BLOODLINE Vol 1

CHAPTER - 2 A Daughter's Struggle

As the years passed, Edward watched his daughter grow from a newborn into a beautiful woman, alongside her siblings. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was no ordinary girl. Despite being a vampire like the rest of their clan, there was something different about her, something beyond his understanding. This realization filled him with a mixture of fear and concern, driving him to seek guidance from the soothsayer of the kingdom.

"Your child is gifted, Master Edward," the soothsayer murmured, her voice laced with an unsettling weight. Her dark eyes, clouded with foresight, seemed to pierce through Edward's soul. "She is not like other children. Her powers reach beyond the grasp of this world. Beware, for there is a force within her—a force that could unravel everything."

Edward's heart raced, his brow furrowing in unease. "I... I try to keep her in check," he confessed, his voice tight with fear. "But she is losing control. Every day it grows harder to contain. I fear that if the king finds out, it will mean the end of everything—the end of my family, my very life. I cannot let her become a danger to us all."

The soothsayer's lips curled into a grim frown. "You must understand, Master Edward. This is no ordinary child you have brought into this world. Her abilities... they are tied to something far greater than any of us can comprehend. She is connected to the valley itself, The power that runs through her veins pulses with the essence of this land—and it will grow stronger, whether you wish it or not."

A cold chill ran down Edward's spine as the full weight of the soothsayer's words sank in. He had long suspected there was something extraordinary about his daughter, something that set her apart from the rest, but hearing it aloud filled him with dread.

"You must guard her with your life, and with the lives of your family," the soothsayer continued, her voice growing softer, more urgent. "Keep her from delving too deeply into the powers that stir within her, for even she may not fully understand the magnitude of what she holds inside. Watch her. Watch her every step, for the king's eyes are always upon us. If he uncovers the truth... there will be no mercy.."

Edward nodded, his mind swirling with the weight of the soothsayer's words. He vowed to adhere to the sage's advice, determined to protect his daughter at all costs. Lost in thought, he made his way home, pondering the implications of his daughter's extraordinary nature,however, his contemplations were abruptly interrupted by the urgent summons of the king. "Master Edward, the king seeks your presence," his guard announced, breaking Edward's reverie. Without hesitation, Edward followed the guard into the palace grounds, his thoughts still consumed by the soothsayer's warning.

Upon entering the king's lair, Edward approached the throne and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, you called for me?" he inquired, his voice laced with deference.

The king regarded him with a solemn expression. "Yes, Count Edward. I require your presence in court today to pass judgment on a culprit," the king explained, his tone grave.

"Alright, sire," Edward said with a respectful bow before turning to leave. As he walked, his thoughts lingered on the king's cryptic words. "What do you think the crime is, sire?" he asked, pausing to meet the king's gaze.

The king's expression turned somber as he responded, "Well, let's just say it is the most abominable treason that taints the purity of this kingdom and its people. I will be there to witness it myself, Edward. Make sure it's done."

"Yes, sire," Edward replied with another bow as the king departed.

Hours flew by, and the courtroom buzzed with anticipation as Edward presided over the trial. The hall was filled with civilians, all eager to witness the passing judgment. The king and his subjects were also present, their eyes fixed on the proceedings.