Chapter 33: THE VAMPIRE LORD'S GAMBIT
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Chapter 33: The Vampire Lord's Gambit
The moon hung high above the scorched remains of the vampire castle, its light reflecting off the smoldering ruins. The inferno left behind by the dragon's wrath had decimated the weaker vampires and ghouls, but now, an even greater threat stood before Rio, Retina, and Iris.
The vampire lord.
His crimson eyes gleamed with an ancient, terrifying power, and a sinister smile tugged at his lips as he gazed up at the dragon hovering above.
"Impressive…" His voice was smooth, dripping with dark charisma. "I did not expect to see that dragon again."
Rio's grip on his sword tightened. He knows about the dragon…
The vampire lord took a step forward, the ground beneath his feet cracking from the sheer pressure of his presence.
"Who are you?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Rio, Retina, and Iris.
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A Calculated Move
Rio's eyes narrowed, his mind already calculating possible outcomes. He's not attacking immediately… that means he wants something.
"Keep calm," Rio murmured, his voice low enough that only Retina and Iris could hear. "We play this smooth."
"Understood," Retina whispered, her hand still resting on the dragon's scales, ready to command it at a moment's notice.
Iris's eyes glowed faintly as her beast vision remained active. "No sudden movements from his forces yet… but they're watching."
"Good," Rio muttered. "Let's keep it that way."
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A Dangerous Conversation
Rio stepped forward, meeting the vampire lord's gaze head-on.
"We're just… travelers," Rio said with a calm smile, masking the tension beneath. "We didn't expect such hospitality in these lands."
The vampire lord's smile widened, though it did little to hide the menace in his eyes.
"Travelers…" He echoed the word, his tone dripping with amusement. "And yet, you command a dragon powerful enough to reduce my castle to ashes."
His gaze lingered on Retina. "A summoner of such skill… is rare."
Retina's expression remained stoic, her eyes unyielding.
"Tell me," the vampire lord continued, his eyes flicking back to Rio. "What exactly brings you to my territory?"
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Rio's Bluff
Time to bluff.
"Nothing concerning you," Rio said smoothly, his tone casual but firm. "We're passing through."
"Passing through?" The vampire lord's smirk didn't fade, but his eyes sharpened. "And yet… you've caused quite the commotion."
Rio shrugged, keeping his posture relaxed. "Your minions attacked first. We defended ourselves. Can't blame us for that, can you?"
The vampire lord's expression darkened, but Rio pressed on.
"We're not here to make enemies," Rio said, his tone lowering. "But if you force our hand…" His grip on his sword tightened, and his eyes gleamed with a deadly promise.
"Then you'll regret it."
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A Subtle Threat
The vampire lord's gaze shifted to the dragon hovering above, its burning crimson eyes locked onto him.
"I see…" His voice was quieter now, almost contemplative. "You're… stronger than I anticipated."
"Glad you noticed," Rio replied, his smirk returning.
The vampire lord's smile returned, but this time it was laced with a subtle threat.
"Very well," he murmured. "Perhaps we can… come to an understanding."
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Iris's Warning
"Rio…" Iris's voice echoed through their private telepathic link, her tone urgent. "Something's wrong."
"What is it?" Rio asked, his expression not betraying the sudden tension.
"There's movement… beneath the castle," Iris reported, her beast vision picking up faint traces of energy. "Something… powerful."
"Another threat?" Rio's mind raced. Of course, he wouldn't be alone.
"Not yet," Iris replied. "But… it's waking up."
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A Dangerous Gamble
Rio's mind worked at lightning speed. If he's stalling… then he's buying time for whatever's down there.
"We can't let this drag on," Rio thought grimly. His hand hovered over his sword.
"Retina," Rio murmured through the link, his voice steady. "Be ready."
"Understood." Retina's eyes gleamed, her connection with the dragon strengthening.
"Iris," Rio said softly, "Keep watching. If anything moves—"
"I'll let you know," Iris assured.
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A Decision to Make
The vampire lord's eyes glinted with amusement, as if sensing the tension in the air.
"So…" His voice echoed through the ruined courtyard. "Shall we talk… or shall we fight?"
Rio's lips curled into a confident smile, but his mind was already prepared for the worst.
If he tries anything…
His fingers brushed against the hilt of his sword.
"A Thousand Slashes" will end it.
"Let's see where this goes," Rio murmured under his breath.
The game had only just begun.
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