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The air was thick with tension as Onyx and the group gathered in the mortuary, preparing for their most dangerous mission yet: obtaining a vial of vampire blood. Excitement mingled with anxiety, especially at the thought of seeing Kardinall, a figure they’d only heard about in hushed whispers.
“According to Greyson, Kardinall is our best bet for vampire blood,” Sterling explained. “He runs a winery that doubles as a front for his dealings in the dark arts.”
Onyx’s eyes widened. “Kardinall? The same one who’s running that new winery in town?”
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Greyson confirmed, his tone grave. “We’ll need to tread carefully.”
As they approached Kardinall’s sprawling vineyard, the lush greenery concealed a darker reality. Shadows flitted between the rows of grapes, hinting at the danger that lay ahead.
Inside the winery, the atmosphere grew thick with the scent of fermentation and something more ominous. Groups of vampires moved about, their predatory gazes flicking toward the newcomers. Onyx felt their eyes upon him, a mix of curiosity and disdain.
“Stay sharp,” Tixo whispered, scanning for threats. “We’re not here to socialize.”
As they pushed deeper into the winery, a vampire guard approached them. “What business do you have here?” he growled, baring fangs that gleamed in the dim light.
Onyx stepped forward, heart racing. “We’re looking for Kardinall. We need to speak with him.”
The guard snickered. “You think you can just waltz in here? You’ll have to earn your keep.”
With a nod from Onyx, the group sprang into action. Xul unleashed his demonic magic, summoning dark tendrils that lashed out at the guard, catching him off guard. Sterling unleashed arrows, his keen aim taking down vampires before they could react.
“Let’s move!” Onyx shouted as they fought their way through the throngs of vampires. But as the battle raged on, a surge of energy coursed through him. Achelios took control, feral instincts overriding Onyx's thoughts.
In a wild frenzy, Onyx's body moved with unnatural speed, claws extending as he lunged at the nearest vampire. Fangs bared, he tore through the enemies surrounding him, chaos erupting in his wake. The others could only watch in shock as he unleashed the demon's wrath.
“Onyx! Control yourself!” Sterling shouted, barely dodging a swing from a vampire while trying to help.
“Let him unleash! We’re fighting for our lives!” Achelios taunted, his voice echoing in Onyx's mind. “These weaklings don’t stand a chance against true power!”
“Not like this!” Onyx gritted his teeth, struggling against the demon’s influence.
Tixo leaped into the fray, his twin sai flashing as he brutally attacked several vampires with precise strikes. He dispatched one with a swift upward slice, his blade piercing through the vampire’s throat, while another fell victim to a vicious kick that sent him crashing into a barrel. Blood sprayed across the floor, painting the scene in a grim tableau.
Wei followed closely behind, channeling his siren song to disorient foes, while Tixo struck with merciless precision. “Focus, Onyx! We need you!” Wei shouted, conjuring illusions that confused their attackers.
Ren joined the fight, unleashing bursts of draconic energy that sent vampires sprawling. “We can do this together!” he shouted, his determination palpable.
But Achelios was relentless, striking down foes with an intensity that left a path of destruction. Onyx struggled within, desperate to regain control, but the demon's influence was overpowering.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of bloodshed, Onyx managed to push Achelios back. Gasping for breath, he looked around at the fallen vampires, a mix of horror and relief washing over him.
“Fall back!” Onyx yelled, realizing they were being surrounded again. But it was too late. The vampires closed in, capturing them in a swift, coordinated effort.
As they were dragged deeper into the mansion, whispers surrounded them, echoing Kardinall’s power through the air. Finally, they were brought before the vampire lord himself, seated on an ornate throne that pulsed with dark energy. Kardinall’s piercing gaze swept over them, amusement flickering in his eyes.
“Welcome, brave souls,” he purred, his voice smooth as silk. “You’ve made quite an entrance. Tell me, what brings you to my humble abode?”
Onyx felt a shiver run down his spine. “We need a vial of vampire blood.”
Kardinall chuckled darkly, the sound echoing in the grand chamber. “Ah, such boldness! But what makes you think I would part with such a precious commodity?”
Hints of a sinister agenda swirled in the air, leaving Onyx and his friends on edge. The vampire lord leaned forward, a predatory gleam in his eye.
“Perhaps you can earn your keep after all,” Kardinall said, a sly smile curling his lips. “What will you offer me in return?”
The group exchanged nervous glances, realizing they were deep in a game that was far from over. The stakes had never been higher, and they would need every ounce of courage to face whatever Kardinall had in store for them.
YOU ARE READING
Darkwood: The Crimson Cavalier
ParanormalA young teen who helps his family run a mortuary in the small town of Darkwood finds out that every town has secrets. Onyx lives a normal life at Darkwood. That is until he realizes that his father has been cursed and a nest of vampires might be clo...
