Chapter 3: The Guests

After admiring the castle, Lamia watched as a carriage approached them. It was a gleaming white, decorated with black trim and pulled by several white horses with green eyes. The little girl watched closely until she recognized the coachman: one of her family's servants, who had come to pick them up.

Once the carriage stopped, everyone climbed aboard and took their seats. Shortly afterward, the coachman gave the order to depart, and the horses resumed their journey.

Lamia remained captivated by the scenery. She looked around with an expression of wonder and happiness that did not go unnoticed by her family. The others watched her affectionately, enjoying the sight of her excitement as she discovered everything around her.

As they approached the castle, Lamia noticed other paths leading to buildings similar to the one they had visited earlier. However, before she could examine them more closely, the carriage stopped in front of the castle's enormous gates.

Mila straightened up, took a deep breath, and shouted at the top of her lungs:

“OPEN THE GATES! THE MEMBERS OF HOUSE DEARG DUE HAVE ARRIVED!”

The gates began to open slowly, allowing the carriage to pass through. Once inside, they continued forward until they stopped in front of one of the castle's entrances. The family members stepped down, and before anyone had to announce their arrival, the door opened from within.

A man came out to greet them. It was Hanz, the head butler responsible for coordinating the servants of House Dearg Due. Besides being essential to the household's organization, he enjoyed Valentin's complete trust.

“Welcome, Master Valentin,” Hanz greeted him with a respectful bow.

“Thank you, Hanz. How are the preparations coming along?”

“Very well, sir. We have fulfilled our part.”

“Please, stand up. You've done an excellent job. Is there anything I should know about the other families?”

Hanz straightened and replied:

“With the help of our colleagues from the other vampire houses, everything has gone more smoothly. Coordinating with the mummies and witches presented no major difficulties. Working with the werewolves and zombies, however, was more complicated, though we eventually reached an agreement. The Von Harkers' servants preferred to work independently and only approached us when they needed to coordinate their efforts to avoid conflicts with our staff. Other than that, there is nothing else to report.”

“Excellent. And what about the guardians?”

“They will present themselves to you as soon as you enter, sir.”

“Hello, Hanz!” Lamia greeted him enthusiastically.

The butler turned toward the little girl and gave her a smile.

“Hello, Miss Lamia. How was your journey?”

“Interesting and fun! Although there are still lots of things I need to learn.”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

Lamia approached him and hugged his leg. Accustomed to the little girl's affection, Hanz gently patted her head.

“Very well, everyone. Let's go inside,” Valentin instructed.

Lamia took her father's hand and followed him inside. Once the entire family had crossed the entrance, the doors closed behind them.

The little girl glanced back in confusion. She hadn't seen anyone close the doors.

“Don't worry, sweetheart,” Valentin reassured her when he noticed her curiosity. “Those are the guardians of the house. You'll meet them soon.”

Lamia looked at him, not entirely understanding what he meant.

Valentin stopped and turned his gaze toward the interior of the castle.

“Ancient guardians of this place, I offer you my respects. I ask that you reveal yourselves to us.”

Suddenly, white lights surrounded by a faint mist appeared before them. They drifted slowly through the air until they stopped in front of the family.

Lamia watched, fascinated. Little by little, the lights took on humanoid shapes, and their silhouettes became more defined. Their bodies, however, remained translucent, making it clear that they were not living beings.

One of the figures took the form of a man in his fifties, dressed in an immaculate butler's suit. The other assumed the appearance of a woman in her forties, wearing a maid's uniform.

Valentin smiled as he recognized them.

“It's a pleasure to see you again, Lawrence and Annette.”

“The pleasure is ours, Valentin Dearg Due,” they replied in unison.

Lamia gently tugged at her father's hand to get his attention.

“Who are they, Daddy?”

Valentin leaned down slightly to explain.

“They are the guardians of Castle of Frights. They are ghosts tasked with protecting the castle and keeping it clean. Although they are bound to this place, they can also venture out and explore the world. However, whenever important gatherings take place, they return immediately to put everything in order and assist the servants we send here.”

“Ooooh!” Lamia exclaimed, her eyes shining with wonder.

Without wasting a moment, she approached the two ghosts and gave them a small bow.

“My name is Lamia Dearg Due. It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we'll get along.”

Lawrence and Annette exchanged a glance before returning her greeting.

“The pleasure is ours, Miss Lamia. We are also delighted to meet you.”

The little girl smiled sincerely, delighted to have met such unusual guardians.

“Would you escort us to the waiting room?” Valentin asked.

“With pleasure. Esteemed guests, please follow us,” the ghosts replied.

They turned around and began leading the family through the castle's corridors.

The family followed them while Lamia took in every detail. The hallways were impeccably maintained and decorated with an elegance that only deepened her curiosity. Everything was perfectly orderly, as though time itself had left no mark on the place.

This time, Lamia walked hand in hand with her stepmother, Catalina, while Natalia walked beside Valentin. The family's other children followed closely behind as they made their way toward the waiting room.

“Has anyone else arrived?” Valentin asked as they walked.

“Only House Dracus, besides your family,” Lawrence replied. “The other guests should be arriving soon. However, we have received word that the three remaining vampire families will be unable to attend.”

“Did they give a reason?”

“They only mentioned family matters that required their attention or pending work that needed to be taken care of,” Annette answered.

“I see. Have you informed House Dracus?”

“Yes, sir,” they replied simultaneously. “They are already aware.”

Natalia let out a soft sigh before speaking.

“My brother must be focused on the event… or perhaps he's already thinking about all the scolding he'll give those families when he sees them.”

Valentin smiled at his wife's remark.

“You're right, but for now, let's focus on the celebration.”

“As you wish, darling,” Natalia replied with a smile.

In Nosfera, five vampire families governed the country and its inhabitants. Among them, House Dearg Due ranked second in influence and power. Above it stood House Dracus, whose authority extended over a much larger territory and whose abilities were even more extraordinary, even by the Dearg Dues' standards.

What made this particularly interesting was that Natalia, Lamia's mother, belonged to that very powerful family. Her older brother was the leader of House Dracus, making him the little girl's maternal uncle as well.

By the time their conversation ended, they had reached the doors of the waiting room.

Lawrence and Annette stepped forward and positioned themselves on either side of the entrance. Then they raised their voices to announce the arrival of their guests.

“HOUSE DEARG DUE HAS ARRIVED! ITS MEMBERS ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE WAITING ROOM!”

Lawrence and Annette's announcement echoed down the hallway. Although it was somewhat thunderous, it was necessary to formally announce the arrival of one of Nosfera's most important families.

Immediately afterward, the doors began to open.

Once they were fully open, the Dearg Due family entered the room and found the members of House Dracus gathered at the far end, waiting for them.

The room was spacious and elegant, with a high ceiling, decorated walls, and enough space to comfortably accommodate around fifty people. Its layout allowed the guests to converse without getting in one another's way while they waited for the celebration to begin.

At one end stood Lorfas Dracus, the family leader and Natalia's older brother. At 140 years old, he looked to be around fifty. His silver-gray hair, fiery red eyes, and neatly trimmed mustache gave him a distinguished air, complemented by an elegant suit worthy of a duke.

To his right stood Danash, his first wife. She was 120 years old but appeared to be around thirty. Her short black hair, light blue eyes, and pale gray dress embroidered with crimson gave her a refined appearance. Beside her stood her daughters: Charlotte, sixty years old, with blonde hair gathered into a bun and light red eyes, and Janix, fifty-five, whose silver-gray hair contrasted with her dark blue eyes, visible behind her glasses. Both looked considerably younger than their actual ages.

To Lorfas's left stood Franchesca, his second wife. At 130 years old, she appeared to be around thirty-five. Her pale pink hair and black eyes stood out alongside her golden dress with black trim. Beside her was Galan, her fifty-six-year-old son, who had pale red hair and light black eyes.

Nearby stood a ten-year-old girl with silver-pink curls, crimson eyes, and a white dress decorated with sapphire-blue trim. She was Evangel, another of the young people making their debut at the celebration, just like Lamia.

Standing behind the girl was Triastan, another of Lorfas's sons, born from an earlier relationship. His mother had passed away many years ago. At thirty years old, he stood out with his emerald-green hair and striking bright red eyes.

Once the Dearg Dues had finished observing their hosts, they lined up in front of them to begin the formal introductions. Valentin stepped forward first, followed by Natalia and Catalina. Next came Napol and Diana, while Alexander and Teodora introduced themselves together. Finally, Lamia stepped forward with a small smile.

Once the introductions were complete, everyone bowed their heads slightly and greeted their hosts in unison:

“WE GREET HOUSE DRACUS!”

“It's a pleasure to see you again, brother-in-law. I hope you and your family are doing well,” Lorfas said, addressing Valentin.

“The pleasure is mine. I'm glad to see your family is doing well, too.”

The two men approached and exchanged a friendly hug. Natalia soon joined them and embraced her older brother as well.

“Uncle, how have you been?” Lamia asked as she approached Lorfas.

“Very well, niece. And you?”

The little girl answered with an affectionate smile, letting her expression speak for itself.

However, before she could approach her uncle any further, a childish voice interrupted them.

“Don't get so close! He's my daddy, and he's mine alone!”

It was Evangel, Lamia's cousin, watching the scene with obvious displeasure.

“How have you been, Evangel?” Lamia asked calmly, undeterred by her attitude.

“Don't pretend to be innocent! Even though we're cousins, I'm better than you!”

Franchesca, who had overheard the exchange, immediately intervened.

“Don't say that, sweetheart. Lamia is your cousin, and you should love each other. Apologize to her.”

“But, Mom…”

“I said apologize.”

Evangel lowered her gaze and pouted. After a few seconds, she looked at her cousin again.

“I'm sorry, cousin,” she muttered reluctantly.

“Don't worry about it. Would you like to talk for a while?” Lamia offered, showing no resentment.

Evangel's expression changed instantly.

“Of course!”

The two girls made their way to one of the room's sofas and sat together, ready to chat.

Natalia watched them before turning to Franchesca.

“Thank you, Fran. I know Lamia and Evangel care about each other, but sometimes things get a little out of hand.”

“Don't worry. That's what family is for,” Franchesca replied with an understanding smile.

A little later, Natalia turned to her brother again.

“By the way, have our parents arrived yet?”

“Not yet. You know them. They'll probably show up at the very last moment,” Lorfas replied with a resigned sigh.

His answer brought smiles to several faces. As they waited for the remaining guests to arrive, both families began chatting about their lives and sharing the latest news.

The room gradually filled with voices and laughter until an announcement broke the peaceful atmosphere.

“THE MEMBERS OF THE WEREWOLF PACK HAVE JUST ARRIVED! THEY ARE ABOUT TO ENTER!” the guardians announced.

The doors slowly opened, revealing twelve members of one of the world's most feared and respected monster races.

The werewolves.

Unlike other societies, where authority depended on noble titles, bloodlines, or wealth, werewolves followed a much more primitive law: the law of the strongest. Within their pack, respect had to be earned through strength, character, and the ability to protect one's own.

Five men, six women, and a girl barely ten years old had attended the gathering that day.

The men wore tartan kilts patterned in red, green, and blue, secured with wide leather belts. They also wore loose beige linen shirts, sleeveless fur vests, and knee-high leather boots.

The women wore long woolen dresses, leather corsets, and flared sleeves. Wolf-pelt cloaks with hoods rested over their shoulders.

Although their outfits differed, they all shared one thing: their clothing was designed to withstand harsh weather and allow them to move comfortably. They needed no ostentatious decorations to demonstrate who they were; their bearing and the way they walked spoke for themselves.

Leading the delegation was their alpha, Warg Ze’ev.

He was 150 years old, although he appeared to be around fifty. His towering height and robust physique reflected years of training and combat. His silver-black hair contrasted with his intense yellow eyes, which carefully examined the room.

His presence conveyed authority without the need for threats or exaggerated gestures. Warg had earned the respect of his people through his strength and leadership.

Both Valentin Dearg Due and Lorfas Dracus shared a relationship of mutual respect with him. Despite the differences between their peoples, all three acknowledged one another's abilities.

Walking behind Warg were his three wives, each accompanied by her respective children.

The first was Hatti, who was 130 years old but appeared to be thirty. Her long, deep-gray hair fell over her shoulders and down her back, while her yellow eyes, lighter than her husband's, complemented her elegant features. She walked serenely, holding her head high and confident in her place within the pack.

Her two children followed behind her. The elder was seventy years old but appeared to be twenty-five. Beside him walked his sister, who was fifty and looked twenty. Both maintained a reserved demeanor as they followed their mother.

Warg's second wife was Skroll, a 140-year-old woman who appeared to be forty. She had pale brown skin, shoulder-length dark yellow hair, and striking orange eyes.

Her strong, athletic build reflected years of training. Unlike Hatti's serenity, Skroll radiated a more intense energy, observing those around her as though evaluating each person.

Her two children walked behind her. The elder was sixty years old and appeared to be thirty, while her younger brother was forty and looked twenty-five. Both moved confidently, keeping pace with their mother.

His final wife was Ragnus, who was 110 years old but appeared to be barely twenty-five. Her short, pale bluish-white hair contrasted with her dark yellow eyes.

Her upright posture and precise movements brought to mind a commander accustomed to directing subordinates. Her firm expression conveyed discipline and determination, setting her apart from her companions.

Her two daughters walked behind her. The elder was sixty years old but appeared to be twenty-five. She wore her navy-blue hair in a ponytail and surveyed her surroundings with attentive yellow eyes.

The younger girl was Gleir, a ten-year-old child. Her short, neatly arranged gray hair gave her a simple appearance among the adults accompanying her.

Although she was still too young to share the experience of the other members of the pack, her presence served a special purpose. Alongside Lamia and Evangel, Gleir would be part of the new generation of young people introduced to the world's most influential figures.

She still had many years before reaching maturity, but the celebration represented one of the first steps in her life within a society where strength and respect determined each individual's place.

Valentin and Lorfas approached to greet Warg, accompanied by their respective wives. Upon reaching the pack leader, both men bowed their heads slightly as a sign of respect.

“It's good to see you, Warg,” Valentin greeted him.

“How have you been?” Lorfas asked.

Warg studied them intently for a few moments, as though analyzing them. However, he soon raised his hands and grabbed them by the shoulders, letting out a hearty laugh.

“HAHAHAHA! You can drop the formalities with me! I'm not very good at manners.”

“It's protocol,” Valentin replied calmly.

“Is everything ready on your end?” Lorfas asked.

“Of course. Soon, we'll see what kind of claws my little girl has,” Warg replied before turning toward his family. “Gleir, come and introduce yourself!”

The little girl hesitated. Her older sister gently stroked her head and, taking her hand, led her forward until they stood beside their father.

Before Gleir could speak, her sister stepped forward and introduced herself confidently.

“It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Palux Ze’ev, Warg Ze’ev's third daughter and the daughter of the pack's leader. It's an honor to stand before you.”

“Likewise,” Valentin and Lorfas replied.

Gleir looked at her sister, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.

“My name is Gleir, daughter of Warg and Ragnus. I present myself before you today.”

Although her voice betrayed some nervousness, she managed to finish without backing down.

“Well done,” Palux praised her with a smile.

Gleir smiled, satisfied. To everyone else, it might have been nothing more than a brief introduction, but to her, it meant she had overcome a small challenge.

Seeing that she had become more relaxed, Lamia and Evangel approached the two sisters.

“Would you like to come and chat with us?” Lamia asked Gleir.

Evangel crossed her arms and added mysteriously,

“Just so you know, we have some very complicated topics to discuss.”

“Really?” Gleir asked, intrigued.

“Not really. We were just talking about what we're going to eat later,” Lamia clarified with a smile.

Evangel blushed at her cousin's remark, while Gleir giggled. The little girl then looked at her father, seeking permission.

Warg watched the scene with amusement.

“You can go. Have fun.”

With a smile, Gleir followed Lamia and Evangel to a small table set apart from the others, where they could talk more privately.

Warg watched them for a few seconds before turning his attention back to Valentin and Lorfas.

“Children grow up so fast, don't they?”

Meanwhile, Diana approached Palux.

“Your sister is very cute,” she commented.

“Thank you. Yours is, too,” Palux replied kindly.

Both smiled. As older sisters, they soon found other things in common and moved a little farther away to talk in peace.

Everything seemed to be proceeding calmly. The guests were beginning to gather in small groups, and conversations filled the room until another announcement interrupted the atmosphere.

“THE GUESTS FROM THE MUMMY KINGDOM HAVE ARRIVED! THEY ARE ABOUT TO ENTER!” the guardians announced.

The doors slowly opened, revealing the members of the royal mummy family.

Their brown skin, tinged with golden hues, contrasted with the white bandages covering their bodies. Gold-colored bandages were interwoven among them, distinguishing the royal family from the rest.

There were six adults and one child, accompanied by two imposing guardians: one with the head of a jackal and the other with the head of a vulture. Both walked alongside the family, alert to everything happening around them.

The men wore shendyt, short white linen kilts secured with golden belts decorated with the ankh symbol. Their bandaged torsos were covered by golden breastplates engraved with hieroglyphs, and they wore bracelets, necklaces, and headdresses featuring blue-and-gold stripes or ornamental cobras.

The women wore long dresses made from interwoven bandages and cloaks of semi-transparent white linen. Their outfits were completed by gold ornaments, chains, and jewelry adorning their necks and arms. Some wore diadems decorated with vultures and golden feathers, while others wore veils made of fine bandages that draped over their shoulders. Black eyeliner accentuated the intensity of their gazes.

Despite the richness of their clothing, attention centered on those leading the procession.

The first was Menes, a 250-year-old man who appeared to be thirty. His short, fiery-red hair contrasted with his piercing blue eyes. His firm bearing and calm expression conveyed the authority of a ruler accustomed to being respected.

Walking beside him was Tiye, his queen, who was 225 years old but also appeared to be thirty. Her straight hair reached her chest, framing her elegant features. Her blunt bangs accentuated her silver-gray eyes, while the golden ornaments on her headdress stood out against her dark bandages.

Together, they advanced with the dignity of those born to rule. They did not need to raise their voices to command attention.

Behind the royal couple walked their children, although one of them drew particular attention.

He was Tukax, a boy barely ten years old. His golden hair stood out among his family's bandages, while his sapphire-blue eyes shone with an unusual intensity.

Despite his young age, he walked alongside the other members of the delegation, ready to take part in the presentation.

That day, Tukax would be officially introduced alongside Lamia, Evangel, and the other young members of the great families.

This time, the pharaoh and his queen approached the other leaders, who had already gathered in the room.

Valentin and Lorfas bowed their heads slightly as a sign of respect. Warg, on the other hand, merely raised one hand in greeting, as though he were meeting old acquaintances rather than fellow rulers.

Menes and Tiye responded with a more solemn gesture, raising both hands before them with their palms extended toward the monarchs.

“How have you been?” Valentin asked.

“The journey was pleasant. It is a pleasure to see you again, my blue-blooded companions,” Menes replied with a courteous smile.

“Likewise,” Lorfas answered. “Although I can assure you that our blood is just as red as yours.”

“How modest of you, O great leader of House Dracus!” Tiye retorted with an elegant smile.

Before Lorfas could reply, Warg approached the group and joined the conversation.

“Still putting on airs of grandeur, Lord Bandages?”

Menes slowly turned his head toward him. His smile did not disappear, although his gaze grew colder.

“I am a pharaoh, not a lord, leader of the beasts.”

Warg burst out laughing, seemingly unconcerned by the response.

Those two had never managed to get along particularly well. Warg preferred to follow his instincts rather than etiquette, while Menes placed great importance on protocol and the respect owed to each title. A mere exchange of words was enough to set them provoking one another.

The pharaoh generally got along better with the vampires. They shared an affinity for traditions and ceremonies, although that did not prevent them from joking around from time to time.

“Gentlemen, I ask that you save your disputes for another time,” Danash intervened, attempting to regain the group's attention. “One of the stars of this evening has yet to be introduced to us.”

Tiye's eyes widened slightly, as though she had just remembered something important.

“What an oversight on my part! Where are my manners?” she exclaimed before turning toward her son. “Tukax, darling, come and introduce yourself.”

The little boy stepped forward confidently until he stood before the assembled guests. Despite his young age, he did not seem intimidated by the eyes resting upon him. He stopped beside his parents and raised both hands, palms extended toward the monarchs, imitating the greeting the pharaoh and queen had just performed.

“I am Tukax, son of Pharaoh Menes and Queen Tiye. I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

For a moment, the room fell silent. Then the guests began applauding, warmly welcoming the young prince's introduction.

Tukax bowed his head in gratitude before returning to his family.

It was not long before Lamia and the other youngsters approached him, driven by curiosity and a desire to get to know the prince better. The first questions and comments soon followed, and the conversation among the children began to grow livelier.

The evening had only just begun when another announcement echoed throughout the room. The next guests were about to arrive.

Chapter 3: The Guests (Part 3)

“THE MEMBERS OF THE WITCH COVEN AND THE ZOMBIE HORDE HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED!” the guardians announced.

The doors opened, and two groups entered the room.

The first consisted of four women, three men, and a ten-year-old girl, all belonging to the Witch Coven.

The women wore long black velvet dresses fitted at the torso, with flared sleeves. Some wore lace and wide-brimmed hats decorated with small silver jewels, giving them a dark yet elegant appearance.

The men wore high-collared shirts, dark frock coats reaching their knees, fitted trousers, and leather boots with silver buckles. Their pale faces and deep eye bags accentuated their unsettling appearance. Silver symbols adorned their chests, while spellbooks and, in some cases, curved daggers hung from their belts.

Behind them came the Zombie Horde, consisting of three undead men, three voodoo priestesses, and a colossal figure who stood out even among the others.

The zombies wore antique frock coats in various colors, embroidered waistcoats, and white shirts with ruffles. Their trousers ended below the knees, revealing white stockings and black shoes with large buckles. Although their outfits retained the elegance of another era, their decaying bodies and awkward movements betrayed the fact that they had been dead for a long time.

The three priestesses wore white skirts and lace-trimmed blouses. Their heads were covered by large turbans made of colorful fabrics, primarily red and yellow. Beaded necklaces, copper bracelets, and large rings completed their attire. Some carried bottles filled with strange liquids, ritual figurines, and candles.

However, the most remarkable member of the Horde was its leader.

He was a gigantic zombie who walked forward carrying a heavy metal coffin with astonishing ease. His imposing figure inspired both fear and curiosity, and the strange object he carried inevitably raised questions about what might be hidden inside.

Leading the Witch Coven was Amanda, its leader. Despite being 280 years old, she appeared to be around fifty. Her ash-colored hair framed an elegant face, while her mismatched eyes—one red and the other green—gave her a peculiar and unsettling gaze. Her presence conveyed understated elegance, as though she concealed secrets accumulated over centuries.

Beside her was Abigail, her 130-year-old daughter, who appeared to be barely twenty-five. She had bone-colored hair, shorter than her mother's, and wore glasses that framed her brown eyes. Her appearance was more discreet than Amanda's, but their family resemblance was unmistakable.

Walking beside her was Gregor, Abigail's fifty-year-old younger brother. He had short, dull yellow hair and green eyes reminiscent of his sister's. Unlike the two women, his appearance was more intimidating, especially because of the two axes strapped to his back.

Finally, there was Gal, a ten-year-old girl and one of the most anticipated figures of the evening. While the other members of the Coven seemed comfortable among the guests, she clung to her mother, nervous beneath so many watchful eyes.

As for the Zombie Horde, its leader was Etrix, the enormous creature who had entered carrying the metal coffin. Created two hundred years earlier, he possessed a massive body and intensely purple skin, resembling a bruise spread across his entire figure.

Walking beside him was Anax, the Horde's most prominent voodoo priestess. At forty years old, she was descended from those who had created Etrix and was now responsible for accompanying him. Her connection to the creature went beyond authority; it represented a family tradition that had endured for generations.

Once both groups had settled into place, Amanda and Anax stepped forward alongside Etrix to greet the other leaders.

The guests exchanged greetings, some bowing their heads while others offered more informal gestures.

Warg, however, wasted no time approaching the enormous zombie with a broad smile.

“How are you doing, you big undead brute?”

Etrix lowered his gaze toward him.

“Very well, you wild wolf.”

Without another word, the two embraced enthusiastically. The scene contrasted with the solemnity of the earlier introductions, making it clear that despite their differences, they shared a considerable fondness for one another.

“What have you got in that coffin, big guy?” Warg asked, eyeing the enormous metal object.

“It's our child, who will be introduced tonight… Although, now that I think about it, I should say he'll be born tonight,” Etrix replied.

Warg raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Why didn't you bring him back to life earlier?”

“Because he'll be Anax's masterpiece. It took us all this time to prepare him for today.”

Meanwhile, Gal timidly glanced toward the group of youngsters chatting nearby. Still holding on to her mother, she watched the other children for a few moments, seemingly gathering the courage to approach them.

Amanda gave her a small smile and gently stroked her head, encouraging her to take the first step.

The little witch took a deep breath, slowly released her mother's hand, and walked toward the group.

When she approached, Lamia and the other children turned to look at her, curious to meet the young member of the Coven.

Thus, while the leaders continued exchanging greetings and conversation, the next generation began getting to know one another.

Conversations continued throughout the room. The leaders of the different races exchanged words, while the youngsters took advantage of the opportunity to become better acquainted.

Then the guardians' voices rang out once more.

“ATTENTION! THE MEMBERS OF THE VON HARKER COUNCIL HAVE ARRIVED!”

The announcement was enough to interrupt several conversations.

The doors remained closed for a few seconds before finally beginning to open.

Four figures crossed the threshold: three adults and a child, accompanied by three bodyguards walking a few steps behind them.

Unlike the other families, the Von Harkers possessed no supernatural powers. They were human, but that did not mean they were harmless.

They wore long, dark leather coats, reinforced vests, combat trousers, and boots designed for difficult terrain. Their belts and straps held tools, ammunition, and other hunting equipment. They looked less like nobles attending a gathering and more like people accustomed to facing dangerous creatures.

The three bodyguards wore similar outfits, although their coats were simpler. They advanced at a cautious distance from one another, remaining alert to the movements of those around them.

Their arrival changed the atmosphere. The werewolves interrupted their conversations, several zombies turned their heads, and the mummies watched them with renewed interest. Even among the vampires, some guests followed their movements cautiously.

They did not need to threaten anyone. Their reputation spoke for itself.

For generations, the Von Harkers had studied monsters, their abilities, and their weaknesses. They understood the properties of silver, the preparation of poisons, alchemical formulas, and methods for containing creatures capable of killing a human with ease.

They were not invincible, but they rarely faced a threat without preparing for it first.

Leading the group was Julius Von Harker, the Council's third seat. At forty-three, he had neatly styled light brown hair and black eyes that examined the room with precision. His serious expression and straight posture gave the impression of a man who never overlooked a detail.

He wore a hunter's coat fitted with leather straps and equipped with several compartments. A silver crossbow rested on his back, its design incorporating mechanisms more complex than those of a conventional weapon.

Julius surveyed the room, identifying the principal leaders, possible exits, and the weapons carried by those present.

Walking beside him was Rose Von Harker, thirty-seven years old. Her blonde hair framed a delicate face, and her vivid pink eyes stood out beneath the room's lighting. Unlike Julius, she maintained a friendly expression and a warm smile.

She wore a hunter's coat, a reinforced vest, and tall boots. In her hands, she carried a halberd with a silver blade, its weight seemingly causing her no discomfort.

“Well, it looks like we've arrived just in time,” Rose commented, observing the guests.

Still smiling, she glanced at the doors, windows, and various groups gathered in the room.

Three groups capable of causing quite a bit of trouble if things go wrong, she thought as she looked at the werewolves, mummies, and zombies.

“Everything is peaceful,” Julius murmured.

“Of course, darling. I'm simply admiring the place.”

Julius did not respond. He knew his wife too well to believe she was merely admiring the decorations.

Walking between them was William Von Harker, a ten-year-old boy whose shiny black hair contrasted with his dark blue eyes. His face retained the innocence of childhood, and he observed the different races with genuine curiosity.

He wore a dark coat tailored to his size, with belts and small holsters for his tools. Two short swords were secured to his equipment.

William looked from side to side, trying to recognize the creatures he had read or heard about. To him, the gathering represented an extraordinary opportunity to meet beings he would otherwise have encountered only during a hunt.

The three stopped in the center of the room.

For a few moments, nobody spoke.

Then Valentin was the first to step forward.

“Welcome. It is a pleasure to receive the Von Harkers once again.”

Julius inclined his head slightly.

“The pleasure is ours, Valentin. We appreciate the invitation.”

Lorfas approached next and shook his hand.

“Julius. Rose. It's good to see you both doing well.”

“Likewise, Lorfas,” Rose replied with a smile. “Although I must admit that the last time we met, our conversation was considerably less elegant than this one.”

Lorfas let out a brief laugh.

“That depends on whom you ask.”

“HAHAHAHA!” Warg interrupted, approaching the group. “I hope you've come prepared to have some fun this time!”

Julius directed his dark eyes toward him.

“That depends on what you consider fun.”

“Eating, drinking, and telling stories! What else could it be?”

“In your case, probably knocking over a table,” Julius replied without changing his expression.

Warg opened his mouth before bursting into laughter so loud that several guests turned toward them.

“HAHAHAHA! I LIKE YOU, HUNTER!”

“It was an observation, not an invitation to do it again.”

“WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT!”

While the two exchanged remarks, Menes approached with Tiye. The pharaoh studied Julius for a few moments before turning his attention to the crossbow on his back.

“Julius Von Harker. I've heard about your family's weapon.”

“I hope the reports were favorable, Pharaoh.”

“Let's just say they're difficult to ignore.”

Julius met his gaze calmly.

“Weapons are tools. What matters is knowing when to use them and when to keep them sheathed.”

Menes offered a discreet smile.

“A prudent answer. Although I imagine your ancestors did not always have the luxury of choosing.”

“No hunter does.”

For a moment, the two observed each other in silence. There was no open hostility between them, but neither was there complete trust. It was a meeting between two figures who understood the value of power and knew it did not always manifest itself in the same way.

“I trust this evening will pass without incident,” Tiye remarked.

“That is our intention as well,” Rose replied pleasantly.

The queen nodded, satisfied with her answer.

However, the conversation nearly took a different turn when one of the zombies approached the newcomers a little too closely.

The undead creature had been standing near Etrix and appeared to be merely curious about William. Nevertheless, its decaying body and unnatural movements immediately caught the bodyguards' attention.

One of them instinctively moved a hand toward his equipment.

Julius noticed at once.

“Stand down,” he ordered quietly.

The bodyguard obeyed, while Warg stepped between the zombie and William. Etrix watched the situation carefully, but the undead creature stopped before anything escalated.

“Relax,” Etrix said in his deep voice. “He hasn't done anything.”

William, meanwhile, continued observing the zombie with curiosity rather than fear.

Julius signaled to his bodyguard to step back.

“My apologies. We're accustomed to paying attention to unexpected movements.”

“And we're accustomed to humans pointing weapons at us before we can finish saying hello,” Etrix replied.

Rose intervened before the exchange could become more tense.

“Then perhaps we both have habits we can improve tonight.”

Anax chuckled softly.

“A reasonable proposal.”

Warg looked from Julius to the enormous zombie.

“You heard them! No destroying the castle before the party even begins!”

“You should tell yourself that,” Menes remarked from behind them.

Several guests laughed, and even those who had watched the exchange cautiously began to relax.

The incident never developed into a dispute, but it reminded everyone that the Von Harkers were different from any other family.

They could not rely on supernatural abilities to defend themselves. They depended on their preparation, their weapons, and their ability to react before their adversaries did.

And apparently, they had no intention of abandoning those precautions, even during a celebration.

Once the greetings were over, Julius and Rose exchanged a few words with the other leaders. William, meanwhile, had begun looking toward the group of children, where Lamia was chatting with Evangel, Gleir, and Tukax.

Rose noticed his interest and smiled.

“Looks like someone has already found something more interesting than the adults' conversations.”

“Let him go,” Julius replied. “He's here to meet them.”

William looked up at his parents.

“Can I go over to them?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Rose answered. “But remember your manners.”

“Yes, Mom.”

The boy walked toward the group with a curious smile while the three bodyguards remained near his parents.

Lamia was the first to notice him approaching. She turned toward the new guest, intrigued.

“Hi! Are you going to introduce yourself today, too?”

William nodded.

“Yes. I'm William Von Harker. Nice to meet you.”

The children returned his greeting and almost immediately began asking questions about his family and where he came from.

William answered naturally, just as interested in getting to know them as they were in getting to know him. He did not seem concerned that they were vampires, werewolves, mummies, or witches. For the moment, they were simply other children his age.

A short distance away, Julius watched the scene in silence.

“Looks like he's having fun,” Rose commented.

“Looks like it.”

“You could smile a little. We're at a party, after all.”

“I am smiling.”

Rose glanced sideways at him.

“Then you'll have to practice.”

Julius sighed, although a faint smile eventually appeared on his face.

The Von Harkers' arrival had changed the atmosphere of the room. Their presence reminded everyone that beyond alliances and ceremonies, there were humans who understood monsters almost as well as the creatures understood themselves.

But as William chatted with the other youngsters, that tension began to fade.

At least for the moment, the hunter family had not come to fight a battle.

They had come to take part in the celebration.

The guests continued chatting animatedly. William had already joined the group of youngsters, while the leaders took advantage of the wait to exchange a few words.

Suddenly, the guardians raised their voices once again.

“ATTENTION! THE PATRIARCHS OF HOUSE DRACUS HAVE ARRIVED!”

The announcement immediately caught Lorfas's attention.

“Well, it seems they've finally decided to show up,” he muttered.

Natalia smiled.

“I told you. They always find a way to arrive at the last moment.”

Before Lorfas could respond, the enormous doors began to open.

Two figures crossed the threshold.

The first was an elderly-looking man with golden hair and red eyes. Despite the wrinkles on his face, he maintained a sturdy build. He wore an elegant dark suit decorated with golden details.

He was Vladir Dracus, 330 years old, father of Lorfas and Natalia, and Lamia's grandfather.

Walking beside him was Selene Dracus, the family's matriarch. Her white hair fell over her shoulders, and her golden eyes stood out against her mature features. She wore a dark dress decorated with golden embroidery.

At 425 years old, she was the oldest vampire in House Dracus.

Both advanced calmly, yet their arrival was enough to silence the conversations. Several guests bowed their heads, and even Warg regarded them with greater seriousness.

It was not merely a matter of age. Vladir possessed a creation ability far superior to his son's, capable of producing entire armies. Selene, on the other hand, could create things using light, an extraordinary ability among vampires.

They did not need to demonstrate their power. Their reputations spoke for themselves.

Lorfas approached to welcome them, followed by Natalia and the other members of the family.

“Father. Mother. I'm glad you finally arrived.”

Vladir regarded him sternly.

“Did you expect us to miss such an important family gathering?”

“No, but…”

“Then I see no reason for that expression.”

Natalia chuckled softly and hugged her mother.

“It's good to see you, Mom.”

Selene returned the embrace.

“And you, my daughter. How have you been?”

“Very well. Although I think you should ask Lorfas. He's been complaining about the time for quite a while.”

“Natalia!” her brother protested.

Vladir burst out laughing.

“I see some things never change.”

The joke brought smiles to several faces. After exchanging greetings with the other leaders, Vladir surveyed the room until his eyes settled on two small figures.

Lamia and Evangel.

His expression changed instantly.

“Where are my little girls?”

Lamia turned toward him.

“Grandpa!”

The little girl ran into his arms, and Vladir lifted her off the ground, holding her tightly against his chest.

“My little Lamia! Just look at you! You're getting bigger every time I see you!”

“Grandpa, you're squeezing me!”

“Nonsense! This is what a proper hug feels like!”

Before she could protest again, he began covering her cheeks with kisses.

“One kiss because I've missed you so much! Another because you're so beautiful! And another just because!”

“Grandpa, HAHAHA! Stop!”

Then Vladir remembered his other granddaughter.

“And you, Evangel! Come here to your grandpa!”

The little girl barely had time to react before he pulled her close and lifted her up, too.

“But, Grandpa…”

“No buts! I have to make up for all the hugs you owe me!”

Evangel received a shower of kisses just like her cousin.

“Grandpa, this is so embarrassing!” she protested, her cheeks burning.

Lamia laughed at her, although she wasn't spared another kiss on the forehead either.

A short distance away, Lorfas covered his face with one hand.

“Unbelievable. A moment ago, he looked ready to personally inspect everyone here, and now…”

“Leave him alone,” Natalia remarked, amused. “You know perfectly well how he gets when he sees his grandchildren.”

“That's true,” Franchesca added. “There's no stopping him.”

“I CAN HEAR YOU!” Vladir exclaimed.

“I don't doubt it, Father,” Lorfas replied.

“THEN COME AND GREET ME PROPERLY!”

“I'm over 140 years old, Father.”

“AND I'M 330! I CAN STILL HUG YOU WHENEVER I WANT!”

Laughter spread among the family members.

Meanwhile, Selene approached her granddaughters and opened her arms.

“Come here, my little ones.”

Lamia and Evangel ran toward her. The matriarch welcomed them with a warm embrace and kissed their foreheads.

“It's wonderful to see you both. I've missed you terribly.”

“We've missed you, too, Grandma,” Lamia replied, resting her head against her.

Evangel nodded and hugged her grandmother even tighter.

“Of course you have, darling. How could I not miss my granddaughters?” Selene answered with a smile.

Vladir wrapped his arms around both girls again.

“Now that's more like it! My whole family is here!”

“Grandpa, we can't breathe!” Lamia exclaimed between giggles.

“Don't exaggerate!”

Selene gently shook her head.

“Vladir, let them breathe. You'll have the entire evening to spoil them.”

The old man pretended to consider it.

“Very well. But only because you asked.”

Finally, he released the girls, who exchanged an amused glance. Around them, several guests smiled at the sight of the powerful patriarchs acting like affectionate grandparents.

For Lamia and Evangel, however, there was nothing unusual about it. Vladir wasn't the legendary creator capable of raising armies, nor was Selene the vampire whose ability defied the laws of her species.

They were simply their grandfather and grandmother.

All the guests had gathered, and conversations continued to fill the room. Suddenly, Vladir clapped his hands loudly, capturing everyone's attention.

“Very well! Now that everyone is here, it's time to get ready. The adults should proceed to their designated places, while the youngsters prepare for their introductions.”

“Understood!” several guests replied.

The adults began leaving through another door. Before departing, many approached their children to wish them luck, offer words of encouragement, or remind them to maintain their composure.

Two members of the Zombie Horde remained behind to position the enormous metal coffin in its designated place.

Meanwhile, Valentin and Natalia approached their daughter.

“Darling, don't worry. Everything will be fine,” Valentin assured her.

Lamia looked up at him. Although she was excited about the occasion, she did not seem intimidated.

“I'm not worried, Daddy. I'm going to make you proud!”

Natalia smiled tenderly.

“Of course you will, my princess.”

She hugged her daughter and kissed her forehead. Valentin then gently took Lamia's hand and placed a kiss upon it.

“We'll be waiting for you, little one.”

“I know!”

They gave her one last smile before heading toward the exit.

Lamia watched them until they disappeared through the door. Then she took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the other youngsters.

There were no adults left in the room. Only the young people who were about to introduce themselves before the most important figures of their respective peoples remained.

Some chatted animatedly to ease their nerves; others mentally rehearsed what they would say when they stepped forward. A few seemed completely confident, while others couldn't help glancing toward the door from time to time.

The minutes passed slowly.

Ten minutes later, a voice rang out through the speakers, announcing the beginning of the ceremony.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THE TIME HAS COME TO BEGIN THE CELEBRATION AND INTRODUCE THE YOUNGEST MEMBERS OF OUR GREAT FAMILIES!”

At the announcement, the children's conversations came to a halt.

The doors leading to the main hall began to open.

On the other side, a crowd of guests awaited them, ready to witness this special presentation.

Lamia exchanged one final glance with the other youngsters. Then they all began moving forward together, crossing the threshold with the confidence and determination of those prepared to demonstrate what they were capable of.

None of them imagined that, by passing through those doors, they were about to enter a situation that would change the course of the evening.

Because the celebration, which was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, was about to become something entirely different.

End of Chapter 3