Blindsided

Draven and Vespera made their way to the northern exit of the Noctaris Estate.

It was daytime, and due to being in the south, the sun was beating down on them as they walked.

However, their entire journey would not be so leisurely. Draven wished to travel fast.

I wonder if she will be able to keep up with my pace.

They walked past the training area and looked at the road that outstretched before them.

There were miles between them and Londis, but for a vampire, that distance could be travelled in not much time at all.

"Are you ready then, Miss Vespera?" Draven asked in a casual tone.

The masked woman nodded her head, waiting for Draven to start the journey.

So he did.

The Vampire Lord dashed forward with speed that could only be seen as unnatural.

He did not need to run so fast, but he wanted to see whether or not Vespera would be able to keep up.

And she did.

As Draven sprinted, the world passing a blur in his eyes, he felt Vespera's presence close behind him.

Ahh, so she is at least fast.

As expected from the first rank.

They continued, passing by villages so fast that the settlers didn't even notice them.

Not only that, but they travelled in silence focused only on their movement.

And it was not long before they reached Londis.

Home of the Humans.

---

Londis was a large city, home to thousands upon thousands of people, and once they reached its outskirts, the two vampires perched on top of a tall apartment building.

From there, they were granted a view of the nearby area.

The city was grand, with wide streets and buildings of multiple stories.

In the streets, people bustled past each other, some on feet, and some in horse and chariot.

Most people wore modern clothing, but as they were currently on the outskirts of the city, the residents were closer to poverty. Not everybody was dressed fashionably. Some wore rags of the homeless, or simple attire.

What stood out most to them though, was the large palace at the centre of the city.

It towered above all else, spiralling into the heights of the sky. Even from outside of the city they were able to see it's grandeur.

It was far larger than Draven's Palace, and its design seemed to be more luxurious.

People would best describe it as a palace fit for a queen.

"It's quite a spectacle, isn't it." Draven said to Vespera.

She eyed the castle intensely, and Draven noticed that her personality seemed off.

Whatever her reasoning was for coming here, must be related to that palace. But how?

...

I should have asked Dracula to give me more information about her old clan, the Thronsouls.

"What is your true reasoning for wishing to travel to this city, Vespera? Take a look at its people. Powerless humans. What could be here for you."

He decided that beating around the bush was not his style.

Draven wished to know something, so he would be direct.

Vespera stared into the centre of the city towards the palace with her purple eyes.

They remained that way for a few moments until she finally pointed towards it.

"Inside of the palace, there may be somebody that I know... I simply wish to have my theories confirmed or denied."

...

Interesting. Part of me wishes to probe further, but I will wait for the surprise.

"Well then, let's make our way over. 'The Mother' awaits us."

---

As Draven and Vespera stood at the bottom of the staircase leading towards the palace entrance, civilians glanced at them whilst they walked by.

It was not every day that vampires walked through the city of Londis, and many were beginning to recognise who Draven was.

Those that did, sped up their paces or changed directions completely.

Draven was known as a villain in the human history books. None would want to risk getting on his bad side.

As they reached the top of the stairs, two guards were standing outside.

They wore plated steel armour and wielded swords on their hips. Instantly, they seemed to recognise who Draven was and pushed open the doors.

"M-Mister Draven." One of the men said nervously, as he gestured for the pair to enter.

Draven couldn't help but smile.

Even here I am respected. Things are still as they should be.

The insides of the palace were grand, and waiting for them on the other side of the door was what seemed to be a butler.

But it did not take Draven long to recognise who the man was.

"Hello again, Draven. It's good to see you have accepted our invitation. The Mother waits for you upstairs, I will lead you to her now."

It was the monocle man who had travelled to the Noctaris estate with the two women beside him.

So he's a mere butler, yet I can sense strong power coming from him.

...

I guess people would say the same about Dracula. Though my butlers strength is still far above this man's."

"Lead the way." He replied, and they followed the monocle man through the palace.

The palace of the humans ruler was not only larger than Draven's but also much more populated.

Everywhere they went, he saw people going about their tasks. Not only servants but all other kinds of people as well.

Vespera seemed to be on edge, scanning all of the faces that they passed, waiting to see if she would find the person that she was looking for. But they made it to their destination without her saying a word.

Whatever it is that she's looking for, she hasn't found it.

...

This journey may have been a waste of time for her.

Finally, they stood outside of a large set of decorated double doors on the second floor of the palace.

The butler looked at them expectingly before rasping his knuckles against them.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Who is it?" A woman's voice called from inside, cheerful.

And at that exact moment, Draven noticed Vespera's face tense up, and eyes bulge wide.

The butler answered the call.

"Mother Annabelle, Draven has arrived. And he has brought a guest with him."

"Ooohh" an excited noise came from inside.

Vespera fell to her knees, arms limp by her side as though she had been defeated.

Draven was the most confused he had ever been, but the butler hardly seemed surprised.

"What on earth is happening?" He said as footsteps began to make their way to the door from the inside of the chambers.

He received no answer.

The door opened wide, revealing from behind it a woman of dazzling beauty.

She wore a royal dress, made from black and white fabrics that clung tight to her wonderful curves. Her golden hair was long and curly, gathering in locks that reached her waist.

Her eyes were a brilliant golden colour, and her cheerful face was radiant.

The woman looked up at Draven first, hands placed on her chest in joy.

"Mister Draven! It's a pleasure to meet you, truly."

Then, her eyes darted to Vespera who was still on her knees, staring with purple eyes at the woman who must have been 'The Mother'

A look of recognition spread across her face.

"Huh? What a surprise. Even my Older Sister has come to visit me!" The Mother said. "I am truly a lucky soul."

Draven's heart dropped.