Tracy led Trevor through a series of winding alleys, deeper into the city's hidden underbelly. The streets grew narrower, the buildings older, until they reached a secluded entrance barely visible to the untrained eye. With a swift glance around to ensure they weren't being followed, Tracy pushed open a rusted iron gate. Beyond it lay the hidden heart of the vampire kingdom—a place Trevor had only heard whispers of.The underground city sprawled beneath the metropolis, a labyrinth of ancient stonework and forgotten tunnels. Glowing lanterns cast an eerie light over the cobblestone streets, and the air was thick with the scent of old blood. Vampires of all ages and ranks moved about their business, their eyes reflecting the cold, calculated nature of their kind."This is where you think you'll find answers?" Tracy asked, her voice dripping with skepticism as they walked deeper into the city."I know what I'm looking for is here," Trevor replied, his gaze fixed ahead. "The curse, the Blood Moon—everything is connected to this place. You might not believe me, but I have nothing left to lose.""Except your life," she remarked dryly."That's been lost for centuries," he muttered.They continued in silence until they reached a grand hall, its walls adorned with faded tapestries depicting the history of the vampire kingdom. In the center stood a grand throne, empty, but still exuding power. Tracy stopped and turned to face Trevor, her expression more serious now."You want to break the curse," she stated. "But you should know that many have tried before you, and all have failed. The Blood Moon's power is not something to be trifled with.""I'm not like the others," Trevor said, his voice steady. "I've found something—an ancient text that speaks of a ritual. It's dangerous, but if we can perform it, the curse could be broken.""And why should I believe you?" Tracy asked, crossing her arms. "What do you stand to gain from this?"Trevor hesitated, his mind flashing back to the centuries of loneliness and suffering. "My freedom," he finally said. "And maybe… a chance to start over."Tracy studied him, her gaze piercing. "If what you say is true, and this ritual can break the curse, it could also mean the end of our world as we know it. Are you prepared for that?"Trevor nodded. "If it means ending this curse, then yes."Tracy sighed, her resolve softening just a fraction. "I'll help you, but under one condition: you follow my lead. We do this my way, or not at all."Trevor inclined his head, agreeing to her terms. For now, he needed her—and maybe, just maybe, she needed him too.As they turned to leave the hall, Tracy spoke again, her voice quieter. "One more thing, Trevor. If you betray me, I will kill you."Trevor smirked. "You wouldn't be the first to try."