The First Fight: A Battle of Blood

Lucian stood in the center of the abandoned warehouse, his muscles tense. The air around him felt heavier than usual. Across from him, Viktor cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders like a predator preparing to strike.

"Tonight, we fight," Viktor said, his golden eyes locked onto Lucian.

Lucian exhaled slowly. "I thought we were training."

"This is training," Viktor replied. "You need to learn how to fight. Strength and speed are useless if you cannot defend yourself."

Lucian glanced around. "So, what are the rules?"

Viktor smirked. "There are no rules. In a real fight, no one fights fair. If you hold back, you die."

Lucian swallowed hard. He wasn't ready for this. He had never been in a real fight before—at least, not one where the loser might not walk away.

But he didn't have a choice.

Viktor took a step forward. "Come at me."

Lucian hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, he lunged.

Lesson One: Instinct Over Thought

Lucian moved fast, his body reacting before his mind could process what was happening. His fist shot forward, aiming for Viktor's face.

But Viktor wasn't there.

In the blink of an eye, he was behind Lucian.

CRACK!

A sharp pain exploded in Lucian's ribs as Viktor's elbow struck his side. He stumbled forward, gasping.

"Too slow," Viktor said. "You are thinking too much. Stop planning your moves. Let your instincts take over."

Lucian clenched his fists, ignoring the pain. He turned, focusing on Viktor.

Viktor smirked. "Again."

Lucian didn't hesitate this time. He lunged without thinking, letting his body move naturally. His fist cut through the air—

And this time, Viktor dodged a second too late.

Lucian's knuckles grazed Viktor's jaw. It wasn't a clean hit, but it was something.

Viktor chuckled. "Better."

Lucian barely had time to react before Viktor countered. A blur of movement—then pain.

THUD!

Lucian crashed onto the ground, groaning. He tried to get up, but Viktor's foot pressed lightly against his chest.

"You are strong, but you lack experience," Viktor said. "If I were an enemy, you'd be dead."

Lucian gritted his teeth. "Then teach me how to win."

Viktor stepped back. "Good. You are learning."

Lesson Two: Using the Shadows

Lucian stood, shaking off the pain. His ribs ached, but he ignored it.

"Strength is not your only weapon," Viktor said. "You are a creature of the night. Use it."

Lucian frowned. "What do you mean?"

Viktor gestured to the shadows around them. "Hide in them. Move through them. Attack from where your enemy cannot see you."

Lucian took a slow step back, letting the darkness around him grow. He focused, remembering how he had disappeared before.

The shadows embraced him.

Viktor's eyes flickered as he lost sight of Lucian. "Good. Now strike."

Lucian moved. Faster than he thought possible. He was behind Viktor before his mentor could react.

He swung—

THWACK!

His fist connected with Viktor's back.

Viktor staggered forward, then turned with a grin. "Finally."

Lucian smirked. "Looks like I can learn after all."

Viktor chuckled. "Yes. But you are still weak."

Lucian's confidence faded. "What do you mean?"

Viktor's expression darkened. "You have only fought me. And I am holding back. Soon, you will face real enemies. They will not go easy on you."

Lucian nodded, understanding the warning.

"Tomorrow," Viktor said, "we take your training outside. You will fight something more dangerous than me."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Viktor's golden eyes gleamed.

"Other vampires."

Lucian's heart sank. He wasn't ready for this.

But he had no choice.

A BATTLE OF BLOOD

Lucian followed Viktor through the dark streets of the city. The night air was cool, but he barely felt it. His body was still buzzing from their earlier training session. His ribs ached where Viktor had struck him, but the pain was fading fast.

"Where are we going?" Lucian asked, keeping pace with Viktor.

Viktor didn't look back. "You're ready for your first real fight."

Lucian tensed. "You mean against another vampire?"

Viktor smirked. "Yes. A real enemy. One that won't hold back."

Lucian exhaled slowly. He knew this moment was coming, but he still wasn't sure if he was ready.

They turned a corner, entering an alleyway filled with old brick buildings. At the far end, a figure stood waiting in the shadows.

Viktor stopped and gestured toward the man. "Meet your opponent."

Lucian narrowed his eyes. The vampire was tall and thin, with wild, dark hair and glowing red eyes. His clothes were torn, and his posture was tense—like a wild animal ready to strike.

The man grinned, revealing sharp fangs. "So, this is the new blood?"

Viktor nodded. "His name is Lucian. And he needs a lesson."

The vampire chuckled. "Good. I've been craving a fight."

Lucian clenched his fists. "Who is he?"

Viktor smirked. "His name is Rafe. He's one of the young ones, but he's killed before."

Lucian's body stiffened. "Killed?"

Rafe licked his lips. "Of course. What's the point of being a vampire if you don't enjoy it?"

Lucian's stomach twisted. He knew there were vampires who embraced the darkness completely. Rafe was one of them.

Viktor stepped back. "This is your test, Lucian. If you can't survive against him, you don't deserve to live."

Lucian's breath quickened. He had no choice. He had to fight.

Lesson One: Fighting to Survive

Rafe didn't wait. He lunged, moving faster than Lucian could track.

Lucian barely dodged in time. He felt the wind rush past his face as Rafe's claws swiped at him.

He's fast.

Lucian jumped back, trying to create distance. But Rafe was already behind him.

THUD!

Pain exploded in Lucian's side as Rafe kicked him into the alley wall. The bricks cracked from the impact.

Lucian gasped, his vision blurring.

Rafe laughed. "Too slow."

Lucian pushed himself up, shaking off the pain. He couldn't afford to hesitate.

He let his instincts take over.

Rafe charged again, but this time, Lucian moved faster. He sidestepped at the last second, spinning behind Rafe—

And struck.

CRACK!

Lucian's fist slammed into Rafe's ribs. The impact sent Rafe stumbling forward.

Lucian didn't stop. He lunged, tackling Rafe to the ground. He wrapped his hand around Rafe's throat, squeezing hard.

Rafe's eyes widened. He struggled, snarling. "You little—"

Lucian raised his fist to finish him—

But he hesitated.

That moment of doubt was a mistake.

Rafe's knee shot up—

WHAM!

Lucian's grip loosened as pain exploded in his stomach.

In a flash, Rafe twisted free, flipping Lucian onto the ground.

Lucian coughed, his head spinning.

Rafe wiped blood from his lip and grinned. "You're strong… but weak in the head. You don't have the killer instinct."

Lucian growled, pushing himself up. "I don't want to kill you."

Rafe's smile widened. "That's why you'll lose."

Lesson Two: The Will to Win

Rafe moved again, but this time, Lucian was ready.

He focused. The shadows around him seemed to pulse.

Become the night.

Lucian let the darkness swallow him.

Rafe's eyes darted around. "Where did you—?"

Lucian appeared behind him—fast.

THWACK!

His elbow smashed into the side of Rafe's head.

Rafe stumbled, dazed.

Lucian didn't stop. He struck again—harder.

CRACK!

Rafe collapsed to his knees, groaning.

Lucian stepped forward, grabbing his opponent by the collar. He raised his fist, ready to end it.

"Do it," Viktor's voice came from behind.

Lucian froze.

Rafe looked up, blood dripping from his mouth. His red eyes were wild, filled with rage and madness.

Lucian clenched his jaw. His heart pounded. He had won. He could end this now.

But… could he kill?

Lucian's grip tightened—then loosened. He dropped Rafe to the ground and stepped back.

"I won," Lucian said. "That's enough."

Rafe coughed, laughing weakly. "Pathetic."

Viktor walked over, his expression unreadable. "You had him. You let him live."

Lucian met Viktor's gaze. "I'm not a killer."

Viktor smirked. "Not yet."

Lucian's stomach twisted. He knew Viktor wasn't satisfied. But he didn't care. He had proven himself—his way.

Viktor turned to Rafe. "Leave."

Rafe spat blood onto the ground, glaring at Lucian. "Next time, I won't go easy."

Lucian didn't respond. He just watched as Rafe disappeared into the night.

Viktor sighed. "You passed… barely."

Lucian frowned. "What does that mean?"

Viktor looked at him for a long moment. "It means you survived. But survival is not enough. One day, you will have to make a choice."

Lucian felt a chill run down his spine. "What choice?"

Viktor's golden eyes gleamed.

"To kill… or to die."

Lucian swallowed hard. He wasn't ready for that choice. Not yet.

To be continued…