Shoto, Lawhey, and Helton arrived at the colossal wall—a towering structure that loomed forty feet high and encircled Skol Castle and its subjects. The castle itself was an ancient relic, predating the nine-hundred-year-old wall by centuries. Though time had taken its toll on the fortress, it was always restored, never allowed to fully fall into ruin.
As they passed through the main gate, they covered their ears and most of their faces, wary of the ever-present winds that carried strange whispers from within the castle grounds.
"Security is pretty lax," Lawhey remarked, scanning the area.
Despite his observation, the trio moved cautiously, keeping their heads low as they entered the town nestled within the wall. Their first priority was finding an inn to rest for the night. Once settled in, they gathered around a table in the dimly lit room, discussing their next steps.
"We need to save Gina," Shoto said firmly, his voice heavy with determination.
"I'd feel better if Pencil had our back," Lawhey muttered, leaning back in his chair.
Shoto sighed. "Pencil isn't here. It's just us."
The next morning, Shoto and Lawhey turned their attention to the castle, watching from a safe distance as people came and went through its gates. Meanwhile, Helton wandered the town, seeking anything that might aid them in their inevitable confrontation with the vampires. Having no prior experience dealing with such creatures, he relied on old folktales and fragmented knowledge, picking up items like garlic, holy water, and sharpened stakes. The shopkeepers raised their eyebrows but said nothing, taking his coin without question.
By nightfall, the group felt as prepared as they could be. They packed their belongings, steeled themselves for what lay ahead, and approached the castle under the cover of darkness. Despite their expectations of resistance, the path remained clear. Not a single guard challenged them.
"This feels like a trap," Lawhey muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
They pressed on cautiously, stepping into the castle's courtyard. What awaited them was far from the ominous encounter they had anticipated. Instead, an elegant arch stood in the center of the open space, draped with ribbons and flowers. Rows of chairs flanked either side of the aisle, neatly arranged for an event.
Helton froze, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. "It's… a wedding," he said, his voice laced with confusion.
The three exchanged uneasy glances before cautiously taking their seats near the back, unsure whether they were guests—or prey.
Soon, a wave of guests flooded the courtyard, filling the rows of seats. Nobles in opulent attire and townsfolk in their finest clothes murmured among themselves, their voices blending into a low hum of anticipation. Shoto, Lawhey, and Helton sat tensely near the back, trying to remain inconspicuous.
As the last guest settled into their seat, the groom emerged. His tall figure and confident stride immediately caught Shoto's attention. There was something unsettlingly familiar about him, but Shoto couldn't quite place where he had seen the man before.
"Do you recognize him?" Helton whispered.
"Not yet," Shoto replied, his brows furrowed.
Moments later, a violin began to play a hauntingly beautiful melody, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. All eyes turned to the bride as she appeared at the end of the aisle, her figure illuminated by the faint glow of lanterns. She glided forward in a flowing white gown, her veil obscuring her face as she approached the groom.
When she reached him, the groom gently rolled back her veil, revealing her face. Shoto's breath hitched as his stomach dropped.
"Gina?" he blurted, his voice cutting through the solemn atmosphere. Heads turned to look at him, and Lawhey grabbed his arm to quiet him. But it was too late—the ceremony had been interrupted.
Gina turned her head slightly, her expression unreadable. The groom, however, smiled—a slow, deliberate grin.
During his vows, the groom locked eyes with Shoto and spoke in a smooth, chilling voice. "I am grateful to see so many familiar faces tonight. Shoto, Lawhey, Helton… thank you for coming."
Shoto's heart began to race. The voice, the mannerisms—they clicked into place. His eyes widened as recognition finally hit.
"I know him," Shoto whispered, his voice trembling. "That's Devin Cross."
The name meant nothing to Lawhey or Helton, but they could feel Shoto's tension and knew it wasn't good. Helton leaned closer. "Who is he?"
Shoto's hands balled into fists, his mind racing. "He's the one who started all of this. He's the reason Gina's missing. And if he's here…"
Shoto trailed off, his words replaced by a sinking realization. Something was very wrong.
Shoto sprang to his feet the moment he recognized Devin. A collective hiss swept through the reception hall. Ignoring it, Shoto stormed toward Devin with determined fury.
Gina stepped in front of Devin, arms outstretched, shielding him from Shoto's advance.
"Why him?" Shoto's voice cracked with raw emotion as he stared at Gina. "It could have been anyone, and I would've been fine with it. Anyone but him."
Shoto's gaze lingered for a moment before he turned on his heel.
"Stay," Gina said softly, catching his hand.
He paused, glancing back at her. Her touch was gentle as she let go, their hands slipping apart like the fading grip of a memory.
"It seems she made her choice," Shoto said bitterly, glancing at Helton and Lawhey as he strode past them. The two exchanged uneasy looks before following him out of the castle.
The trio hadn't gone far when they ran into Ryan.
"You changed your mind," Helton said, a tinge of relief in his voice.
Ryan didn't respond. Instead, in a blur of movement, he lunged at Helton. His jaws clamped down, tearing a massive chunk from Helton's neck. Helton collapsed instantly, blood pooling beneath him as his life ebbed away.
"Helton!" Lawhey shouted, dropping to his knees to aid his fallen companion.
Ryan, now drenched in blood, turned his gaze toward Shoto. His voice dripped with malice. "After everything I've done for you… this is how you repay me?"
Shoto's eyes narrowed. "Rowin…?"
Before he could say more, Rowin was upon him. The possessed Ryan lunged, but Shoto reacted in a flash. Scales erupted across his neck, spreading rapidly over his body like molten armor. His hands, now clawed and scaled, clenched together.
With a roar, Shoto swung his interlocked fists like a hammer, bringing them down on Ryan's arm. The bone cracked audibly, and Ryan crumpled to his knees, coughing violently as the possession took its toll.
"Is that why you betrayed me?" the possessed Ryan screamed, his voice echoing unnaturally.
"I didn't betray you," Shoto replied, his breaths labored.
"Stop lying! I can smell her on you," the possessed Ryan growled, gripping his broken arm and snapping it back into place with a sickening crack.
Shoto froze, his chest heaving as he tried to compose himself.
"If you betrayed me because of her," Ryan continued, his eyes glowing with malice, "then taking her out of the equation should restore your loyalty."
The words barely left Ryan's mouth when Shoto roared in rage. He charged forward, but before he could land a blow, Ryan vanished in an instant, reappearing behind him.
"Keep him here," the possessed Ryan ordered, just before disappearing again.
Shoto spun around, trying to follow Ryan's erratic movements. He reappeared miles ahead, then disappeared once more, repeating this pattern as he put more distance between himself and Shoto. All Shoto could do was watch him vanish into the horizon.
A loud, guttural growl snapped Shoto out of his trance. Helton, who should have been dead, shoved Lawhey aside with unnatural strength. Foam dripped from Helton's mouth as his eyes rolled back in his head.
Shoto started to follow Ryan when a swirling dark portal appeared in front of him, blocking his path. His heart sank—he recognized it instantly. It was one of Helton's Vacuum Rings.
Shoto turned slowly, his gaze locking onto Helton, who stood trembling but conscious.
"Isn't he supposed to be dead?" Shoto muttered to himself, eyes narrowing.
Yellowish gas began to seep from Shoto's skin, swirling faintly before dissipating into the wind. The toxic fumes blew toward Helton, but he didn't falter. Despite his condition, Helton remained on his feet, his unnatural resolve defying Shoto's efforts.
Shoto clenched his fists. "This isn't right…"
Helton's gaze bore into him, the foam at his mouth bubbling, as if something dark and uncontrollable had taken over entirely.