Draven had already decided long ago that he would achieve world domination.
There were many reasons for his decision to enter into an eternal slumber.
One of them was that he had left the clan in a state that allowed it to fend for itself and no longer need to rely on him or his powers to survive.
The other was that he had nothing else that he believed he needed to achieve.
The Vampires were the strongest clan in all of Velhalla, he need not do anything else.
However, during his sleep, once he sensed that his clan had begun to lose its strength, he told himself that they needed a true leader again.
And if he were to wake up and take on that position once again, his goal would be much more than just the prosperity of his people.
He would carry through and aim to subjugate the entire world.
When he announced the words, it was Serena who stepped forward.
"L-lord Draven. Surely you do not mean to start a world war?"
He glared at her with his red eyes.
"And why not?"
Most vampires would feel intimidated by his gaze.
But Serena did not back down. The statement had angered her.
"We aren't in a position to do so. We have struggled to even defend ourselves against the other clans, let alone go on the offensive."
Draven let out a bellowing laugh...
The bass-filled sound filled the halls for a few moments as the entourage of vampires watched him.
After he was done, he held his hands up in the air.
And then he clenched his hands into a fist.
Instantly, the Eversleepers fell to their knees and clutched their necks, grasping against an unseen force that was blocking their airways.
The Nocturnal Knights faired better. They only clawed at their necks as their faces reddened and their eyes bulged.
Of course, Dracula was completely unaffected, a smile etched onto his face.
But there was another who seemed to be able to handle the pressure.
Her hair was purple and short, and her eyes red. She wore a mask to cover the lower half of her face and a loose robe that covered the shape of her body.
As Draven clenched his fists he looked at her. She was still affected, but she was not fighting for her life like the others.
Even Serena had her hands at her throat in desperation.
Yet this woman stood there.
Ahh, I see. That must be Vespera Thronsoul, the strongest vampire of the Nocturnal Knights. The one Lucian spoke of.
...
Interesting. I wonder what she looks like beneath those robes.
He let go of his power, allowing the vampires to breathe again.
Gasps for air were being made across the hall, some of the Eversleepers were even close to dying.
It was the first time that Draven had tapped into his bloodsource since awakening.
It felt good to use the power.
"Now." He shouted as the vampires were recovering. "Serena, and perhaps the rest of you seem to have something misunderstood. None of you were around during my reign, so you have no first-hand experience of the power that I possess."
He let the words hang as the vampires slowly climbed to their feet.
"I, am by far the strongest living being in this world... Your Lord has returned, and things are no longer as they have been. If I wish to achieve world domination, then it will happen."
The vampires had already heard tales of Draven's accomplishments.
Of how he fought a war against the four other vampire clans, whilst simultaneously battling against the werewolves, Whiteyes and the Daemons.
But this all happened a thousand years ago. They needed a reminder of his power, and he had given them one.
And now, he would go a step further, in his new battle with the Whiteyes.
"We will no longer wait for the Whiteyes to attack our gardens, we push through and attack them at their homes. Odalys Blir will witness us storming into her palace and slaying her men, and I will personally deal with her. She will not die; she will come back with me as my slave."
Yes... I feel myself returning to the man that I once was.
"Are my words clear?"
"Yes, Master Draven!" The vampires responded in unison, and Draven felt good.
"Well then. This attack will not be an organised one. As I've said before, the Whiteyes are weak and do not deserve such coordination. The ever sleepers will charge into their forces, dealing with the weaker Whiteyes, before I and the Nocturnals charge through to Odaly's chambers. News of my return has yet to spread, so we will take advantage of the element of surprise."
Part of him wanted to charge in there alone and deal with them himself. But though Draven was egotistical and prideful, he was still smart. He knew of his limits.
"That is all I have to say. Go and Fetch your weapons, and meet me at the red gardens. I am itching for a fight, and the enemy is nearby."