1 Prologue

A half-moon and glittering stars crowned the night sky. A huge stone building raised in the middle of steaming chimneys and funnels turned into silver by the phantasmagorical glow. The wind soared in dwell and anguish, hollowing through the night, disguising the passionate suspires and words of forbidden love that resonated through the cold, empty hallways of the palace.

A man looked at another with mournful and loving eyes, giving in to the monster that imprisioned his hands to the bed, even though he wouldn't oppose any resistance.

The monster's eyes fixated on the dark skin from the neck of his partner. Hunger pierced on his guts as the moonlight reflected blue spectrums, gently illuminating the room with a misterious and almost magical haze.

A vampire.

A creature with bloody red eyes and sharp long fangs designed to pierce through the flesh of a living body was about to devour him...

Just the thought of it filled his mind with horror and fear. Bitter anxiety penetrated his senses, sending cold shivers through his spine; his hands and legs tense, trembling as the beautiful man above him leaned forward...

"Reverie..." the creature muttered with deep, husky voice as he closed his eyes, gently kissing Reverie's lips, and leaned back with a sad smirk on his face.

"Ayuma... I...", Reverie sighed in relief and guilt as his fears and voice dissolved in the dark cold room. Ayuma caressed Reverie's cheek, as an attempt to calm him. "It's ok" Ayuma said with tender tone "I understand...". Reverie took Ayuma's hand and pressed his lips against it. His kind gesture seemed to move the heart of the vampire as he embraced Reverie's sturdy body from his back.

When Reverie fell asleep, the man pulled himself back and placed a hand on his forehead. He looked at him coolly with his piercing crimson gaze, as he stood up and left towards an open window. He stood up there, light wind moving deliciously his pitch black hair, caressing body, letting himself drawn into the deep shadows of the night.

. . .

Gray ashes and smoke covered the new moon raising the night sky. It was so dark, Ayla could barely see farther than her tiny hand. A shaky slender arm was guiding her through the hellish flames that surrounded them. The fire bristled, menacing their hopes of finding a way out. Ayla noticed the other kid turning around. He held her by the waist and jumped up to an inhuman height. She grasped the back of his shirt with fear as she looked down as they landed. Ayla's eyes met her savior's dead look.

"Who are you?" She asked, staring at his glowing eyes.

"Are you ok?" He asked back, with monotonous voice... bringing her attention to his beast like fangs. He grinned, and Ayla took a step back, falling to her knees, her eyes wide in horror. "My name is Almos" he sayed gently, taking a step back and kneeling "I don't want to hurt you. Just tell me, do you have any wound?".

Ayla relaxed a little bit as he lend her a hand. She took it, still suspicious. She felt misteriously calm when her skin touched him. Her head felt dizzy and her vision blurred as she collapsed into his arms.

He lifted her little body up easily, and took her away of that inferno.

He ran with stunning speed into the shadows of the forest. His steps resonated through the rustling leaves and grass as he pierced his way to a long stone bridge. It began to rain.

A servant walked rapidly in the darkness of an opulently decorated hallway. Raindrops distorting the shadows, as the the steward made his way to a magestic entrance, where he frantically knocked a heavy wooden door.

Heavy steps got closer from the other side, and the door was opened. The silhouette of man with imposing figure was now standing in front of the servant. He kneeled and stood up again as a quick reverence. Nervousness could be heared in his voice. "Pardon me, your majesty, I'm afraid of interrupting your sleep, but Almos is in the castle, he... he..." he mumbled.

The king shrugged his broad shoulders as the weak light of the candles brightened his tired features. He passed a hand through his face and sighted impatient. "Speak clearly, Denisse, what does he want at this time...?" he said, yawning with cavernous voice.

Denisse raised his eyes back at him, straightening his back. "He demands to see you, your majesty. He carries a human girl. I'm unsure of his intentions".

The young boy was standing firmly at the front door of the castle, with Ayla's body on his hands. Eyes stiff, looking forward with solid determination. The pathetic scene was just accentuated by the rain, soaking their hair and clothes.

The main entrance of the castle received them coldly with muted lamp and candle lights. A dusty red colored carpet with rich golden accents rested from the threshold of a huge metallic door to the depths of the palace, where his highness showed, followed by two well-knit guards and Denisse's contrasting thin figure.

"Good night, Almos" The old man sayed with calm voice as he made his way to the lonely entrance "What brings you here at this time, can you tell me who's this lovely unexpected guest you carry on your arms?" Almos walked forward, confident, and graciously kneeled in front of him, without even tottering for Ayla's weight.

"Greetings, to your majesty, Lord Reverie Esmeray, of Hupyrmus" He said, reverentially "I deeply lament interrupting your well deserved resting, but this favor I'm about to humbly ask you couldn't wait until sunrise" He then, stood up and walked further towards the king until he could face him directly. The king took a step forward, and Almos handed him Ayla's sleeping body. The king held her close to his chest, as he recognized some familiar features in the face of the young vampire... "It must be my imagination" he thought, and shook away painful memories from his head.

"I saved her from a concentration camp that held her and other humans captive to be vampire food" he said. "I found the place in flames when I passed by. I'm sure all humans there scaped, but she was left behind there".

Almos took a deep breath.

"I want you to take this young girl under your wing" He responded. "You must be out of your mind, kid!" Interrupted Denisse, hissing.

"Slow down, Denisse" Reverie said with a harsh tone "But he's right, Almos. Why are you asking this to me?".

The young vampire looked back at him and simply answered "Because I want her to live the life vampire kind took away from her".

Reverie assented with his head in understanding. "I'll grant your wish" Denisse and the two guards glared at him in disapproval and surprise, but the king couldn't care less. "She will be treated from now on as my own daughter. Prepare her a room and clothes" he commanded, and Denisse left, submissive. "By the way, Almos" he turned around.

"Yes, your Highness?"

"Does she have a name?" Reverie asked, as he noticed a luxurious black necklace the little girl weared. It was decorated with golden Coptic Crosses and a crimson color jewel in the middle. Almos responded "She doesn't remember anything. That necklace is a present from me.". Reverie looked at him carefully, not fully trusting the answer.

"Alright, her name... will be Ayla. Ayla Esmeray. Strong as an old oak tree, and brilliant as the moon that begins a new cycle tonight." He declared, and quickly dispatched Almos. He turned around and left the main hall, following Denisse, who just came back to guide them to the new princess' chamber.