Chapter 1: House Dearg Due

Monsters.

Creatures that exist only in the darkness or in the deepest depths of nightmares; beings that fill the hearts of men with fear and terror, feeding on the flesh and blood of the innocent.

But what would you say if there were a place where these creatures truly existed and lived alongside humans?

A place where these beings had their own day-to-day lives... or rather, their own night-to-night lives alongside those who, for centuries, had been considered their prey.

To do so, you will have to close your eyes and imagine this place.

A world where sunlight and darkness coexist.

A place where every creature from legends, stories, and cultures lives in its wildest form.

Now, open your eyes.

You have arrived in Cryptas.

A world where monsters and humans live side by side. A place where both species can coexist, even if everything is not always peaceful and harmonious.

Because in this world, there are also those who give in to their instincts and prey upon the defenseless.

But we will get to that later.

For now, make yourself comfortable, set free the monsters living within your imagination, and prepare yourself to begin this tale from beyond the grave.

A story of family, friends, traditions, tragedies, discoveries, and, most importantly...

Blood.

We venture deeper into a place where the sky is a deep shade of purple, where not a single ray of sunlight can be seen no matter where you look. The forests were dark green, and the growls of animals could be heard among the wild vegetation. A thin mist hung in the air—not thick enough to obscure one's vision, but present everywhere.

Looking around, one could see a city filled with tall buildings made of dark brick, elegant Victorian houses in the wealthier districts, and windows glowing from within. Horse-drawn carriages could be heard moving through the streets as people walked from one place to another. It was a mysterious city, yet full of life.

Beyond the city stood a large Gothic-style mansion, a mansion that seemed to be surrounded by an aura of mystery and terror.

Inside the mansion, red carpets covered the floors, while suits of armor, paintings, and decorations worthy of nobility adorned the halls. And yet, there was something about the place that made it feel as though darkness itself lived within its walls.

As one walked through the corridors, a large dark-brown door came into view, almost as if a priceless treasure lay hidden behind it.

The door creaked as it opened, the sound echoing through the mansion like an alarm for the entire household.

Inside was a bedroom filled with hand-painted pictures and toys scattered across the floor. In the center stood a medium-sized bed covered with purple sheets trimmed with red and white.

Lying upon it was a little girl who appeared to be enjoying the sweetest sleep of her life.

However, at the entrance to the room, a shadow could be seen slowly approaching the girl.

Each step echoed softly as the figure carefully made its way toward her, taking care not to wake her.

Upon reaching her left side, the mysterious figure slowly raised her arms.

She leaned toward the little girl and extended her hands, as if she were about to pick her up.

One step.

Then another.

She moved closer and closer, carefully making her way forward so as not to wake her.

Finally, her hands came to rest on the girl’s small shoulders.

“Miss Lamia, it’s time to wake up.”

The figure received no response.

She waited a few seconds.

Nothing.

She tried again.

“Miss Lamia, it’s time to get up.”

The girl squeezed her eyes shut and turned over, making it perfectly clear that she had no intention of leaving her bed.

The maid sighed.

It seemed she would have to use another method.

She leaned down until she was close to the little girl’s ear and whispered:

“If you wake up, I’ll personally give you a sweet toast for breakfast.”

The girl’s eyes remained closed.

However, a small smile appeared on her face.

She even drooled a little as she continued hugging her pillow.

The maid watched her for a few seconds.

That had been far too easy.

Then her expression completely changed.

She straightened up, took a deep breath, and spoke with all the authority she could muster.

“MISS, IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO GET UP AND GET DRESSED!”

The girl gave a small jump on the bed.

“I heard you! I’m getting up!”

Lamia sat up with some difficulty. Still half-asleep, she rubbed her eyes and then stretched her arms.

“Uaaah…”

A long yawn escaped her lips.

That was when a pair of long, extremely sharp fangs became visible.

That little girl was not human.

Her name was Lamia Dearg Due.

She was the youngest daughter of the Dearg Due family.

And she was a vampire.

But to understand who Lamia was, one first had to know the place where she had been born.

The Dearg Due family belonged to an ancient vampire family that lived in Nosfera, the kingdom of vampires.

Unlike what humans imagined in their stories, Nosfera was not inhabited solely by vampires.

There were humans as well.

Both species lived together within the same kingdom, although their relationship had not always been a simple one.

Common vampires possessed abilities that set them apart from humans.

Among them were superhuman strength, enhanced senses, claws, and slow regeneration.

They could also live for extremely long periods of time and even achieve immortality, as long as they maintained an adequate intake of blood.

However, some vampires possessed unusual abilities.

Some could use a basic form of hypnosis.

Others could transform into bats.

Some could turn into mist.

And others were capable of climbing walls with ease.

But above ordinary vampires stood the nobles.

They were the ones who ruled the kingdom.

Noble vampires possessed the same abilities as the others, but they also had access to a special power known as:

The Awakening of Blood.

This ability remained dormant until a noble vampire drank blood.

Only then could their true power manifest.

Each noble family possessed a unique ability that had been inherited through generations.

And among all the noble houses of Nosfera, the Dearg Due family held a privileged position.

They were the second-most powerful vampire house in the kingdom.

Their inherited ability was known as Potency.

The region they ruled was known as Zipal.

And its inhabitants did not merely respect the Dearg Due.

They worshipped them.

Meanwhile, Lamia was already out of bed.

The first maid had finished tidying the room and walked toward the windows.

She opened them.

A gentle breeze entered the room.

Beyond the windows stretched a deep purple sky.

To the inhabitants of Nosfera, that color meant only one thing:

It was daytime.

The maid gave Lamia a small curtsy.

“Excuse me, Miss.”

She then left the room to continue with her other duties.

Lamia barely had time to react before she heard footsteps approaching.

Another maid entered the room.

She was a young woman of unknown age, with dark blue hair and large, pale-pink eyes.

When she reached Lamia, she gave an elegant bow.

“Good morning, Miss Lamia. From this moment on, I will be assisting you and staying by your side for the rest of the day.”

Lamia smiled.

“I’m counting on you today, Mila.”

The young woman slightly raised her head.

Her name was Mila Zebeth.

And she had been Lamia’s personal maid for several years.

She had begun serving her when the little girl was five years old.

Mila belonged to a vampire race known as the Man-Bat.

Members of this species possessed the ability to transform parts of their bodies into those of bats, or even completely transform into enormous bats.

Mila’s family had served the Dearg Due since the generation of Lamia’s great-grandfather.

However, not every noble family held the Man-Bat in the same regard.

To many nobles and their servants, the race was considered unpleasant because of their appearance when transformed.

But the Dearg Due were different.

They had allowed Mila’s family to serve in their household for generations.

And over the years, Mila had developed a very close relationship with Lamia.

“All right, Miss,” Mila said. “We had better start getting you ready.”

Mila took Lamia’s hand and led her to the bathroom.

First, she helped her bathe.

Then she carefully dried her and began brushing her hair.

Lamia was ten years old.

Her hair was long, straight, and an intense crimson color. Her eyes had a peculiar shade reminiscent of a ripe strawberry.

After finishing her hair, Mila helped Lamia put on an elegant indigo Victorian dress.

Once she was finished, Mila looked her up and down.

“How do you feel, Miss?”

Lamia looked at herself for a few seconds.

Then she smiled.

“Very good, Mila. But it’s just the two of us.”

The girl stepped a little closer.

“You can just call me Lamia.”

Mila smiled discreetly.

“Thank you for being considerate, Miss. But I am still your servant. I must address you accordingly.”

Lamia pouted slightly.

“But you’re also my friend.”

She looked directly into Mila’s eyes.

“And I love you very much.”

Mila remained silent for a few seconds.

Then she glanced from side to side to make sure no one was watching them.

Once she confirmed they were alone, she smiled.

She approached Lamia, lifted her into her arms, and hugged her affectionately.

“I love you too, Lamia.”

The little girl smiled.

Mila leaned closer to her ear and continued speaking in a quiet voice.

“But you have to behave like a proper young lady. When we are alone, we can be friends, but you must remember who you are.”

Lamia listened carefully.

“You are a noble.”

Mila gently adjusted a strand of her hair.

“And tomorrow, you will have to make a great impression.”

Lamia pouted again.

“All right...”

Then she looked up.

“But I want you to carry me afterward.”

Mila let out a soft laugh.

“Of course, Miss.”

She gently set Lamia down and took her hand.

“But for now, we should go to the dining room. Your family is waiting for you to have breakfast.”

Lamia nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes.”

The two of them left the room.

Lamia walked a few steps ahead, while Mila followed closely behind.

They arrived in front of a pair of large red doors.

Mila stopped before them and spoke in a firm voice:

“Open the doors! Miss Lamia Dearg Due is coming through!”

The doors slowly opened.

On the other side was a vast dining room. A long table covered with an elegant golden tablecloth occupied much of the room.

At the far end, three people were seated.

In the center was the head of the Dearg Due family, Valentin Dearg Due.

He was Lamia’s father. He was one hundred and eighty years old, although he appeared to be around forty. He wore an elegant red suit with white details. His hair was a deep scarlet, and his golden eyes conveyed a mixture of authority and warmth.

To his right was Natalia Dearg Due, Lamia’s mother.

Natalia was one hundred and thirty-five years old, although she appeared to be around forty. She wore a beautiful green dress, and her long violet hair fell over her shoulders. Her eyes, a peculiar diamond-pink color, made her beauty stand out even more.

At first glance, it was obvious that she was Lamia’s mother.

To Valentin’s left sat his second wife, Catalina Dearg Due.

Catalina was one hundred and twenty-five years old, although she appeared to be around thirty-five. She wore an elegant light-orange dress. Her silvery-white hair was styled in a half-updo, and her eyes were an intense emerald green.

Catalina gave off an air of refinement, elegance, and serenity.

Although Natalia and Catalina were not blood sisters, the two maintained an excellent relationship. They often talked, had tea together, and spent time together like any pair of friends.

And when it came to Lamia, Catalina was especially affectionate.

She treated her as though she were her own daughter.

Lamia stood beside Catalina and curtsied.

“Lamia Dearg Due presents herself before the leader and the matriarchs of the house.”

The three of them nodded in acceptance.

But as soon as the formalities were over, Lamia changed completely.

She ran straight toward her father.

Valentin opened his arms and caught her before she could fall.

“How is my little lady?”

“I’m fine, Daddy.”

Valentin kissed each of her cheeks and then hugged her affectionately before handing her over to Natalia.

“How are you, sweetheart?”

“I’m fine, Mommy. I love you.”

Natalia smiled and hugged her daughter tenderly.

“I love you too, my little one.”

After a few moments, Lamia climbed down from her mother’s arms and returned to Catalina.

“Hello, Mama Catalina. How are you?”

“Very well, sweetheart. How did you sleep?”

“Fine, thank you.”

Catalina leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, followed by a gentle caress.

Lamia smiled.

Then she walked to her place at the table. Mila helped her into her chair before stepping away toward the kitchen.

Lamia looked at her parents.

“And where are my siblings?”

Natalia smiled.

“They’ll be here soon, dear.”

At that very moment, one of the butlers announced:

“The children of the Dearg Due household have arrived.”

The doors opened once again.

Four young people entered the dining room.

They were Lamia’s siblings.

The first was Napol Dearg Due, the eldest son of the family.

He was eighty years old, although he appeared to be around thirty. He was the son of Valentin and Natalia. His hair was light red, and his eyes were a dark shade of yellow. He wore an elegant red suit with black details.

Beside him was Diana Dearg Due, Lamia’s sister.

Diana was sixty years old, although she appeared to be around twenty. She was Natalia’s daughter and had curly orchid-colored hair. One of her eyes was light yellow, while the other was an intense hot pink.

She wore an elegant white Victorian dress with pink details. The skirt reached below her knees, leaving her ankles exposed.

Finally, there were Catalina’s twins: Alexander and Teodora.

Both were twenty-five years old.

They shared ice-white hair and medal-yellow eyes. Both wore outfits in a combination of sky blue and green. Alexander wore an elegant suit, while Teodora wore a beautiful Victorian dress.

The four stopped at the entrance.

Then, one after another, they introduced themselves:

“Napol Dearg Due.”

“Diana Dearg Due.”

“Alexander Dearg Due.”

“Teodora Dearg Due.”

All four spoke at the same time:

“We present ourselves before the patriarch and matriarchs of the family.”

Valentin, Natalia, and Catalina nodded in acceptance.

And once the formalities were over...

The four siblings completely forgot about their manners.

They walked straight toward Lamia and began hugging her, kissing her cheeks, and gently stroking her hair.

“How is the most beautiful little sister in the world?” Diana asked.

“Just look at this beautiful young lady!” Napol exclaimed.

“We love you, little sis!” Alexander and Teodora said at the same time.

Lamia could feel all the affection from her siblings, but she also began to feel a little overwhelmed.

She had no idea what to do with so many hugs and kisses.

Then, a firm voice echoed throughout the dining room.

“Children, leave your sister alone.”

Everyone froze.

Natalia looked at them sternly.

“Sit down and eat your breakfast. Immediately.”

The four siblings suddenly felt that something dangerous was about to happen.

So they obeyed.

Natalia’s children sat beside her, while Catalina’s children took their seats beside their mother.

A short while later, the servants began bringing the dishes to the table.

For Lamia, they had prepared a breakfast specially made for her:

Toast with butter, honey, and strawberry jam. Small scones with cream and jam. Fresh strawberries. Soft scrambled eggs. A little crispy bacon. Warm milk or hot chocolate.

For the rest of the family, they served a more substantial breakfast.

Main Course:

Creamy scrambled eggs with herbs. Crispy bacon. Artisan sausages. Toasted bread with butter. Sautéed mushrooms.

Side Dishes:

Freshly baked scones with berry jam. Soft and aged cheeses. Fresh strawberries, grapes, and blackberries. Butter and assorted jams.

Drinks:

Black coffee for the adults. Black tea with milk. Hot chocolate for those who preferred it.

Each member of the family took whatever they fancied.

However, everyone seemed to especially enjoy watching Lamia enthusiastically eat her breakfast.

Valentin watched his family for a few moments before speaking.

“As you all know, tomorrow we will have a very important celebration.”

Everyone turned their attention toward him.

“In addition to our dear Lamia, several children belonging to important families will awaken their abilities for the first time.”

Natalia raised her eyes slightly.

“Who will be attending?”

“The major vampire families, the leader of the werewolf pack, the kings of the mummy kingdom, the head of the witches’ coven, the leader of the undead horde, and the monster-hunting Von Harker family.”

Lamia’s siblings became serious.

They knew that this celebration would not be a simple family gathering.

The presence of so many important figures made the occasion far more significant.

Alexander was the first to speak.

“It’s a lot of pressure, but don’t worry. I know you’ll do well, Lamia. You’re very special.”

Diana smiled.

“Tomorrow will be the first time you taste blood. But even without it, you already have incredible strength and speed. We’ll have to get serious if we want to catch up to you.”

Teodora smiled sweetly.

“And even if you don’t make a great impression tomorrow, we’ll always love you just the way you are.”

Valentin and his two wives smiled upon hearing those words.

It was obvious how much the members of the family loved one another.

Lamia knew how much they loved her as well.

But at the same time, she wanted to try her best.

She wanted to make her family proud.

She wanted to prove that she was worthy of belonging to the Dearg Due house.

Valentin spoke again.

“So, today’s plan will be to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow.”

He raised one finger.

“First, we’ll make sure everyone has the proper attire.”

He raised another.

“We’ll prepare our blood supplies in case we need them for any reason.”

He raised a third.

“We’ll prepare the Scut, in case we have to be under the sun.”

And finally:

“We’ll prepare the gifts we’ll be bringing on behalf of our family.”

Everyone nodded.

Each member of the family understood their responsibilities perfectly.

Then Valentin looked directly at Lamia.

“As for you...”

Lamia looked up attentively.

“You’ll spend most of the day with Natalia and Catalina. They will teach you the manners you’ll need to maintain during the celebration.”

Lamia nodded.

“After that, they’ll check your dress and decide which accessories you’ll wear tomorrow.”

Valentin smiled.

“And at night, I’ll personally accompany you so you can practice your abilities until you have them perfected. After that, you’ll go straight to bed.”

Lamia smiled.

“Understood, Father. I love you.”

Valentin smiled and gently stroked his daughter’s head.

“I love you too, my daughter.”

For a few moments, the family remained gathered around the table.

They enjoyed their breakfast, talked, and planned everything they would need to do for the following day.

It was a simple scene.

A family gathered together.

A peaceful morning.

A moment that, if they could stop time, none of them would ever want to forget.

Because none of them knew what was about to happen.

Those days would soon come to an end.

The days when the Dearg Due family could gather, laugh, and live together as one family were numbered.

Soon, that happiness would be replaced by something far darker.

Blood.

Pain.

Fear.

And a tragedy that would forever change the fate of the Dearg Due house.

But the one who would suffer the most from those changes would be little Lamia.

Though that...

Is a story for another time.

The End.