Welcome to Dafton City

In the war room

Commander Nootra kept his gaze on Seraphina.

‘Seems like some countries found out about the immune ones—and started using the power of darkborns and brightborns. We held a global meeting. Each country will focus on one altar. We were assigned the one in America.’

‘You act fast!’, Seraphina complimented.

‘Thank you. Sadly not fast enough!’ A soldier entered and approached the commander, handing him a rolled-up map. Nootra unrolled it across the table, red markings highlighting the altar locations. He placed his finger on America. That entire region was surrounded by ominous clouds.

‘America didn’t make it,’ he said. ‘The government, the military... we don’t know the numbers, but the casualties are high. We believe the enemy has stationed their main force there. And to enter, we have to pass through those clouds. Everyone we sent... never came back.’ He looked at Seraphina. ‘Are you alone? Or are there others like you who still support humanity?’ Seraphina nodded.

‘As far as I know, there are three others on this planet who’ve sided with the humans. One is my husband. The other two... you’ll meet them eventually.’

‘Only three?’ a soldier muttered, scratching his head. ‘That’s not—’

‘They’ll be more help than anyone here,’ Seraphina interrupted. ‘Well—except for the commander, perhaps. But that’s the real question, isn’t it? How long can you retain your sanity? You and every soldier in this force... you’re all at risk of becoming monsters if you keep using that power.’ Commander Nootra let his eyes pass over his soldiers. When his gaze landed on Nicole, the hardness in them faded. Then he slammed his fist on the table.

‘You’re right. Damn right. If any of my men lose themselves, I’ll take responsibility. And when I lose control... Nicole, I want you to stop me. I trust you. Even if I go insane, I know I could never hurt you.’

‘Stop,’ Nicole whispered, voice cracking. ‘Don’t say that. I could never—’ He gripped her shoulders firmly.

‘No time for emotion. When the moment comes, I trust you. As for the rest of you—’ he turned to his soldiers— ‘I won’t force anyone to join me. If you're afraid of turning into a ghoul, afraid of what we’re facing, or of death itself—stay here. I won’t judge you.

But if you want your children to grow up in a world like this—or worse, enslaved by these monsters—then also stay here!’ A pause. Then, one by one, the soldiers grinned, raising their arms and stomping in agreement. Seraphina leaned over to Dean.

‘Before we leave, I need to speak with you. After this briefing would be best.’

‘Okay... Mom?’ he replied softly.

Meanwhile, Jessie turned to Sark.

‘Dean and Larah have Hope in America. I’ve got to deal with Nighyel and John. What about you? Where will you go?’

‘I’ll come with you,’ Sark said. ‘I’ve got people in America. Might be good to see them again.’

In the air

Nade, Sarah, and the others approached the city. The airport lay in the distance. But the helicopter began to shake and whine.

‘We need to land,’ Rick said. ‘That skyscraper over there. We won’t make it farther. Permission to land, Madam President?’

‘You have it.’ Rick touched down on the roof. Emilia was the first to exit, guns raised.

‘All clear,’ she called. The rest followed—Emilia at the front, Rick guarding the rear.

‘You feel better now?’ Sarah asked Nade.

‘I do. But I doubt it’ll last. This city reeks of evil. Let’s move fast.’

At the city’s edge

Dae and the others had reached the outskirts. They slowed—not because of ghouls, but because a brown-haired woman sat alone, calmly reading. When she saw them, she smiled and waved.

‘Be careful,’ Dae warned. ‘She may look human, but don’t drop your guard.’ They approached slowly. Dae raised his weapon.

‘Who are you? Why are you here? And why do you look... untouched?’ Rayshel nudged him, and he corrected himself.

‘Why don’t I see any wounds on you?’

‘Many questions,’ the woman replied with a cheerful smile. ‘But rest assured—you’re safe now. Welcome to Dafton City. All your questions will be answered by our king.’

Somewhere in Dafton City

A man sat on a throne. His long, golden-blond hair shimmered. His skin glowed faintly yellow in places. He was tall—at least two meters—with a sculpted body dressed only in a crisp white cloth around his waist.

His most striking features: golden-black eyes. A brightborn.

The room was dim, but some light filtered in as the grand doors opened. A woman in a white robe entered and bowed.

‘My king,’ she said. ‘We will never forget your kindness. I am honored to serve. What may I do for you?’

‘What did they tell you about serving me?’

‘They said... those who serve you earn a place in heaven. I’m happy I was chosen.’

‘Come, child.’ She stepped forward. But a few paces from him, she froze. Her instincts screamed at her to run. Her faith begged her to stay.

She chose instinct—but too late. The king was already before her. With a swift motion, he tore off her arm and swallowed it whole. As she collapsed in agony, he strode past her to his throne. With a snap of his fingers, white ghouls emerged from the shadows.

‘I am done,’ he said simply.

The ghouls swarmed her. Moments later, nothing remained.

‘Foolish human!’, the person scoffed as he laid his gaze on the blood-stained floor. To his right a figure appeared, a woman. She long black smooth hairs, appearing like an art itself. She wore a black butler suit and black gloves. Her face was hidden behind a white smiling mask. ‘Didn’t even notice you!’, the king noted, raising one eyebrow. He averted his gaze from the blood-stained floor towards the woman. ‘I never truly understand why you offered your help in creating these hybrids!’

‘Before you did not care!’

‘I still don’t. I assumed you have your goal and I have mine. So, we decided to work together. But now that everything is coming to an end, I wonder. What is your goal?’ The woman remained on place, no motion performed and her hands were still in the pockets of her pants.

‘A vessel!’, she replied. Her voice was just like her body, her air – stunning.

‘Mhm, I see!’ A smirk formed on his majesty face. ‘What were to happen if I manage to create this vessel at last, yet decide to destroy I’ – an unknown pressure befell him and he started gasping for air. It was just a brief moment, yet this one moment had terrified him beyond imagination. His eyes opened further. ‘What are you?’ The woman facial expression itself could not be seen, however, the grin on the mask arched further up. As the woman turned around she replied:

‘I am what lurks in everyone yet is rarely shown openly. Have a nice day!’ And she vanished into the darkness. It took the king some minutes to stabilize his breathing. But when he had done so his face twisted in anger and he let out a cry:

‘Just wait you bitch! When I am done with everything, I will take care of you myself!’