Fear of the shadows

~Chapter 3~

Chapter 3: 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aegus Nestoris anxiously awaited the arrival of Ingressus Voltaris, the vampire king of Ardonia. Deep in his heart, he harbored a fear of what this visit might entail, fearing the potential repercussions for his family. Moments later, the heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of Ingressus, flanked by Tygren, his loyal and sadistic guard.

Aegus bowed with genuine reverence, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. "My lord, it is an honor to have you in our humble abode," he greeted, offering a slight tremor in his voice.

Ingressus's eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and dominance as he took in the sight of Aegus. His gaze shifted towards the blood sacrifice Aegus had prepared, a pure white rabbit on a silver platter. "Ah, Aegus. You always know how to make my visits more enjoyable," he remarked with chilling sarcasm.

Accepting the offering, Ingressus sank his teeth into the rabbit's neck, savoring the taste of its life force. The crimson liquid dripped down his chin as he enjoyed the sustenance, a cruel smile playing at his lips. Tygren, ever the sadistic companion, witnessed this act with a twisted fascination.

With the taste of blood still lingering on his tongue, Ingressus finally took a seat, motioning for Aegus to join him. "Aegus, my old friend. I was browsing through the files earlier, and I couldn't help but notice something peculiar about your daughter, Addison," Ingressus began, his voice dripping with wicked curiosity.

Aegus's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with fear. "What... what did you find, my lord?" he stammered.

"There was nothing beyond her name, Aegus. No background, no information," Ingressus taunted, leaning back in his ornate chair. "It seems to me that she should have been sold long ago, like all the other children of this land."

A mixture of panic and desperation swirled within Aegus. He had done his best to keep Addison hidden, erasing any trace of her identity from the files. But now, their secret was in jeopardy, and Aegus's fears were coming true.

"Please, my lord, you must understand..." Aegus pleaded, his eyes desperately seeking Ingressus's mercy.

Just then, the sound of Addy's footsteps echoed through the hallway. Tygren had escorted her back from her brief moment of peace. As she entered the room, her eyes widened in shock and fear, meeting Ingressus's piercing gaze.

Ingressus rose from his seat, a predator assessing its prey. "Ah, little Addison. It seems you've escaped the auction block for far too long. I think it's time we rectify that," he sneered.

Tygren, relishing the torment he could inflict upon the young woman, stepped forward. His shadow loomed over Addy, a chilling presence that sent shivers down her spine. Fear gripped her heart, but she refused to cower.

Aegus, torn between his love for his daughter and his fear of Ingressus, tried one last appeal. "My lord, she is my daughter, my blood. Please, spare her from this fate!" he begged, his voice trembling with emotion.

Ingressus studied Addy for a moment, his eyes cold and calculating. Slowly, he approached her, his presence suffocating. He circled her like a predator, inspecting her like a prized possession.

Finally, Ingressus stood still, his eyes locking with Addy's. "She will be fit for the auction. But fear not, Aegus, you will have a say in the matter. Choose the date, and I shall grant your wish," he stated, surprising Aegus with his sudden willingness.

As Ingressus made his exit, leaving Aegus alone with his daughter, Aegus felt a creeping dread wash over him. The power he had once held as the Nestoris Master had been replaced with fear and submission. The future seemed bleak, and the safety of his family lay in the hands of a merciless king.

With a heavy heart, Aegus turned to Addy, his eyes filled with sadness. "We must prepare for the auction, my daughter. But never lose hope. There is strength in love, even in the face of darkness," he whispered, fighting back tears.

Addy nodded, her determination burning brighter than ever before. They would face whatever fate awaited them, united as a family, even against the unfathomable power of the Voltaris. In her heart, she clung to the hope that love would be their ultimate salvation.