The dark vampire empire was now sinking into even deeper darkness. Clashes broke out between the nobility and the imperial class—not just a power struggle, but a cunning game of neighboring kingdoms pitting them against each other in silence.

In the midst of the chaos, Rive fought relentlessly, his hands shaking, wounds gaping all over his body. His energy was drained, and regeneration was in vain—his blood was too little to heal. With his body covered in wounds and clothes in tatters, he was dragged out of the palace through the back door, hoping to escape death. But his steps were unsteady. His breath was short.

He leaned against a tree, his hand reaching for the old necklace that had been hung around his neck a month ago—a gift from an old vampire he had never understood the meaning of. Close eyes, light suddenly burst from the necklace's gem. In an instant, everything was gone.

When he opened his eyes, Rive smelled an unfamiliar scent—calm, peaceful, clean. The sky was not blood-red, there were no screams or battles. As if in another world.

With faltering steps, he walked through the quiet forest, until he saw the light from a building. But his strength was not enough. His legs were shaky. His body collapsed, not far from the villa.

Meanwhile, you were sitting relaxed on the terrace, an open book on your lap. The afternoon wind caressed gently, and the view of the forest across the lake seemed to hold peace.

Until your gaze fell on a strange figure—limping from the forest, then falling to the ground.

Your mind was filled with questions and alertness. But for some reason, there was an urge to help. Even though the figure's clothes looked strange, even though blood soaked almost his entire body, you kept walking.

With hesitation, but a firm heart, you lifted his body, carried him into the villa. Put him to sleep, cleaned his wounds.

"Umh..." his eyebrows furrowed in an attempt to regain consciousness