SKARMAGEDDON

In the millennia that passed since Kaizer's disappearance, Sanguine City underwent a remarkable transformation into a technological marvel fueled by Blood Technology. Kaizer's memory faded into obscurity, forgotten by Vampire Society. The populace of New Sanguine City, now dominated in numbers by Ascended Vampires, and ruled by the original Noble Vampires, saw unprecedented power and prosperity through the transformative capabilities of Blood Tech. 

Humans, once prey, now live within a secure compound, leading relatively ordinary lives during daylight hours as essential members of the city's workforce. 

In the sequel to "Shadows of Sanguine," the Vampire princess Darcia embarks on a perilous journey haunted by a Curse, a consequence of her grief over the loss of Kaizer, the Lost Child of Nocturnastra. Bound by a mechanical muzzle that evokes a skeletal grin and cursed with hair turned white and eyes ablaze with fiery red, Darcia's constant pain is a testament to her refusal to feed. Her power wanes, and the only hope for salvation lies in reuniting with her lost love.

As Darcia navigates the streets and alleys of New Sanguine City, she seeks to uncover the truth behind Blood Technology, for she finds it peculiar how the advent of Blood Tech severed the traditional link between Vampires and their primal need for Human blood, and it came almost right after Kaizer's disappearance. Darcia becomes the linchpin of a secretive resistance group known as "The Kaizer Project." Led by the rebel princess, the group seeks to unveil the mysteries shrouding the technological advancements in Vampire Society and discover Kaizer Anderson's whereabouts.

Darcia faces a dual challenge as a looming threat emerges from the Underworld. Alessia, concealed in the depths of Acheron, stirs with a strengthening Curse. Meanwhile, Isyra's prophecy predicts an apocalypse, fueled by the fear of Alessia's potential escape.

Darcia's path is fraught with peril as she confronts not only the supernatural forces within New Sanguine City but also the relentless pursuit of her mother, Queen Hundred, the Noble families, Elites, and The Cauldron. Exiled from Vampire Society and branded a wanted criminal, Darcia must navigate her operations with utmost discretion, with every move calculated to avoid the watchful eyes of those who would see her destroyed.

Leading the "Kaizer Project", she grapples with immediate challenges in New Sanguine City while contending with cosmic forces that threaten chaos against Sanguine and the Overworld as well. Amidst the struggle for truth and the quest for Kaizer, the characters navigate a perilous landscape of Vampires, prophecies, and the supernatural, facing an uncertain future.

With her fate entwined with Kaizer's, Darcia faces a race against time, battling not only the formidable challenges of the Vampire hierarchy but also the debilitating effects of her Curse. Can she overcome the shadows of her past, break the Curse, and reunite with Kaizer to alter the destiny of Sanguine forever? The sequel unveils a gripping narrative of love, rebellion, and the quest for truth in the mysterious depths of the Vampire underworld.

Asher, an Ascended Vampire residing in the gritty corners of Sanguine City's ghetto, dreams of escaping the shadows and ascending to Elite status. Living in a cramped apartment with his sassy roommate, Celeste, a dark fairy, Asher works as a mercenary, taking on dangerous assignments for Nobles and Elites in hopes of climbing the social ladder.

Despite his lethal skills, Asher finds himself stuck in the underbelly of Sanguine society, struggling to earn the coveted ascension in rank. His mundane life takes an unexpected turn when his boss, a member of the secretive Cauldron organization, assigns him a mission to capture individuals associated with the Kaizer Project.

Cursed Girl

[Asher's Perspective]

I jolted awake in the barracks, alarms blaring. Runners around me stirred, gearing up for the impending Run. The familiar sounds of utility belts and backpack zippers were ominous in my mind.

While Sanguine slept, we, the Runners, prepared for action during daylight hours. The desire to still be in bed lingered.

I sighed, glancing at the ceiling. Celeste materialized, her face filled with concern.

"You've got this, Ash. I believe in you."

A faint smile crossed my face. "I'll survive."

Getting ready, I pushed aside the fear. Walking to the Portal Room, I bumped into Paige and Fierce in the hallway.

"Ready?" Fierce's gaze was determined. I nodded confidently, and Paige grabbed my hand.

"All that training's gonna pay off, you guys," she said.

"Damn straight," I grinned as we entered the Portal Room. The massive structure fascinated me, energy rippling around it. Other Runners shared in the captivation.

"Technology is amazing," Fierce remarked.

"Yeah. And terrifying," Paige added.

A chuckle escaped me, my hand resting on my Extractor. "We'll do fine. Stay sharp, watch out for the Cursed Spirits."

"No need to tell me twice," Paige said, her expression disturbed.

Fierce grinned. "We'll beat them. We've trained like hell."

"I'm glad you have that confidence, Fierce." Paige looked on the verge of tears.

"It's about not caring if you die," Fierce said casually. "Only weak warriors fear getting injured."

"Portal Opening in T-Minus 10 seconds..."

Vazeel commanded, "Run! When you cross, use your wings to fly to The Scorpion!"

I dashed through the portal, the dark rift passing through my form as I emerged on the other side. The familiar sounds of teeth gnashing and screams filled my ears. Paige and Fierce stood beside me, and our eyes locked. Conjuring our shadow wings in unison, we shot towards the colossal body of The Scorpion.

Landing swiftly on its hand, I maneuvered my wings to stab my Extractor upon landing. A grin spread across my face as I pressed the button, watching the blood flow. Hundreds of Ascended Vampires followed suit, faring much better than the last Run thanks to our newfound flying abilities. I gazed into the distance, witnessing the Necessaries dwindling in numbers, pursued by the slaughtering Ghouls.

Turning my attention up The Scorpion's body, I saw more Runners landing and piercing their Extractors into its massive form. Checking my Extractor, I sighed in relief as the gauge read 'FULL.' This Run proved much easier than the last.

Paige and Fierce joined me, anchoring themselves with their swords in The Scorpion's flesh.

"We did it!" Paige exclaimed, holding up her vessel.

Fierce grinned. "How's it going there, Ash?"

I nodded confidently. "We're golden!"

"Woooh!" Paige cheered. "See? I told you guys that training would pay off!"

In an instant, she vanished. A Black Reaper swooped in, snatching Paige in its jaws. I watched in horror as it chewed her body to pieces, blood and remains dripping from its jaws as it circled around for seconds.

"NO!" I screamed, my heart sinking. Tears stung my eyes, and anger overwhelmed me.

"RAGH!" I yelled, leaping down from The Scorpion's hand to confront The Black Reaper in the sky. Sending a shadow tendril forth, I impaled it through the heart and tossed it off into the distance.

"A stupid Monster got her!?" I seethed, clenching my fists.

The weight of sorrow pressed on me. Again, someone I loved had been taken cruelly.

"Why..." I simmered, gritting my teeth as I surveyed the desolate Underworld. "Again..."

My shadow wings vanished, and I freefell down to the surface of Achiron, giving myself way to the despair I felt in my heart.

Runner’s Fate