As evening descended, the vibrant tapestry of life unfolded before Ariel's eyes in the place he now called home. Amidst the bustling city, he found himself in a small haven teeming with diverse sounds of people living their lives. The structure of this place intrigued him; it resembled a collection of immense books with their thick covers neatly stacked, each floor distinguished by a unique hue, much like the towering buildings he had encountered before. This tiny dwelling, seemingly unremarkable from the outside, held the stories and dreams of countless inhabitants, each with their own tale to tell. As he soaked in the atmosphere, Ariel couldn't help but marvel at how this place, though small in size, held such vastness in its vibrant heart, offering solace and warmth to its many residents.
The neighborhood was a picturesque scene, with around twenty perfectly aligned buildings separated by small green fields. Though not towering skyscrapers like those in the main city, they possessed a unique charm. As evening painted the sky with shades of pink and red, the buildings seemed to mirror the majestic mountains reflecting on a wide, tranquil blue lake.
Ariel stepped inside an elevator, marveling at the multitude of buttons that represented various destinations. However, only the number twenty-one glowed brightly, beckoning him higher and higher.
As the elevator door opened with a soft 'Ding,' Ariel stepped into a brown hall adorned with a maroon textured floor that stretched into the distance. Four doors stood opposite to each other, mysterious gateways for him. One of these doors was to be his new home.
Ariel approached the doors, trying each one gently, hoping for one to yield to his touch. However, they remained steadfast, refusing to budge unlike an elevator obediently opening its doors. With every attempt, an unusual sound echoed through the hall, declaring his efforts futile with a solemn 'Wrong passcode.'
Frustration and curiosity tugged at him in equal measure. The more the doors resisted his attempts, the stronger his determination grew to unravel the mystery behind them.
As Ariel returned to the guards, he cautiously inquired about the confidential code that was only meant for his knowledge. It had been just half an hour since he first met them, persuasively explaining the intricacies of his connection to the place. After a brief phone call to Mrs. Molly, using the number from the business card Ariel had provided, they finally relented and shared the coveted information.
While he possessed the power to compel the guards, he chose not to rely on such abilities to avoid arousing suspicion during future encounters. He understood the importance of subtlety and maintaining a low profile. As he overheard the guards whispering with smirks, one of them remarked on how such situations were becoming commonplace in the modern world. Another couldn't help but mockingly suggest that Ariel seemed like a wilderness-dwelling celebrity who had just descended from the mountains.
He came to a sudden halt just before reaching the end of the complex. Turning back, he fixed his gaze upon the guards, who instinctively straightened up and feigned innocence, trying to brush off their earlier remarks.
"Mortals," Ariel uttered in a soft voice, displaying a mix of displeasure and a hint of embarrassment on his face, acknowledging that their comments held a grain of truth. Despite his extraordinary abilities, he couldn't escape the realization of being different from them.
With a subtle sigh, he continued his way back, reflecting on the complexities of human perception and his own unique existence in this world. Determined to rise above the judgments and misconceptions, Ariel ventured forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with a newfound sense of understanding and acceptance.
Pressing the number from the piece of paper Mrs. Molly had given him, Ariel heard the corner left door creak open with a faint 'png png' sound. Stepping inside, a sense of fulfillment washed over him, as if he had just accomplished a quest he had pursued for a hundred years.
At first, he anticipated finding a typical place, resembling the serene woods, despite its fancy exterior. However, what lay before his eyes surpassed all expectations. The sight that unfolded was far beyond anything he could have imagined.
Every corner of the room was adorned with intricate artwork and remarkable technology seamlessly integrated into a harmonious blend. The space seemed to transcend time itself, encompassing the essence of history, mystery, and boundless wonder.
Ariel continued exploring the mesmerizing interior of the place. As he walked further along the enormous wooden bookshelf, he noticed a pathway leading to a balcony. The curtains that blocked the light from entering billowed gently, revealing tall glass windows that almost made it seem as if he were standing outside. The balcony offered a breathtaking view of the surroundings, inviting him to bask in the natural light.
The interior space was artfully divided by another transparent white shelf, showcasing an assortment of exquisite artifacts and vases. A long navy blue sofa and a rectangular glass chair adorned the area, creating a comfortable and sophisticated seating arrangement. The light wooden parquet flooring was complemented by a plush creamy area rug, adding warmth and coziness to the room. A delicate chandelier hung gracefully overhead, adding a touch of elegance to the ambiance.
On one side of the room, a wall-mounted television provided entertainment, thoughtfully separated from the well-organized kitchen. The kitchen itself boasted a perfectly arranged setup, featuring a coffee grinder, microwave, and fridge.
Ariel couldn't help but marvel at the seamless design and functionality of the space. Three doors led to the bedroom, revealing a spacious closet stocked with everything one could need. The bedroom connected to a lavish bathroom tucked away in the corner, completing the picture of an idyllic paradise.
Though he knew he wouldn't make use of most of the luxurious amenities, Ariel couldn't deny the allure and charm of this place. It was a sanctuary that exuded a sense of tranquility and refinement, making him appreciate the beauty in every detail. With a grateful heart, Ariel found himself relishing this unique and enchanting haven, cherishing the serenity.
In the modern world, Ariel Warner Aban Roth, a prince of Noble-blood vampires, found himself utterly fascinated. Once, his ancestors had reigned as shadowy figures, while mortal kings occupied thrones, seemingly powerless in comparison. Yet, under the wise and just rule of 'The Right Leader,' his family had guided and governed the noble vampires, ensuring a semblance of order.
But humanity's greed was unyielding. Despite being the most intelligent species in the food chain, it was never enough for them. The thirst for power overruled all else. Vampires, with their extraordinary strength, were always in their way, standing superior. Some humans, consumed by guilt and sorrow, would plead for help, only to forget their humble origins once they attained power.
In that era, countless mortals desired to become vampires, driven by the allure of power and prestige, even if it meant forsaking their friends and family. Those who succeeded in joining the ranks of the vampire elites often became indifferent to the plight of their former kind, focusing solely on their newfound status.
However, the humans who accepted their fate and sought a better world, coexisting peacefully with vampires under the guidance of 'The Right Leader,' became vulnerable prey for those who had been turned. The noble vampires earnestly attempted to create a harmonious world alongside humans, but tragically, goodness and kindness rarely thrived. Those with noble intentions often met an untimely end, their lives consumed by the treacherous hands of darkness that dragged them into an unfathomable abyss.
The memory of that fateful day when Ariel witnessed his father's agony was etched deeply in his mind. His father, once the pillar of the Noble-Clan, now lay on the floor, his back propped against the revered throne. The seat that symbolized the pride and legacy of their family had become a backdrop to this tragic scene.
Multiple stabs and missing heart, adorned his father's body, injuries that refused to heal. All young Ariel noticed was the red and black hues of blood seeping into the once magnificent white and red noble attire, embellished with intricate gold embroidery, now tainted with sorrow and suffering with stark contrast to the elegance it once exuded.
Through tear-filled eyes, his father implored him to run far away and never return. Ariel could feel the weight of regret and sorrow in his father's gaze, his youthful appearance slowly fading as life slipped away from him finally turning into a dust.
"Thou shalt not cast blame upon thy brother, thy kin"
As Ariel ran away heavy with sorrow, the words of farewell left unspoken, he felt a sudden, chilling thrust in his right chest. Crossing the towering metal doors, the attack he endured wasn't meant to kill but to inflict torment and slow suffering.
As Ariel opened his eyes, he found himself immersed in a flood of memories under the vast, clear night sky. The full moon shone brightly that night, accompanied by a myriad of twinkling stars. In the distance, an owl hooted softly, perched in the depths of a small forest. Slowly, alert rabbits hopped around, while he could distinctly sense and hear the delicate movements of spiders weaving their intricate webs.
Standing at the edge of apartment building's roof, he gazed down upon the miniature world below. The city lights created a dazzling spectacle, while the trees appeared as tiny specks on the surface. Even the two guards stationed at the main gate of the apartments seemed like ants, far away in the distance. In this nocturnal world, while the rest of the world slept, Ariel remained wide awake.
For Ariel, standing on the roof and admiring the city lights was usually a peaceful and wondrous experience. But that particular night felt different. Even from Peter's place in the woods, he couldn't witness such a stunning display of lights, each representing a family or someone's life.
As he looked down upon the city, he couldn't help but feel the contrast between the dreams of the sleeping residents—filled with adventures and excitement—and his own haunting visions of death every time he closed his eyes.