The air was thick with tension, the remnants of Valek's dark magic still lingering like a toxic fog as James and his companions stood amidst the shattered remains of the throne room. The heavy, suffocating aura that had clung to the room since their arrival seemed to grow stronger, more oppressive with every passing second. They had survived the onslaught of Valek's undead knights and his vampiric form, but it was clear the battle was far from over.
Valek Draconis, the ancient vampire lord, stood before them, his once regal and humanoid form now twisting and distorting in ways that defied nature. His once crimson eyes burned with an unearthly, hellish blue light, flickering like dark flames behind a mask of ancient malevolence. His breaths came in shallow, rasping gasps, but there was a calm, predatory grin on his lips.
