Alex, Kira, and Maira stepped out of the car, their steps echoing softly in the air. Marcus and Anna stood waiting, gesturing for them to follow.
The trio fell into step behind the two guides, Alex's gaze occasionally drifting to the opulent villa that surrounded them.
Their path wound through the grounds until they reached a grand hall. Inside, a middle-aged man sat on a lavish throne, his black hair and average features contrasting the luxury of his surroundings. He wore an exquisite suit, befitting his status.
As Marcus and Anna bowed before the man, Alex's realization dawned – this was the ghoul progenitor. Following their example, he, Kira, and Maira also bowed in respect.
Breaking his distant gaze, the progenitor turned his attention to Alex, his voice carrying a hint of distance as he asked, "Are you a sanguine?"
Surprised by the direct question, Alex hesitated before nodding, his eyes locked with the progenitors.
Suddenly, the progenitor stood up, his movement abrupt. "History has truly repeated itself," he mused, shaking his head before stepping down from his throne and walking to the side.
He then gestured for them to sit at a table beside the throne. The air was filled with a sense of formality as they took their seats, and the spread of food before them beckoned their attention.
."You might know me as Progenitor but you can call me Merlin. " Merlin said as he took a bite out of the food on the plate before him.
Turning toward Alex, Merlin said, "I am aware of the presence of Ken, and this is why I summoned you. Our mutual enemy is Ken, and I believe that together, we can put a halt to his plans." Merlin's voice resonated with authority as he proposed.
Alex was taken aback by the enormity of the situation. He hadn't thought that Merlin would propose a direct cooperation between them. But Alex nodded. They needed every bit of help they could get if they wanted to stop Ken.
The weight of the moment settled upon him, and a thought nagged at Alex.
Gathering his courage, he finally voiced his question, "Merlin, may I ask something?"
The progenitor's gaze met his, and Alex pressed on, "Can we also reach out to the vampire progenitor? Ken's actions affect all races, and we should gather strength from every corner."
Merlin regarded him thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. After a moment, he responded, "The vampire progenitor is no more." His words held a sombre weight, and the gravity of his statement hung heavy in the air. "SBC used a nuclear weapon to eliminate the vampire progenitor."
A heavy silence enveloped the table, the shock of Merlin's revelation reverberating through each of them. Alex's mind raced, grappling with the implications of what he had just learned. Kira and Maira shared his stunned expression, the reality of their situation taking on a new, chilling dimension.