The dark streets were alive with whispers, a dangerous hum of anticipation coursing through the veins of the underworld. Kael leaned casually against a crumbling stone wall, his sharp, predatory smile hidden beneath the shadow of his cloak. Before him stood a dozen vampires, their faces a mix of fear and excitement.
Each of them had once served Kael, bound by the remnants of loyalty and his reputation as a dangerous leader. Tonight, he had summoned them with a single goal: Mark's destruction.
"He's hiding," Kael began, his voice smooth and venomous. "Cowering like the wounded beast he is. You've all heard the stories of Mark's so-called strength. But look where that strength has brought him—buried in the ground like a worm."
A murmur rippled through the group.
"What's in it for us?" one of the vampires finally asked, a wiry man with eyes like a snake's.Kael's smile widened. "Power. Glory. Freedom. Mark has been a thorn in all our sides for too long. He stands between us and the dominance we deserve. Take him out, and you'll claim a piece of his territory. Together, we'll erase his legacy and rise above him."
The vampires exchanged eager glances. Kael's provocation had lit a fire within them, and soon, the streets were empty as they scattered to hunt their prey.
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Lyra hurried through the forest, her steps light but urgent as the vision continued to claw at the edges of her consciousness. She had left her sanctuary with a clear purpose: warn Mark and Tong of the future.
But something in the air shifted, and the familiar tug of another vision pulled her into its grasp. She stumbled, her surroundings dissolving into a haze of light and shadow.
This time, the vision was sharper, more vivid.
She saw herself standing before a massive structure, an ancient temple carved into the side of a mountain. Its facade was adorned with crumbling statues and intricate carvings, depicting scenes of sacrifice and rebirth. The temple radiated an ominous energy, and as Lyra approached, the air grew heavy with the weight of centuries-old magic.
Inside, she saw flashes of bloodstained rituals, figures cloaked in black chanting in a language long forgotten. In the center of the temple stood an altar, and upon it lay Mark, his face a mix of agony and defiance. Surrounding him were shadowy figures, their eyes glowing like embers. Among them, Kael's face appeared, his cruel smile unrelenting.
The vision shifted again, and Lyra saw herself standing before Mark. He looked at her, his expression one of betrayal and despair. Behind him, Tong's silhouette flickered, his presence fading into darkness as though being consumed.
"No!" Lyra gasped, snapping back to reality. She gripped a nearby tree for support, her heart pounding. This temple—this place—was where Mark's life had been forever changed centuries ago. She realized now that the temple held answers, secrets Mark himself might not even remember. If she didn't find it, the consequences could be catastrophic.
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In the abandoned crypt, Mark moved swiftly, his steps almost silent against the cold, damp stone floor. Tong was safely tucked away in the corner of the hidden chamber, fast asleep, his face soft and peaceful despite the chaos surrounding them.
Mark hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Tong's fragile form. There was warmth in his chest when he looked at him, a warmth he hadn't felt in centuries.
But he couldn't afford to linger.
The labyrinth beneath the basement was old, a secret Mark had guarded for decades. It was a network of tunnels that connected his current hiding place to his castle, a fortress that had long been abandoned but still held many of his possessions—and protections. If they could reach it, they would have a better chance of surviving the oncoming storm.
Mark traced his hand along the wall, his fingers brushing against faint markings etched into the stone. These symbols were his guide, ancient glyphs carved long ago to navigate the maze. The air grew colder as he ventured deeper, the darkness pressing in around him like a living thing.
As he walked, his mind wandered to Kael. He could feel the pull of his old rival's presence, a dark thread weaving through the air. Kael was relentless, a predator who wouldn't stop until he had sunk his fangs into Mark's throat. And now, with Tong in the equation, the stakes were higher than ever.
Mark's steps faltered as a memory surfaced—of Aeon, lying lifeless in his arms, his blood staining the ground. The pain was sharp, a fresh wound reopened. He clenched his fists, shaking off the thought. He wouldn't let history repeat itself.
Not with Tong.
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As Lyra approached the mountain temple, she felt its energy grow stronger, a pulsating force that seemed to resonate with her very being. She knew Mark would find his way to the same place—whether by fate or necessity. And when he did, she would be ready.
Meanwhile, deep in the labyrinth, Mark paused at a crossroads. He closed his eyes, focusing on the faint vibrations in the air. He could hear the distant murmurs of the hunters Kael had sent, their footsteps echoing through the tunnels.
"I won't let them reach him," Mark muttered under his breath, his resolve hardening. He pressed forward, determined to reach the castle before his enemies found him—or Tong.
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MY GOLDEN BLOOD - JossGawin FanFiction
FanficI wrote this story as a bit of a vent for when I was feeling a bit down about My Golden Blood. I thought there might not be another novel I could read. Moreover, even if there is, it will be very disappointing because it must be written in Thai, so...
