The crimson moon hung over the black castle like an omen.
Ethan sat upright on the silk-covered bed, his breath slow, eyes burning faintly red. The world felt alive every heartbeat, every drop of rain, every whisper of the wind pulsed in his veins.
"Your body is still adapting," Lilith said softly, her fingers brushing his cheek. "You were once human. Now you are what legends fear."
Seraphina stood near the window, her silver hair glowing in the moonlight. "He carries the Royal Bloodline, Lilith. His presence alone shakes the air. The other clans will feel it."
"Let them come," Aria growled, leaning against the wall. "I've been dying for a fight."
Ethan looked at them, confusion and power clashing within him. "Royal Bloodline… Vampire King… what does that even mean?"
Lilith smiled beautifully, tragically.
"You were our King in the last era. The Eternal Night began with you… and it ended with your fall. Your heart was shattered, your power sealed. We searched the ages to find your reincarnation."
Seraphina turned her eyes to him. "And now, the seal is broken."
Ethan felt something stir deep within a voice echoing through his mind.
[Vampire Sovereign System initializing...]
[Bloodline: Eternal King - Restored (0.2%)]
[Primary Ability: Absolute Dominion - Locked]
[Secondary Ability: Blood Rebirth - Active]
[Quest: Reclaim your Throne of Night]
His vision blurred with red data and symbols made of bloodlight.
"A system… " Ethan whispered. "This feels… alive."
Lilith's lips curved. "That is your ancient soul guiding you. The system is part of you. It is the will of the Eternal King."
Before he could respond, a violent tremor shook the castle.
BOOM.
Aria spun around, her golden eyes narrowing. "They're here already."
Outside, the moonlight darkened as black mist rolled across the forest. A thousand red eyes blinked within it the Clan of Dusk, a rival vampire house, long thought extinct.
A mocking voice echoed through the storm:
"Lilith… you broke the ancient pact. You resurrected the King. For that, your precious castle shall fall."
Lilith's aura erupted, flames of crimson swirling around her like living blood.
Seraphina's frost spread across the floor, freezing the air itself.
Aria drew her twin daggers, lightning sparking from the metal.
Ethan stood his hands trembling, but his blood burning. He could feel it power, endless and terrible, waiting beneath his skin.
[System Alert: Threat detected 78 hostile signatures]
[Skill unlocked Blood Dominion Lv.1]
Ethan's eyes flashed scarlet.
"No one touches my wives."
He raised his hand and the world obeyed.
The invaders froze mid-air as crimson energy burst from Ethan's body, turning the storm itself into bloodfire.
Every drop of rain became a blade.
Every shadow turned to ash.
The sky itself bent to his will.
When the silence finally fell, the battlefield was gone. Only red mist remained, and Ethan stood in the center, eyes glowing like twin suns of ruin.
Lilith smiled faintly, walking toward him. "My King… you're awake."
He turned to her, his voice low but commanding.
"Then it's time they all remember who rules the night."