chapter Seven

Two days later. Lucas has packed

a small bag of essentials, ready to

leave for the city. Thomas watches

from the doorway, his heart heavy

and confused. He knows he cannot

stop Lucas, but the fear of losing

him to the same fate, Leonardo

thought of and kept him hidden all

this years.

"If you are really set on going, there's

something you need to understand.

The city is not some play ground.

The legacy you're going to fill. It's a

battlefield. Full of men in vampire

clothings, waiting to devour even

their very bloodline, just for power."

Thomas mumbled giving a serious

warning.

"I'm not afraid of them. I can take

care of myself." Lucas uttered,

grabbing his bag.

"This is not about fighting, Lucas.

This is about survival. You need to

be smart, keep your head down.

Trust no one, especially those who

claim to be your allies." Thomas

continues in his warning to Lucas.

Lucas shoulders his pack, putting

on his father's old coat. A reminder

of the legacy he never knew. He

looks at Thomas, a mixed of

defiance and gratitude in his eyes.

"I know uncle. But I can't live in

hiding anymore. I need answers.

"don't forget to wait on Alex. He is

the only one, your father trusts. And

only him, can help you navigate

through does Walls. He will guide you

in every information you will need

out there. Thomas mumbling.

"Uncle, how are you sure? He should

be trusted." Lucas uttered with doubt

crossed his face.

"Lucas. Alex has been watching you

from beginning. He is the only one

your father entrust with every of his

secrets. if there is any one that will

lead you to victory, in your quest.

Then be rest assured, that Alex is the

man. without worry, I'm certain Alex

is the man to trust. Thomas says.

Thomas hesitates for a moment,

then opens a drawer and pulls out

a small wooden box. He hands it to

Lucas.

"Your father wanted you to have

this, but only when the time was

right." Thomas stated.

Lucas opens the box to find a well

design Silver ring with his father's

family crest. He slips it onto his

finger, feeling the weight of the

responsibility that now falls on him.

Lucas looking at the ring uttered.

"What does it mean?"

"It's the symbol of his empire. That

ring will open doors for you, but

it will also put a target on your back.

Be careful who sees it." Thomas

mumbled with concern in his eyes.

Lucas closes the box and places

it in his bag, nodding in

understanding.

"Will be back uncle, I swear it.

Lucas assures.

Thomas steps forward, placing a

hand on Lucas's shoulder, full of

confidence in him, his voice

soft but full of emotion.

"hey boy, I know you can do it.

there is no better time than now, to

go out there and make the Leonardo

name great again. put them in their

place. clean up the mess and come

back to me safe. Thomas intoned

been supportive

Lucas gives a final nod before

turning his gaze towards the cottage,

where he's lived his whole life.

As tears clouds his eyes. Without

another word he rides off toward

the city, the horizon darkening

with the looming shadows of his

father's empire.

As Lucas rides away, Thomas stands

in the doorway, watching him disappear

into distance. His eyes filled

with concern, but there is a glimmer

of pride as well.

Thomas thought to himself.

' You've got your father's spirit, Lucas.

But don't let it destroy you like it did

to him.