Do I have to respond to that?

Sitting in a dark corner of his chamber, Vladimir stared out the window with a lifeless expression.

Even though it was still pouring rain and he could see the drops gliding on the glass, he was not feeling particularly excited.

Although the eternal winter had ended, he could not celebrate. Not with the Blood Moon just a few hours away.

What significance did the blood moon hold for him?

It would be his second time witnessing it.

Despite being the only child ever registered in Celestia to be born on the blood moon night all those centuries ago, Nikolai's birth was relatively peaceful.

It was a pleasant day for the family. A new family member, the heir to the throne....

The family felt larger, more complete.

But everything that had occurred since Nikolai's birth night to this day... Vladimir did not want to think about it.

He had already lost his father, and he did not want to lose his mother, brother, sister, or anyone!