Ethan had no time to think. The massive shadow before him struck with terrifying speed, a fist cloaked in swirling red energy—a Blood Punch, a technique so deadly it could kill even the strongest vampires. Acting on pure instinct, Ethan summoned his own blood power. His blood seeped from his wrist, wrapping around his fist in response. He threw himself into the attack, aiming to meet the enemy’s strike head-on.

The two Blood Punches collided with a thunderous crack. Ethan’s body was flung backward as though hit by a cannon. His back slammed against the stone wall, the force so brutal that his hand shattered on impact, bones crushed beyond recognition. Waves of pain surged through his arm, leaving him gasping for breath. Desperation filled his mind—he couldn't fight this enemy.

Barely clinging to consciousness, Ethan fumbled for the blood pouches inside his cloak. His fingers found only four. Not enough. He tore two open and drank them swiftly, feeling the surge of power flood his veins. Desperate, he gathered his remaining strength and hurled a blood swipe toward the shadowy figure. Without waiting to see the result, he activated Shadow Rush and bolted for the exit, hoping to escape.

But before he could make it even a few feet, the shadow appeared in front of him, cutting through his blood swipe with a flick of his hand. The figure moved impossibly fast—faster than Ethan’s Shadow Rush—materializing at his back before Ethan could react.

Terror seized him. For the first time in his life, Ethan felt the crushing weight of true fear—the fear of death. I can’t win.

But something inside him stirred, refusing to surrender. Summoning what little strength remained, Ethan channeled all his power into his right leg, dark energy coiling around his muscles. Shadow Surge Kick—his most powerful attack. Blood and shadows surged up his leg, the skin ripping apart from the strain. He aimed for the figure, knowing this kick could shatter boulders and reduce mountains to dust.

The figure did not flinch. With a casual motion, he raised his left hand, white and muscular, and blocked Ethan’s leg with ease. The impact, which should have obliterated stone, barely moved the figure, who took only a small step back.

Ethan froze, disbelief washing over him. His strongest attack had left nothing but a small scratch on the figure’s arm. It’s over.

Despair clawed at him as he thought, I don’t want to die. I’m only sixteen. This isn’t fair. I haven’t lived yet.

His vision blurred as he tried to activate another Shadow Rush, but pain shot through his leg—the Shadow Surge Kick had torn his muscles, making it nearly impossible to move. In one swift motion, the shadow grabbed him by the throat and hurled him back into the room. Ethan crashed against the floor, the world spinning around him. His body was broken, his mind filled with defeat.

Lying there, hopeless and lost, he whispered, I'm sorry, Alaric. I failed. The family will fall.

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But instead of the final blow, the shadow figure knelt before him. Ethan’s blurred vision cleared slightly as the figure bowed its head.

“Young master,” the shadow said in a deep, steady voice, “you’ve improved greatly in these past months.”

Ethan’s breath caught in his throat. What? His mind reeled in confusion. “Who are you?” he managed to croak, his voice raspy with pain.

The figure stood and, in a swift motion, pulled back its cloak. A pale, battle-hardened vampire stood before Ethan. His eyes were sharp and calculating, his presence imposing.

“My name is Xanthos,” the man said, “leader of the Nightshade Enforcers, and your most loyal protector. I served your father, and your grandfather before him. Now, I am here to serve you.”

Ethan’s thoughts raced as he processed the name. He had heard whispers of the Nightshade Enforcers in old family records, but he never knew they were real.

“Alaric... sent you?” Ethan asked, disbelief heavy in his voice.

Xanthos nodded. “Yes. Alaric handles the family’s political and domestic matters, but I and the Enforcers operate from the shadows, ensuring no one defies the family leader’s rule. We are your silent guardians. Our duty is to enforce the laws your ancestors set and to punish any who would dare to challenge the authority of the Gray bloodline. No one within the family can break these rules without consequences.”

Ethan stared, still in shock, as Xanthos continued. “We exist outside the knowledge of even the Tenth Family members. Only the family leader and their chosen successor know of us. We are the best-trained, most powerful vampires scattered across the world, working in the shadows to protect the Gray legacy. And now, we answer to you.”

Xanthos gestured to the shadows around them, and from the darkness emerged twenty more figures—vampires, all clad in dark armor. Their faces were hidden beneath hoods, but their disciplined stance exuded strength and loyalty.

“These are the Nightshade Enforcers,” Xanthos said, pride in his voice. “We obey only the leader of the Gray family. Your grandfather created this elite force to safeguard the bloodline’s secrets, protect the leader, and destroy any who would threaten the family’s authority.”

One of the Enforcers stepped forward, handing a sealed letter to Xanthos, who passed it to Ethan. “Alaric has sent a message. You have only one year to return to the Tenth Palace. The family is beginning to fracture, and without your presence, they may fall apart. You must return and take your rightful place as the head of the Gray family.”

Xanthos’ eyes narrowed. “There is also a growing threat. A vampire within the council seeks to kill you and take the position of the Tenth Family. They are already making their moves. Time is running out.”

Ethan’s mind swirled with the weight of this revelation. He had barely managed to survive, and now he had to return to face a greater threat—a vampire powerful enough to challenge his claim.

Xanthos’ expression softened slightly as he knelt before Ethan again. “I will train you, my lord. You will become strong enough to reclaim your birthright. We will not let the family fall. We will stand by your side, as we did for your father and grandfather.”

The twenty Enforcers followed Xanthos’ lead, kneeling before Ethan. Their loyalty was unwavering. In that moment, Ethan felt the gravity of his responsibility. These warriors, hidden from the world, had sworn their lives to protect him.

“I… I won’t let you down,” Ethan said, his voice shaky but filled with determination. “I will make my ancestors proud. I will bring the Gray name back to its rightful place.”

The Enforcers rose as one, their eyes filled with admiration. Xanthos stood at their head, his gaze steady on Ethan.

“We are ready to serve, young master,” Xanthos said, “and to help you become the leader you were born to be.”