Night 9: The Secret Corridor

　　All Evina could see was Niditra chanting a spell over and over, opening and closing different doors in front of her. And with each one opened, they were in a different place, which made her feel incredible.

　　But to her embarrassment, all this way, Nidhitra kept silent. However, in her mind, from the uneasiness she felt when she left the house until now, it had transformed into an uncontrollable panic.

　　What a group of creatures she was about to face that were completely different from her. Did they look bull-headed and horse-faced, or were they all grimacing and eager to swallow her up. And she, more than anything, wanted to know who that 'he', really was.

　　"Gra, gra, ... gra!" Niditra shouted eagerly.

　　It took Yvonne a moment to realize that it was her 'name' that she was calling, and looking into slightly reproachful eyes, Yvonne lowered her head obediently like a child who had made a mistake.

　　"Why don't you answer when your name is called?!" Niditra's old face crinkled with increasing anger.

　　"I ..."

　　"Stupidity! I only blushed just now, and you instantly lost your proper aura, only that by then you would be scared out of your wits by the people beside you before you even approached 'his' side."

　　She was surprisingly so timid & cowardly, which was hardly noticeable in that woman's shadow ah. Cowardice, truly the root of human inferiority!

　　Upon walking through the last blood red archway. Evina's head snapped up and she found herself in a whole new dimension.

　　It was a corridor with no end in sight. Strange symbols were carved on the left and right, gold, green, and more creepy colors of blood. Looking up, there was a huge wall carving, a whole block of turquoise depicting a number of solid-toothed gargoyles. Was this a portrait of themselves? Is this what a vampire looks like?

　　Overhead are candelabra chandeliers smothered in essential oils, and the rich gothic style puts the viewer in a trance.

　　It was just a matter of not knowing how long she had been walking, and Evina was content to admire the artistic shock of a block of turquoise above her head. The stone carving was a veritable monument to history, as far as she could make out - there were scenes of vampires rejoicing and bonding, and naturally, there were also scenes of strife, or riots, within their clan. But there was one piece of stonework that made yet she couldn't help but slow down in curiosity.

　　This stone sculpture was cut through hard and a whole wall sculpture.

　　She couldn't make out the carving. It looked like it had been maliciously damaged and defaced by an outside force. The only thing that was clear, however, were the eyes dipped in crimson paint. At the moment, it was staring her dead in the face, making her almost gasp.

　　"Did you find it?" Niditra narrowed her eyes tightly, the demeanor, like a smile.

　　"I, uh, only saw it by accident." Realizing that she had actually stopped for the wall sculpture, Evina lowered her voice as much as she could for fear of reprimand.

　　"No intention?" Niditra's steps didn't stop as she walked straight forward, her icy questioning chilling through one's heart.

　　"You wouldn't have come here if it was all just unintentional, my poor girl. ..." she paused, followed by desolation, helplessness, sadness, and finally, actually, a sort of sinister mockery.

　　"This is the will of God, my Lord, my Lord ... Jehovah, hahahahaha!"

　　Taking her hand, Niditra's tone was chilling.

　　"The man who, as long as his body as his will never dies, will forever be the supreme ruler of the vampire kingdom, Duke Dandel." Niditra glanced up at the stone carving, but quickly, she lowered her head in some alarm, "You see him, no matter in which pack, kingdom, heaven or hell. Recognize him at a glance, for ..."

　　Niditra's husky voice grew desirous of hiding its desolation. "No one could ignore his garnet-red eyes, no one ..."

　　Those were bloodshot eyes that symbolized supreme power.

　　Repeating those last words, Niditra stared at the crumbling statue, her clouded eyes seeming as if they were about to sob out tears.

　　At that moment, odd chirping sounds came regularly from the distance. Drawing away from Niditra's strange emotions.

　　The grip on Evina's old hand tightened, and Niditra gave the order without expression, in a tone that dared not be disobeyed.

　　"Listen, Gera, just behind this door is a group of the most feared vampires within this realm. They are greedy, self-interested, or shameless to the point of making people tremble. Yet, at the same time, they are all high ranking Counts and Lords, with rights second only to those of the Supreme Ruler.... Therefore, no matter how much you are afraid, be strong; how much you are resentful, hide it; do your best to behave well, and I shall help you myself."

　　With those words, Niditra pushed the heavy door open without warning.

　　Was it real before her eyes, Evina was stunned.