Chapter 123

Chapter 123


Lord Vienzara chuckled. “Is this some kind of joke? Do you even know who you’re going up against, Brixton Wenz Cardinal?”

“One of The Cloaks was once a Vienzara,” Brix said as he stepped closer. “If anyone here can help me, it’s you, Lord Vienzara. You have direct ties to them.”

“No. I can’t help you with this.”

“Then spill the details,” Lady Vienzara interjected, stepping forward. “Tell us about this new rule.”

Brix smiled. “Gladly, Lady Vienzara.”

“Yngritt!” Lord Vienzara warned his daughter.

She didn’t even glance at him.

“So... each family will be granted one child,” Brix continued. “Sounds simple—but it’s far from it. That child will be trained to fight, survive, and endure everything alone. We don’t need weak vampires. We need the strongest. When the time comes, that child will face a trial by combat to prove their worth. And in this trial, there are only two possible outcomes: to live forever or die in the process. It will all take place… in this kingdom.”

I didn’t even realize I was already crying.

“This will mark the next generation of vampires,” Brix declared.

“I can’t support this,” Lord Vienzara said. “You’re tampering with one of our most sacred laws. Even speaking of it is forbidden.”

“But S is speaking for the future,” Lady Vienzara countered. “Father, you told me to stand for what I believe in. This… is my first step. I want to be part of it.”

“Yngritt! You’re declaring war against our ancestors!”

Lady Vienzara drew her sword. “Then I’ll fight—as a Vienzara or as a rebel. Father, I believe in the next generation. I want to see it rise.”

“You can’t win against them…”

“Trust me, Milord,” Brix stepped forward. “Put your trust in me. I won’t let your daughter down.”

“Father…” Lady Vienzara’s voice shook. “I can’t suppress what I feel anymore. I want to see what lies ahead. You know I can’t rule forever—I have plans…”

Lord Vienzara couldn’t say a word.

“I’m sorry, Father… but please, let me be part of this.”

Lord Vienzara slowly nodded. “I can’t let you fight alone, Milady.”

Lady Vienzara smiled at her father’s words.

Lord Vienzara unsheathed his sword.

“For the future… the Vienzaras are with you, S.”

“I disagree!” Lord Bardos of the Barbarian Clan finally stood. “I refuse to let my clan be dragged into this madness. You’re all going to lose!”

“If I were you, I’d reconsider,” Lord Oscar stepped in. “You need this kingdom, Milord.”

“What are you talking about, Lord Oscar?”

“Redeem your loyalty…”

“What loyalty?”

“To your alliance with Nightfall.”

Lord Bardos laughed bitterly. “We’ve been Nightfall’s oldest allies. Our loyalty has long been proven. If the late Lord Severo were still alive, he’d smack you for doubting me.”

“I’m not accusing you, Milord. My father treated you like a brother. He stood by the Barbarian Clan when it was nothing but dust. And what did you give in return? Do I need to list it out?”

“That’s how this world works, Lord Oscar.”

“Then redeem your loyalty—or give up your position.”

“No—you can’t do this—”

“Have you forgotten your roots, Lord Bardos? Without Nightfall, there would be no Barbarian Clan. You owe us everything.”

Lord Bardos sighed deeply. “I haven’t forgotten what your father did for us. I know what I owe him.”

“Then do one last thing for him—help us win this war.”

I turned to Brix. He was already watching his brother.

A bittersweet look crossed his face. Lord Oscar was standing by his side.

“I will stake everything I have,” Oscar declared. “My rank, my clan—everything. Esteemed leaders… I beg of you… help us.” He bowed.

“Lord Oscar!” Lady Grenda warned.

“You don’t need to—”

“No,” Oscar said, facing Brix. “I’m sorry for everything, Brix. You’ve suffered so much, yet you’re still fighting for what’s right. Accept my help as an apology—from the Nightfall Clan, and from my father, the late Lord Severo.” He drew his sword. “Let me fight beside you.”

Brix nodded. “I appreciate it.”

“Fine!” Lord Sentero sighed. “You’ve already won over the strongest clans—so you’ll have the Sentero Clan’s support as well.”

“To the second generation!” Lord Omino raised his sword—and the rest followed.

“This is insane…” Erikson mumbled, scanning the cheering crowd.

The noise was deafening. Voices roared in unity.

“Magda and her son will be saved…” Nigel whispered. “We have to win.”

Finally… everyone stood united.

Except one.

The Phoenix Clan.

“You’ve all lost your minds!” Lady Grenda shouted. “You will never succeed in changing the law. You’re dragging all of us down! Even if you stand united, you’re no match for even one of them!”

“Mother… help us,” Oscar said. “We need the Phoenix Clan.”

“No. I’m leaving tonight—with my clan.” She turned to Lady Nath, who had been silent until now. “Come with me, Nath. Join us in the Phoenix Clan. You’ll be safe there.”

But Lady Nath walked toward Brix.

Then she slapped him.

“I-I won’t forgive you if anything happens to you or to Oscar,” she said, tears glistening in her eyes. “So do anything—everything—to win. You started this. They’ll come for you first.”

“I will win…”

“You better.”

“Come now, Nathalia,” Lady Grenda urged. “Let’s leave this place full of ignorant vampires who never learn.”

“But… I can’t just leave my brothers behind…”

“Nathalia!”

“I may not have a clan of my own… but I want to help them.”

“No. No, my baby…” Lady Grenda clutched her daughter’s hand, trying to pull her back. “Please, don’t do this. Don’t join your deranged brothers.”

Lady Nath gently removed her mother’s grip. Lady Grenda collapsed onto the floor, devastated.

“Please escort my mother to her room,” Lord Oscar ordered.

“No!” Lady Grenda stood up by herself, wiping her tears harshly. She turned to Brix. “You did it again, Brixton. You’ve taken away my joy.”

“No, Mom. This is my choice—”

“Stop it, Oscar! I’ll never forgive you, Brixton!”

“Stop now, Mom—”

“I’ll make sure your plans fail,” Lady Grenda hissed, smiling coldly. “I’ll return every ounce of pain you’ve given me. I’ll make you feel every piece of resentment.”

She turned her back and left with her guards.

Brix stood frozen. His fists clenched tightly as he watched her go.

Despite how long he treated Lady Grenda like a mother, he was now forced to face the truth—that it had all been a lie.

“I’ll need your blood united,” said Elder Entiango. “When they sense your unity… they’ll awaken. And they’ll do everything to break you apart.”

I turned to Brix—and caught him already looking at me.

I looked down.

“They’re coming soon,” Elder Entiango warned.

I turned and walked away.

My tears had dried.

This was his plan all along. To change the rules.

And now that I understand… everything makes sense.

Every conversation. Every night. The way he asked me to trust him. His desperate voice. How he laid out his plan like his life depended on it.

Now, I get it.

I didn’t know where to go, so I returned to Brix’s room. I sat on the edge of his bed, hugging my knees. My body still felt weak.

I lay down, hugging one of his pillows. I buried my face in it and inhaled the scent he left behind.

I didn’t even notice I was crying again.

He knew all along.

I must’ve fallen asleep, because I only woke when the door opened.

Brix came in, and I quickly sat up.

I turned to the window.

It was already night.

I cleared my throat and brushed my hair aside. “Sorry… I fell asleep here.”

He said nothing.

I walked past him and out of the room.

But I hadn’t gotten far when I heard his voice behind me.

“I miss Servena…”

I drew a deep breath and turned. “Ah. Right. I brought her here. Let me ask the guards—”

“I know where she is,” he said, walking toward me. “What I meant was… I miss riding her—with you.”

I slowly nodded.

My eyes dropped to his hand as he reached for mine.

Then I looked up at him.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all…” I smiled softly.

I let him guide me. We walked in silence until we reached the stables where Servena waited.

Brix mounted first and offered his hand.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his back.

The wind kissed my face as we rode.

“That’s nice…” I whispered, breaking the silence.

He laughed.

“It’s crazy—but nice,” I added. “How you stood in front of everyone to say something so absurd… Only you could pull that off.”

He took my hand and gently pulled me closer, speeding up just a little.

“Remember our first ride together?” he asked.

“Vividly…” I felt tears threaten again. “Every single detail.”

“What a time…”

“Let’s do this often—after the war,” I said. “Just ride. Go somewhere we’re not allowed to.”

“Sure.”

“She’d be happy to see you…”

That shut him up.

Tears rolled down my cheeks.

It felt so good.

“Whenever I look at her… I see you. Every time I hug her… it feels like I’m hugging you too,” my voice cracked. “S-She’s so beautiful…”

“Of course she is. Damn. She’s my princess, after all.”