The carriage holding duke Elijah, his eldest son Neil and his only daughter Ruby came to a halt in front of a large castle on the tip of a cliff. The door was opened by the chauffeur and Ruby led the charge. The chauffeur offered a hand for her to get off elegantly. Neil followed as a symbol of power and handsomeness. The duke came last to take all the attention for himself. He had a presence that made all cower in his presence. He was not given the title of duke for nothing. All the other guests who were waiting to enter parted the path for them since they were practically royalty in the vampire world. Neil stood next to Elijah as a sign of respect and a sort of security detail. In these events, only personal soldiers were allowed to carry any weapons so Neil was brought as said security detail.
At the entrance stood another vampire of high status. It was a count, just below the duke in rank and status, and he was greeting the guests. Ruby got the exclusive greeting since she was regarded as the most beautiful of all the noble princesses in vampire society. When the count looked at the two approaching figures behind Ruby, his face got stiff. He was shaken by Elijah's presence alone." Good evening Duke Elijah and young master Neil, it is always a pleasure to have you here. Please, do have a gratifying night," he ushered them.
( His name is not important to the story so I won't bother giving it)
The trio of nobility walked in and we're met by the decor. The count clearly spared no expense for gathering. The chandeliers were shinning with a stronger radiance than normal. The paintings all bowed to the passing guests. The butlers were all ghasts while all the maids were lesser vampires, for obvious reasons. A maid offered the two some virgin's blood [as the name suggests it is blood from young women yet to be deflowered] wine. Fresh from the hosts. A butler offered Ruby artificially crafted blood. The event was charming in its own creepy way. Once the three had their drinks, they were led to another room. This was where the highest ranking vampires were gathering. There stood a large door with a sort of tapestry on it depicting a god-like being bestowing upon the masses of it's followers it's blood. Neil's nose wrinkled at the sight." Neil, although the sight of goddess Indra's tapestry disgusts you, don't make it obvious," said Elijah discreetly.
Neil regained his composure as the door came closer. At the sides of the door stood two large werewolves. Their fur cleanly brushed and oiled. They wore suits that looked like they were struggling to hold back their bulging muscles. They stood in front of the trip and asked for their identities." The ducal family of Bloodlong," said Neil with a glare.
The werewolves took a sniff at them as it was a mandatory security check. Then they went over to the door and tapped the door with their claws in a specific pattern. Probably to inform whoever stood on the other side. They then proceeded to open the door with all their might. From inside came the announcement," NOW INTRODUCING THE DUCAL FAMILY OF BLOODLONG. ELIJAH BLOODLONG, NEIL BLOODLONG AND RUBY BLOODLONG!"
The trio walked into the room which had the high ranking vampires who held actual presence. Each with their bodyguards glaring at one another. This was what it meant to be a high ranking noble on vampire society. The trio went to stand at their table and waited for the festivities. Of course some other nobles came to nae small talk with them but honestly that is not important. What matters started at the stroke of midnight. As soon as the grandfather clock chimmed at midnight, the announcer spoke at the behest of the eager crowd." NOW INTRODUCING THE GUEST OF HONOUR, THE EMISSARY OF THE EMPEROR OF WESTERN NATION AND THE DAUGHTER OF EMPEROR SULLIVAN FANGCLAW, FIRST PRINCESS AMBROSIA FANGCLAW AND HIS ESCORT, CAPTAIN OF THE EMPERIAL ARMY SIR BRANDO RICKSHIRE!"
A storm of red petals erupted at the door in a wild tornado. The whirlwind caught the attention of all who were present but what took the real attention was what followed. Before even the petals could vanish, a wave of malice, thick enough to see, covered the entire room. Those who were weak fell to their knees immediately. I'm talking about those of count rank and below, including their guards and family. Only five groups remained standing. Duke Bloodlong's group, the duke of a coastal city in the south, the king of a kingdom in the northern mountains and of course the grand duke of the western lands.
The petals dispersed and there stood the guest of honor. A paler than pale woman with piercing red eyes. She had white hair to boot and wore a glistening white evening gown. She was the very image of elegance and beauty.
Behind her stood a man in military attire. He had black hair with a matching set of black eyes. He had an air of mailce and probably the one who emitted that malice earlier. He clearly made Neil shrink in his boots.
The duo walked through the crowd which was still trying to regain their composure. The princess waved at Neil with a blush that made him get flustered. The two took the stage at the stairs with a glass in hand, given to them as they approached the stage, and the princess called for attention." Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Now I'm not one for long speeches so I will like to get to the point. Duke Bloodlong please step forward. [Elijah walked to the front ] I recently received a message from the tenth seat of the exalted one, he ended up killing a soldier of yours by the name of Crimson and he passes his condolences. He says the ghast was speaking of the exalted one to a rather peculiar human with blonde hair and blue eyes. He said the boy was of nobility. Do you know anything about this? The boy was located near the Roux kingdom on the border."
" That is most likely my exiled halfling son. He, according to the seer's prophecy, showed no talent as a vampire and so as per the orders given to me at his birth by the exalted one. I exiled him," explained Elijah leaving nothing to chance.
" Your testimony seems to be true. Though what you didn't seem to account for was him awakening his abilities after being exiled," said the princess with a grin only the devil would love, expecting a reaction.
" I guess that is the way things are but he is not coming back. If he has made it that far, he is most likely going to look for his grandfather or some relative in his mother's side," said Elijah easily maintaining composure.
The princess got annoyed at this." That is all. You are excused. [Elijah took a bow and walked back to his family] I will now pass the message from the exalted one as sent by the fifth seat. On the eve of the blood moon, the five ranking families are to present themselves for the summoning of our god at the presence of my father, the emperor. They are to bring fifty litres in blood for the sacrifice. This is going to be the night you all have been waiting for. The rise of the anti-hero, enemy of the humans and savior of us vampires. Let us celebrate this evening to this news. CHEERS!"
" CHEERS!" all the vampires celebrated.
The Bloodlong family looked at each other with worried expressions at the revelation in which things were going. Clearly, this was not following their plans. The princess saw this and smirked. She knows they are upto something. She sent her guard to inform them that she will be staying with them in the month approaching the blood moon, which started the next day. She needed to keep an eye on them as she thought.