The northern wind cut across the barren plains as a large, weary group of people trudged forward, their steps quick and cautious.
They kept low, darting between rocks and ridges, hiding from the eyes of the demonic monsters that roamed the wild lands.
Their journey had been long and desperate, but at last, the jagged black towers of the north came into view, the territory of a duke.
A towering gate loomed ahead, and there, standing as though he had been waiting all along, was Dracula himself.
His posture was regal, his crimson cloak catching the wind, and on his face a bright, welcoming smile.
"Welcome, welcome, everyone!" His voice was warm and rich, carrying easily across the cold air. "You've travelled far, walking for miles through danger. Food, shelter, and every comfort await you. Inside the tents, you will find all you need to rest, eat, and enjoy yourselves without restraint."
The crowd, already half in awe from his appearance, felt their hearts swell. The warmth of his words thawed the fear they had carried for days.
They praised their own decision to seek refuge here, certain they had made the right choice.
The group's leader stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"Thank you, Lord Dracula, for your generosity and protection… and for saving us from the schemes of that evil king."
Dracula waved the words aside with a modest smile.
"No, no. I only do what is my duty as a duke. For my people, I will always stand up against monsters, against tyrants, even if the primordials themselves were to intervene."
His voice rose with conviction, and the crowd's spirit caught fire. Some shouted his name. Others wept with relief. That night, under his hospitality, they feasted at tables overflowing with rich meats, fine wines, and fresh bread. Luxurious clothes were provided, and soft beds were laid out. It was paradise.
But the paradise lasted only one night.
The next morning, when the people entered the dining tents, the sight before them made their stomachs twist in disbelief.
Rows of tables stood ready, each with covered plates. They rushed to sit, lifting the lids with eager hands only to find… nothing.
Empty plates.
They blinked, unwilling to accept it. Whispers rose, frantic. Some rushed to Dracula's hall.
"Lord Dracula!" one called, breathless. "There is… There is no food!"
Dracula's eyes, once warm, now glinted with something colder. His lips curled into a smirk. "No food? That cannot be. I see food everywhere."
Confusion spread. The people looked around, seeing only the barren hall.
"Sir… you must be mistaken. There is nothing here."
Dracula stepped forward, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. His smile widened too wide. In a flash, his mouth opened impossibly large, fangs gleaming, and he bit clean through the man's head.
Blood erupted like a fountain, splattering across the floor, across the faces of those too shocked to scream. Dracula chewed slowly, savouring the flesh.
"Mmm… delicious," he murmured. "See? I was right. There is plenty of food here."
The hall fell into dead silence until a harsh voice cut through the horror.
"You worthless slaves! Why are you still standing there? Get to work! The mines won't dig themselves!"
The voice belonged to their leader, the very man who had guided them here. His armour gleamed, and on his chest was the sigil of Dracula's house.
Betrayal struck like a blade. One man, shaking, stepped forward.
"Why… why are you doing this?"
The leader sneered. "Why? Because you fools were born to serve. I am a servant of Lord Dracula. I led you here so you could become what you truly are…his property."
"But—"
The man's protest ended in a scream as the leader struck him down with a brutal blow.
"Enough!" he barked. "Everyone, to work! The mines are behind schedule!"
---
Meanwhile, far to the south in the central lands, only thirty percent of the population remained. Seventy per cent were gone; they either fled, were captured, or were dead. But in the sudden stillness, something remarkable began to happen.
With fewer mouths to feed, the quality and quantity of food rose sharply. Health improved. Children regained strength. And with smaller numbers, teaching and training became easier. Skills spread faster. New houses rose from the dust, built by the hands of those who lived in them.
Patriotism began to bloom. Trust in the king's rule grew stronger.
In the temple's office, Amazel read through the latest reports while Hectate and Druvak listened.
Hectate leaned back, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Good. Growth is stabilising. Now it is time for the next step."
Her gaze shifted to Druvak.
"Begin training. Select the most capable and form a small, elite force. Keep them disciplined, loyal, and hidden until the right moment."
Amazel glanced at another parchment.
"A spy has been spotted among the workers. What are your orders?"
Hectate's lips curved not into a smile, but something colder.
"Let him live for more days. In fact… praise him for his work."
Amazel blinked, unsure she had heard correctly.
"Praise him? My lady, shouldn't we execute him before he causes trouble?"
Hectate sighed softly, the sound heavy with patience.
"No. If we execute him, we only save ourselves from small damage, but we lose a great opportunity. But when we praise him, he becomes visible. People will notice him, interact with him. And creates competition, pushes others to work harder and grow rapidly. When he finally gains their trust and dares to spark rebellion" she tapped her desk lightly, "We expose him publicly. And we execute him in a way so terrifying that the memory of it will burn itself into their bones."
She leaned forward, her eyes glinting.
"And when they remember, they will think a thousand times before even whispering disobedience."
Amazel was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"I see… by letting him rise, we use him to drive the people forward. And when he falls, we use him again to remind them of the cost of betrayal."
"Precisely," Hectate said, her voice smooth as silk. "Keep this up, Amazel. You are learning quickly."
The praise made Amazel's chest warm, but as she turned to leave, a cold thought slid into her mind.
Is she… manipulating me too?
She didn't dare speak it aloud. Instead, she smiled, bowed, and exited quickly eager to work, yet wary of the woman who led them all.