The Shadow of the Simulacrum

Chapter 23: First Massacre

March 1809 (19 years old)

It had been weeks since I had become a vampire, and my new existence was marked by an insatiable thirst for blood, an addiction from which I could not escape. Every sip of blood, every victim of the night, sent me into a whirlwind of ecstasy and power. The pleasure I felt was inexplicable, almost addictive; it had become my drug, my obsession. 

Every drop of this dark nectar only strengthened my power and determination. My humanity had faded; the empathy I once knew had disappeared, replaced by an insatiable and voracious desire. Young children remained protected from my fury; I now targeted those of pubescent age, those who seemed to offer the perfect blend of vigor and purity.

To ensure the loyalty of the notable figures, I had orchestrated a meeting under the pretense of discussing future infrastructure projects for the church. In reality, it was a calculated ruse to lure them into a carefully laid trap. Julius, who had never attended previous meetings, had been invited under the illusion that he was to play a crucial role in the new regime I was about to establish. I had assured him that he would be a key pillar in this transformation.

I knew the notables respected me and that my ideas were enticing, promising a revolutionary vision for Black's Church. By offering them the same power I possessed, I proposed a form of unparalleled freedom and inaccessible wealth. I had seduced them with grand promises, knowing they would follow me without hesitation. Most had responded to my call, although some, like Charles Morgan, had been forced to be absent due to the spring collections. Their absence was merely a formality. We would be many, and those who showed up would be the architects of the new era I was about to forge.

Seated before me on the benches, their faces reflected a mixture of interest, confusion, and fear. My brother stood by my side, still unaware of the extent of the new regime I was about to reveal to them.

"Dear friends, I have gathered you tonight to embark together on a new phase of our destiny, a revolution that transcends the mere limits of human existence. Imagine a world where you are the masters of shadows, the architects of an eternal empire. Tonight, I offer you much more than mere immortality; I propose a total transformation, an ascent to heights that only the boldest dreams dare to envision."

I watched as some eyes lit up, fascinated by the prospect of power and grandeur I offered them. But others seemed hesitant, as if the very idea of abandoning their humanity unsettled them. However, my words were imbued with such force that no one dared challenge what I was saying.

"By becoming the chosen ones of this new reign, you will gain the power to shape the future of Black's Church in your own image, to turn this city into a stronghold of domination and wealth. You will no longer be mere spectators but creators of a living legend. Every decision you make will carry immeasurable influence, every action an act of unparalleled sovereignty."

I continued, my words flowing like a seductive poison, watching as each face awakened to a new reality. My younger brother, mesmerized by my promises, stood beside me, dazzled by what I had to offer.

"I offer you unconstrained freedom, limitless prosperity, and power that transcends the boundaries of the imaginable. Under my reign, every moment will be an opportunity to shine, every decision a step towards eternal greatness. You will be the architects of your own legend, the builders of an empire where your dreams become tangible realities."

I then turned to Julius, placing a paternal hand on his shoulder. "Julius, I call on you to join this great endeavor, not only as my brother but as a fundamental pillar of this new order. Together, we will build a monument to our power, a sanctuary where dreams of domination and grandeur will come to life."