The room where Lucard, the Crimson King, ruled was dark and quiet. At the center of it all stood a table, and on that table lay the Dark Codex. This book was no ordinary book. It held the strongest magic known to vampires, magic that could change everything.
Lucard had been the King of Vampires for centuries. No one dared to challenge him, but power often brings enemies. Even those closest to him can turn into foes.
"Hand over the Dark Codex," one of the council members demanded, his voice sharp and unwavering. "It is too dangerous for one man to control—even a king."
"The Codex is not yours to take. It is not about danger but greed," Lucard said, his voice calm but laced with authority.
Lucard's eyes narrowed as he looked at the council. "The Dark Codex is mine to wield and mine to protect. I alone understand its power. Your desire to take it stems not from fear but from your hunger for power."
Murmurs of discontent rippled through the council, but Lucard's voice silenced them.
"Do not forget who I am," he warned, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of the room.
At his side stood Alarion, his trusted disciple. The boy had been by his side since he was a child. Lucard had found him orphaned and weak, raising him as his own and teaching him the ways of their kind. To Lucard, Alarion was more than a disciple; he was family.
"I will always stand by you, my King," Alarion said, his voice steady, his eyes filled with what seemed like loyalty.
But something felt off.
Later that evening, Lucard stood alone in his private chamber, his hand resting on the Codex. The ancient pages emitted a faint, eerie glow, a testament to the unimaginable power contained within. He knew what the council wanted—to divide the power and use it for their selfish gains. But Lucard understood the dangers of such a move. The Codex's magic was not something to be trifled with or shared.
A soft knock at the door broke his concentration.
"Enter," Lucard said.
Alarion stepped inside, his expression serious. "The council won't stop, my King. Their fear of the Codex blinds them. They'll do whatever it takes to take it from you."
Lucard placed a hand on Alarion's shoulder, his gaze firm. "You've always been my strength, Alarion. I raised you, taught you, and trusted you. With you by my side, I have no fear of betrayal."
Alarion lowered his head slightly, his voice quiet. "Of course, my King."
As the castle grew silent that night, shadows moved in the halls. The council had made their move, rallying their forces in secret. With weapons drawn, they crept toward Lucard's chamber, their faces filled with determination and fear.
Lucard sensed the danger before the first blow landed. The doors burst open, and the room filled with chaos. Blades clashed, and shouts echoed off the walls.
"Insolence!". How dare you attack your King? What a bunch of fools!
Despite being outnumbered, Lucard fought with the ferocity of a king. His strikes were precise, his movements fluid.
But amidst the chaos, something unexpected happened. A blade pierced his back through his heart—a silver blade, its touch burning and cruel.
Lucard's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to face his attacker. Standing there, weapon in hand, was Alarion.
"You…?" Lucard's voice trembled with betrayal. "Why?"
"I'm sorry," Alarion said, stepping back as Lucard stumbled. "You were a great king, but the Codex… its power belongs to us all, not just you."
Lucard fell to his knees, his strength fading. His gaze never left Alarion, the boy he had raised and trusted. "I gave you everything," he whispered, his voice heavy with pain. "I raised you… like my own son."
Alarion looked away, his expression conflicted. "This is for the greater good."
The other council members closed in, their weapons gleaming in the faint light. Lucard's vision blurred as darkness crept in, but his mind remained sharp.
As he lay on the cold stone floor, his blood pooling around him, one thought consumed him.
"I will return," he vowed silently. "And I will make you all pay."
His eyes closed, and the room fell silent, save for the whispers of the council as they took the Dark Codex. But deep within the shadows, a spark remained.
Lucard's story was far from over.
To be continued…