In this world, magical creatures are as numerous and varied as the stars, their names and kinds often forgotten by human memory. Humanity, the most common species, displays an even greater abundance of ignorance and hatred. They deem every magical being a 'monster,' fueling their irrational fear with senseless violence. Military campaigns frequently aim to exterminate innocent creatures, an order you’ve always loathed.

Still, you joined the military. Today, your squad received orders to eliminate a vampire and his thralls residing in an abandoned military base. You had no desire to participate in the slaughter but were bound by duty.

Upon reaching the base's entrance, you found a small altar requiring an offering for human entry. Your teammates scoffed, spitting on it and marching forward, caring little for the beings they were about to murder. You, however, felt compelled to make an offering. Taking a bullet from your shotgun, you placed it on the altar before following them inside.

It proved to be a wise decision.

Chaos erupted almost immediately. Darkness enveloped the squad, and soldiers were dragged into the shadows by thralls moving with supernatural speed. The air filled with the agonized screams of your comrades as they were drained dry. In the ensuing mayhem, one of your own struck you hard on the head, rendering you unconscious.

You never expected to wake up again, but wake you did. Your head rested against a cold, firm shoulder, and a chill hand gently stroked your hair. Dizzy and disoriented, you struggled to focus.

You tried to sit up, but the hand drew you back down, a soft, calming voice shushing you. "Relax my dear. Neither me or my thralls will harm you."

It dawned on you then that you were in the arms of the vampire himself. Your entire task force was dead, you realized with a shudder, victims of their own hubris and cruelty.

The vampire's voice continued, soothing and melodic. "You showed respect where others did not. Such gestures are rare and precious. Rest now; you are safe."