AMBROGIO
Jerusalem, Israel 1890
"Eliminate them! Every last one of them!" a male voice commanded from the vicinity where Ambrogio was concealed within the closet.
This night was anticipated as a celebration for young vampires like Ambrogio who had successfully completed the trial to become a royal guard. He had been eager to share the news with his peers and acknowledged parents that he would be departing for England to serve the King. However, his current reality found him evading the impending threat of death.
In addition to finding their destined life partner, serving as a royal guard to the king was a cherished aspiration among their kind. This role promised increased authority to pursue ambitions of attaining higher ranks within the organization. Vladimir, a prominent figure, stood as an emblem of success for vampires like Ambrogio. Originating from humble beginnings, Vladimir transitioned from the trials to becoming a royal guard, a position that brought him unexpected prominence. The King entrusted Vladimir with the leadership of a group known as Shadow's Fangs.
Amidst the chaos unfolding, Ambrogio reflected on his true desires. Did he genuinely aspire to emulate Vladimir as a royal guard, earning admiration from fellow vampires? Or did his heart yearn for the simpler pursuit of finding his destined mate and leading a tranquil existence, far removed from the abyss of turmoil?
"Search every corner! Ensure no one escapes alive," another menacing voice echoed.
Recognizing the familiar voices, Ambrogio was compelled to flee from the organization. Seeking refuge and formulating a strategic plan for retribution, he aimed to avenge the unfolding tragedy.
As the faint footsteps receded from his vicinity, Ambrogio finally exhaled, having unknowingly held his breath for an extended duration. He cautiously waited a few more minutes before cautiously peering through a slender gap in the closet door. Beads of perspiration trickled down his face, not out of fear or nerves, but rather a detached acknowledgment of the imminent danger. The cramped confines of the closet provided minimal respite, with only a single crevice allowing scant airflow.
For vampires, emotions like terror and anxiety held little sway; their existence was marked by torment and desire. However, encountering their destined life partner invariably broke through this emotional numbness, leading to an inevitable plunge into the depths of love.
Ambrogio hesitated for a moment before gingerly opening the closet door. Finding no one in sight, he promptly made his way to the adjacent room where he suspected his family was seeking refuge. His intuition was proven correct as the reassuring embrace of his father enveloped him, followed by his mother's comforting hug. After ensuring their safety, they collectively decided to depart from the premises.
Under the eerie moonlight, the night enveloped them in a quiet yet unsettling atmosphere, evoking the unsettling thought that they might be the sole survivors amidst a scene of devastation. Their movements were cloaked in caution, darting for cover whenever dark shadows flitted across their path.
"We should meet George at Ashdod. There, he could take us in his boat and leave Israel," Elias, Ambrogio's father, proposed rendezvousing with George at Ashdod for a potential escape from Israel.
"Ashdod? It'll take us days to get there by foot. We can't ride the trains. We should go to Sarah's house and ask for help. She'll send a letter to George for sure. We'll wait there until he comes home." Maya posited an alternative strategy, suggesting seeking sanctuary at Sarah's residence to make contact with George safely.
"I agree with mother. We need to wait for George. We'll die trying to get in Ashdod. There will be more vampires at the station, and they will surely kill us." Agreeing with his mother's prudent suggestion, Ambrogio underscored the dangers that awaited them in Ashdod, emphasizing the risks posed by encountering hostile vampires at the station. Opting for the safer route to Sarah's abode, where they found solace in the hospitality of the married couple, George and Sarah, their kindness transcending the barriers typically faced by vampires.
As they neared Sarah's house, Maya suddenly groaned in pain, clutching her chest too late to realize a looming shadow behind her. A stake pierced her chest, bringing her to her knees.
"Run, Ambrogio! Run!" Elias shouted while covering his son from their perpetrators.
Despite his desire to aid his mother, Ambrogio heeded her urgent plea and fled to seek help from Sarah.
Ambrogio urgently knocked on Sarah's door, promptly greeted by her as she ushered him inside, concealing him in the basement.
"Wait here; I'll check on your father," Sarah instructed before shutting the door behind her.
Moments later, impending footsteps neared the basement door, eliciting an apprehensive response from Ambrogio, poised for defense. Relief swept over him as Sarah and his father entered, bringing news of George's imminent arrival to transport them to safety in Ashdod. The assurance of protection came as a comfort amid the chaos.
"You were aware of what was happening?" Ambrogio inquired.
Stricken with despair, Sarah gazed at him with mournful eyes. "I heard the chaos outside – the cries, the screams, the sound of lives slipping away in silence. I was aware of the unfolding tragedy and knew you'd seek refuge here."
Before Ambrogio could utter a word, a haunting groan drew their attention – Elias was in anguish, blood pooling in his abdomen.
"I took a blow trying to shield you," Elias gritted through his pain. "Ambrogio, I don't think I'll make it in Ashdod with you."
Puzzled, Ambrogio's brows knitted in concern. "What do you mean? I'll tend to your wounds and—,"
Elias interjected sternly, "I'm fading, my son."
"You're—."
"Sarah, please take care of Ambrogio. We may not be his biological parents, but he's dear to us like a son," Elias implored, a gesture of his unwavering protection for Ambrogio evident in his plea to Sarah.
"We're going to an island in the Southeast Asia. Tomorrow morning we'll take Ambrogio with us, don't worry."
As they planned their escape to an island in Southeast Asia, Elias ensured Ambrogio's safety, entrusting him to Sarah's care. Though words lingered on Ambrogio's tongue, he maintained a solemn silence, honoring his father until his final breath.
As anticipated, George arrived before daybreak. Waste no time, they swiftly departed the house and headed to Ashdod, where George's boat awaited them.
"In Southeast Asia, where exactly are we heading?" Ambrogio inquired, peering out at the vast expanse of the sea.
"The Philippines," George responded casually, peeling an apple pilfered from Sarah's bag.
Curious, Ambrogio sought more information. "What kind of country is the Philippines?"
George met his gaze. "I'm uncertain, but it remains under Spanish rule. You'll find safety there."
Ambrogio acknowledged the information with a nod, turning his attention to the pair accompanying them in George's boat. "Who are they?"
Pausing his task, George shifted his gaze towards the individuals Ambrogio had indicated. "They are vampires like yourself. The girl goes by Kali, and the young man is Zaros. The other boy under the blanket is Rolf."
Approaching the obscured figure under the blanket with caution, Ambrogio attempted to reveal the boy concealed within. Unveiling a thin male with blood trickling from his forehead.
"Take this time to rest, Ambrogio. You'll need your strength for the journey ahead; it will be months before we reach the next port," advised George.
Ambrogio followed George's instructions by resting and recuperating, gradually regaining his strength over the preceding months. The rest of the group also took this time to recharge. Upon their arrival at the island, George introduced them to Antonio, the individual responsible for looking after them during their time in the Philippines.