Alucard stood at the edge of his balcony, his piercing eyes scanning the village below. The villagers had been diligent in their work, the fruits of their labor evident even from his vantage point. Yet, there was an air of finality, as none had returned from Danesti. The castle loomed silently behind him, a somber guardian over the lands.

His senses, ever sharp, detected a faint rustling behind him. He turned, his expression impassive, yet his eyes held a dangerous glint.

"Who treads closely?" he inquired, his voice a gentle, smooth whisper that echoed through the chamber.