Army of the Damned

VOLUME 6 Chapter 1

Standing tall within a sea of meadows, Alana is in the Capital of Rose Cramoisie, Ville De La Nuit. Its vast amount of cement buildings with glass windows and cobblestone roads lined perfectly with not an inch misaligned. Vampires numbering in the hundreds of thousands waved yellow handkerchiefs as the Diplomats of the other world arrived in open top wagons. All except for one.

Riding in the red coach of the Minuit Family. The Blood Rose with its thorny roots on its doors. Gold lines its edges and the spoke rims stylized to look like petals rode with its curtains closed. "Good to see the Capital has grown, although that border wall is eternally ugly." Alana kept her eyes on the window, watching as she once again found herself in a familiar place. "Forgive, His Majesty. He wanted fewer Vampires to be guarding the border."

"It's so misplaced. Such greenery then those ivory walls. That Monkey is still giving me headaches after my death." as they enter the porcelain fence where Manor's plotted out the blocks of streets. The people didn't seem to really be different, still beautiful, dignified, and confident except the clothes they donned had more frills and lace to it. Some have double undergarments with embroidery on the surface to really show off their wealth.

Turning into the castle. Its thick walls protected a mansion within, as it stood at nearly five floors high with battlements surrounding it. The front lawn was strewn with High Society as her return was met with a crowd of Nobles all pleased by her safe return as familiar faces were also there at the purple carpet's edge. "EH?! M-Mother?! F-Father?!"

Proudly donning a large crimson overcoat with golden embroidery on it. A tall sallow skinned Noble Vampire turned his head to the Family Coach as it stopped in front of him. Holding his wife's hand, her white frilly gown shone like a star in the morning as the Royal Knight opened the door. "My daughter!" the Vampire leaned backward as Alana threw herself at him. "Father!"

As the two hugged, she then went for her mother who folded her fan and embraced her. "Ah, my daughter. Do you know how worried we were when we heard the news?! Is it true?" Alana interlaced her hands together in front of her and lowered her head. "Y-yes. I apologize for bringing shame to our name." Her father just stood there for a moment. Swiping his shoulder cape to his back. "Has... he treated you badly? Do you want us to do anything? We can easily break that ancient contract."

"N-No! Father. He... he has been kind even." Her eyes averted her father's bright yellow glare as she settled for the carpet to take her vision. "He hasn't even touched me. He... has been very respectful and lovely." Her parents then turned to each other before hugging their daughter warmly together. "May I... go home? I do not think that I could stand in front of everyone."

"Please, Alana. Me and your mother will always be here for you. Go. We'll cover for you. Do not be afraid of the Council or the Houses." With a grin on her father, the Countess bowed to the both of them as the Minuit Coach as it raced away to the parking lot. "Come, my daughter. Your father and I will protect you as we did when you were a wee Bloodsucking beauty."

Breathing in. Alana's soft and usually expressive face changed as she now held a stoic expression on her with a light smile as she walked with her parents and went into the double doors of the ornate mansion. Everyone bowed in respect to the extravagant and lavish Family as they went through the many hallways and lobbies with its flowery etchings of the main castle as if it was their backyard. Even the roof tiles were of blooming roses as gilded pillars reminded the people of the thorns on their flag.

On its inner courtyard, where the flowers bloomed softly and the trees color turning brown, yellow, and red. Everyone was collected and one by one, called to the House Of Lords Room where after a grueling two hours of talking and speaking did she find herself finally free.