"Incredible! Your world feels like it's straight out of the medieval ages!" I exclaimed with admiration, taking in the charm of the narrow, cobblestone-paved street winding through the ancient town. The buildings on either side towered above, their timber-framed structures leaning gently toward one another, as if sharing whispered secrets across the street. The walls were a patchwork of weathered stone, aged wood, and ivy climbing up their sides. Flower boxes adorned the windows, overflowing with vibrant geraniums and petunias, their bright colors standing out against the timeworn stone.
The air is filled with the enticing scent of fresh bread, drifting from a nearby bakery, while the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer striking metal echoes from a distant forge. At the center of the street, a small fountain murmurs gently, its trickling water offering a peaceful melody to the otherwise serene surroundings. Merchants' stalls, draped in colorful fabrics and brimming with wares, line parts of the street, offering everything from pottery to spices, adding to the lively yet quaint atmosphere.
The street itself is a living tapestry of Earth's history, each corner revealing a new layer of stories—from the wealthy merchants to the joyful children playing in the distance, and the common folk going about their daily lives. The entire scene feels like a step back in time, imbued with the warmth of community, history, and nature.
I noticed a few people standing still, facing east with their arms spread wide, smiling with joy as if they were basking in the sun's rays. But what struck me was that, though I too could feel the sun's presence on my skin, there was no warmth. It was as if the sun had lost its essence, though its light still touched everyone. I looked up, my vision sharper since arriving here. The sky above had a faint bluish glow, encircling it like an orb, stretching far over the kingdom.
Meredith held my hand tightly. No one could recognize her as the princess, hidden beneath the cloak and hood that obscured her face. I, too, was hooded, though a few passersby shot quick glances at me before continuing on their way.
"Come, let's go over there," she murmured, her voice low. We made our way to a place that appeared to be an inn. She gently opened the door and stepped inside.
An old man sat behind a worn wooden desk in the corner of a dimly lit room. His face, etched with deep wrinkles, seemed to tell a story of years spent in quiet solitude. Frail hands rested on a ledger as he scribbled something. The soft hum of the inn's atmosphere was broken by our entrance, and his tired eyes widened in surprise. His gray eyebrows shot up, and his mouth parted slightly, startled by the unexpected intrusion.
Meredith approached him and extended her arm, revealing the royal pendant.
"The royal pendant. Your Highness!" he exclaimed loudly, but Meredith quickly pressed her index finger to her lips, signaling for him to be quiet. He nodded frantically, bowing his head in acknowledgment.
"Please follow me," he said with a slight, knowing smile. He slowly pulled out a key and led us up the stairs to a room. He handed the key to Meredith, bowed once more, and made his way back downstairs.
"It's been two days now, and my mother still hasn't responded. I don't understand her," Meredith said, lying sideways on the bed. Night had fallen, and the glow from the lamp post filled the room. I glanced out the window, watching the street still bustling with people, the air filled with music and chatter. I chuckled and gently closed the window.
"Is it always this lively at nightfall?" I asked, moving to sit beside her on the bed. I noticed her wearing a sheer white gown, which, though accompanied by underwear and a bra, did little to hide her perfectly shaped hourglass figure. She was irresistibly attractive; I swallowed hard and looked away towards the window.
"There was a time in the blood-clan when the citizens couldn't step out into the sun because of the curse," Meredith continued, her voice soft yet resonant. "Anyone who made the mistake of being exposed to the sun would instantly be consumed by its energy, turning to ashes. So, the people waited for nightfall to live their lives. You could say daylight was our night, and night was our day. As vampires, we've lived with the curse of the sun for generations.mages tried countless ways to break it, but all their efforts were futile. No magic could lift the curse that has haunted our race. A few centuries ago, a baby was born, and her arrival changed the fate of our kind, making us equals with the wolf clan."
She paused, her dark pitch-black hair spread across the bed, her scarlet eyes looking into mine. Her fair skin was mesmerizing even in the dim light, and her sheer gown displayed her silhouette. I could hear her heartbeat, steady and rhythmic, tempting me to lean in closer. She rested her head against the headboard, slightly parting her legs, one knee bent halfway to her chest. I moved closer, laying my head just below her breasts, her legs radiating a seductive allure. My hand traced the curve of her left leg from the shin to the thigh, feeling her heartbeat quicken under my touch.
"The baby grew into a woman and she became a powerful mage." she whispered. "With her powers, she created the Phoenix Crystal, which has the ability to cast a shield that envelops the entire kingdom, protecting us from the sun's deadly energy. The crystal sits at the apex of the castle, its power so immense that no one can manipulate or control it. Her use of her own blood for the greater good shielded us from enemy invasions and bolstered our combat strength."
My thoughts led me to wonder about my mother. Could she be the one Meredith was referring to? Could she be the mage who was also a vampire? Am I a vampire, just like Meredith?