44 - Cursed Blood Word

One of them, his face still concealed beneath the hood and the demonic mask characteristic of the Crimson Requiem members, strides toward Ayra with unwavering determination, signaling his subordinates to remain behind.

«Blood Word: Telum!» the man intones with a deep, commanding voice, and in an instant, a massive hammer materializes in his grasp.

At the sight of that weapon, a wave of anguish and fear ripples through the allied ranks. That unease swiftly morphs into a blend of terror and astonishment as the man pulls back his hood, revealing his face—a vampire with a chiseled jawline, seemingly middle-aged, his features marred by a prominent scar on the right side and framed by short, graying hair.

«N-No... this can't be real...» a soldier murmurs, his voice quivering with disbelief.