Chapter 42

From Rotorua to Otago, it seems increasingly tense with the increasing number of deaths due to vampires' actions. The blood moon appeared to open a hot war between clans, including pure humans. Those who were frightened chose to take refuge in churches armed with holy water and stakes, which were believed to be able to kill vampires. Police and military personnel were deployed along with tanks to guard every area where headless bodies or bodies with bites on the neck were often found.

Without fear, Matthias walks in a British colonial-style suit just as he is last killed by the werewolves and other clans who oppose him. A line of fully armed officers in bulletproof vests cocked long-barreled weapons to shoot the vampire. Matthias laughed out loud as the hot bullet penetrated his body and came out of its own accord as if his pale body had repelled it easily.

His body fell when the bullet managed to wound Matthias' head. Black blood dripped from his forehead down his nose to the corners of his mouth. Matthias licked his blood as he got up to face the bullet that had shot out of his head.

"That bullet won't kill me, sir," whispered Matthias with a fiery glint in his eyes.

The humans, who claimed to be city security officers, gasped in shock. The barrage of attacks directed at the Victorian man did nothing to succeed. In the next second, Blake, Cassandra, Zoe, and the servants attacked him from behind and then finished him off until there was nothing left. They tore at the bodies like greedy animals that never found a spring. Matthias received one of the dying humans offered by Zoe as a form of respect for the Grim Ripper.

Without waiting long, Matthias tore the defenseless human's neck, draining all the blood dry. His red irises darkened even more, absorbing the delicious taste of blood on his tongue. "You have learned a lot," Matthias said happily.

“It's because of you, my lord,” said Zoe.

Blake came over, licking her bloodied hands. "We are like this because you were able to show them that we are the strongest clan, Father."

"Including killing your cousin and uncle?"

"They deserve it," Blake said, grinning proudly.

"Liam?" said Cassandra.

“What do you expect from him?” Zoe taunted.

“Vampires like him aren't worthy of having allies,” Blake chimed in. “I'm glad I finally got to kill his family.”

Matthias' irises lit up as air filled his lungs. The man's thoughts were connected again to Federica, who was still at Blue Lake. From here, he could feel that the forest guards were fighting the werewolves. Even though Matthias's body was not in Blue Lake, his sharp nose could smell the amount of blood that pooled in the sacred place. His thin lips curled into a faint smile; he couldn't wait to turn the area into a mass grave.

“Oh, My boy, don't say things like that,” said Matthias. “That's why we can be like this, right? Let's pick up your favorite cousin, Son.”

####

Slowly but surely, Liam opened his eyes, which felt heavy. A beam of white light entered the pupil, making the man squint and hiss in heat. His skin felt sore, as if it had been sprinkled with salt. He thought the vervain fluid was still faithfully circulating in all his blood vessels. He tried consciously to escape, but Liam's strength seemed gone.

The white light died and was replaced by the figure of Aaron sitting opposite him. The man's expression still implied anger even though his lips did not utter sarcastic words. With a gasp, Liam said,

"You are wrong."

Aaron furrowed his eyebrows. “Wrong? It should be you Liam; why did you lie to us? You made me feel like I was licking dirt, Liam.”

The man shook his head slowly and turned away because he realized Gessy was standing behind him with a silver dagger. Casually, Gessy stabbed Liam straight in the heart, making him scream. The beads of sweat dripping down his forehead became more and more profuse.

Liam looked at Aaron sharply through the pain he was suffering from until his veins were visible. His breath hitched as if the knife was slicing through layer after layer of his skin. Gessy forcefully pulled out her dagger, and Liam screamed again, begging for mercy.

"You don't know, Uncle!" Liam groaned in pain. "My father and Laura are dead. Blake planned all this; if not—"

"Why didn't you tell us?" said Gessy while slashing Liam's arm.

"Stop!" Liam shouted. "Because they were going to kill my family! After I got Fed's blood, Blake and Zoe still killed my family."

Before Aaron could continue his sentence, he heard the sound of a glass window shattering, making him get up and get into a stance. From the scent, he knew that Grim Ripper was outside with his pack. Meanwhile, Liam begs to be let go and promises to help fight Matthias. Gessy ignored it because she feared Liam would betray her again, while Aaron looked hesitant. He thought that it was impossible to fight the enemy alone.

“Who are they looking for? Liam?” Gessy whispered.

“I don't know, G,” Aaron answered. "You wait here; I'll go stop them."

Unfortunately, the basement door was thrown open before Aaron attacked, and a tall, sturdy figure appeared carrying two heads. The left side of William's head while the right side of the wolf's head was still bleeding.

"You are my nephew here," said Matthias, smiling broadly.