Lovers Of The Night

9: The Duel

Chapter 9: The Duel

The tension in the garden was palpable as Vlad's challenge echoed in the air. "Fight me, Tom. Let's see if your love for this human has made you weak."

Tom's gaze hardened, his grip tightening around Odette's hand. "I'm not weak, Vlad. And I'll prove it."

With that, he gently pushed Odette towards Bill. "Take her to my room, Bill. Keep her safe."

Bill nodded, his gaze filled with worry. "Be careful, Tom."

Tom gave him a reassuring nod before turning to face Vlad. "Let's do this, Vlad."

As Tom and Vlad began their duel, Bill led Odette back to the mansion. They hurried through the grand hallways, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

Once they reached Tom's room, Bill turned to Odette. "Stay here, Odette. You'll be safe."

Odette nodded, her eyes filled with fear. "Please, Bill... make sure Tom is okay."

Bill gave her a reassuring smile. "Tom's strong, Odette. He'll be okay."

With that, he left the room, leaving Odette alone with her thoughts. As she waited anxiously, she prayed for Tom's safety, hoping that he would emerge victorious.

                              *Time skip*

Back in the garden, Tom and Vlad had begun their duel. The air was filled with the sounds of their struggle, each trying to gain the upper hand. Despite the danger, Tom fought with determination, his thoughts on Odette and his promise to keep her safe.

Inside the mansion, Odette paced anxiously in Tom's room. Despite Bill's reassurances, she couldn't shake off her worry for Tom. She felt helpless, confined to the room while Tom was out there, risking his life.

Unable to bear the suspense, she moved towards the window, peering out into the garden. From her vantage point, she could see the two figures locked in combat. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched, her thoughts a whirl of fear and worry.

"Please be safe, Tom," she whispered, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She felt a lump in her throat, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.

As the battle raged on, Odette could only hope and pray for Tom's safety. She knew that he was strong, that he was fighting with all his might. But the fear of losing him was overwhelming, casting a dark shadow over her heart

                             *Time skip*
         
                        •-The awakening-•

As the battle raged on in the garden, Tom found himself facing a formidable opponent. Vlad was relentless, his attacks growing more vicious with each passing moment. Yet, Tom held his ground, his determination unwavering.

But as the fight wore on, Tom could feel his strength waning. He was tiring, his movements slowing. Vlad, noticing this, smirked, ready to launch a powerful attack.

Just as Vlad lunged towards him, Tom closed his eyes, his thoughts racing. He thought of Odette, her smile, her laughter, the way her eyes lit up when she was happy. He thought of his promise to protect her, to keep her safe. He couldn't fail her. He wouldn't.

In that moment, something within him shifted. A surge of energy coursed through him, stronger and more potent than anything he had ever experienced. His senses heightened, his strength returning tenfold.

When he opened his eyes, they were no longer their usual shade of brown. Instead, they glowed a deep crimson, a clear sign of his awakened powers. The sight of his transformation caused Vlad to pause, a flicker of fear crossing his features.

Tom stood tall, his gaze fixed on Vlad. "This ends now, Vlad."

With his newfound strength, Tom launched himself at Vlad. The battle resumed, but this time, Tom was clearly in control. His movements were swift and precise, his attacks powerful.

Back in the mansion, Odette watched in awe as Tom's eyes glowed in the darkness. She could feel the change in him, a powerful energy that radiated from his being. As fear gave way to hope, she whispered a silent prayer, her heart filled with faith in Tom

                              *Time skip*
          
                         •=The Final Blow=•

The battle took a sudden turn when another figure appeared in the garden. It was Ivan, Vlad's elder brother, known for his strict adherence to the vampire code of conduct. He watched the fight with a stern expression, his eyes flickering between Tom and Vlad.

"Enough, Vlad," Ivan commanded, his voice echoing through the garden. He moved forward, grabbing Vlad by the collar and dragging him in front of him. "You've broken enough rules."

Vlad struggled in his brother's grip, his eyes filled with defiance. "Ivan, you can't..."

With Ivan's words echoing in his ears, Tom turned his attention back to Vlad. The once formidable opponent was now helpless in Ivan's grasp, his eyes wide with fear.

Tom moved closer, his gaze never leaving Vlad's. "You shouldn't have threatened Odette, Vlad," he stated, his voice cold.

Vlad struggled in Ivan's grip, but it was futile. "Tom, you wouldn't..."

Tom cut him off, a cool smirk playing on his lips. "Watch me."

With a swift, precise movement, he swung his arm, cutting Vlad's head off. Vlad's body fell to the ground, lifeless.

The garden fell silent, the only sound being the rustling of the leaves in the wind. Tom stood there, his crimson eyes glowing in the darkness, a triumphant smirk on his face.

He had done it. He had protected Odette, defeated Vlad, and proved that he was not to be trifled with. The victory was bitter, but it was a victory nonetheless.

Back in the mansion, Odette watched the scene unfold from the window. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw Tom's smirk, a sign of his victory. Relief washed over her, bringing with it a sense of peace.