Under the cloak of night, a resounding knock reverberated through the dilapidated wooden door of the ancient structure. With its peeling walls and groaning hinges, the scene resembled something plucked from a gothic novel. As the door slowly swung open, a stout, mustachioed man in his fifties peered out, his bald head catching the dim light filtering in from outside.
"Please, come in," he invited, his gaze shifting from the imposing figure of Tony to the trembling little girl at the vampire's side. "How may I assist you, Sir Tony?"
Tony, towering over the bald man, nodded solemnly. "I believe you have a room available for one?"
The minister's brow furrowed as he took in the sight of the girl. "Where did you find her?" he inquired, puzzled.
Tony's response was enigmatic. "The question isn't where, but why she was out so late," he remarked, guiding them into the dimly lit office. The room was cluttered with ancient tomes and parchment, the only illumination provided by the flickering candlelight.
"She's from Ravenwood," Tony continued, his gaze fixed on the girl, who trembled visibly.
"Ravenwood? But how—" Mr. Willoughby's voice faltered, his mind racing.
Tony's interruption was solemn. "Ravenwood was attacked by witches tonight. She's the lone survivor—for now."
Shock etched across Mr. Willoughby's face. "Heavens above! I must inform Lord Nicholas at once. But I thought your kind protected the town?"
Tony's chuckle held a tinge of darkness."Are you questioning me?"
The minister swiftly apologized, a sheen of fear coating his words.
As they conversed, a knock shattered the tension, and Mr. Willoughby hastened to open the door, relief washing over him.
"General Damien, please, do enter," he beckoned, relief evident in his voice.
General Damien strode in, a commanding presence. Clad in a finely tailored uniform adorned with badges of honour, standing at six feet tall, his broad shoulders and muscular frame exuded strength. His shoulder-length black hair was tied in a tight ponytail, two curly bangs framing his forehead. Dark red eyes, glowing in the dim light, bore into the trembling girl as he approached.
"What befell you, child?" Damien's voice cut through the silence, his tone both firm and compassionate.
The room held its breath as all eyes turned to the girl, tension thick in the air. Gotti shared a knowing glance with Tony, while Mr. Willoughby wiped his brow nervously, acutely aware of the perilous situation unfolding.
**Next Morning***
Milo's mother, Sarah, entered her house and made sure to lock the door before heading into the living area.
"I knew it. I knew it was only a matter of time before the witches learned how to bypass the vampires," Sarah said aloud, sitting down in a chair.
"What is it, hon?" her husband asked, sitting beside her with a worried expression.
"Ravenwood was attacked. Bodies were scattered around like butchered meat. I'm scared for us. Are we any safer?" Sarah replied, hugging her husband tightly.
"Don't worry, Sarah. We might get through this," her husband sighed, feeling depressed.
"Mum, Dad, what's going on this time?" Eli asked as he sat down. Not long after, Elliott entered as well.
Their father explained what had happened, and they felt the blood drain from their faces. Situations were getting worse day by day. The witches seemed fearless now. What if they suddenly killed everyone in their houses at night? Getting a wink of sleep was hard for everyone. What could be done?
***Ravenwood***
Body parts lay around while men in white coats, face masks, and gloves examined them. Others placed the bodies in bags to be buried at the town cemetery. Lord Nicholas stood with his hands behind his back, watching his men work. Next to him, Lord Cedric sighed and placed a hand on Lord Nicholas' shoulder.
"What more can be done?" Cedric asked with concern.
"What else, Cedric? The witches have taken down the vampires. They grow in power every day," Lord Nicholas replied, scanning the area for the ashes of the dried-up vampire remains.
"We have to stay vigilant. The more I think about it, the worse it seems," Cedric bit his bottom lip, contemplating the dreadful future.
"What is it?" Nicholas turned to look at him. Cedric ran a hand through his long black hair and sighed.
"If the vampires can be killed by the witches, it means we are in grave danger. We humans can't protect ourselves."
"Lord Nicholas," one of Nicholas' men interrupted.
"Yes, you may speak," Nicholas said, looking down at the shorter man.
"Some families want to bury their dead in their own locations, not the town cemetery," the man explained.
"Let them do as they wish. Inform them each family shall be compensated," Nicholas replied, and the man left to deliver the message.
"What about the vampires? Have they been informed?" Lord Cedric asked.
"No. I will write a letter--"
"That won't be necessary," a commanding voice interrupted. Cedric and Nicholas turned to see the dark red eyes of the vampire general.
"General Damien," Nicholas greeted.
"Lord Nicholas," Damien bowed to the two human lords.
"It's good you're here," Nicholas said with a slight smile.
"The witches took down the vampires," Cedric said darkly.
"I see," General Damien replied, touching the dried vampire skin, which immediately turned to ashes.
"You know what that means..." Cedric narrowed his gaze at Damien. Damien stood to face Cedric.
"I do."
Nicholas cleared his throat to get their attention. He understood that Cedric wasn't fond of the vampires, but humans had no choice.
"General Damien, the witches are a threat to your kind, aren't they?" Nicholas asked.
Damien stared at Nicholas with a deathly glare. "We can't be so sure, my lord."
"What do you mean?" Cedric smirked.
"These vampires are lower class, turned vampires, not True Bloods," Damien explained, placing his right hand behind his back.
"Are you saying your king has put the lives of humans in danger? We made a bargain. What's the purpose of the Tribute if your kind won't keep their side of it?" Nicholas roared, the atmosphere growing tense. The workers stopped what they were doing, thinking, _My lord wouldn't face a vampire, would he? A vampire general?_
"Watch your tone, Lord Nicholas," Damien warned menacingly.
"General Damien, I think we should cut off the bargain and take our people back," Cedric said, making Damien turn to face him.
"I wouldn't worry about that if I were you," Damien smirked.
"What should we be worried about then?" Nicholas asked angrily.
"Perhaps you haven't noticed the strange persons among your people," Damien replied.
"Can you stop speaking in riddles and start communicating?" Cedric warned through gritted teeth.
"There are rumors of a strange lady living among your people, but only vampires can notice her different scent," Damien said, turning to leave.
"How do you know this? Perhaps you forged another lie because of the Tribute?" Nicholas retorted.
"Don't be ridiculous, Lord Nicholas. People go in and out of your town every day. Perhaps she is a witch, a spy," Damien smirked at the last word. Before they could respond, he was gone in a flash.
"These vampires lack respect because they think they're at the top of the food chain," Nicholas said with hatred.
"About what he said, I believe he is right. We can't even tell who's a witch," Cedric rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"And that's why we still need the vampires. They can smell a witch from a human," Nicholas reluctantly agreed.
"We shall hold a meeting tomorrow with Lady Eleanor," Nicholas suggested.
"And the magistrates and head guards. Everyone needs to be on alert," Cedric replied.
"These days are becoming increasingly destructive," Nicholas said darkly.....