Yakutsk certainly lived up to its reputation as the coldest city in the world. As soon as Carmilla teleported everyone there, they felt the warmth sapped from their bodies. Snowbanks four times Osamu’s size were shoveled off the the sides of the streets and the entryways of apartment buildings, sticking onto car windshields, slanted rooftops, and dead trees. Icicles resembling pearlescent, white teeth hung off of street lamps and awnings.

The people of Yakutsk were covered head to toe with fur clothes wrapped tightly around their bodies. Snuck stuck to their eyelashes as they went about their daily lives in the middle of a frigid, never-ending snowfall. Cars somehow managed to drive down the roads without skirting out of control as people gathered in markets to buy fish and vegetables.

Osamu noticed a statue of Lenin in the far distance, the revolutionary’s visage blanketed with snow. “So this is Yakutsk? Your race has lived here all this time?”

“You get accustomed to the snow after a while.” Carmilla said. “Come inside. Hotel Sonata’s the meeting place.”

Osamu turned to look behind him, astonished that he hadn’t noticed they were standing in front of a massive, four-star hotel. Walking inside, Osamu and the others were greeted by the warmth of the air conditioner and the reverberating notes of a jazz piano serenading the lounge just down the hall. The lounge was engorged by white noise and chatter between the hotel’s many visitors, all of them dressed in expensive, silk suits.

A long, burgundy carpet stretched from the door to the escalators across the way from the lounge, where vice, smoking, and gambling continued uninterrupted.

“Osamu, Taeko…” Carmilla began. “Welcome to the world of darkness.”

“It looks like any other classy hotel to me…” Osamu said, a bit disappointed there were no ancient castles and thralls in black robes.

“Well of course!” Carmilla sang. “The world of darkness is just a parallel to the mortal world. We live among them as naturally as their shadows do. Though, at this point, Yakutsk is more vampire than human. Almost everyone living here is one of us.”

“Really? But…don’t they smell us?” Osamu asked.

“There’s hundreds of different scents here. I deliberately set the meeting up during the hotel’s busiest hours so that we could walk right through without attracting a crowd.” Carmilla explained. “Their scents will camouflage ours.”

“I’m kind of nervous.” Taeko said. “I haven’t led my own country in a few centuries…”

“They’re on the thirteenth floor. Let’s get going.” Annabel said.

Hima took Osamu Hand into her own, smiling at him. “Ready to create our new nation?”

Osamu nodded. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

They all cut across the lounge and took the elevators up to the thirteenth floor. Unlike the ground floor, this part of the hotel was utterly silent. Winding hallways lined with room doors on both sides guided them down to Room 1313, a double suite with two adjoining rooms separated by a long, frosted glass door. Carmilla slid the room key into the door scanner and opened the door for Hima.

“The adjoined room is the conference room. Let me summon the lords there first so I can talk to them.” Carmilla said. “I’ll let you know when to come in.”

“Understood. We’ll make ourselves cozy until then.” Hima said.

The room was fitted with dark, wooden floors and beige walls. Warm, inviting flames crackled over hickory logs in the fireplace, giving everyone some much needed respite from the cold. Hima and Taeko excused themselves to the bathroom for some last minute touch-ups on their appearance while Osamu and Annabel plopped down on the beds.

“How do you like your new body, Annabel?” Osamu asked.

“Oh, it’s just wonderful!” Annabel sang. “Thank you so much for allowing me to drink your blood. I’m truly grateful. I’m glad I grew up to be so well-endowed!”

“Yeah, well…” Osamu snickered, not exactly sure what to make of that last part.

“Okay, I’m going in.” Carmilla said.

“Good luck. Set the stage for us, Carmilla.” Osamu said.

Carmilla bowed her head and smiled. “Thanks. I’ll do my best.”

Carmilla stepped through the glass door, closing it behind her. Feeling the weight of her race’s future on her shoulders, she thought of her late lord Dracula and the night Hima was born. It was centuries ago, but in that moment, it felt as though it had only been a year prior. Today would be the day she’d see if she had done her final duty to Dracula well.

She took a deep breath and prepared to make history. “Lords of Yakutsk. It’s time.”

Eight of the twelve seats lined on both songs of the long, conference table flashed with a burst of orange light, then quickly faded. As the light receded, the eight lord of Yakutsk appeared in their seats.

“As is customary, we shall take attendance before proceeding.” Carmilla said. “Lord Anya the Graceful.”

A woman in a white, lace dress and sheer veil raised her hand, her pale skin shining like porcelain. Her blonde hair reached down to her lower back and her voice was as gentle as a river’s purl. Her emerald-green eyes shined like balefire in the night through her veil, adding a mystifying air of lethality to her otherwise clement aura.

“Here.” Anya responded.

“Lord Borya the Warrior.” Carmilla said.

The hearty, black-bearded Borya raised his hand, his large, signet rings shining like golden stars on his middle finger and pinky. His long, black hair was unbound, but meticulously combed. He had a very large statue and a build similar to that of a grizzly bear. Even the sheer size of his hands gave the impression he could crush a watermelon with just one squeeze.

“Here.” Borya said, taking off his black, fur cape and hanging it over his seat.

“Lord Ivan the Mystic.” Carmilla said.

Ivan’s straight, blonde hair was styled in a bowl cut, his white tunic just barely concealing the large, diamond-shaped scar tissue on his chest. Completely blind, his irises were white as snow.

“I’m here, Lord Carmilla.” Ivan said.

“Lord Nastasia the Vengeful.”

A glittering, black veil obscured Nastasia’s face, matching her black, lace dress. She raised her hand, which was covered by her raven, lace glove. Dressed like a woman in mourning, Nastasia carried the aura of a reaper or an apparition.

“Present.” Nastasia said.

“Lord Borislav the Watcher”

Borislav raised his one and only arm. He wore a leather jacket over his shoulders like a cape and crossed his legs in his seat. His messy, brown hair hung just above his shoulders, in desperate need of combing.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Lord Ulrich the Conquerer.”

Ulrich removed his black, snow-coated ushanka, revealing his voluminous head of wavy, black hair beneath. His red eyes were like lakes of blood, possessing a gaze that struck right through the soul. Wit his young, vigorous appearance, he had an aura of a young man born to lead, like that of Alexander the Great.

“Here.” Ulrich said.

“Lord Anatoli the Skeptic.”

Anatoli stroked his thick, white bears, the lines on his forehead creasing like trenches in the Great War. His silver hair shined like strands of moonlight in its ponytail, contrasting with his black, silk suit. A golden necklace depicting a crescent moon hung over his chest, exuding an air of wisdom and knowledge in the world of lunar magic.

“Here as well.” Ulrich said, his voice hoarse.

“Lord Katya the Destroyer”

A beautiful woman with long, blonde hair and a black, fur coat raised her hand. A black eyepatch covered her empty, right socket, while her left eye shined with a brilliant, sapphire-blue. Though her beauty was alluring, the scars on her face, hands, and arms told stories of hard-earned victories and ruthless battles.

“I am here.” Katya said.

“That’s everybody.” Carmilla said, taking a seat at the head of the table.

“You told us this meeting would be about the future of our race. It sounded extremely important.” Borya said. “And for you to spend seven years tracking down all the lords, it makes me curious. What’s happened?”

“As you all know, Dracula and Mina both died during the Second Great Holy War.” Carmilla began. “As a result, infighting amongst the vampirical lords triggered several, catastrophic schisms within our kingdom that ultimately led to our downfall. One of the main reasons the infighting occurred was because Dracula and Mina had not yet produced an heir. With no legitimate successor, the throne was up for grabs.

“The only reason our race has survived is because I set up this safe haven here in Yakutsk and repatriated our people. Well, I say repatriated, but I don’t think we can really use that word. After all, this is little more than a city, not a country.”

“Of course, all of that is common knowledge. Why are you bringing this up now?” Katya asked.

“Because what the world doesn’t know is that Mina did not pass away without birthing an heir first.” Carmilla announced, inciting shocked gasps across the room.

“How do you know this to be true?” Nastasia questioned.

“Because I was there that night. I delivered the baby myself.” Carmilla said.

“And this heir…he lives?” Anya asked.

“She lives.” Carmilla corrected. “They had a daughter named Hima Chinagaregawa. She was born in Kyoto.”

“Is this really true? If Dracula had an heir, why did you wait so long to tell anyone?” Borislav asked.

“I didn’t say anything because Dracula himself ordered me not to.” Carmilla said. “If her existence was revealed while she was still a baby, the Shinto Pantheon would’ve targeted her. There was also a good chance that the many lords fighting over the throne would’ve seen her as a threat to their claim. My silence was to protect her from the enemies outside of and within our kingdom. I have been a guardian to Hima ever since her parents passed away.

“I’ve summoned everyone here today because we finally have an opportunity to crown Dracula’s true heiress and re-establish the dynasty that once ruled our nation. Outside this wasteland of ice and tundra, the Third Great Holy War is beginning. The Shinto pantheon and a coalition of armed forces have banded together to stop two people; Osamu Ashikaga and Taeko Akiyama. Those two individuals are why I can reveal this to you now.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard of what happened in Japan seven years ago. What you don’t know is that the Shinto gods never acquired Inari’s blood and heart. Rather, she committed suicide to save the man who fought alongside her during the standoff. That man is Osamu Ashikaga.

“Taeko Akiyama was a renowned exorcist in Japan, but she chose to fight alongside Inari and Osamu. In the aftermath of the standoff, they reached out to me with a bold plan. Taeko was dead set on protecting Osamu, while the pantheon was determined to execute him. So, the two drafted plans to start the Third Great Holy War. Part of that plan was to help Hima found a new nation so she could repatriate her people.

“It has been a long, collaborative effort in the making, but while you’ve all been enjoying your time here in Yakutsk, we’ve been laying down the groundwork to make the Third Great Holy War, and our success in it, possible. I know you’ve all taken a vow of pacifism, but I believe you might just change your minds when you meet Hima.”

“Meet her? She’s here?” Anya asked.

“Yes. I’ve brought her, Annabel, Osamu, and Taeko with me. They’re on the other side of that door. I want you to hear them out.”

The lords exchanged glances. Their curiosity was far too strong to pass up this once in a lifetime chance to meet Dracula’s daughter.

“Bring them in.” Anatoli said.

“Everyone, you can come in now.” Carmilla hollered.

The glass door slid open. Osamu, Annabel, and Taeko followed Hima into the conference room, each of them except for Hima taking their seats at the table. The strong scents of Hima and Osamu alone triggered excited gasps and whispers.

Hima opened her palm, summoning the sword of Vlad Dracula III into her hand. She then stabbed the blade through the table, startling the council. She then summoned a small, bejeweled treasure box into her hand, gently setting it on the table.

She opened the box and turned it around for everyone in attendance to see, or rather, to smell. Within the box were the broken femurs of Dracula and his wife Mina, the bone marrow within still carrying the scents of the late monarchs.

“My name is Hima Chinagaregawa. I am the sole child of Lords Dracula and Mina, and the heiress to the throne. Let these heirlooms and the scent of my blood be proof of my lineage.”

“This smell…it’s just as I remember it.” Anya gasped. “She truly is Dracula’s child!”

“I can’t believe it…” Borislav said.

“There truly was an heir this whole time!” Nastasia cheered.

“And him…” Ulrich began. “This is Osamu Ashikaga? The one who carries the blood and heart of Inari?”

“Yeah. I’m the one who fought alongside Inari.” Osamu said. “As Carmilla said, I helped to plan this war with Taeko and Hima.”

“Your scent is even stronger than Hima’s…” Nastasia remarked. “So much has happened outside of our little Yakutsk. To think that there was an heir and a brand new Holy War waging across the ocean and we were ignorant of it…”

“As ecstatic as I am about all of this…I don’t like what I’m hearing about a war.” Anya said. “I think it goes without saying that we vampires finally have what we want. I see no reason to get involved in this Third Great Holy War if Osamu and Taeko are the ones being targeted. Hima is here now. We can finally have a proper queen and live here in peace.”

“You can no longer afford to be ignorant of the happenings of the world.” Hima warned. “We are at the most pivotal moment in this world’s history, and it seems you don’t understand what is at stake. Inari had the power of Bloodcraft. It’s the ability to control all beings without them ever realizing it. There’s still much to learn about this unique power, but there is no doubt that it outclasses every divine regalia in existence.

“This power, depending on who wields it, can be used to enslave mankind, make them thralls to one nation and ideology, or even to just one individual’s will. It’s a power so devastating that the mere lust for it will inspire chaos and infighting until one, avaricious victor emerges. Had Osamu not been there, the Shinto pantheon might’ve just gotten its way. It might get its way yet.

“If that happens, you can be sure the pantheon will use it to eradicate all of its enemies. They’ll find this place and slaughter us all, if not brainwash us into yielding to them for the rest of our days. In having Osamu with us, we have taken that opportunity from them and given the world the slimmest chance of freedom.

“The First Great Holy War was a fight to establish nations and pantheons. The second was a war of conquest. The third is a fight to preserve the very concept of dissent and sovereignty. That is what’s at stake. I accepted Osamu and Taeko into my protection because I believe that is a cause worth fighting for, especially if the alternative is that our greatest enemy would rule the world.

“Ironically, this council here, comprised of a race scorned by the rest of the world, is the world’s last hope to retain its free will.”

“So…in order to combat this threat…” Borya began. “You want us to re-establish the Vampirical Monarchy, place you as our queen, and then what?”

“Let me correct you.” Hima said. “We will not be re-establishing my father’s country. We will be founding an entirely new nation, a nation for all vampires for live and prosper in. Once that happens, I would ask that our people ready themselves for war against the Shinto pantheon, as well as the human forces lying in wait.”

“How are we supposed to wage a war against the pantheon and several other countries at the same time?” Borya asked. “Yes, our numbers have increased since our kingdom fell apart, but we still don’t have the manpower it would take to wage a war of that size.”

“You don’t have to worry about that.” Taeko interjected. “Just recently, Izanami took control of the Underworld for us. When the time comes to fight, she’ll unleash a portion of the monsters there. The extra manpower will be just enough to put all our enemies on the defensive.”

“Izanami? The same one who blighted our lord and got him killed in the first place?” Katya chided. “The same Izanami who committed one of the worst genocides against vampires and Europeans alike? You’re telling me she’s helping us too?”

“As I said, a lot has happened while you’ve all been stuck here in Yakutsk.” Carmilla said. “The world is not as black and white as you once knew it to be. I would have you all know that Izanami is part of the reason why Hima and I are alive today. She knew we were in Japan, but she said nothing to her fellow gods. She even kept Hima’s existence a secret.”

“Besides, now is not the time to drudge up ancient vendettas.” Hima said. “Izanami-no-Mikoto and Tsukiakari Senkumo are both married to Osamu Ashikaga, hence why they’ve sided with us. It should also be noted that Inari Okami was a dear friend of theirs. Considering how the standoff ended, it’s no surprise they want to protect their husband as well as the dignity Inari died with.”

Nastasia sat back in her seat, shaking her head. “The world really has changed.”

“Carmilla, you think that with Izanami’s help, we can actually win this war?” Ulrich asked.

“I can’t guarantee you anything. A war of this scale will be catastrophic no matter how much we prepare for it.” Carmilla answered. “However, Izanami’s assistance does give us the upper hand and an element of surprise. This is the best chance we’re ever going to get. All of the conditions are right, and everything has aligned in such a way that even our old enemies have become our new allies.”

“But how exactly does this young man’s blood help us? Can he use Inari’s power?” Anatoli questioned. “And if so, wouldn’t it be a reasonable fear that he’s merely manipulating Hima into going through with this war for his sake?”

“I cannot use Inari’s power.” Osamu said, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. “But Hima can. Once your forces are ready to invade Japan, I’ll give my heart and blood to Hima. All of it.”

Osamu’s words silenced the room. Every one of the lords knew that such an act meant Osamu would die. They all stared at him in confusion and awe. Borya and Katya in particular recognized that he was a man on a mission, a man so determined to see his will through that he was willing to sacrifice his life for it.

“I know. I’ll die as a result.” Osamu said. “I’m okay with that. I was okay with it when I fought Tsukiakari. I was okay with it when I first ventured into the Underworld. I was okay with it when I fought alongside Inari. My life alone is meaningless. What matters is what’s left of the world after I’m gone.”

“What’s left?” Anya mumbled, startled by his choice of words. Certain she was thinking too much into it, she left the matter alone and dropped the thought.

“If I take the blood of a god as my own, there’s no telling how powerful I’ll become.” Hima said. “Inari’s Bloodcraft would be mine to wield, and I could use it to protect my people across the globe. Our race would never be pushed to the edge of extinction again.”

“Dracula’s heiress with the blood and power of a god?” Nastasia laughed. “If that were to happen, Hima would become the most powerful being in existence. Especially if we use the option to unleash the monsters of the Underworld first. We could lower their battle strength and then quickly mop up the rest.”

“I don’t see what we’re waiting for, then.” Borya said. “If the boy is willing to die, why not have him surrender his blood and heart right now?”

“Because there are still things I need to do before I die.” Osamu said. “If I’m going to be laying down my life for you, at least allow me some time to put my affairs in order.”

“What can be so important that we’d put our victory on hold for you?” Ulrich asked.

“Aside from his own personal affairs, I need Osamu alive for one very important reason.” Hima interjected. “Osamu is going to be my husband and your king.”

“He what?” Anatoli screamed.

“Hima, with all due respect, he’s a human!” Anya cried.

“No, he’s not.” Ivan interrupted. “Since he now possesses the blood and heart of a goddess, he’s technically a demigod. If these two were to marry and mate, the offspring they produce will inherit Hima’s lineage as well as Inari’s powers.”

“Exactly.” Hima said. “My dynasty will be stronger than ever, and if there ever comes a day where I die or simply retire, my offspring will be more than powerful enough to take the throne and defend our nation from all threats. That is why I need Osamu alive for now.”

“My god, how long have you all been planning this?” Katya asked.

“It’s been ongoing for the past seven years.” Carmilla said. “Now do you all see why this war is so important?”

“But even if we agree, we don’t exactly have enough lords to effectively handle matters of state.” Ulrich sighed.

“Actually, we do!” Annabel sang. “You all make eight. Carmilla and I will be joining to make ten. Taeko will also be joining us to make eleven, and with Osamu and Hima acting as King and Queen respectively, that gives us thirteen. Custom calls for at least twelve, but this setup gives us extra.”

“Hold on, Taeko will be joining us? Osamu I can understand, but why this mortal?” Anya asked.

“Because out of everyone here, I have the most experience in nation-building.” Taeko replied. “I was the one who co-founded the Senkumo clan alongside Bishamon, the god of war. Under our leadership, the clan became its own, sovereign country. The only reason it failed was because it was destroyed by Bishamon, at Amaterasu’s direct order.”

“As I explained before, Taeko came up with the idea of starting this war and creating a new, vampirical nation. None of this would be possible without her. Her expertise in war and nation-building will be essential in the years to come. So, despite the fact she’s a mortal, I’ve elected to have her join based on her merit as a strong and capable leader.”

Borya stroked his beard and pondered everything that had just been revealed to him. “In that case, we have everything we would need to found our nation. With careful planning, we could possibly win this war and make sure our race thrives under Dracula’s bloodline.”

“Indeed.” Katya said. “It sounds like we can actually do this. However, I would ask that Izanami unleashes her monsters first before we deploy any of our forces, both as a test of her commitment and to set up a strategic advantage before launching a ground invasion.”

“I can do that.” Osamu said. “In the meantime, I’d ask that you work to militarize Yakutsk as quickly and effectively as possible.”

“If you need additional funds to help you do it, I have plenty.” Taeko said. “Don’t forget, I’m also the one who controls the bulk of Satori Sentani’s legacy. There’s untold billions of dollars under my control. We can set up bases, camps, purchase weapons, and whatever else we may need.”

Carmilla smiled as the lords all laughed in impressed amusement. It was their first time witnessing Taeko’s iron will and tenacity, her ability to make the impossible possible.

“I want to make the decision here and now.” Hima said. “Lords of Yakutsk, will you join me in founding our new nation. Will you help me write a new legacy for our proud race? Will you lend me your strength in the dawning war?”

“The council doesn’t just make such important decisions on the fly like that.” Nastasia said. “However, since Dracula’s heiress is here now, I believe we can make an exception today.”

“Founding our new nation will mean immediately granting Hima and Osamu their positions as monarchs.” Carmilla said. “We’ll need to announce the news to the people today, then start militarizing this country. Every able-bodied man should submit themselves to our armed force.”

“As soon as we start doing that, we’ll start attracting some very unwanted attention from the Republic of Sakha and Russia at large.” Anatolia said. “Most of the city’s population are vampires, but it won’t be long before the rest of the country takes notice of what’s going on here. We’ll need deterrence.

“I have that already.” Osamu said.

“The Underworld?” Anya asked.

“No, we don’t want to reveal that to the world.” Osamu said. “If that leaks, we lose our advantage at the start of the war. I have another form of deterrence we can use. The Shoku Twins. If you start getting threats from the Republic of Sakha or the Russian government, issue a counter-threat. Tell them the Shoku Twins are more than willing to separate from each other in the event of an attack or act of hostility against our country.”

“You really did think of everything.” Nastasia giggled.

Ulrich raised his hand to speak. “Out of curiosity, what exactly will we be naming this new country of ours?”

“That’s a good question…” Hima said, casting her gaze downward as she took a second to think. Her scarlet eyes suddenly lit up as an idea came to her head.

“I think she’s got something.” Taeko said with a smile.

“Minavere.” Hima said. “The Vampirical Monarchy of Minavere.”

With a name for their new nation, the lords of Yakutsk all stood from their seats.

“All those in favor of turning our safe haven, Yakutsk, into the capital city of the new nation of Minavere, say Aye.” Anya commanded.

The room exploded with a thunderous, unanimous vote. Every lord voted aye, granting Hima her powers as Queen, and Osamu his power as King. Carmilla, Annabel, and Taeko were made lords by the proud shout of the Yakutsk lords. At long last, after centuries of staying prisoner to the icy respite of Yakutsk, the vampires would set forth to militarize their people and expand their borders in the name of Minavere, Hima Chinagaregawa, and Osamu Ashikaga.

Just as Hima hoped, the nationalist spirit of the Yakutsk Council hadn’t died out. With a country to build and rulers to serve, their hearts were set ablaze with an indomitable sense of purpose. Now Osamu and Taeko would have an entire nation at their beck and call, fighting alongside them in the Third Great Holy War.

(That’s it. It’s finally happened…)

While the lords cheered and hugged in long-awaited celebration, Hima took Osamu’s hand into her own, kissing his palm. The two of them locked eyes, their hearts racing after their massive success.

(We’re getting closer now…closer to the end…)

“We did it, Osamu.” Hima said. “Now we build Minerva into a force to be reckoned with.”

“Yeah. As King and Queen.” Osamu said, laughing in relief.

Hima’s smile and flushed cheeks lit up the room. “Yes! As King and Queen!”