The Vampire's Hatred

CHAPTER 2

THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW

After a few rotations of the earth, the population is gradually succumbing to starvation, their vigor waning. The work of the vampires across the kingdom is starting to slow, exacerbated by the diminishing availability of food, which further saps everyone's strength. Queen Valeria, seated on her throne, rubbed her forehead in distress.

She keeps on taking a breath thinking what would the best she can do. She tap her fingers of her throne chair and looked straight to the servant.

"Is there still no word on the cause of this? I need a result as soon as possible." she asked, hopeful that identifying the underlying issue could lead to a resolution.

A servant, just back from gathering information, shook his head. "The area appears untouched. No signs of sabotage were found," he reported. The Queen let out a sigh. Suddenly, remembering something.

"Continue the search,” she instructed. "I've already ordered others to seek out additional animal sources until we find a solution." The servant nodded and departed.

Next, she summoned the root shadow, which approached silently, showing its respect.

"What have you observed?"

"Your sibling is exhibiting strange behaviors," it noted. "He is unusually secretive and cautious." The Queen frowned at this news. Wondering what would be the reason. "Cautious? Is this new for him? How cautious?" The root shadow nodded.

"In recent days, dear queen, his behavior has been abnormal. We must tread carefully, it seems he is aware of being watched." Valeria clenched her fist in response. She didn't answer for a short time. Shy tried to calm her self first.

"Keep watching him but maintain discretion, it's a big problem if you get caught watching him." she commanded. The root shadow bowed respectfully before leaving.

Soon, two elders arrived. "It seems you have important news for me," the Queen said, taking note of their serious demeanor.

"We wish to discuss the past," one elder began. The Queen straightened, urging them to continue.

"Have we not experienced a situation like this before? You were still unmarried back then." The Queen reflected, recalling events from over a century ago, a significant time in vampire lore. "I remember. What point are you making?" The Queen hint an idea of what the elders talking about.

The elders exchanged looks before one spoke again. "What if we sought the people's assistance once more? Did we not do so in your father's reign? Maybe we can do it again. In this kind of situation, we might not have any choice but to seek help for mortals." The Queen paused, closing her eyes.

"That cannot be. If someone sacrifices their life to defend us, I cannot bear that again. A human is not like us who have powers to protect us. There's no more human blood is needed to save us." Rising, she approached the window, gazing out at the surroundings.

So much time had passed, yet the memories haunted her. She was determined not to relive that suffering, not wishing for anyone to again have to lay down their lives for a kingdom distant from their everyday struggles. She don't want to have that bond with humans again that will hurt both sides.

"But what if we offered tributes? Gold and silver? Or something bigger than that, maybe we can actually find a way," she suggested reluctantly. The Queen sighed, looking upwards.

"Such matters occurred long ago. The people have likely forgotten our reality and now fear us. For sure we remain just a fantasy story for them. We should not cross in their lives again." Closing her eyes again, she turned to the elders. "We must explore other options. Should we find no alternative, we may need to appeal to the populace." In Queen Valeria's mind, desperation loomed if the situation continued to deteriorate. She don't have any choice, the kingdom was still entrusted to her, and she couldn't let down those who trusted her

Once the elders departed, she noticed her child leaning against a wall nearby. As usual, Primo is still really quiet while observing.

"Have you been there long?" she inquired.

"Yes, Mother," he replied. The Queen sighed again, "Prepare yourself. You will soon return to the worl—" she stopped speaking when her son signaled her that someone was approaching.

She was interrupted as her brother Vadenote approached, his arrogant smirk evident. "Why is there still no decisive action from you? Why not let everyone follow their own desires?" Irritation surged within Queen Valeria.

"Perhaps you’ve forgotten that I am still the Queen of this kingdom," she retorted. Vadenote paused, then laughed mockingly, bowing exaggeratedly in mock respect.

"I still can’t understand why you refuse a simple solution. Will you really allow our kingdom to be taken? What can the past leaders say about what is currently happening?" Valeria maintained her composure, firmly staring at her brother.

"I will not allow selfish desires to dictate our actions," she declared. Vadenote’s smile faded.

"And we won’t face conquest if no rumors about our plight gain traction; this could all be resolved if there’s been ill intent." Valeria’s gaze sharpened. A moment of silence lingered between the two of them.

With a final cocky grin, Vadenote departed, leaving her with clenched fists.

"We will tour the palace, son."

As they stepped out, the pervasive darkness surrounding them was palpable, the vampires seemed to be losing their vitality, moving with a lethargy borne from hunger and thirst for blood.

As they walked, vampires bowed their heads in fear as they passed by.

"Their fear of you seems unwavering, Primo," she observed. Primo remained silent, unable to escape the truth of his nature, fueled by a deep resentment tied to his upbringing.

"You must learn to control your power," she warned. He looked confused, uncertain of what she meant, and it bothered him—the darkness within him felt ever more consuming. He still cannot understand what that power is, but it brings him great darkness.

"I detest this power." In the kingdom, only Primo possessed the ability to kill vampires, making him a fearsome figure often referred to as the death ruler. His dark aura left no room for mercy.

"I need you to monitor your uncle closely. Prepare for what may come." The Queen believes that only Primo can face her uncle Vadenote.

They headed to the guards’ quarters. Upon entering, they were greeted by a visibly weak guard—an indication of their burden.

"Come closer; I will grant you some strength." The guards bowed respectfully, though some hesitated.

"We appreciate your concern, dear Queen, but we don’t wish to drain your strength for our sake. If we fall, who will stand against them?" They are worried that other kingdoms might suddenly attack. The Queen, who held the rare ability to share power with vampires, felt the weight of their roles.

"I can only offer a small amount," she assured them. "Each of you is vital to the kingdom’s order; you are our eyes and protectors."

They nearly declined, but when they caught sight of Primo, they bowed their heads in submission. "Y-Yes, dear Queen."

Valeria began to transfer her strength to them, and gradually, life returned to their forms.

"I have only provided a little. Do not overexert yourselves. We will handle our rounds for the remaining guards." They expressed their gratitude before departing.

Afterward, Primo and Wueen Valeria flew to another area of the kingdom, where weak guards continued their vigilant watch, despite the oppressive darkness and lack of blood that drained them.

"Come here, I will give you a bit of strength," Queen Valeria instructed. The guards fell silent and obediently approached, avoiding Primo's gaze.

"Thank you, dear Queen. Please do not feel compelled to share your strength with everyone," they cautioned.

"If it becomes necessary, I will," Valeria replied. "For now, minimize the use of power. Where are the other guards stationed?"

"On the western side of the kingdom, dear Queen," they informed her before departing as well.

When the Queen finished sharing her power, she felt near exhaustion. Primo looked at her with concern, "Mom, you should rest."

She approached one of the guards and whispered to him. “Tell me if you happen to see my Brother. Tell me immediately.” The guard nodded.

Valeria held her forehead, "One more task awaits, we must survey the kingdom from above." Primo sighed, helping his mother to fly. She smiled, grateful for his support.

Upon reaching an elevated spot to view the kingdom, the Queen could only gasp in dismay. Her entire being felt heavy under the weight of the darkness that had spread.

As they surveyed the scene, the stark reality of the kingdom's bleakness became clear. Energy had long been sapped, and dark winds swirled ominously, threatening the very livelihoods of all.

The vampires could be seen performing their duties, yet they were merely shadows of their former selves. The Queen knows that if this will continue, their kingdom will be in danger.

The Queen felt despondent as she pondered the implications if neighboring kingdoms discovered their plight.

"W-Why did things deteriorate so swiftly? Why has it grown so dark?"