Streets of Ravetham

The alleyways of Ravetham stretched before Kaelen, cloaked in the fading light of dusk. The narrow streets were alive with shadows that played against the old stone walls, giving the city an eerie but familiar edge. The air had cooled, the sun dipping just enough for Kaelen to walk without concern for Thaige or the fledglings being burned under its fading glare. A strange peace settled over the group, even as tension simmered just below the surface.

Kaelen’s thoughts lingered on Rachel’s earlier words, her apology for ever doubting him still fresh in his mind. There had been relief in her voice as she expressed pride in how he had turned out, as if a weight had lifted from her. But for Kaelen, closure had already come and gone. His mind was already focused on what lay ahead—Valerian.

Zelyndra and Aelira had both left, but not before Zelyndra had delivered her parting advice: “You should reconsider the marriage proposal,” her voice smooth, yet laden with expectation.

Kaelen hadn’t even paused before giving his reply, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’d rather go gay than go cousin any day.”

Now, walking with Loren, Thaige, and the fledglings carrying Ragnar’s limp body, the quiet streets of Ravetham felt like a bridge between two worlds—his upbringing and the vampire legacy he was steadily embracing. Though Ravenwood’s elegant homes weren’t far, they were still in the heart of the city. The tension in the air, the buzz of potential danger, stayed with them as they passed under streetlights and through alleyways that cut between neighborhoods.

Thaige was visibly rattled, an odd sight for someone usually so composed. She kept casting furtive glances around, her unease apparent in every hurried step. “I feel like I’m walking to my death,” she muttered, her voice laced with genuine fear. Her hands twitched slightly, betraying her inner turmoil.

“Follow silently,” Kaelen ordered in a cold, steady voice. He didn’t spare her a glance, his focus on the path ahead. Thaige, despite her unease, obeyed, her shoulders stiff as they pushed forward.

As they crossed into the boundary of Ravenwood, the atmosphere shifted. The opulent neighborhood boasted pristine lawns, high gates, and manicured hedges, but beneath its veneer of luxury, there was an undercurrent of foreboding. Kaelen could sense the eyes on them—people watching from behind closed curtains, security cameras tracking their every move. It was clear that their presence was unusual, especially given the company he kept.

By the time they reached the imposing iron gates of Valerian’s mansion, the sun had fully disappeared, casting long shadows over the estate. The gate’s intricate design of winged creatures seemed to come alive in the dim light. The security guard at the entrance—rigid and alert—caught sight of the group and immediately reached for his weapon, panic flashing in his eyes. His hand shook as he assessed what he likely thought was an incoming attack by a rogue coven or worse.

Before the situation could escalate, Loren took the lead. Her expression remained calm, and she addressed the guard with ease. “It’s me, Loren. We’re here on business.”

The guard hesitated for a moment, still wary, but Loren’s words seemed to calm him. He nodded shakily and opened the gates, his eyes darting toward the unconscious Ragnar and the pale, intimidating presence of Thaige and the fledglings. The guard looked relieved to have the group out of his immediate responsibility.

Moving through Valerian’s expansive estate, they stuck to the shadows. The mansion ahead was a gothic marvel, towering and intricate with darkened windows and looming spires. The grounds were eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot.

Thaige’s nerves continued to fray. “This is insane,” she whispered harshly. “I’m walking into my death.”

Kaelen said nothing, leading them with an unyielding focus. The grand entrance of the mansion loomed ahead, where Valerian stood waiting. His silhouette was tall, imposing, with dark hair framing a face etched with centuries of both cruelty and wisdom. His eyes—cold and sharp as ever—swept over the group. Kaelen had prepared himself for the encounter, but nothing could have readied him for what happened next.

Valerian’s gaze moved past Kaelen and fixed on Thaige. The atmosphere around them seemed to shift as a thick silence settled. For the first time, Kaelen saw something strange flicker in his father’s eyes—something that resembled remorse. Valerian’s usual air of icy indifference had melted, replaced with a vulnerability Kaelen had never witnessed before. The ancient vampire stepped forward and, without hesitation, embraced Thaige.

The moment was surreal. Kaelen could feel the shock radiating through his companions, and the expressions of the nearby staff—stunned butlers and maids—said it all. None of them had ever seen Valerian like this, either.

Valerian’s voice, when it came, was soft and spoke in a tongue Kaelen had never heard before, yet he understood it instinctively. The ancient language, likely of the vampiric kindreds, resonated with something deep within him.

“Where have you been all these years?” Valerian’s voice was thick with emotion, something that felt entirely foreign coming from him. “You vanished, and I thought… I thought I had killed you in a fit of rage. I was so worried.”

Thaige’s response came as a sharp, bitter laugh. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. “Killed me? That’s rich. Since when did you develop a sense of humor?” Her voice carried a biting sarcasm as she continued in the same ancient tongue. “One moment, I was feasting on a gnome, and the next, a pink floating fish told me you tried to kill me—and replaced me with a son.” She threw a glance at Kaelen, the bitterness clear in her eyes. “A son, Father. I thought it was impossible for vampires to have children.”

Valerian’s lips twitched into a smile as he looked at Kaelen, amusement coloring his features. “I must admit, I love my son. But I could never replace you, daughter.”

He turned back to Thaige, his tone shifting, curious. “How did you two reach an agreement?”

Thaige sighed, her voice softening as she muttered, “I tried to eat him, but instead, I ended up his thrall. His power exceeds mine, and even my fledglings are no longer mine. I should feel angry, but…” She paused, a sense of peace settling into her words. “I feel free. The curse is broken. I’m free of the hunger.”

Valerian’s gaze shifted back to Kaelen, this time filled with something akin to reverence. Switching to English, he spoke, his voice softer than usual. “Kaelen, you’ve done the impossible. I don’t know how to thank you. The only offer I can make is to give your fledglings a proper clan and train them to serve you.”

Kaelen shrugged, indifferent to the weight of his father’s praise. “That’s why I brought them here. I’ll need their help with Black Fang tomorrow, so train them quickly.” He cast a glance at Ragnar’s unconscious form. “As for my sister and Ragnar Fang, I’ll leave them both to you. Ragnar won’t be happy when he wakes up.”

Valerian gave a subtle nod. “Of course. I’ll handle it.”

Without another word, Kaelen turned, motioning to Loren that it was time to leave. As they made their way back toward the city, Kaelen’s mind drifted to Cygnus’s earlier offer to help him deal with Delphinus. He had pushed her away for now, needing more time to think, but the seed of a plan was already taking shape. He knew better than to trust anyone from the Justice Guild, but using them? That was something he could work with.