I whisper a command to the soul of the vampire to come to me. The soul slams into my face. I reach out to grab it, but I’m too slow. The soul pushes itself into my chest. It feels like it’s trying to absorb itself into my soul. I probably used too much willpower behind the command.

I reach down with both my hands and lift Thea off of the ground. She wraps her left hand around my neck, and I lead her down the stairs slowly. She is still holding onto her side. I think her body still thinks she is hurt. Surprisingly that was actually the first time I have healed a human. I slide out a chair form under the table, and ease Thea into it. I then take out the head chair from beneath the table, and sit.

I look at the children. I should not have killed the man with them around. Why aren't they scared? I glance at my body to check over myself.  I don't have my hood on, so my face should be exposed. My hands look like a normal human, just really pale. If I could be a few shades brighter, I would have been white. I smell the leftover food on the table, which means I have a nose. That was my first smell since I came to this world and my first breath as well. My hearing is much better, despite it being extraordinary before. I wonder what my hair looks like; I can feel hair on my head.

“Can someone please move the body.” I cast a spell to say. At first one of the younger vampires moved to follow my orders, but I raise a hand to stop the woman. I snap my fingers at one of the kneeling older vampires. The man quickly stands up and rushes over to the stairs to pick up the body. After some time he disappeared into the hallway directly in front me, with the body over his shoulder.

The children stand behind the younger vampires, they stare at me. I see Isaac at the forefront of the children. The boy waves at me, but he seems uncertain. Of Course he would be, I’ve changed. He knows it’s me, but he is probably trying to relate me to the skeleton, I gave him a quick ‘what’s up’ wave.

“You made a lot of new friends Isaac” I said, casting another speech spell.

“Yep, Jax told me you helped save them, from the mons-, I mean from starving.” Isaac said. He walks closer towards me, sliding between the kneeling vampires. He sits by the table, and looks me over.

“You look very different.” The boy said to me.

“It would seem so. Well, nothing stays the same forever Isaac.” I said to him, a smile creeping on my face. It is good that nothing stays the same forever. I have grown to accept change over the years. I hate change, I’m sure a lot of people do, but we all have to accept it.

“Speaking of which, where is Jax?” I ask. I notice Thea’s frown at my words. I know that look on a woman’s face. She is going to tell me something I might not like. Thea looks towards Isaac, and I get the impression he wouldn’t want to hear it either.

“Isaac, why don’t you show the children the magic trick I thought you yesterday.” Thea said to Isaac. The boy sighs; he is smart enough to know what is happening. He moves off the chair, and walks away from the table.

“Don’t forget your Manners.” Thea said, to which Isaac then turned around. “Okay Mistress Nia. See you later Lord Laoch” Isaac said, as he moves off the chair. I don’t deserve to be called a lord, but I like it regardless. I am still getting used to those around me. Some of the choices I have made had unexpected outcomes. I still believe that what I am doing will make collecting souls easier. I have not been wrong in that decision so far. However so many new things have come from it. I’ll try my best to be open minded about new cultures and people.

“Come on guys, the adults want to talk.” Isaac said, as he led the children into one of the doors to the side of the room.

“Adults always want to talk.” A little girl said, as she trailed after Isaac. I watch as the children vanish into the hall.

All of the vampires were still kneeling. I think I’ve let them stay on their knees long enough. I look around for Nia as well. Where is the fairy?

“You may all rise. Anyone at this table has free permission to speak.” I say, casting a spell. I lean back on the wooden chair. The younger generation of vampires sit first, they occupy the chairs nearest to me. Isabella sat to my right, with Thea on the left.

“I for one am happy that your back. You know, I missed you dearly. My bones have just never felt the same without you around.” Isabella said. It seems she found her sense of humor back. I noticed a change in her behavior after I burnt her with the healing spell.

“I am just as happy to be back.” She smiled at my response. I now notice how much I actually like her smile. Maybe those tig ol’ bitties had something to do with it. I stop myself from licking my lips.

“Now, please tell me where Jax is.” I asked with a spell again. I think my talking is starting to become an attraction of sorts. Everyone is oddly gazing at my lips, except for Thea. It never occurred to me before; I simply thought that my strong voice was why everyone is looking. They are wondering where the sound is coming from. I’ll keep on using the spell to talk, just for the fun of it.

“Jax left yesterday, he hasn't returned.” Thea replied.

“He took twelve cutters with him” Isabella said.

“What are Cutters?” I asked.

“Muscle, you know, bodyguards” Isabella replied.

“Where did he go?” I asked.

“We have been having several skirmishes with The Flutes It’s worsen these past three days. They have been hitting our business hard; we’ve lost a lot of good people. They took over four of our blocks. We’re being bent over at this point. Jax was invited to negotiate terms so that we could've ended the fighting with a peaceful resolution. ” Isabella replied, her hands folded around her chest.

“Knowing Jax, he could not stand still while it was happening.” Thea added.

“Why have you not done anything yet then? You are all blood sucking vampires; I’ve seen you slaughter men like sheep Isabella.” I said, leaning back on my chair. I didn’t like where this is going. I don’t harbor any great love for Jax. But, in the short period of time that I knew the man, he has shown me nothing but respect, and kindness. More than I deserved from a stranger. Plus, I would of most likely be dead right now if not for him.

I might be a soul sucking, murdering, spell casting skeleton in flesh. But, I’ll never let a day go by that I ignore someone who protected me, die. And maybe it wasn’t so bad either. My mana level is low. I probably had a day or two again remaining.  I wonder how much I had before the shard sucked energy out of me. I think staying in my soul also took a chunk off my reservoir. Everything seemed to have a price tag on it, and I’m literally paying with my life.

“That’s because The Flutes are also vampires, however, we are the closest to Vicktor’s bloodline. The Flutes have a deep connection to the guards and the Lord General as well. If we hit them, they attack us, plus we get hit by the guard militia.” Isabella said. Lord General sounds like someone pretty high up. So basically they have the guards and some high ranking official on their side. Attacking The Flutes wasn’t the problem then, it’s what would happen after.

“I am Hairu master. It is a pleasure to have you back with us. Let me say that I despise the idea of Kalon’s coup, and I am forever your servant. I am a strong advocate of bringing The Flutes to heel.” One of the vampires said, he stuck his head out so I could better see him. He looked to be near his thirties, but I knew he is much older.

“I am Cassandra master,” Another vampire said, she also leaned forward. I remember her face; she was the one with the gown, and gothic look. She is still pretty cute. ”I am forever your loyal servant. Ask whatever of me and it shall be done. Let me also say, that I am esteemed to have fresh leadership among The Shrouded” After she finished, the vampire that earlier left with the body, returned. He also introduced himself.

Soon enough one by one, they all stood up, Including Isabella, and introduced themselves. I believe they tried to outdo each other. It ended with someone calling me magnificent and of the pinnacle of a true Ancient. Which was good, not the titles, but that they were fighting over which side would become my favorite. It’s good this way for now. It may be a problem in the future, if I decide to stick around. I knew everyone's names now, and this has turned into a sort of meeting in a way.

“Thank you for introducing yourselves. Forgive me for my ignorance in certain matters. I won’t give details, but let us just say that the world looked very different when I awoke. So explanations will be required on certain topics. I also intend to retrieve Jax, if he is not already dead.” I said, combining several speech threads into a spell. The spell took some time to cast.

“He should be in their headquarters, or at the Councilman Demir’s house. “Isabella said.

“Why would he be in a Councilman’s house?” I asked curiously.

“Because Talon is a corrupt place, there are major seven syndicates in Talon. Recently the nobles have laid their eyes on the profit of the syndicates, and now we have nobles that are running syndicates behind doors.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“The guards have done nothing to stop them?

“Talon has laws, master. Peasants cannot summon nobles to court. And, sufficient evidence is required to convict someone, not the mention the blood war it might cause between nobles. No nobleman wants those risks just to do some good. The city is ripe with blackmail.” Cassandra said.

Great, so basically we have a corrupt city. Are the rest of the cities in Almeria this corrupt as well? It’s probably due to the distance that Almaria is from the kingdom itself. It serves more as a stronghold to keep out the worst of the badlands. The royal family could care less what happens to Talon. Talon practically self-governs itself. Whenever there is a new Lord General, he has travel to the capital to kneel before the King and swear allegiance. I’m impressed that I suddenly remember that information.

“We will go after the headquarters then, if what you say is true, and then I can't imagine him keeping Jax by his house. Is this all the information?” I said casting a quick speech spell.

“That is currently all. We previously were having stability issues, but thanks to Jax, it has been sorted out. It’s been a smooth transition for those who have not been in the inner circle. “Cassandra spoke up. I was actually expecting more hatred to me. They seem to be taking this really good, I wonder why. Could be that they are used to constant changes in leadership.

“What about protection for the brothels and bars that we own in the city Master?” Hairu asked.

 “How much business do we own?” I questioned.

“Currently, five brothels and three bars, and we also do bodyguard services. Our bars were previously burnt down.” Hairu replied.

“I volunteer for defensive duty master!” A muscled woman said, as she stood up to her my attention. Iona was her name, a tall woman, with sharp features. She had short hair and a heavy voice. A Tom boy would be a perfect description of her. It was either that or she was a transsexual.

Another vampire stands up, then another.  Soon enough there were four vampires standing up. They were all offering to be sent out to help with any defenses. I didn’t even know the places I have to defend. I didn’t think I would have to deal with a problem like this so soon. I’m not sure what I’m up against. I know nothing about them, except that they apparently have connections with the Lord General. The title itself sounded badass, to be both a lord and a general. He could be the actual lord of the city.  I’m not that familiar with titles in the city, or even the kingdom.

“What exactly are we facing, how much people? How big are they? I want to know if I’m fighting ten, or six hundred.” I said, combing the speech threads into a single spell.

“They are much bigger than us. They are all thieves and assassins though, well known throughout Almeria. I expect them to be more well equipped, and trained. Our brothels and bars are guarded by ten to twelve guards each. We have pulled out our operations from the capital, so we have an extra fifty men to help increase the protection of the business. All the previous attacks were arson and murder. It’s safe to assume that they will attack our bars. ” Cassandra said.

“Use the extra men to increase the amount of guards at the brothels. Hairu is in charge of the guards for this building. I want proper guard patrols of ten men around this block Hairu.” I said casting another speech spell.

“For those who want to defend, three of you will be going to the bars, one is going to a brothel. Use your discretion to choose the ones most likely to be attacked.” I said. The Flutes are bigger, more equipped and skilled. That sounds like even odds. I’m hungry, and I think I’m ready for another all you can eat buffet.

“Yes Master.” The vampires replied in sync.

“What time is it right now?” I asked, unsure.

“It will soon be night.” Thea said. I was hoping for a more accurate time. I probably wouldn’t get one. They don’t have clocks here most likely. That bothered me a lot, not knowing the exact time of day. It’s true what they say. You don’t know how precious something is, until you don’t have it anymore.

“The rest of you will be coming with me. We will be attacking this headquarters tonight. If I could go now, I would.” I said. They nodded at my words. They would assume it’s because I would burn in the sun, like all Ancient vampires do. They aren't wrong with the burning part.

“You can all leave now. You have your jobs, everyone else, get ready for tonight. You stay here Isabella.” I said. Each of the vampires got up and left the room. I watched them patiently leave. I then shifted my head across to Isabella.

“Me? I would've never thought you would try to make your move so quickly, I guess you’ll be slaying me tonight as well.” Isabella said.

“That’s not what I had in mind.” I said. She did a great job of putting the thoughts there though.

“It’s not? Oh well that’s too bad.” She replied.

“I should check up on the children, they’re prone to fighting with each other.” Thea said.

“Where did Jax find them? And, thank you, for defending me. You did not have to.”

“Forever your servant, I welcome the day that I will see the City of Night,” Thea said. City of Night? Sounds like a good place for me to be. “He found them in a room, not far away from here. They were being groomed to become blood banks.” Thea continued. I look towards Isabella. The thought of children being used like that disappointed me. Isabella averted her eyes from me. Thea then stood up. She asked for my permission to leave, and I give it to her. Only Isabella and I remain.

“I know you and Jax moved me after I fell. You must have some idea where my sword is.”  

“You want your sword? It’s in Victor’s room,. Well, it’s your room now Master.” She said the last word with a lusty voice. I think I know what’s going on here. I am sure she is just trying to get on my good side. Which isn’t a bad thing, I might just let her. We both stand, and she walks to one of doors at the side of the stairs.

“Mighty fine piece of ass she has partner.” The dungeon core said. I agreed with him.

“Can I call you something other than The Dungeon Core?” I ask the shard.

I am still holding the shard in the palm of my hand. I slide the shard back into the pocket of my cloak. I hope it doesn’t mind.

“I don’t see why not partner, it’s just a name.”

“What about Dion John” I ask.

“Dion John? That sounds awfully similar to Dungeon partner.”

“You just said, it’s just a name. Fine, I’ll think of something else.” I retort. For some reason, I thought of Aladdin. It gave me a name for a voice in a rock. I don’t want to call the shard a genie. I am sure he does not grant wishes.

“What about Djinn?” I asked. The shard made a ‘Hmm’ noise. It must be thinking.

“Sounds good to me partner.”

“This is your room” Isabella said, as she pushes the door open. I enter a room with white marble tiles, which spread the light from the candles of a golden chandelier across the room. The walls are made of smooth and patterned stone. A large bed, covered with a thick fluffy sheet, sat against the wall directly opposite me.  The room is also decorated with large landscape paintings, and a portrait of a woman. A fully body mirror is to the side of the bed, I quickly begin to move towards it.

I feel my body weaken. Not my soul, but my actual body. I trip, and fall to my knee with both my hands on the ground. My fingers begin began to dry up really fast, and my eyes hurt. I momentarily go blind. My mouth begins to feel dry, and I go deaf.

I for a mere second, it feels like I have actually experienced death. Then all my senses rush back to me. I am still on my knees. I turn head slowly, to look at my face in the mirror.

My eyes are gone. Sockets filled with intense blue light, gazed back at me in the mirror. I have suddenly transformed back into my mummified state. Could this be due to the night?