My heart pounded loudly. Yes, I remembered that name.
Morvain was a cruel vampire. I never imagined that such a creature lived in this forest. The last thing I had heard was that Morvain was exiled from his kind for killing too much, leaving the corpses of his unfortunate victims to be discovered by the wider community.
Because of Morvain, vampires were once hunted. Castles suspected of being their dwellings were burned. As a result, vampires had to flee as far as possible and could no longer live among humans.
To my surprise, he was exiled to Doomwood. Foolish. They thought Morvain would die in this place. Doomwood doesn't curse anyone.
Wait. Foolish?
I was no different from the vampires, the werewolves, and the other cursed creatures. We all thought that whoever entered Doomwood would never come out again, but that was all wrong.
"Seraphine."
"Yes?"
I was startled when Mirella suddenly plunged into the lake after calling my name. What's wrong?
"Seraphine...."
That voice!
I shivered instantly. My eyes immediately scanned my surroundings. This feeling... Morvain! He was here! Where was that vampire?
I clutched my stomach, which throbbed intensely. Perhaps my baby could sense the threat of that wicked vampire. I quickly walked hurriedly, carrying the items Mirella had given me.
I couldn't hide my panic and fear. I was no match for him. Morvain was known to be fast and almost unbeatable. Why was he targeting me?
Was he hungry because he couldn't find prey in Doomwood?
Oh no!
I was in danger!
"Seraphine...."
"Hah!"
The voice came again, soft but piercing. I stopped in my tracks when I heard my name being called. His voice was so close, right in my ear. My eyes scanned around again. His scent was so sharp—he was very near me.
Moon goddess, help me....
When I turned around, "Boo!"
"AAAA!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Mo-Morvain," I stammered, shivering in fear.
Morvain hovered in the air with a wicked smile. The stench of rotting blood filled my nostrils, making my stomach churn.
His sudden appearance caused me to accidentally drop the ceramics Mirella had given me. They should have shattered. However, Morvain caught them.
He floated over and placed them at the entrance of my cave. I swallowed hard, paralyzed. He knew where I lived. Doomwood was no longer safe for me.
The vampire then floated closer toward me. His glowing red eyes revealed his revolting desire. He circled me like an eagle preying on its target.
"Ah, the last of Frostfur. I love the color of your eyes," he whispered.
I could see his fangs protruding out from his thin lips. Morvain's pointed ears angled sharply upwards, and his hair was black, neatly combed back. He wore all-black attire and matching shoes. He was incredibly polished for a cursed creature.
Yes, Morvain had once been part of the noble vampire aristocracy. It was no wonder his appearance was as regal as that of a prince. His pale skin appeared to belong to someone around 30 years old, but I knew that was impossible!
I clutched my stomach. His presence was extremely unnerving.
"What do you want?"
He smiled. "You."
My breath hitched, and I gasped. "Why me?"
"You are the key to my immortality. Your blood can make me invincible! And, you are with child. Hahahaha! I can't imagine the power I'll gain when the time comes!"
No!
He wanted to drain my blood!
I immediately ran, intending to leave Doomwood. But, "AAAA!"
"Oh, poor Seraphine. Isn't Doomwood your home? There's no one waiting for you out there. Dying by my hand is the most noble way to go. I promise, I'll avenge those who've hurt you. I'll wipe them out until nothing remains, as my token of gratitude. What do you say?" he asked, grinning.
"No!" I shouted firmly. "Argh!"
Morvain used his power to lift me into the air. I was utterly terrified. Never in my life had I dealt with a vampire because they didn't dwell in the Dreaded Veil.
Morvain stared intently at me. I could feel his immense power enveloping my body. He only looked at me without moving a finger or anything. How could I defeat him?
"Oh!"
I was shocked when Morvain gently set me down until my weakened feet touched the ground. I looked straight at this pale, lanky man.
"Consider yourself lucky that I'm letting you live for now, Seraphine. Enjoy your life before the time comes. Hahahaha!"
He left! Where did he go? He was so quick!
I froze. My legs felt like they were melting. I collapsed onto the grass after hearing Morvain's words.
"I'm going to die...."
My heart ached as I realized my end would be as grim as this.
"Seraphine... there is still time before he takes you."
"What do you mean, Aerion?"
The spirit approached me in the form of a gas-like figure resembling a human.
"He's waiting for the full moon. Draining your blood now wouldn't benefit him. That's why he let you go."
Suddenly, my eyes widened. "The full moon? Why?"
Fenwyn stepped closer. "Werewolves gain their full power during the full moon. That is what Morvain seeks—when your special strength awakens."
I felt weak. I had escaped the Stromhowl assault, but now I faced a greater threat from Morvain. Still, I would die in a horrific way. Was my life truly destined to be this tragic?
Lamenting my fate, I gripped the grass that slipped between my fingers.
"Argh! I don't want it to end like this!" I screamed in anger.
I closed my eyes tightly, my body trembling with explosive rage. I despised my weakness so much.
Denver's taunts echoed in my mind, dragging me into despair. On top of that, the looming death threat from Morvain would also claim my child! The extinction of Frostfur plunged me into sorrow. This grief was too much for me to bear alone.
I poured it all out with tears. I didn't care if I was seen as weak. I let all the pain in my heart flow because I knew my time to breathe was running out.
Suddenly, I felt the cold air stabbing into my skin, and the ground beneath my feet grew damp. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and a miracle unfolded—pools of water appeared around me. The water sparkled, crystal-clear, reflecting the faint light of Doomwood's forest.
"Seraphine! You've awakened the water element!"
Thalindra exclaimed, her voice echoing with excitement. I stared at the water flowing from my hand—fast and brimming with power.
"That water isn't just liquid, but the embodiment of your sorrow, guilt, and unyielding hope. You've created water, Seraphine!" Thalindra shouted.
I was stunned as I saw the ground around me transform into what looked like a pond. As I calmed down, the water slowly subsided and dried up. I was astonished again.
"The water... it's gone," I said nervously.
"You must learn to create and control water, Seraphine. Believe in your abilities. That way, you can defeat Morvain," Thalindra said, appearing in the form of a human made of water.
I stayed silent, listening intently. I tried to fortify my heart once more and began to believe that what the spirits said was my chance to survive in this forest.
"When will the full moon appear?" I asked, looking at the spirits one by one.
"In two months."
I took a deep breath. Closing my eyes, I steeled myself again to keep fighting for my child. I had cried enough. Those who wished for my death didn't deserve my tears.
"I trust you all," I said firmly, staring at the four spirits. They nodded slightly. "Do you... know Morvain's weakness?"
"I do," Lyara answered, making a smile spread across my face.
"Tell me."