Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 537: The Promised Land

Chapter 537: The Promised Land

"I must say that I am quite impressed."

It was at the center of a square, a familiar one that had seen its inhabitants slaughtered wantonly by a certain Daemon.

"I had my doubts that you would be able to capture the target before year’s end but it would seem I was wrong."

Though the blood had long since dried up and the bodies were properly buried by Natasha and her group, the scent of death still lingered along with the familiar taste of regret.

"However it seems the werewolf is rather impure. Even from a distance, I can already perceive the scent of those arrogant bloodsuckers."

An illusory green veil had manifested during the first Long Night, causing ghostly figures to appear in the town streets, moving about just as they had done when they were alive.

"This might end up causing troubles when the ritual begins."

The one speaking was not physically present, with her voice instead being projected from an orb held by a beautiful brown with dark hair and incredible features, dressed in a dark saree.

"Don’t worry, it won’t change anything. I have my ways of dealing with the vampiric impurities."

"A way that would preserve his identity as an Alpha?... You realize that his identity is the most important."

"I said, do not worry."

Behind, Douglas, though without restraints, could do nothing but watch Sayda communicate with the voice in the orb, listening to them speak about him like some commodity.

"Fine then, since you sound so sure then there is no reason for me to question you. Do you plan on waiting for Astra to end before making the return trip back?"

"No, there’s no need for that. The faster I get back, the quicker we can get this over with."

"The Azure Seas during Astra should not be looked down upon."

"I will manage."

"Fine then, but understand that the wolf is as important as you. Ensure nothing happens to him."

"Instead of worrying about such things, you should consider completing the ritual proceedings before I return."

"Don’t worry, Zara and I are almost done. By the time you arrive, everything would be ready."

"Good, now leave, your presence annoys me."

With that, the orb dimmed, marking the departure of the voice Sayda was communicating with.

Sayda got to her feet, a tired sigh escaping her lips as she walked past Douglas.

"Come, we have a long journey ahead of us."

Against his will, his body arose and like a loyal dog, followed closely behind.

The ghostly figures continued their lonely vigil long after their exit.

***

A great stele was erected in the Eastern Highlands at World’s End.

Forged from volcanic rock, it carried the names of all those that had perished.

Of course, it couldn’t take all names so only those that were remembered had their names inscribed.

Alex focused on the name at the top of the steel, Emily Regulus.

If not for her sacrifice, the world would have seen the birth of an abomination beyond human understanding.

Apart from Alex, the Family Heads, as well as Alejandro, stood silently, taking several minutes of silence to honor the dead.

Ulysses sat at a corner, unwilling to partake in the proceedings as he blamed himself for what had happened.

If only he hadn’t accepted the Lord of Flesh and Blood, perhaps, the situation wouldn’t have spiraled to such an extent.

But regret was just that, regret.

It would never change what had already been done, no matter how much one considered the what-ifs.

And so, minutes passed in silence until it was broken by the entrance of the Monarchs.

Vorigan took the lead, landing several meters away from the gathering.

"It would seem the matter has finally been resolved." He intoned, keeping up a certain level of decorum.

Aiden replied. "Indeed."

"Now it remains what comes next."

"What do you mean?"

"The only reason we stopped fighting each other was because of the Abyss. Now that the Abyss is gone, what next?"

Godric snorted. "I don’t even know why I’m surprised. Just stop with the useless words and come at me; we may be weakened, but don’t think we would fall to fools like you."

Gregory attempted to step forward, prepared to accept Godric’s challenge only for Vorigan to stop his advance.

"We are not here to fight, neither are we here to take advantage of your weaknesses. We are Vampires, not Hyenas."

"Then speak clearly." Lionel chided. "What do you wish to accomplish?"

"We would like an audience with the Dark Lord." Maxius was the one to speak up, beating Vorigan to it.

Alex glanced at them. "What do you want?"

"We ask for only one thing, the Promised Land."

"I cannot give you what you seek."

"No, you can, in fact, you already have," Vorigan remarked. "The darkness currently permeating the Eastern Highlands is unlike anything we have ever managed to conjure in our bid to turn this place into our home. In truth, we have stayed underground for far too long. We wish to live underneath the sky."

Alex looked around, noting the darkness that persisted as far as the eyes could see.

It was unlike Obadiah’s which had a corrosive intent to it or Nyx’s which sought to return all things to origin.

Instead, it was calm, almost serene, seemingly borrowing some aspects of the Night to reach a delicate equilibrium.

Alex had a feeling that even if the Lightbringer were to open its gates at the end of Astra, the darkness would remain, keeping its golden rays at bay which would allow the Vampires to live in the open without fear of daylight.

"So this is sufficient?" Alex asked after a bit of silence.

Vorigan nodded. "It is, very much so."

It was naturally not intended but since it had helped, Alex saw no reason to worry too much, at least, until he felt something welling up within.

His clone had already granted him a portion of the key needed for the 3rd Lock, Shepherd, having helped the survivors of Parafall find a new home.

Now, with the unintended act of helping the Vampires find a new home, he had regained the full key, allowing him to unlock the 3rd Lock completely once again.

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