The cart rattled noisily as it traversed a winding forest path. The dense canopy overhead allowed only slivers of moonlight to filter through, painting the surroundings in a dim, ghostly glow. Max sat in the back of the wagon, his wrists and ankles bound with reinforced chains that chafed against his pale skin. Around him were several other cages, each occupied by figures that barely moved, their expressions vacant or resigned.
The cloaked figure that had purchased him remained silent, seated at the front of the cart with the driver, whose brutish features barely caught Max's attention. The other passengers were far more intriguing—and terrifying. One cage held a gaunt humanoid with hollow eyes and jagged teeth that glinted in the faint light. Another contained a wolf-like creature, its fur matted with dried blood, its yellow eyes glowing faintly as it growled softly. A pair of feline twins with spotted fur huddled in one corner, their tails coiled around themselves as if for comfort.
Max's crimson eyes darted between them all, his sharp mind analyzing every detail. What is this place? A collection of freaks? Are they all like me? He tugged at his chains experimentally but found them unyielding. His small frame was deceptively light, yet the restraints seemed designed to hold something far more powerful.
The wagon jolted as it crossed uneven terrain, nearly tossing Max against the metal bars of his cage. He bit back a curse, his irritation growing with each passing moment.
"Quiet," barked the driver without even glancing back. His voice was rough, his tone carrying an edge of menace.
Max glared but kept his mouth shut. No point antagonizing them now. `First, I need to figure out where I'm going.`
...
After what felt like hours, the forest gave way to a sprawling complex surrounded by high stone walls. The gate, crafted from black iron and adorned with strange runes, creaked open as the cart approached. Beyond it lay a courtyard illuminated by torches, their flickering flames casting eerie shadows on the ground.
Max's stomach churned as the wagon rolled to a stop. Guards dressed in dark armor approached, their faces obscured by helmets. One of them banged on the side of the cart with the hilt of his sword.
"Unload them."
The driver grunted in acknowledgment and began unlocking the cages. Max was one of the last to be dragged out, his chains clinking loudly in the still night air. The cloaked figure watched in silence as the guards led the captives toward a wide entrance carved into the stone structure. Max craned his neck, taking in the imposing building. It resembled a fortress, its towers reaching skyward like skeletal fingers.
As they were herded inside, Max's sharp senses caught whispers from the guards.
"They're really bringing another vampire?"
"It's been years since the last one. This one's just a kid, though."
"Doesn't matter. The blood's what they want."
Max's stomach twisted. `So it's about my blood? Figures.` He forced his expression to remain neutral, his crimson eyes scanning his surroundings for any sign of escape.
...
The group was led through dimly lit hallways, the air growing colder with each step. The walls were lined with metal doors, some emitting faint noises—whimpers, growls, or unsettling scratching sounds. Max's curiosity burned, but he kept his head low, his ears straining to catch every sound.
They passed a room where the door had been left slightly ajar. Inside, Max glimpsed a hulking figure strapped to a table. Its skin was mottled and gray, its eyes glowing faintly in the dark. A pair of scientists hovered over it, their voices muffled but urgent. One of them held a syringe filled with a strange, shimmering liquid.
Further down, they passed a cell where a ghoul-like creature paced restlessly, its claws scraping against the stone floor. It stopped and turned its head sharply as Max passed, its hollow eyes locking onto him. A shiver ran down his spine.
This place… it's a nightmare.
Finally, they reached a large chamber where the captives were separated into groups. Max was shoved into a smaller holding area, his chains fastened to a metal ring embedded in the floor. Around him were others: a man with scales covering half his face, a young girl with glowing blue veins coursing beneath her skin, and a hulking brute whose massive frame made the chains around his wrists look comically small.
No one spoke. The air was heavy with fear and resignation. Max sat cross-legged, his mind racing. `So this is where I've ended up. What's the plan? What do they want from me specifically?` He sighed inwardly, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
`It's been days since I was thrown into this world,` he thought bitterly. `No system, no special powers, nothing. What kind of reincarnation is this? All I've got is this stupid body and some vague idea of being a vampire.` His crimson eyes flickered with frustration. `Great. Just great.`
His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the cloaked figure, who stood at the edge of the holding area, flanked by two guards. The figure's voice was low and cold.
"You should feel honored, little vampire. You're about to become part of something far greater than yourself."
Max smirked, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Thanks, but I'm not really into playing lab rat."
The figure chuckled, a hollow, unsettling sound.
"You'll change your tune soon enough. Wait your turn."
The guards stepped back at the cloaked figure's command, leaving Max where he sat. The others in the holding area began to stir, their gazes shifting toward him. For the first time since arriving, Max felt the weight of their scrutiny.
A man with scales covering half his face broke the silence. "So, a vampire, huh? Haven't seen one of you in years." His voice was gravelly, carrying a tone of curiosity rather than malice.
Max's crimson eyes flicked toward him. "Guess I'm full of surprises."
The scaled man chuckled dryly. "Surprises don't last long here. Whatever they're planning for you, it won't be pleasant."
"Like it's been pleasant for you?" Max shot back, his tone edged with sarcasm.
The man's smile faded, replaced by a grim expression. "Fair point."
The girl with glowing blue veins shifted slightly, her voice barely a whisper. "They'll keep him alive… for now. They need his blood." Her words sent a chill down Max's spine.
The hulking brute in the corner finally spoke, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. "Stay quiet. Talking won't change anything."
Max's gaze lingered on the brute for a moment before returning to the scaled man. "So, what's the deal with this place? Anyone ever make it out?"
The scaled man laughed bitterly. "Out? Sure, some make it out. In pieces."
Max leaned back against the wall, his mind racing. `No system, no powers, and surrounded by despair. Great. Just great.` He glanced at the girl, her faintly glowing veins pulsing rhythmically. "And you? What about you?"
She didn't answer, her gaze fixed on the floor. The silence hung heavy in the air until the cloaked figure's voice echoed once more from the shadows.
"Get comfortable, little vampire. Your time will come soon enough."