Haller Mansion – Three Days Later
The roar of flames erupted across the mansion's rear courtyard, the orange tongues of fire licking the sky, masking the lingering scent of blood and ancient sorcery. People from across the city, including representatives from various vampire clans, had gathered for the "Memorial Service" of Hill Haller—the influential Elder of the Western Vampires. Edward stood before the pyre, his expression a mask of stony calm, though his blood-rimmed eyes betrayed a deep, aching grief. His breath hitched slightly, yet his voice remained steady and resonant.
"He fought until his very last breath. For us... to protect this city from the malevolence known as Tyler."
Alice stood by his side, watching the inferno consume the stack of wood topped with Hill's personal belongings and ceremonial robes. Every piece of evidence had been meticulously staged to convince the world that his body had been reduced to ash. In reality, he lay in a peaceful, death-like slumber within a glass sarcophagus deep underground. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
"Is Hill... truly gone?" "Who will lead the clan now?" "Tyler is too ruthless. He must be stopped before he claims the entire realm."
Lone Wolf stood silently on the periphery of the ceremony, his sharp gaze fixed on Edward. Though he remained unspoken, he began to acknowledge in his heart that the youth before him was the true leader of the future.
The flames continued to blaze, illuminating the grey stone courtyard shrouded in thin mist. Hundreds of guests from Istanbul and the surrounding provinces had converged. The presence of emissaries from ancient vampire lineages, elder races from the Balkans, and underground alliances cast a palpable pressure upon the Haller family.
"Is that the boy? Edward?" "Hill's son? I heard he's a dhampir—a half-breed." "A half-blood leading the Great Clan? That is unprecedented..."
They watched Edward, who stood before the ceremonial dais. His face was cold, yet his eyes flickered with emotion. He wore the ancient black cloak that once belonged to his father—now a mere prop in this grand deception to make the world believe Hill was no more. He stepped onto the stone platform adorned with eight black candles and the Haller crest. His voice echoed, weary yet commanding.
"I thank you all for coming today. Not merely to mourn... but to remember a man who stood for justice, regardless of blood or kin."
A heavy silence followed before Alice began a slow, rhythmic clap, joined eventually by others. However, in the shadows, representatives of the High Houses whispered grimly.
"That boy... he dares speak with such authority. Does he intend to take his father's place?" "Hill has no other heir." "But he isn't pure-blood! How can we trust him?"
Countless eyes were fixed on Edward—some filled with doubt, others with suspicion, and a few... with a glimmer of hope. Alice squeezed his hand gently, her eyes brimming with support. Lone Wolf's demeanor shifted slightly as he watched the young man standing firm against the crushing weight of an entire race.
The Secret Chamber – Same Day
After the ceremony, Edward was summoned to a private council with the remaining clan leaders who had not yet bowed to Tyler.
"You must answer us plainly," one elder said, his blood-red eyes searching the boy's soul. "Will you ascend to lead in Hill's stead?"
Edward hesitated, his hand gripping his father's cloak tightly. He knew he wasn't ready... but he also knew he couldn't let the people's hope fall into Tyler's clutches.
"I am not ready to lead," he answered honestly. "But if no one else will stand, I will carry this burden... until a true leader is found."
The room fell silent before someone whispered, "Perhaps... he is the leader we need, rather than the one we expected."
The Shadow Burrow – Tyler's Hideout
The dark vampire slowly opened his eyes. He was still nursing the wounds inflicted by the enchanted dagger. Fresh blood stained the corner of his mouth, and one arm was wrapped in thick black cloth to hide the blackened flesh charred by the blade's magic. When news of Hill's death reached him, his eyes glowed with a sadistic crimson light, yet a sliver of skepticism remained.
"Did he die that easily?" Tyler muttered, tapping his claws against a stone table. A chilling laugh escaped him. "If this is a ruse... I will tear that mask off your face myself, Edward Haller."
He slammed his hand down, sending dried blood flying. "I will burn your father's real corpse right before your eyes... with my own hands!"
The sound of dripping water echoed off the stone ceiling. Tyler stood before a pool of dark water. He lifted his left arm—or what remained of it. It was gone, replaced by shriveled, charred flesh that crept up to his shoulder. The wound from the ritual dagger refused to heal. He ground his teeth so hard the veins in his neck bulged.
"I... will never forget," he hissed, his face contorted with rage. "A half-breed... dared to touch me? Dared to maim me?"
"My arm... I will reclaim it with your life, and your heart!"
Tyler snatched up a dark mirror, staring at his distorted reflection. His face was pale from the loss of essence, but his eyes blazed with a manic, vengeful red. A servant spoke cautiously from the shadows.
"My Lord... they have spread word that Hill... is finished."
Tyler smiled coldly, having sensed it before the messenger arrived. "Do they think deceiving me once means they can do it forever?"
He swept a pile of stones off his podium, turning toward forbidden scrolls and city maps. "Edward... I will show you that a single dagger cannot kill my hatred. I will destroy everything you love. Not just your father... but everyone who stands by you. I will watch them crumble before your eyes, one by one!"
He paused, throwing his cloak over his mangled shoulder, and turned to his followers.
"Go. Gather intelligence on everyone around him. The half-blood wolf, the girl he loves, even the powerless humans he once protected... I will make him weep until the last drop of his blood flows backward into his heart!"
Tyler's low roar vibrated through the cavern. Instantly, a burst of violet flame ignited in the air—a signal that his vengeful fire had only just begun. Tyler did not believe a man like Hill could perish so easily. The injuries were severe, enough to keep Hill in hiding for a long time, but he was out there somewhere.
And one day, he will have to emerge... because his son will be in my grasp.