The girls were still trying to process the fact that they had been dead for 500 years. Nikola, with a bewildered expression, blurted out, "How on earth did Yule manage to stay alive for so long?"

Skadiel took a deep breath and replied, "Well, I'm going to skip most of the story, but let me tell you about Yule's time in Vyrethas, the city of vampires."

Curiosity filled the room as the girls leaned in, eager to hear the tale.

"He arrived in Vyrethas after a grueling 30-year journey," Skadiel continued. "And let me tell you, the vampires in that city are quite unique. They have pale blueish skin and pointy ears, just like me."

Wide-eyed, one of the girls exclaimed, "Wait, you're a vampire too?"

Skadiel nodded with a smile. "Yes, I am. But let's focus on Yule for now."

***

After 30 years of travel, Yule arrived at a hidden city by accident. As he ventured through the city, he couldn't help but notice that its citizens were hiding from him. Confused but undeterred, he continued his exploration until he was suddenly confronted by a group of soldiers. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, Yule willingly allowed himself to be imprisoned temporarily, but not without a warning. "I have very little patience," he cautioned them firmly.

Several hours passed, and Yule's restlessness grew. Utilizing his ice magic, he froze the iron bars of his cell, making them brittle enough to shatter. Free at last, he emerged from his confinement, only to find a group of people approaching. It was the city's servants, their eyes wide with astonishment at his mastery of ice magic.

One of the servants stepped forward, their curiosity piqued. "Excuse me, sir, we were actually on our way to meet you. We apologize for the misunderstanding earlier. Please allow us to escort you to our leader."

Yule regarded them with a hint of skepticism but decided to give them a chance. "Lead the way."

The servants, a mixture of awe and excitement in their voices, guided Yule towards the leader's residence. Along the journey, they couldn't help but discuss Yule's extraordinary abilities.

"Did you see what he did to those bars? Unbelievable! His ice magic is like nothing I've ever seen," one servant whispered in amazement.

"Our city could greatly benefit from such power. With him on our side, we wouldn't need to hide from the sun anymore," another servant remarked, their voice filled with hope. They knew that as vampires, their sensitivity to heat and sunlight had forced them into a life of seclusion.

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Yule followed the group of servants through the hidden city, their whispers growing in excitement as they discussed his extraordinary ice magic capabilities. Their words reached the leader's ears, who awaited Yule's arrival in a magnificent chamber adorned with intricate carvings and glistening crystal chandeliers.

As Yule stepped into the chamber, his eyes widened in awe at the grandeur that surrounded him. The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, emanating from the enchanted crystals embedded in the walls. The air carried a sense of mystique and anticipation, adding to the intrigue of the moment.

The servants led Yule to the center of the chamber, where an ornate throne stood, intricately crafted with elegant patterns and adorned with shimmering gemstones. The leader, seated upon the throne, exuded an air of authority and wisdom, his presence commanding respect.

Whispers filled the hall as the servants leaned closer to the leader, their voices carrying their awe and intrigue about Yule's mastery over ice. The leader listened intently, his gaze never leaving Yule, as the whispers floated through the air like delicate snowflakes.

The room seemed to hold its breath as the leader leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Yule. The silence was palpable, amplifying the weight of the moment.

"Tell me, have you honed your ice powers?" the leader inquired, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.

Yule's response was concise yet confident. "Talent."

The leader nodded, intrigued by Yule's answer. "I see. The servants have spoken highly of your ice abilities. They speak of your mastery over frozen elements, a power that could bring significant benefits to our city."

"What is it that you seek, Yule?" the leader asked, his voice low and cautious.

Yule maintained his stoic demeanor, his words measured and deliberate. "I seek resources," he began, his voice steady. "The finest materials, extensive libraries of knowledge, skilled researchers, and laboratories equipped for experimentation. I require a team of capable individuals who can assist me in my pursuits."

The leader listened attentively, understanding the gravity of Yule's request. The city had long been isolated, hiding from the sun's relentless heat and surviving in secrecy. Yule's ice magic presented an opportunity to transcend their limitations, but the leader knew that such a venture would require significant investments.

"Your needs are great," the leader acknowledged, his tone contemplative. "To fulfill your vision, we must gather the resources you seek. Our city possesses hidden wealth and ancient archives of knowledge. We will provide you with the materials, the experts, and the support required to further your research."

Yule's eyes locked with the leader's, conveying his unwavering determination. The leader recognized the intensity behind Yule's request and realized that he stood before a man driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and discovery.

"You shall have what you desire," the leader finally replied. "In return, we ask for your ice magic to free us from our limitations, to shield us from the scorching sun and grant us the ability to venture beyond the shadows. Our city would thrive under such protection."

Yule's gaze met the leader's, his expression revealing neither approval nor objection. The leader sensed the unspoken agreement between them, a silent understanding of their respective roles and the potential benefits that awaited.

And so, a pact was forged between the leader and Yule, bound by their shared objectives. The leader pledged to gather the resources and fulfill Yule's needs, while Yule, with a subtle yet determined expression, spoke his response.

Yule declared, his voice firm and resolute. "Show me to my new lab,"

*Chapter Ends*