The soft, golden glow of the candles cast long shadows on the walls, creating a serene but slightly eerie atmosphere.
As Edmund tried to sit up, he felt an overwhelming sense of strength coursing through his veins. He could still sense the underlying urge to take blood, but it was more controlled to a manageable feeling now.
Sasha who had been sitting by his bedside, immediately noticed his movement and leaned in with a relieved smile. "Your Highness! You're awake."
Edmund rubbed his temples as the memories of his frantic bloodlust and subsequent pass-out flooded back. "How long have I been out?"
"Two days," Sasha answered.
"Two days? What happened? Why do I feel so... different?" Edmund questioned with a look of disbelief.
He had no idea that he would have been out for longer if he wasn't a vampire.
Sasha placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "A lot happened, do you remember? You consumed human blood and now the essence within you must have fully awakened."
All of the memories came back strongly at this moment.
Edmund realized that the person who had pulled him away from the group of human hunters who would have likely killed him was Sasha.
He had questions about why she was there and how she managed to pull a stark raving vampire away by herself when none of the other vampire guards could do so...
"Your father demanded your presence two days ago, but I managed to wave the guards away, telling them you were busy. I'm glad you've woken up because I don't think I can keep them away any longer," Sasha informed him.
A wave of anxiety washed over Edmund. "Am I in trouble? After what happened... I attacked those guards. What if they find out it was me?"
Sasha squeezed his shoulder gently while giving him a look of assurance. "I made sure no one knew you were responsible. It would have caused a major scandal for the royal family. As far as anyone knows, it was a rogue vampire that we lost in the forest. But you should know, the entire kingdom is buzzing with news about your essence awakening."
Edmund took a deep breath while trying to steady his nerves. "Why did my father summon me?"
Sasha helped him sit up, then walked over to a nearby basin, pouring warm water into it. "He likely wants to see for himself that you are well. The essence awakening is a significant event, and it's no surprise he would want to confirm it. Now, let's get you ready. You need to be presentable for the audience with your father."
She began to help him undress, and Edmund couldn't help but feel a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thank you, Sasha. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd be a goner for sure," Sasha responded causing Edmund to chuckle wryly in agreement.
As she carefully bathed him, the warm water soothed his muscles. Edmund tried to focus on the system notification before him rather than the incoming conversation with his father.
[ Task Completed: Consume Blood ]
[ Would You Like To Open Rewards? ]
Although Edmund was glad to see this, other things plagued his mind at this moment.
"How bad was it?" Edmund asked quietly, breaking the silence.
Sasha paused for a moment before answering. "It was intense. You were completely overcome by the bloodlust. But once you fed, you calmed down but to be sure you wouldn't flare up again, I made you unconscious. We were lucky no one recognized you. The guards were shocked and confused, but they never suspected it was you."
Edmund sighed while leaning back slightly. "I remember feeling completely out of control. It was like I wasn't myself anymore."
"That's the nature of the blood essence. It's powerful, but it can be dangerous if not controlled. Vampires usually don't go rogue unless they haven't had blood in a very long time. You displayed traits of such despite being a newly awakened Vampire..."
Edmund felt a shiver run down his spine. "I'll have to be careful. I can't let that happen again."
"Are you okay?" Edmund sighted the small bandaid on the side of Sasha's neck.
"Oh, that? It is nothing. You will find that I am not that fragile," Sasha replied with a smile.
"Sasha, how did you..."
"You must have awakened a blood essence-related ability by now. It's normal to acquire one after having your first taste of blood," Sasha cut him off before he could complete his sentence.
"Really?" Edmund questioned with a look of interest while Sasha helped him out of the bath and began to dress him in his royal attire.
"Of course. You should have that checked out after you return from your audience with your father," Sasha stated.
Edmund's clothes were finely made, with intricate patterns and rich fabrics that signified his status. She fastened a cloak around his shoulders and stepped back to admire her work.
"You look very dashing," she said with a smile. "Now, let's talk about what to expect. Your father will likely question you about the awakening and your plans moving forward. Be honest, but also be careful. He is your father, but he is also the vampire emperor."
Edmund nodded. "I understand."
She smiled warmly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Now, let's go."
They made their way through the palace corridors, amidst the gazes and murmurs of the palace workers.
No one had heard from him in the last two days and the rumors had been mixed with many wondering if any of it was true. However, when he passed by, it was undoubtedly confirmed that Edmund had awakened his essence. The essence aura that oozed from his being was quite overbearing that it could be sensed from a distance. It was incredibly rich and indubitably that of royalty.
As they approached the throne room, the guards bowed respectfully and opened the doors.
Sasha waited outside while Edmund strode in confidently. He was finally back in the vast throne room.
It was like walking through a football field with aged depictions on the walls, very high pillars, and an exalted throne area up ahead.
The vampire emperor sat on his throne with his usual majestic presence. His glowing purple eyes with a line of crimson were fixed on Edmund as he entered the room. The emperor's expression was an inscrutable blend of curiosity and sternness.
"Father," Edmund said, bowing deeply. "You summoned me?"
"Everyone, excuse us," The vampire emperor commanded.
All of the vampire guards in the surroundings and advisors immediately filed out of the throne room respectfully. Some of them shot surprised glances at Edmund while leaving.
Everyone except for the dark obscured being standing by the emperor's left hand left. It would seem that the command didn't apply to it.
The emperor gestured for Edmund to approach. "Edmund, come forward."
Edmund stepped closer as demanded. "I am here, Father."
The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly. "There has been a phenomenon here that informed me of your essence awakening. I called you here to confirm and I can see that you truly have. Weldone... tell me, how do you feel?"
Edmund took a deep breath as he chose his words carefully. "I feel stronger, more powerful. But also, the bloodlust... l didn't know it would be this strong."
"So you awakened blood essence... Is that all?" The emperor's gaze deepened after posing this question.
Edmund wanted to keep his light essence a secret initially but seeing how suspicious his father was getting, he had a feeling the emperor knew something.
"No," Edmund answered.
"What else did you awaken?" The vampire emperor inquired with a deep tone.
"Light essence," Edmund revealed.
He had expected there to be some form of backlash after he revealed this but instead, his father just stared at him with a knowing look.
"Is there another one?"
Edmund had not expected this sudden inquisition and asked; "What other one?"
"Did you awaken another essence besides these two?" The emperor reiterated.
"No. Just these two, father," Edmund responded.
"Are you absolutely certain?" The emperor's eyebrows furrowed.
"Yes, Father," Edmund replied.
'Why is he expecting me to unlock another essence? Isn't having a Tri essence impossible? I feel like there's something going on...' Edmund noticed his father's eyes bearing down on him like they were searching his soul.
"Do well to keep your other awakened essence a secret until I say otherwise," The emperor suddenly broke the silence.
"Uh? Why?"