When Draven arrived at his hall, the nocturnal knights and the eversleepers were already there, spread out on the red carpet in ordered rows.
As he entered they all dropped to one knee.
This room reeks of fear... Especially from the ever-sleepers.
He made his way to his throne, head high and glanced over those who stood beneath him.
He spotted the male vampires in the mix, and he realised that Lucian was right.
The women truly are the strongest in the room, however there are a few men here with potential. Though very few...
Dracula, his best friend and assistant stood beside the throne, a smile spread across his face.
He had done this exact thing many times before, far in the past. But to do it again filled him with a nostalgia that could not be achieved through anything else.
Finally, Draven sat in the seat, with over one hundred vampires standing before him.
Just like old times.
A smirk grew on his face.
"You may rise."
The vampires stood to attention.
In the front line, he could see Serena. Her beautiful white hair gave her an elegant look.
The row behind was where Florissa stood in her white robes amongst others. There was a glow in her eyes as she looked at him. She adored the Lord of Evil after he had slept with her.
Others in the crowd had the same look as well, but they had yet to have a personal relationship with the Lord. But they all yearned for one.
"As is evident to you all, I have returned." He did not need to shout, his deep voice carried through the hall regardless.
"The founder of the clan and the start of what we call the Noctaris bloodline. Draven, Lord of Evil. King of Villainy, or whatever else they call me."
The crowd of vampires continued to watch with awe in their eyes.
And joy. All of the vampires were filled with a mix of happiness and excitement. Clearly, Serena had not been the best leader, as they were all exalted at his return.
"Now. I've heard that all of the clans have been giving us trouble. However, when I heard about the Whiteyes and how a race so weak dares to challenge our borders, I couldn't help but grow in fury.
"Just before I went into rest, the Whiteyes were only just coming to power, after awakening that strange ability of theirs. They were weak, and so I helped them. In return, their leader, Odalys Blir, was my plaything. A doll for me to do what I wanted with. And the men of her clan, nothing but fodder that I used as training dummies to test out new magic..."
He watched over the crowd, scorn in his eyes. There was shame on many of the vampire's faces, as they knew where this was going.
"Now, tell me that this woman is not the same person that you weaklings have allowed to step foot into your borders!"
He allowed his voice to rise but kept his calm lest he accidentally kill somebody in his forces.
His rage was true though. He couldn't believe that Odalys, the same woman that he once bedded whenever he wanted, now had the guts to stand up to his people.
Although he wouldn't admit it, a part of him would be pleased to find out it was her. He gained satisfaction from conquering his enemies and making them bend their knees to him.
It was why he had united the vampire clans in the first place.
But he was never able to completely conquer the clans of other races, though he had come close with the Whiteyes.
Serena stepped forward, confidence on her face as she answered Draven'a's question.
"I'm sorry my Lord, but you're correct. Odalys has sent many of her Whiteyes to the Red Gardens, sabotaging our crops and farmers. We've managed to fend them off, but have not been able to retaliate. Our forces have been split, sent to fight against the other clans, such as the werewolves and the humans."
Oh, sweet Odalys. We will meet again soon, and this time, I will not leave you with anything left.
"The other clans can do what they want for now. Once we have dealt with the Whiteyes, I will deal with the other clans as well... All of them."
The faces of the vampires twisted in shock, and some even let out gasps of surprise.
If what they thought Draven was suggesting was true, then he dared to do something that has never been done in history.
A task that would only be achievable by a true god. A vampire that stands above all beings.
"Yes, it is exactly what you think. Times are not like before, my hunger has grown strong during my sleep. My goal is no longer just the mere prosperity of my clan, it is the downfall of all the others. All those who dare to oppose me."
He let the words hang in the air for a moment, as a smile etched onto his face.
The vampires in the hall all waited for him to continue, anticipation heavy on their faces.
After a few moments of silence, Draven finally continued.
"In other words... My goal is complete world domination."
Dracula let out a chuckle from beside the throne. He had truly missed his old friend.