Fangs and Freedom: An Insider's Manual to Life in the Daybreaker Realm

Salem Ivan Peter Montgomery

Character Name: Salem Ivan Peter Montgomery

Age: Appears 28 (actual age is several centuries due to being a vampire)

Gender: Male

Physical Appearance: Salem has striking features often described as classic vampire allure. He has shoulder-length dark hair that occasionally flows over his sharp jawline, piercing green eyes that can seem both mesmerizing and intimidating, and fair skin that has an almost ethereal glow. He possesses an athletic build, honed through centuries of practice in swordplay and discipline, and tends to dress in refined, dark clothing that accentuates his royal status, often sporting tailored jackets and elegant cloaks.

Personality Traits:

Charismatic: Salem has a magnetic presence that draws people to him, often inspiring loyalty and admiration.Conflicted: He grapples with his responsibilities as a prince and his personal desires, leading to tensions in his relationships.Protective: Although he has neglected his daughters during dark periods of his life, his instinct to protect his loved ones runs deep, stemming from his upbringing in a large family.Passionate: His feelings, especially toward Emma and his daughters, run deep and can spur impulsive decisions.Haunted: Haunted by past mistakes and the loss of loved ones, he experiences bouts of depression and bloodlust that threaten to consume him.

Background: Salem is the only son of Stefan and Fiona Montgomery, raised in a large, royal household. From an early age, he has been groomed for leadership in King's City, the capital for vampires. Born under extraordinary circumstances (a love affair involving his father and a woman of royal vampire descent), he was chosen by a vampire council on the day of his birth to be the future leader. While his upbringing was luxurious with private tutors and extensive training in diplomacy and combat, he longed for a sense of freedom and normalcy—the desire to carve his own path amidst family expectations.

He has been married three times, notably to Charity, Emma, and Felicity, with whom he has two daughters, Aurora and Scarlet, and a son, Damian. His relationships have been tumultuous, marked by love, obligation, betrayal, and tragedy, especially surrounding the death of Emma during childbirth. This loss spiraled him into darkness, leading him to neglect his newborn daughter, Scarlet, while he battled depression.

Other Relevant Information:

Salem harbors a deep bond with each of his children, making his struggle with responsibility and regret especially poignant following the death of Emma.His complicated family dynamics often draw him back into the royal intrigues of King's City, even when he seeks to escape them.Salem's reclamation of his role as king leads him to confront his unresolved feelings for Emma, even after her passing, as he consistently seeks her spirit for guidance during his most challenging times.Despite being a powerful figure, his vulnerability lies in his emotional turmoil and incessant struggle between duty and desire.

In the end, Salem's journey is one of redemption and acceptance, navigating his responsibilities as a leader while embracing the deep love he has for his daughters, ultimately learning that leadership is not just power, but also about compassion, sacrifice, and legacy.