) tears (than they'd admit), the archivists have managed to recover for your viewing pleasure (and the Chancellors, who are, frankly, still fuming that any of this was lost in the first place and remain tragically unimpressed by their progress): Historical records covering 7th century Boszorkány (in records and education) History and Fellkin records for four of Aegisguard's vampire covens Information regarding ethos Information about three of Aegisguard's celebrated holidays • • Names and some facts about the other realms Access Classified Records Search the Lore Archive The Nosferatu Crown Archives The online encrypted repository preserving the collective histories, treaties, bloodlines, and recorded phenomena of Caeleste. Access is strictly limited to recognized Caeleste and authorized human affiliates. All contents are protected under binding accords; the unsanctioned distribution, transcription, or exposure of archival material is a punishable crime under interspecies law. History of the Numenverse The Book of Lore The Book of Lore is the official historical and spiritual text of the Lethidian religion, combining divine teachings with the faith’s account of the world’s origins and major events. In contrast, lore books (lowercase) refer to non-religious historical records and texts written by secular historians or scholars. Read More Other Numen Religious Texts The Infernal Scriptures The Equinox Ledger The Celestine Doctrine The Mother's Testament The Severed Verse Other Religious Texts The True Flame Codex Scriptum Geminorum Scrolls of the Split Path Book of Prismlight The Vox Thirstae Historical Texts Lore Books, Volumes, and Records Lore books are secular historical records that chronicle the wars, political upheavals, and pivotal transformations that have shaped the world across centuries. Compiled by historians, scholars, and archivists unaffiliated with any faith, these texts aim to document history as objectively as possible, without the influence of divine interpretation or religious doctrine. Unlike the Book of Lore, which presents a theologically guided account of creation and events through Lethidian teachings, lore books delve into the darker, more complex realities of the world—empires rising and falling, revolutions erupting, and the cost of progress across all peoples, including non-humans and magical societies. While they occasionally reference artistic, scientific, or cultural advancements, such details are mentioned only in passing. Full exploration of those topics is reserved for other subjects such as History & Culture, Science & Nature, Applied Sciences & Technology, and the Caeleste Treatise. Though often challenged by religious authorities, many scholars regard lore books as the most complete and unvarnished historical sources available, especially when cross-referenced across regions and translated editions. Historical Eras Year Zero to 100(TG) Year 101(TG) to 200(TG) Year 201(TG) to 300(TG) Year 301(TG) to 400(TG) Year 401(TG) to 500(TG) Year 501(TG) to 600(TG) Year 601(TG) to 700(TG) Year 701(TG) to 800(TG) Year 801(TG) to 900(TG) Year 901(TG) to 950(TG) Arcana Non-Fiction Books Scholarly, Factual, and Observational Texts Non-fiction books refer to scholarly, factual, and observational texts written to explore and document the world as it is without religious framing or mythic interpretation. These works span a wide range of subjects, including the science behind ethos, natural Arcanean animal behaviour, recorded testimonies, Caeleste political theory, and analyses of major historical events. Often penned by researchers, mages, naturalists, or secular historians, non-fiction books aim to educate, preserve, and provoke critical thought. They are used in universities, archives, and Arcanean institutions as trusted sources of learning and theory. While not universally accepted by all cultures or religions, they remain cornerstones of intellectual pursuit in societies that value knowledge outside divine or mythic tradition. Atlas Volumes and Bestiary and Caeleste Records Atlas Volumes Arcana Bestiary The Caeleste Treatise Arcana Non-Fiction Categories Arcana-Science & Nature History & Culture Divinics & Cosmography Applied Sciences & Technology Geography & Travel Language & Communication Philosophy, Psychology & Sociology Economics, Politics & Law Reference & Education Craftsmanship / Trades Cooking / Alchemy Self-help/Personal Development Etiquette / Protocol Arcana Beast Husbandry Nosferatu Crown Archives Public Records ✦ Key Topic Pages Nosferatu Directory Public Services Emergency Services Lumina Studios Realm Holidays and Celebrations Renowned Brands Nosferatu Event Updates Historical Overview Celebrities and Dignitaries Ethos and Arcana Media and Applications Currency and Banking Nefastus The Seven Realms Uzlia Isles ETHOS Ethos is the energy possessed and manipulated by some species. It is created in the proselytes, a heart-like organ located directly behind a being's heart. Much like a heart, it circulates ethos around the body so that it may be used by the possessor. Most beings cannot survive if their proselytes is removed. ➣ Read the lore page on Wattpad YEAR ZERO Before the Numen revealed themselves to the world, beings in possession of ethos were forced to remain hidden in the shadows for their safety and that of the humans. Vampires, demons, werewolves and more were nothing but folklore. Year Zero occurred when the Numen revealed their existence, and ethos-possessing beings followed them out into the light. A new world was born, one home to humans and beings of ethos alike. Some human resistances try to revert the world to what it used to be before Year Zero, but organizations of ethos-beings, such as the Nosferatu, repel them. ➣ Read More (ch14 of TAoCD) ALL HALLOWS' EVE On Decem 31st, the son of Lucifer, Caedis, was born. This historical date was known as the Anti-Numen's birthday for centuries, until Lucifer's death, and Caedis' rise to power. Today, All Hallows' Eve is a night of ritual and offering to Caedis. He has been known to grant the prayers of His followers occasionally and bestows all who give offering with great fortune. It is also said that All Hallows' Eve is the night the veil to the Underworld is its weakest, allowing spirits to walk the living world until dawn. Leaving offerings for the spirits keeps them from doing harm. ➣ Read More (ch27 of TAoCD) THE WEEK OF SERENITY The daughter of God Caedis and the Zenith was born on Undecim 18th, and for the week that followed, the world was at rest. Thus, the Week of Serenity came to be. Centuries ago, the daughter of Caedis and Zenith played a part in the fall of the Devoured Numen, bringing centuries of peace to not only Aegisguard but all the seven realms. During the Week of Serenity, families and friends come together to repair broken bonds and forge new ones. Any conflict in the world also comes to a halt, no matter how large. These seven days are fiercely dedicated to peace. - LORE: Work NUMENVERSE The seven realms Created by the Numen, the Void (also called the Numenverse) homes seven planet-like masses called realms. All these realms hold a different amount of ethos, have their own rules, and are home to hundreds of different species. Some of these realms also possess gateways to pocket-worlds, smaller, hidden realms. ➣ Read More LORE: Image THE NUMEN Aegisguard's gods and deities The Numen are ethereal beings of unknown origin. They arrived in the place the seven realms sit and decided to build worlds. Some believe the Numen crafted these worlds simply because they wanted to create life and protect it. Others believe the Numen weaved these worlds as sanctuaries for themselves so that they would be safe when their superior inevitably came calling. ➣ Read More THE AEGIS Aegisguard's demigods The Aegis are the offspring of Letholdus, Aegisguard's God. They were created to watch over Aegisguard in his place, and most of them are worshipped as gods. They each possess a fraction of Letholdus’ ethos and can only be killed by other Numen-blooded beings. ➣ Read More Obcasus - - - - - - - - - ➣ Read More Pandorican - - - - - - - - - ➣ Read More Aegiserium - - - - - - - - - ➣ Read More ⏎ Back to Nosferatu Home ⬆ Back to top ⬆ MAPS OF AEGISGUARD Explore Aegisguard through its maps. LORE: Text ❅ Aegisguard, the one of the seven realms which homes the most ethos. ❅ It is home to the Aegis, Letholdus' children. Aegisguard is also the only of the seven realms that can serve as a home for up to three Numen. ❅ Dor-Sanguis, Alucard's birthplace, origin place of vampires, werewolves, and the Diabolus. ❅ The landscape is made up mostly of forest, grassland and hills. ❅ DeiganLupus, a dark, dangerous place riddled with crime and corruption. A lot of Alucard's business takes place here. ❅ Much of DeiganLupus is flat grassland, which eventually sinks into gloomy swamps and rises to towering peaks. ❅ Nefastus, a lawless land of desert and strange technology. Alucard conducted a lot of business over here in the past. ❅ Zalith and Varana move here after deciding their own world is too unsafe. ⏎ Back to Nosferatu Home ⬆ Back to top ⬆ AEGISGUARD'S TIMELINE Learn Aegisguard's history through event timelines. (Coming soon!) LORE: Text

THE REDBLOOD TRIALS Bloodline Chronicles Volume One In a desperate attempt to escape the debt he owes to the Dawnward Mafia, Raphael—a meek, average Omega wolf walker—puts himself forward to take part in a life-or-death battle, where the emerging winner will become Alpha King Zane's mate. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BOOK ONE -- chapters - ---,--- words. ⏎ Back to Projects Home

E-commerce Buy books directly from IngramSpark - simply find your desired format and edition and hit 'buy now'! Only ships to UK and USA Books are listed in order of the year they take place within the Numenverse The Numen Chronicles | Volume One: Nosferatu Original Edition - Paperback £13 / $17.50 No Accent Edition - Paperback £13 / $17.50 Original Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.25 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.25 The Numen Chronicles | Volume Two: Demon's Fate Original Edition - Paperback £13.50 / $18.20 No Accent Edition - Paperback £13.50 / $18.20 Original Edition - Hard Cover £17 / $23 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £17 / $23 The Numen Chronicles | Volume Three: Light Original Edition - Paperback £11.50 / $15.50 No Accent Edition - Paperback £11.50 / $15.50 Original Edition - Hard Cover £16 / $21.50 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £16 / $21.50 The Numen Chronicles | Volume Four: Demon's Bane Original Edition - Paperback £12.50 / $17 No Accent Edition - Paperback £12.50 / $17 Original Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.50 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.50 The Numen Chronicles Companion Stories | Book One: Forbidden Bond Paperback £7 / $9.50 Hard Cover £11 / $15 The Numen Chronicles | Volume Five: Ascendant Original Edition - Paperback £11 / $15 No Accent Edition - Paperback £11 / $15 Original Edition - Hard Cover £15 / $20.50 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.50 The Numen Chronicles | Interlude Story: The Silver Claw Original Edition - Paperback £11.50 / $15.50 No Accent Edition - Paperback £11.50 / $15.50 Original Edition - Hard Cover £15.50 / $21 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £15.50 / $21 The Numen Chronicles | Interlude Story: The Hunt for Niedreid Original Edition - Paperback £7 / $9.50 No Accent Edition - Paperback £7 / $9.50 Original Edition - Hard Cover £11 / $15 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £11 / $15 The Numen Chronicles | Volume Six: Icarus Part One Original Edition - Paperback £13 / $17.50 No Accent Edition - Paperback £13 / $17.50 Original Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $19.50 No Accent Edition - Hard Cover £16.50 / $19.50 The Greykin Chronicles | Volume One: Greykin Mountain Paperback £13 / $17.50 Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.50 The Greykin Chronicles | Volume Two: Greykin Valley Paperback £13 / $17.50 Hard Cover £16.50 / $22.50

Hello This is your About Page. It's 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 to share with site visitors. My Story 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 site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. 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. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890 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 $oo∩... Read full report ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Read full update ʍi$si∩₲ ⥏n∫or₥₳tion ∪ndeɼ s¢hθ∩αɼly Ɽe∨ieω. ⊔pdα⊥ed en⊢ɍy ⓔxpe¢⊥ed $oo∩... Read full chapter Documenting Authority & Responsible Editor Vaelor Dascaryn Vaelor Dascaryn serves as Senior Archivist to the Nosferatu Registry and has overseen the classification and verification of Caeleste records for over a century. Specializing in interspecies law, demon diplomacy, and Arcana-material regulation, Dascaryn is known for his meticulous cross-referencing methods and unwavering adherence to archival integrity. His work has contributed to multiple realm-wide accords and the modern standardization of morsum and seros measurement across Consortium territories. Though rarely seen beyond the Bureau of Governmental Liaisons, his annotations are considered authoritative in matters of Caeleste governance and historical record. View Collection

SANGUINE CASTLE In the year 532, Alucard was born in Sanguine Castle, Dor-Sanguis. It was once home to the Lucifer-worshipping cult, the Diabolus, but after Alucard enacted his revenge, he took the castle for himself and turned it into a home for his vampires. ⏎ Back to Nosferatu

WHERE THE WILD WOLVES HAVE GONE Standalone Novella and Novel ⊳⊱ ❍ ⊰⊲ The Lunaris pack belongs to Lyca-Corp, and for generations their ancestors have served the worldwide corporation. Netherworlders threaten human existence, and it was the pack's hereditary duty to protect them and do as Lyca-Corp commanded. However, when a mission takes a drastic turn, sixteen-year-old Luan is thrust into an overwhelming string of disheartening events. From back-up beta to heir to Alpha, his preferred quiet, unimportant place among his pack is swiftly torn from him, and he must quickly adapt to a role he thought was miles out of reach. ⊳⊱ ❍ ⊰⊲ NOVEL ⊳⊱ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⊰⊲ TRAILER View the WHERE THE WILD WOLVES HAVE GONE book trailer STORY PLAYLIST Where The Wild Wolves Have Gone - Powerwolf Wild Go - Dark Dark Dark Hunter's Moon - Ghost The Wolf - Foxworth Hall Secrets and lies - Ruelle Daydream - Ruelle Brave Enough - Lindsey Stirling Angel by the Wings - Sia The Songs I Listened To On Repeat While Writing Chiquitita - ABBA Where The Wild Wolves Have Gone (orchestral) - Powerwolf ⊳⊱ Listen on Spotify ⊰⊲ Where The Wild Wolves Have Gone: Video READ A LITTLE... Check out the first three chapters for free. CHAPTER ONE - HUNTER'S MOON 2082 words Moonlight. Silver spread across the gloomy, resting city, shining off the glass walls and puddles of rainwater. Midnight crept closer, and as sleep quietened the night, a whisp of white sleeked through a narrow alley. Silently, the lone ashen wolf navigated the city’s darkest, smallest cracks. It left no hint of a trail, its ice-white eyes focused on what lay ahead. Alleys, gutters, and dead-still streets—it raced across the deserted roads, avoiding the light. ➣ Read More CHAPTER TWO - THE PACK 2037 words Luan woke to the white of his room, the morning alarms blaring through the hallway. As the red light above his single-windowed door flashed, he sat up in his bed, but he gripped his blanket before it could reveal his chest. With his amber eyes, he stared over at his door. He knew he had only a few minutes before it would open, so he climbed out of bed, a shiver of cold slithering through his body as his bare feet touched the floor. ➣ Read More CHAPTER THREE - SECTOR ONE-THREE 1836 words Chaos had ensnared sector one-three. The towering metal walls of the compound were torn wide-open; gunshots and metallic explosions enthralled the morning air, and as creatures fought against soldiers, the once green grass quickly adorned a blanket of crimson. From the windows of the V-22 Osprey, Luan and his pack stared down at the battle. His amber eyes widened as the aircraft flew overhead, approaching the landing zone. He could see monstrous bears and machine-mounted lizards, hundreds of gun-wielding humans, armoured vehicles, and deep, smoking craters. ➣ Read More Where The Wild Wolves Have Gone: Work ⏎ Back to Wild Wolves Home COVERS The covers for both the NOVELLA and NOVEL versions. (Novella cover by Julia Bland) ⏎ Back to Wild Wolves Home

The Living Atlas of the Known and Forgotten World From the gilded capitals of sovereign empires to the storm-veiled edges of unmapped realms, this Atlas charts the lands that shape Aegisguard's history. Explore sprawling continents, fractured territories, disputed borders, pocket realms hidden between planes, and the lands beyond the glaciers, where no cartographer has safely returned. ⏎ Return to Lore Directory Number of continents recorded: 15 | Number of countries recorded: 81 | Number of pocket worlds recorded: 2 THE MAP OF AEGISGUARD Choose whether to explore the known continents of Aegisguard or the landmasses beyond the 'Ice Wall' by clicking within the smaller ice wall or outside of it Pocket realms can be found attached to the continent or country that their gateways can be accessed from ⏎ Return to Lore Directory

CHAPTER ONE ー ⊰ ✟ ⊱ ー UPON THE TOWER This story's main character has a written dialogue accent. There is a version of the story available to read without the accent. ▶ Click to read 'No Accent Edition' | Alucard | Alucard flicked the blood from his rapier and watched the werewolf's severed head drop to the ground to join the beast's twitching body. A satisfied smirk stretched across his pale face, baring the tips of his fangs. It brought him relief knowing he was closer to his task's completion, and all he had to do now was face the Alpha. With a vicious snarl, the white-furred beast which stood across the field from him rose to its hind legs in a display of threat. But Alucard wasn't unnerved. He extended his claws from his fingertips and awaited the beast's charge. And when it burst towards him—kicking the ground beneath its feet up in its wake—Alucard sprung forward much faster than the beast could comprehend. He arrived at its side before the grass where he'd been standing settled and gripped the wolf's throat, digging his claws into its skin. It yelped when he lifted it off its feet and slammed its back into the ground, and before it could attempt to defend itself, Alucard sliced the Alpha's head from its body. It was done. He flicked his sword, removing as much of the blood from it as he could, and then with the crimson, white fur-trimmed cape he wore over his shoulders, he cleaned his blade and sheathed it at his side. From his pocket, he pulled a folded sack large enough for the beast's head, which he picked up by its muzzle with a disgusted grunt. He unfolded the sack, eased the head inside, and glanced at each dead wolf. They were all there, and with a jerk of his hand, he sent them up in blood-red flames. Although he'd severed their heads, he wanted to ensure none of them would become hellhounds. That was the last thing he needed. Killing werewolves for the people of the city was tiring enough; if he had to deal with their reanimated corpses, too, he'd feel as though his work was worth more than the treaty he was trying to create with the humans. He headed into the woods and navigated the late-night gloom to where he left his black stallion. Its crimson eyes shone like a beacon, and from its nostrils oozed dark, twisting fog. "Vank you vor vaiting," he said, his Dor-Sanguian accent thick and distinguishable. In response, the possessed horse snorted and waited while Alucard attached the sack to its saddle. Then, he mounted the horse and took hold of the reins. "Let's go." The horse carried him through the murky fir forest and into the open fields lit by the kaleidoscopic light of the six moons. In the distance, the glow of Dargamoore City cut through the fog. Alucard made the horse move faster across the farmland, following the dirt roads until he reached Dargamoore's black iron gates. That was where he dismounted and escorted the beast over to a tavern. He hitched the stallion and took the bloody sack from the saddle. "Vait 'ere," he said and then headed inside. The place reeked of beer, cigarettes, and piss. It was a place he'd only ever visit if he had no other choice, and in this case, he didn't. Alucard approached the bar and reached into the sack. He pulled the werewolf's head out by its muzzle and slammed it on the bar, ensuring that the collision splashed blood in every direction, which sent two patrons running, made another retch, and the bartender dropped the glass he was cleaning in startlement. "Zhere you go." Alucard patted the wolf's head. "I even brought you zhe 'ead so you can put up zhere vith zhe vest of zhem." He nodded at the display of taxidermy wall mounts behind the bar. The bartender snapped out of his state of stupor and shook his head. "Are you fucking serious?" He chucked the bloody sack at the man's face. "You vanted zhe fucking ving." "Not literally!" he exclaimed. Alucard reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of crumpled paper. He laid it flat on the bar and pointed to the words as he read, "Vanted, dead and 'ead severed. Is not to your satisvaction?" With an irritated grunt, the man turned around and went into the room behind the bar while muttering, "Fucking psycho." Alucard waited, ignoring the murmurs among the crowd—murmurs which he heard whenever he walked these streets. 'Vampire freak' and 'undead monster' were just two of those things. He was used to the berating stares, too...but he wasn't familiar with the look he was getting from the man sitting in the far-right corner. He didn't recognize the guy, but he evidently wasn't from around here. He was wearing an expensive suit, his dark hair was combed back over his head, and although his eyes were black, Alucard noticed a red shimmer when the light hit them. And his sulphur-like scent was hard to miss. That man was a demon; Alucard could feel the creature's power like a bitter breeze in the night's air. He didn't like the smirk on his face, nor did he like the fact that his eyes were looking him up and down as though he was sizing up his next meal. "Here," the bartender uttered. Alucard snatched the coin pouch from the bartender without a word and headed for the door. "Hey!" the bartender called. "You're just gonna leave this here?!" Without answering, he left the tavern and headed to his horse. His job was done, and all he wanted to do was finish his patrol of the surrounding woods and get home before daylight. He'd had enough human interaction for one night. But just as he was about to get on his horse— "Excuse me," came a smooth, silvery voice. "Sorry to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing, but are you Alucard?" Alucard let go of the saddle and turned to face whoever said the name very few knew him by, and when he saw that it was the demon who smirked at him inside the tavern, he scowled. "Who's asking?" he questioned cautiously. The demon held out his hand, which possessed claws in place of his nails. "Zalith. I assume Damien told you about me?" That was how he knew his name. Damien told him, but despite that this demon knew Damien, Alucard wanted nothing to do with him. "No, 'e zidn't," he replied, ignoring his hand. Zalith lowered his hand and frowned. "Well, in that case, I suppose he's expecting me to fill you in. I've come from Eltaria to meet you and discuss a relocation mission involving the vampires of my world. He mentioned that you're the Lord of the Nosferatu—the vampire society—right?" The vampire looked him up and down. "I zon't vork vith ozzer people and I never 'ave. Zamien vouldn't suddenly change zhat." He climbed up on his horse. "Well, it would seem that he had a change of heart," Zalith said, glaring up at him. "I'm frankly a little surprised that he hasn't said anything to you yet." "If zhis vere true, 'e vould 'ave said someving." He made his horse turn towards the city gates. "Good luck vith your vampire mission." Then, he headed for the exit. The demon walked at the horse's side. "Can't you take my word for it and reach out to him to make sure?" Alucard glanced down at him. "No." And once he was past the gates, he tapped the horse's side and took off, racing away from the city and Zalith. "Lives are at stake!" Zalith called. He wouldn't tell himself that he didn't care; whenever vampires were involved, he couldn't help but care. But what he didn't care about was that demon, and he wasn't interested in working with him. If there really was a mission involving vampires, then he'd do it alone, just as he'd always done things. As he rode towards the forest, Alucard reached into his pocket and pulled out one of his colts. He ensured the barrel was loaded with silver rounds, reloading those he used fighting the werewolves. He wasn't sure whether he'd come across more tonight, but he was ready either way. When he reached the tree line, he climbed off his horse. But as he was about to head into the murky woods, a cold shiver ran down his spine, and the scent of ash and sulphur snatched his attention. With a quiet whoosh and crinkle of the leaves in the grass, something landed behind Alucard. He wasn't afraid, though; he knew who had come. "He wants to see you," came a cold, slithering voice. Alucard turned to face the faceless spectre hiding under draping black robes. "Vhere?" "Eltaria. Five minutes." With a heavy sigh, Alucard nodded. The spectre wordlessly transformed into a whisp of black smoke and raced off. "You can 'ead 'ome," he told the stallion. "Somevone vill put you in zhe stables." The possessed beast grunted and headed back home. Alucard had five minutes to get to Eltaria and he'd not risk being late. So, he morphed into a vermillion smoke-like apparition and, much like the faceless wraith, he sped up and through the sky. He moved quicker than any creature could, flying over the farmland and the dark sea, heading towards the island in the distance. When he landed on the black rock, he was greeted by the endless rainfall and rhythmic cracks of thunder. As he made his way towards the darkness-filled archway sitting a few feet from the water's edge, he glanced at the skyfish and watched them swim around inside the storm. He wasn't sure why he was being summoned to another world so late, but considering what happened in Dargamoore, he felt it was safe to assume that it had something to do with that demon. Was he going to have to work with someone else? And not just anyone, but a demon? He snarled quietly and clenched his fists. There was only one way he'd find out. The moment he reached the archway, he walked through the darkness and emerged on the other side, finding himself in the gloomy, eroded hall of an old castle. The damp smell was disgusting and burned the insides of his nose. Vines had twisted their way through the crumbling white brick, which was covered with leaf litter and dried dirt. It wasn't that which made him grimace, though. A sudden ache spiralled through his head and throbbed behind his eyes. Could this pain be a result of his transition through worlds? He pulled a small steel flask from his pocket. As he made his way down the hallway, he unscrewed the lid and took a sip of the blood that was inside. He hoped that it would help with this pain just as it helped with any other. And to his relief, it did. The hallway took him to a staircase, and while he climbed it, he glanced at the silvery moon out through the windows. What kind of pathetic little world possessed one moon? Once he reached the top of the tower, he saw that he was alone, so he wandered to the edge and stared at the world below. The empty grassland went on as far as his eyes could see, as did the forest on the other side. Alucard's attention was snatched by approaching footsteps, but he didn't bother turning to face whoever walked onto the tower. He knew it wasn't his boss. But when he noticed that their aura wasn't human or vampire, he scowled irritably. It was the aura of a demon...and one he'd felt before. He glanced over his shoulder and saw him. Zalith, the demon who approached him outside the tavern. His dark eyes shimmered crimson while he looked Alucard up and down, and as he approached, a pleasant smile appeared on his face. "Hello again," Zalith said with a quiet laugh. The vampire scowled at him. "Vhat are you doing 'ere?" he asked, but he was already sure that he knew the answer. "I'm here to meet with Damien, which I'm sure isn't far off from what you're doing here yourself." His scowl thickened, but angst accompanied his aggravation. If Damien had sent Zalith to meet him in Dargamoore, then he was certain that he was about to receive an earful. But it wasn't his fault. He'd worked solo for four hundred years. Why would his boss suddenly change that without warning him? He wouldn't have time to reply even if he wanted to. The sound of incoming wings made them both turn to face the east; a feather-winged man flew over the forest, breaking through the clouds above, and it sent fear spiralling down Alucard's spine. Damien was coming. Zalith moved closer to him, but much too close for Alucard's comfort, so as Damien soared down and landed on the tower, Alucard took a few steps away from Zalith. With a condescending glower, Damien folded his dark, purple-tinted wings against his back. His perfectly centre-split black and white hair floated in the breeze, and his four charcoal-black, foot-tall horns shimmered in the moonlight. "You found your way here, then," he said, shifting his red and blue eyes from Alucard to Zalith. They bowed respectfully; Damien wasn't only Alucard's boss, but also a demon god. Damien smiled amusedly. "I'm surprised you haven't torn each other apart—disappointed, even," he said, walking to the edge of the tower where Alucard had been standing. He leaned against the wall and glared at them. Alucard frowned cautiously, trying his best to remain calm. "You...sent zhis zemon to vind me in Dor-Sanguis, vight? Vorgive me, but I 'ave vorked alone vor vour 'undred years; I zidn't vink zhat vhat 'e vas telling me vas true." His boss held out his hand, and as he did, Alucard flinched. He expected Damien to scold him, but the man instead scoffed and pointed at him with his black claw-tipped finger. Damien told him, "You upset one of my favourite demons." Alucard kept his eyes on him. "I'm sorry." Damien's sights shifted to Zalith. "Do you accept his apology?" "Of course I do," Zalith replied. Alucard didn't have to look at Zalith to know he was smirking. He could hear it in his voice. But he kept a vacant expression, waiting for Damien to continue. Damien said, "Good. Now, I have a job for the two of you." Zalith and Alucard glanced at one another. While Zalith looked skeptical, Alucard adorned a confused frown. The demon took his eyes off Alucard and looked at Damien. "I assume this is related to the cause. The child?" "Of course," Damien said with a shrug. Alucard's look of confusion thickened. Cause? Child? "Vhat cause?" Zalith rolled his eyes. The vampire scowled irritably— "One day, we will initiate the creation of another Daegelus," Damien announced. "You are aware of my plan to overthrow my brother, and the best way to do so is to fill his world with creatures not of his creation. It just so happens that Zalith possesses what I need, and I possess what he needs," he said, slowly shifting his gaze from Zalith to Alucard. "Vhat...is zhat?" "Well, you are the Nosferatu's leader. You are the only one with the resources to assist Zalith." Alucard didn't want to help Zalith—he barely knew him—and in the short time they'd interacted, he was sure he was going to hate him. He wanted to ask Damien why he should help this demon, but he knew better than to question his wishes. "A war has broken out in this land," Damien continued, nodding over his shoulder at the world below, "and it has endangered vampires. Zalith wishes to save them, and the only other realm that can harbour vampire ethos is Alvenguard. You will assist Zalith in transporting his vampires to your world since your aura will mask theirs from Letholdus' detection." Zalith looked at Alucard. "We must begin momentarily," he said with the same supercilious tone in his voice as Damien. The vampire scowled irritably. He hated that they were both talking to him like he was incapable; if the circumstances were different, he would have hit this demon by now, but he had to contain his frustration. "I vould like to know more about zhis plan bevore vushing in like a moron. Vhat are zhe visks?" he asked, looking over at Damien. "If Letholdus finds out, I'm sure he'll kill you. But that wouldn't be such a tremendous loss, would it?" Damien uttered. Alucard tried to keep an embarrassed frown off his face, but he struggled when he saw Zalith smirk amusedly. Damien continued, "Letholdus is aware of your existence, so I'm confident that he'll think nothing of you travelling back and forth from Eltaria." "It's a simple plan," Zalith said, glancing at Alucard. Alucard glared at the demon. "Vhy do you care so much about vampires? You are zemon; ve are natural enemies." "I owe it to them," Zalith answered. "They remained loyal throughout the war, and their numbers are withering. Those who remain deserve to survive, and I want to find a safe place for them until I can make everything right." Alucard had no choice but to do what Damien said, but he wasn't finished with his questions. "You never 'ave me 'elp anyvone vithout zhem giving me someving in veturn. Vhat vill zhat be?" he asked Damien. "Zalith will play a part in creating a bond between two people who will one day save your life," Damien grumbled. "Your father is still after you; you are only safe because I am keeping you hidden. Perhaps Zalith will play a part in your father's demise. Or perhaps...something else that causes your life to be in danger. That wouldn't surprise me. You often get yourself wrapped up in things I'd rather not deal with." Alucard looked at Zalith, ignoring Damien's derogatory speech. "And you are on board vith zhis?" "I am. But if you need more time to understand, please...it's not like we're in a rush," he uttered sarcastically. With a vexed frown, Alucard set his sights on Damien. "Who are zhese two people?" Damien shrugged. "You'll know when you see them, I'm sure. And when they come, I'll be rid of you at long last." A chance to be free of Damien? That sounded so relieving—so relieving that Alucard required no further convincing. But having to work with someone would be frustrating, especially when that someone was a demon. However, if completing this task would give him freedom from Damien, then he'd put up with Zalith. "Vine," the vampire muttered, holding his hand out to Zalith. "Let's start again." Zalith smirked and shook his hand. "I look forward to working with you." Alucard knew that was a lie. "Likevise." Damien sighed deeply. "You'll remain here until you discuss a plan. I want all those vampires in Alvenguard by this time next year. If Letholdus catches on, you're on your own," he muttered, pointing at Alucard. He glared at Zalith. "And you...be careful. If you lay a hand on him, I'll cut it off—permanently." Then, he aggressively flapped his wings and raced up into the sky, disappearing through the clouds. Alucard snarled. "Dracului...arrogant...fuck." The vampire caught a smile of amusement leaving Zalith's face when he looked at him, but before he could tell him to stop smiling, the demon adorned a firm glare. Zalith told him, "There are one hundred and fifteen vampires. We'll meet here before each transferal; Damien may have given us a year, but I need them moved as soon as possible—over the course of a month would be preferable." Alucard frowned disapprovingly. "Ve vere given a year, and I can only take vifteen a time at most. I vill also begin no earlier zhan tomorrow; I 'ave someving to clear up bevore I start bringing vampires 'ome. Vhether zhat is okay vith you or not, I'm now leaving." Zalith sighed tiredly. "He left us here to discuss a plan." "Zhere is noving more to discuss." The demon scoffed. "Logistics, meeting places, plans for if things go wrong. I'd like to know more about this Nosferatu, too. Unless, of course, you'd rather play things by ear and deal with the repercussions of fucking up Damien's orders." Glaring at him, Alucard clenched his fist. "Zon't talk to me as if I zon't know vhat I'm doing. I've vorked vor Zamien all my life. I zon't need to stand avound discussing anyving vith you. Ve vill meet 'ere, I vill take back vampires, and zhat's all. If zhere is anyving to discuss, ve vill do so only vhen I'm 'ere." Zalith frowned condescendingly and slowly shook his head. "When Damien told me he had an answer for my problems, I didn't expect to be lumbered with such an arrogant fool." Alucard scoffed, looking him up and down. "I could say zhe same ving." Then, he headed for the stairs. Zalith didn't say anything else, nor did he follow, and Alucard was glad. If that insufferable ass said one more thing, he was sure he would have broken his jaw. He didn't understand why he had to work with a demon, but it was Damien's order, and he knew that if he didn't do as that creature asked, he'd be the one with the broken jaw...or worse. With an irritated sigh, he made his way downstairs and towards the portal. This was the strangest assignment he'd been given, but there was no point questioning it. Damien wanted to undermine Letholdus by bringing outside ethos into Alvenguard, and he was certain that this was going to be his first of many missions involving that goal. ⏎ Back to Nosferatu ▶ Next Chapter