Now that Lucian was transitioning into a full-fledged vampire and one of great potential due to being bitten by Lord Draven himself, his body would undergo many changes.
Both inside and out.
He would now gain access to the blood arcana. A system that requires blood to work, but gives you the ability to utilise it in thousands of different ways.
Draven stood with him in the red fields, running him through basic techniques.
He taught him how to shoot concentrated blasts of blood from his hands.
He taught him to create minor force fields of blood that could defend against various strikes.
He taught him how to utilise the boost to strength and speed that a vampire gained.
And overall, he was pleased with the progress that the boy made in such a short time.
Lucian was strong, as expected.
It was certain that he was a prospect and that, with more time, he would eventually reach the level of a Nocturnal Knight.
Or perhaps even higher.
But it was at this time that a maidservant came running over to him, interrupting the session.
It was the same one that he had first met after waking up from his slumber.
"Lord Draven!" She cried as she ran across the field. "Serena has called for you. She says that someone is here that wishes to speak to you."
Draven, unbothered at first, wondered who it could be.
News had probably begun to spread of his return after what happened at the Whiteyes estate, so it would make sense.
But who would dare to come directly to his estate to meet him?
---
The maid led him to the eastern side of the estate, which was far away from the red gardens.
This area was where the main housing was based, constantly filled with vampires and workers.
However, if you walked past the houses, you would reach a large green forest that separated the Noctaris Estate from a major city named Tunip.
And when he reached the outskirts of this forest, he saw a group of people.
On the Noctaris side were Serena and Maya, the 6th-ranked green-haired girl, and they were surrounded by a handful of Eversleepers.
But opposite them, was who stood out to Draven the most.
He knew the man.
His skin was dark, and his hair a contrasting white afro, followed by a clean-shaven face.
This man was incredibly large, easily towering over Serena and Maya, and not only that, but he wore no shirt, muscles on full display.
Most evidently was the weapon strapped to his back. A great hammer easily the size of a grown man.
When the maid had told Draven with fear in her voice that someone was here to see him, he was expecting it to be a clan leader. An enemy.
The last thing he was expecting to see was an old friend.
As the man spotted him, his eyes lit up with recognition, and he ran towards Draven.
Serena, Maya and the Eversleepers prepared to strike at him but the vampire lord simply held out a hand to stop them.
When the man was close enough he wrapped his arms around Draven, pulling him into a powerful embrace.
"Draven." He said, voice softer than you would expect from a man his size.
"Alicante," Draven responded to his old friend. "You've returned."
From over the man's shoulder, Draven saw two other people that he didn't even seem to notice before.
They seemed to have travelled with Alicante.
They were both dark-skinned and shirtless. One male and the other female.
However, it was the woman who caught Draven's eyes, as she wore only trousers and a piece of fabric that acted as a bra.
They were all practically naked.
"I never thought I would see you again," Alicante said plainly. "But I can't say I'm not glad that you're awake, and walking amongst us once again."
Draven nodded his head.
Now that Serena, Maya, and the others knew who this man was, they had relaxed, engaging in conversation with Alicante's two companions.
"Yes, well I didn't plan on even seeing the light of day ever again.," Draven replied. "My sleep was supposed to be eternal."
"And yet here you are." His friend said with a smile. "But I'm afraid I am not here to stay. At least not for long."
Draven showed a look of disappointment on his face. However, part of him could have guessed that Alicante would not return forever.
After all, the man had never felt at home amongst the vampires. For he was only half a vampire himself.
"Regardless, it is good to see you, and I appreciate your visit," Draven responded, keeping his tone casual. "What brings you here."
Alicante rubbed at his chin, as though he were about to bring up a difficult topic.
"It is about my people, their new leader. She has caught wind of your awakening."
For Alicante to come all this way to tell me about her himself, she must truly be strong.
"Yes, I've heard of her from my Nocturnals. Lunaris Silverclaw, correct?"
Alicante was half Werewolf, half Vampire. It was what made him so special. A breed of being who's existence should not be possible.
Serena and the others listened intensely now, the topic had become serious.
"Yes, Lunaris. And though she takes on the name Silverclaw, that is not her true surname."
Draven's eyebrow shot up in confusion. It was uncommon for Werewolves to change their names, as it went against common tradition.
"Her true surname is Ashwolf. Lunaris Ashwolf."
Alicante did not say anything else, as he did not need to.
For the first time, Draven's face twisted into what could be classed as worry.
The surname was very familiar to him.
Ashwolf.
Surname of Fenrir Ashwolf.
"In other words, Lunaris is the daughter of Fenrir Ashwolf." Alicante continued. "Your greatest werewolf rival, and part of the reasoning behind your slumber."