Crimson Dawn

CHAPTER 1: DAWN

AS THE SUN WENT DOWN, Solemn's hooves pounded faster. "That's right, Solemn, bilis pa!" sigaw ko, feeling the wind in my hair. But nearing the Aetheviel Clan's borders, Solemn slowed down, sensing a change from freedom to difficulty.

Aetheviel, a haven for vampires fighting for survival, lay before us. May mga batang naglalaro sa gilid ng daan, ang kanilang tawanan ay kabaligtaran sa mga matatandang nagtitinda ng mga pangil ng lobo at iba pang kakaibang bagay para lamang kumita at mabuhay.

"Aray!" 

A tiny cry broke through the din, and I brought Solemn to a sudden stop. Isang batang lalake ang nakaupo sa sahig, his tears streaming down his face as he clutched his injured foot dahil nabangga ito ng kabayo kong si solemn.

I dismounted swiftly, kneeling beside him. "A-ang s-shakit n-nun ahh huhu," he whimpered, his teary eyes meeting mine with a mix of pain and innocence.

Despite his tears, I couldn't help but smile at his round cheeks. From Solemn's saddlebag, I pulled out a bright red apple and handed it to him. "Mag-iingat ka sa susunod, bata," I said, ruffling his hair. His eyes widened in surprise and joy, and he hobbled off, clutching the apple, eager to share it with his friends.

Agad akong napangiti nang makitang masaya nilang pinag hahatian ang mansanas, I couldn't give them the last apple in the saddlebag, as it was meant for Solemn.

I took in my surroundings as I remounted Solemn. The residents of Aetheviel persevered in fighting for their families and smiling in spite of their struggles, wanting to provide their kids with an education and a better future. I felt a wave of rage rise inside me.

Regardless of how hard they worked, it was never enough. The massive walls of the Imperium Noctis stood tall, a physical and symbolic barrier that prevented those judged unworthy from gaining access to wealth and opportunities.

"Hanggang kailan kami maghihirap?" I muttered to myself.

Clenching my fists, I urged Solemn onward. We climbed to the highest point of Aetheviel, where the vast fortress of the Imperium Noctis towered in the distance. As the sun sank, the castle's silhouette was illuminated by the soft glow of sunset, which was quickly replaced by the silver light of the rising moon.

"Ang ganda," I murmured, watching the moonlight transform the castle into a shimmering beacon. But my thoughts were far from serene.

Imperium Noctis, Isa sa mga pinaka malakas at malaking kaharian dito sa mundo ng mga bampira, ngunit isa din sa mga masasamang bampira ang mga namumuno dito. 

Kwento sa akin ng tiya Rosalie ko, Simula nang matalo ng Imperium Noctis ang kaharian ng Lunaria Aeternum, kinuha nila ang mga sundalo nito, admiral, courtiers, at iba pang mapakikinabangan nila, mas naging masama pa sila sa mga bampirang naninirahan sa labas ng kanilang kaharian dahil sinara nila ito at gumawa sila ng batas na papatayin o ikukulong ang sino mang makakapasok na bampirang hindi nila kaibigan o kaanib sa kaharian. 

Naikuyom ko ang aking mga palad "Hindi ganito palagi ang magiging tadhana namin," I vowed, glaring at the imposing walls. I recalled the countless tales of cruelty-of those taken to the Haudzaun Forest to face savage beasts, punished simply for being born outside the palace walls. This unjust law, branding us as criminals for our place of birth, was one I was determined to abolish.

Years ago, I made a promise to myself. I would become stronger, learn to fight, and infiltrate the Imperium kingdom. I'd study, advance through the ranks, and overthrow the oppressive laws. I would make certain that the children of Aetheviel could dream and succeed without fear.

A resolute smile formed on my lips as I watched the moonlight illuminate the Kingdom. "Tara na, Solemn," I said, patting his side. She started running, and I kept my eyes on the castle until it faded from view. This was the beginning of my journey to change our world.