Three days before arriving at the Crimson Castle, Carlos Decker had a private meeting with Vivian. He looked very stressed.
"I feel like I do not have much time to live," he admitted. His voice was rough. "It is really difficult to control this thing inside my body."
Vivian chuckled. She placed a small vial on the table. The liquid inside the glass looked exactly like water. Decker picked up the vial to take a close look at the clear fluid.
"So, will this help me defeat Leonidas?"
Vivian gave the man a light chuckle. "I changed and increased the Alpha Wolf Venom. It is now as strong as the venom from an Alpha Lord Werewolf. That will be more than enough to make sure you win."
"You have done a good job, Vivian. I do not plan to just kill him right away. I want to make him suffer. Then I will wipe out his whole family."
Vivian could not help but giggle. She loved the thought of the great Leonidas suffering such a terrible fate. "What plan do you have for him, if I might ask?"
Decker took the vial and placed it carefully in his pocket. "I have a pet that needs feeding. Who better to be eaten alive than Leonidas? I would love to stay, Vivian, but I have to go make plans with some mercenaries."
Before the dark vampire reached the door, Vivian called out a final instruction. "Listen, Decker. Pour the poison into his tea and wait thirty minutes. Then, snap your fingers and say 'Activate'."
Decker smiled. It was a cold, evil smile. "I will let you know when everything goes as planned."
====
When Carlos Decker walked out of his carriage, he saw John and the maid Haven standing on one side. They were waiting for their own carriage to arrive. As he and John made eye contact, Decker smiled and gave the boy a light nod. He perfectly hid the monstrous power that was now fused with his soul. Decker then walked with purpose toward the castle door, where one of the butlers was already expecting his arrival.
The butler led the dark vampire through the familiar halls and directly to Leonidas's meeting room. When Decker entered the room, he saw the family patriarch sitting at a large table. Leonidas was busy filling in paper forms.
Decker gave Leonidas a deep bow. "Greetings, My Lord. I have come with good news."
Leonidas put down his pen and looked at Carlos Decker. "Speak. When is the meeting?"
"In two days, My Lord," Decker said while still bowing to the ground.
"Good. What is the client's name and where does he stay? I can fly there and handle business quickly."
Carlos Decker suddenly became very nervous. Little sweat droplets began to appear on his face. "No, My Lord. The client specifically told me that he wants to remain unknown until the meeting. The client is very careful because he is very important and has very dangerous enemies. I suggest we take my carriage, My Lord, so we do not attract too much attention. The client also gave My Lord a gift as a token of trust."
Carlos Decker then took out a beautiful wooden box from his storage bracelet and placed it in front of Leonidas.
"Oh," Leonidas replied before opening the wooden box. Inside the box was a dagger with three small holes in the middle.
"The dagger is called The Dancing Flame. It is perfect for fire users and is made by one of the best blacksmiths in the world. Please, My Lord, take a look."
Leonidas picked up the dagger and gave it a good look. His interest was sparked by the amazing quality of the weapon. "Hmm, is this a supreme-grade weapon?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"I like it. Tell your client I accept this gift and that we will see each other in two days. Now leave. I have a lot of work to do."
"Thank you, My Lord. I will take my leave then," Decker said, bowing one last time. He felt a huge wave of victory. "Everything is going just as planned," he thought.
====
When John and Haven arrived in town with the two Crimson Knights, the young vampire immediately directed them to a restaurant. They were led to their table. The scary presence of the armed knights made sure they received fast and polite service.
John ordered many different dishes with chicken, beef, and pork. Haven watched in shock as the fourteen-year-old began to devour the food. Plate after plate was quickly emptied. "Why does the Young Master not drink blood instead?" she thought. The hybrid boy's massive appetite was very strange to her vampire understanding.
John offered the food to Haven and the two knights, but they were not interested. They politely said no, sticking to their strict blood diets. The young boy took no offense and went right back to eating his heavy meal.
====
After John finished eating, the group left the restaurant and headed to the magic shop. The hybrid boy wanted to buy magic stones because he had used up his supply during his private training sessions.
When they entered the shop, an old man was already standing behind the counter. "What is up, old man Clarence," John greeted him in a casual and familiar way.
Clarence returned the warmth with a cheerful smile. "Greetings, Young Master. Long time no see. How may this old man be of use?"
The young vampire thought for a moment, checking off the elements he needed in his head. "I want a fire, water, lightning, and wind stone, please."
Old man Clarence then took out the available stones and placed them on the counter. "I am sorry, Young Master John, but we do not have any wind elemental stones at the moment."
John did not mind. "It is fine. Just give me the three elemental stones."
He paused, remembering his intense training. "Old man Clarence, do you by any chance have strength and speed potions?"
"Of course, Young Master," Clarence replied instantly. He brought out two vials of each potion.
John paid for his items. He quickly looked around the shop, but he found nothing else of interest. He left after saying goodbye to old man Clarence.
====
Next, John led the group to a jewelry store. The salesperson behind the counter was a young Asian lady.
She began to feel nervous, instantly recognizing the importance of the boy. Seeing him accompanied by two knights and a maid, she gave John a respectful bow. "Greetings, Young Master. How may this one be of service?"
John was still not used to people bowing to him. He scratched the back of his head, visibly uncomfortable. "Please stand up. You don't need to do that."
The young lady stood up and introduced herself. "This one is called Viola. Please look around and let me know if you need any help."
"Oh, you can just call me John," he replied with a friendly smile.
He turned to Haven, seeking her advice. "What do you think is a good present to buy a girl, Haven?"
"This one does not know, Young Master," Haven replied softly, her eyes downcast. "I always stay in the castle working and hardly ever go outside."
John felt a pang of guilt. He realized how confined her life really was. He looked around the store, quickly dropping his complicated ideas for a gift. Since he was out of ideas, he picked out a gold bracelet with a star charm and showed it to Viola. "Do you think this is a good present?"
"This is an excellent present, Young Master," Viola assured him with a warm smile. She knew that simple, bright gifts often held the most charm.
John felt very happy as he imagined giving the bracelet to Elena. He paid for it and tucked it safely away. After the purchase, he, Haven, and the two Crimson Knights walked around town for a few hours. They enjoyed the sights and sounds that were usually forbidden to Haven and rare for John, before finally returning to the Crimson Castle.
====
That evening, Leonidas and his wife Anna were lying in bed together. Their chamber was bathed in soft, dark light. They kissed for a few minutes, enjoying the quiet intimacy before the patriarch brought up the matter of business, pulling himself back to his duties.
"Listen, honey, I am going to a meeting in two days with Decker," Leonidas said. "This is a good opportunity to make our family stronger. I want you to handle things here while I am gone."
Anna touched his face. Her touch was smooth and reassuring. "I think Zeno will be back in two days. Markus and his wives will also likely be here by the time you leave. The castle will be well defended while you are away."
Leonidas then kissed her on the forehead, satisfied with her management. "Good."
Anna became curious about the impending deal. Her political instincts were kicking in. "So, what is the client's name that will benefit our family?"
Leonidas did not immediately reply. "I do not know. He wants to stay unknown for the time being. He even gave me a supreme weapon as a token of trust."
That evening, Leonidas and his wife Anna were lying in bed together. Their chamber was bathed in the soft, dark light of the moon. They kissed for a few minutes, enjoying the quiet intimacy before the patriarch brought up the matter of business, pulling himself back to his duties.
"Listen, honey, I am going to a meeting in two days with Decker," Leonidas said. "This is a good opportunity to make our family stronger. I want you to handle things here while I am gone."
Anna touched his face. Her touch was smooth and reassuring. "I think Zeno will be back in two days. Markus and his wives will also likely be here by the time you leave. The castle will be well defended while you are away."
Leonidas then kissed her on the forehead, satisfied with her management. "Good."
Anna became curious about the impending deal. Her political instincts were kicking in. "So, what is the client's name that will benefit our family?"
Leonidas did not immediately reply. "I do not know. He wants to stay unknown for the time being. He even gave me a supreme weapon as a token of trust."
Anna's brow furrowed. A flicker of genuine concern crossed her eyes. "Do you think it is a trap?"
The patriarch gave her a dismissive look. His confidence was almost arrogance. "Who would be foolish enough to ambush me? Decker is just an insect beneath my feet. I can crush him anytime I want. He is not a foolish man, only a desperate one."
Anna grabbed his hand. Her touch changed from reassuring to firm. She saw an opportunity for the boy. "Then I want you to take John with you. I want him to spend some time with his grandfather."
"Absolutely not," Leonidas snapped instantly. He pulled back. "I do not want to be near the boy."
"You spend most of your free time with your other grandchildren, but not John," she pressed. Her voice was insistent. "Leonidas, he is special, and he is training very hard. He is going on this trip with you whether you like it or not."
"No, he is not special, and he will not come with me. This is business, not pleasure, woman," he roared. His voice was low and firm.
Anna's expression turned dangerously angry. Her hand shot out and she grabbed his private jewels with sudden, sharp precision. She used a painful grip that he did not dare to fight.
"He will come with you, right, honey?" she asked. Her voice was now dangerously sweet.
Leonidas looked into her eyes. He saw a dangerous, unwavering glint there. They stared at each other for ten agonizing seconds. The tension in the room was thick and undeniable.
"Fine," Leonidas finally gave in through gritted teeth, wincing at her firm hold. "The boy can come."
Anna grinned. A triumphant, satisfied smile spread across her face. She finally let go and proceeded to remove his pants. The patriarch looked at her, his annoyance melting away as his eyes began to turn a bright, hungry red.
====
On the roof of the Crimson Castle, John and Elena sat in their own chairs. They stared up at the sky, enjoying the rare, peaceful quiet of each other's company. The air was cool, and the vast expanse of the starry night stretched far above them.
While they were looking up at the celestial glow, John remembered the purpose of his trip to town. He reached into his pocket and took out the small jewelry box. "Hey, um, Elena? I bought you something."
Elena, who was still looking at the stars, turned to the boy. She was shocked by his words. A look of disbelief crossed her face. "No, Master John," she whispered immediately, trying to refuse.
"Stop calling me master. We are friends, and this is what friends do. Here, take it."
In all her one hundred and ten years working in the Crimson Castle, she had never received a gift like this from anyone. She had certainly never received one from a member of the main family. She looked at John, her eyes welling up with emotion, but she held the tears back. John smiled, his own excitement bubbling up. "Open it," he said.
Elena slowly opened the box. Inside was the beautiful gold bracelet with the star charm. She looked back at John. He stood up and gestured toward the night sky. "Look, it has star charms. It is just like how we are watching the stars right now. Isn't it cool?"
ears began to stream down Elena's face, no longer held back. She felt the warmth of the tears rolling down her cheeks. It was a release of emotion she had not allowed in decades.
John saw her crying and he began to panic instantly. "What is it? Why are you crying? Do you not like it? Should I take it back?"
"No, John. This one likes the bracelet very much. Thank you very much." Elena then got down on her knees and bowed deeply to the boy. It was a gesture of deep respect. John quickly held her up. "Please, Elena, you do not have to do that."
While they were standing, they looked at each other for a few seconds. The moment was thick with feelings. "Come, let me put it on you," John offered.
Elena held out her hand. John slowly and carefully put the shining bracelet on her slender wrist. As he fastened it, she could not help but stare at him. "But I do not have a present for you," she murmured.
"It is fine. I do not need one," John replied.
As they stood there in silence, the boy felt an urge to say something important. "Listen, Elena…"
Before John could finish his sentence, he felt something soft and sweet on his lips. He was completely shocked. Elena was kissing him. He felt her cold, soft hands on his cheeks. She, in turn, felt his warm skin beneath her palms.
After a few seconds, they slowly separated. Elena could not help but blush. Her eyes were wide. She slowly whispered, "Good night."
John was speechless. His mind was reeling. This was his first kiss from a girl. Elena then disappeared with a quick movement, leaving him standing there alone. He looked up at the starry sky, feeling an intense happiness blooming inside him. He touched his lips, which were still tingling.
He breathed out softly, the word escaping his lips: "Wow."