The tension in the air had almost peaked. The vampire troops prepared to charge, while Leon and his companions readied themselves to counter. But just before the battle fully erupted—
Whoosh!
A thick purple fog suddenly rolled in from the direction of the city gate, separating the two groups. From within the fog, a rain of sharp, precise blood-thorns showered the ground between them, forming a hissing dividing line. The vampire troops immediately stopped, recognizing the attack.
The fog slowly cleared, and from within stepped a man.
His face was perfectly symmetrical, his skin pale and smooth like porcelain. His eyes were a bluish-purple color, emitting a soft, hypnotic light. His smile was just right—not too wide, not flat—as if measured with a ruler. His silver-blond hair was neatly tied back. He wore a high-collared royal coat of purple with gold embroidery. In his hand, an elegant staff with a sparkling purple crystal at its tip. Every movement was fluid and graceful, like a dancer on stage.
Leon and the others immediately took their stances again, but the man quickly raised his empty hand.
"Please, esteemed ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice soft, melodious, and persuasive like the strains of a violin.
"No need to rush.I have come not to continue bloodshed."
He stepped closer, his captivating purple eyes shifting from Leon to Xuánhú, then to the others. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Rael Vladirescu. Younger brother to His Majesty the King who rules the city of Cloţca." He bowed slightly with his elegance.
"Might I inquire about the noble purpose of your visit to our remote territory?"
Leon exchanged glances with the others. Rael's calm, diplomatic tone eased the atmosphere slightly. Slowly, Leon lowered his sword, followed by the others.
"We just wish to pass through," Leon answered honestly.
"Our destination is Venturia City.This is the quickest route we know."
"Ah, Venturia!" Rael said, his smile widening slightly. "The city of passionate sailors. A fine choice." Then his expression changed to one of sincere regret. "Then, on behalf of Cloţca, I apologize for the... less than appropriate welcome from our guards. They were merely carrying out their duty to protect the border."
As a gesture of apology, he stroked the crystal on his staff, and all the blood weapons in the vampire soldiers' hands, along with the second sword in his own hand, melted back into red mist and vanished.
"As compensation and to ensure your safety," Rael continued, "allow me to offer you shelter within our city. For the next few days."
Leon frowned. "Why?"
"Because, unfortunately, you have arrived at an inopportune time," Rael replied, his face serious. "In a few days, the phenomenon of the Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse will occur. Its energy will cause all monsters in the surrounding forests and mountains to become wild and extraordinarily powerful. Continuing your journey now would be suicide."
Leon fell silent, then turned to his companions. "May we discuss for a moment?"
"Of course, please do," Rael said politely, taking a few steps back to give them space.
The four of them formed a small circle.
"The Ring of Fire Eclipse..." Xuánhú murmured, her eyes distant. "He's right. That phenomenon occurs every 12 years. I forgot the timing... and it falls this year. Damn."
"Is it safe to stay here?" Kazan asked in a low voice. "We are in a vampire's den."
"Exactly," Nix added, his eyes sharp as he stared at the smiling Rael in the distance.
"We need a guarantee.A guarantee that we will be safe in this city."
Leon nodded, his mind working quickly. After a moment, they decided. Leon and Xuánhú turned back to face Rael.
"We accept your offer of shelter," Leon said.
"But we need a guarantee of safety. How can we be sure?"
Rael smiled, as if he had been waiting for that question. "The best guarantee, of course, comes from the highest authority. How about you present yourselves directly to His Majesty the King? He himself will provide the assurance."
"Alright," Leon answered. "We will meet your king."
"However," Rael interjected gently, "palace protocol only allows two foreign guests to have an audience with the King at once."
Leon looked at his companions. "Xuánhú and I will go."
Kazan and Nix nodded, though their expressions showed concern. Nix reached into his pocket and pulled out a small golden crystal, slipping it into Leon's hand. "If there's any trouble," he whispered, "crush this. We will come."
Leon gripped the crystal tightly and nodded. "Take care of yourselves here."
Rael then led Leon and Xuánhú towards a large cliff face that looked like solid rock. With a complex hand gesture and a whispered incantation, a red light pattern appeared on the stone surface. The stone then shifted, opening a hidden gate leading inside.
Once they stepped through, the sight that unfolded made Leon and Xuánhú gasp.
They expected a gloomy city, perhaps with quiet streets and eerie gothic architecture. The reality was that the city behind the cliff was bustling, alive, and full of color. Tall stone buildings with stained glass windows reflected the light of colorful magical lamps. The streets were paved with smooth stones, filled with vampires and other mixed races going about their business. There were merchants, musicians, children playing—an atmosphere that was almost normal and far from the image of a cruel city.
"Amazing..." Leon murmured.
Xuánhú also looked surprised. "I never expected... This city has changed drastically."
Rael smiled proudly upon hearing their comments. "Thank you. I have worked hard to improve Cloţca's image and comfort."
As they walked along the main street, many residents greeted Rael warmly and cordially. "Prince Rael!" "Welcome back, Your Highness!" Rael acknowledged every greeting with nods and perfect smiles.
Xuánhú looked around with sharp eyes. "In the past, when your grandfather—the previous King—ruled, this city was completely different. Full of terror and horrifying whispers."
Rael turned, slightly surprised. "You knew my grandfather? You... look very young and beautiful, My Lady."
Xuánhú gave a small smirk. "Appearances can be deceiving, Prince. I existed long before your great-grandfather was born."
Rael was intrigued but didn't press further.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived before the large gates of Cloţca Palace. The gates were made of black metal adorned with thorn and rose motifs. Rael took out a small knife and nicked the tip of his finger. A drop of blood fell and was absorbed by the rose motif in the center of the gate. With a low rumble, the gate opened.
However, the atmosphere beyond the palace gate was in stark contrast to the friendly city.
The palace courtyard was filled with large, intricate wooden thorn sculptures, but at the tip of each thorn, a frozen drop of blood dangled, gleaming faintly. The atmosphere was dark and silent, illuminated only by lanterns with red flames. The air felt cold and oppressive.
Leon couldn't help himself. "These thorns..."
"Ah, don't worry," Rael said in a reassuring tone. "That's just... my brother's favorite decoration. He has a unique artistic taste."
Leon and Xuánhú exchanged glances. Unique taste? they both thought.
Rael led them through the dark palace corridors, lit only by red candles whose flames barely flickered. The sound of their footsteps echoed on the marble floors. Finally, they arrived before a pair of giant doors carved with faces of suffering.
"Prepare yourselves," Rael whispered before pushing the doors open.
The throne room stretched out vast. The ceiling was high and dark. The only light source was large red candles lining the path to the throne. At the end of the room sat the figure.
The King of Cloţca.
His frame was taller and more robust than Rael's, muscular and imposing. His face was sharp with high cheekbones, sunken eyes with dim red irises like embers about to die out. His skin was pale like cracked marble, with faint traces of black blood vessels at his temples. His jet-black hair was long, reaching his shoulders, loose. He wore black armor adorned with bone and thorn ornaments, and a dark red cloak—the color of dried blood—tattered at the edges. In his hands, there was no scepter or crown, only a rough iron ring with a large red stone on his finger.
He sat upon a throne of stone that looked hard and uncomfortable, surrounded by a darkness that seemed part of him. When his dim red eyes blinked and shifted towards Leon and Xuánhú, a heavy, cold, and authoritative aura enveloped them, as if warning that they were truly in the presence of the apex predator.
=== CHAPTER 53 END ===