Chapter 4

The evening found the trio back in their dorm, the excitement of the day's events still fresh in their minds. As they lounged in the common area, the conversation naturally drifted to Crimson Adler.

"Can we just talk about how incredibly hot Crimson is?" John mused, a dreamy look in his eyes. "And he's so... I don't know, sophisticated?"

Elise chuckled, her feet propped up on the coffee table. "And polite! It's like he stepped out of some old-world novel. There's just something about him."

Annabelle, lying sprawled on the couch, joined in. "He's definitely got this mysterious vibe going on. I mean, who just shows up and looks like that?"

Their laughter and light-hearted speculations filled the room, a blend of admiration and intrigue for their new acquaintance. As the night deepened, they each retired to their rooms, the anticipation for the next day's meeting with Crimson lulling them into a restless sleep.

The following morning, John, utilizing his self-proclaimed 'FBI stalking skills', found Crimson's Instagram. He was all too eager to message him, setting up a meeting at a café near campus. "Guys, it's all set. We're meeting Crimson at Café Luna in an hour," he announced with a triumphant grin.

The café, a cozy spot popular among students, was bustling with activity when they arrived. Crimson was already there, seated at a corner table. His style was impeccable as usual, and he greeted each of them with a warm, friendly hug, making them feel instantly at ease.

Over cups of coffee and pastries, they shared stories about their backgrounds, laughing and enjoying the easy camaraderie. The conversation soon veered towards the folklore class, with Crimson listening intently as they recounted Professor Ivanov's lecture.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg,"

As Crimson interjected, his eyes sparkled with a mixture of intrigue and knowledge. "There's a wealth of vampire folklore that spans across different cultures and continents," he began, leaning forward. "Each tale is unique in its portrayal of these nocturnal beings."

The trio, their curiosity piqued, eagerly leaned in to listen.

"Take the Upyrs from Eastern Europe, for instance," Crimson continued. "Unlike the more romanticized versions of vampires you might be familiar with, Upyrs are known for their sheer brutality. They're not just bloodsuckers; they're ruthless creatures that revel in carnage. In some stories, they're described as having iron teeth and nails, making them fierce predators."

Elise, fascinated, interjected, "That's so different from the suave, mysterious vampires in popular media."

"Exactly," Crimson nodded. "Now, contrast that with the Irish vampires. These are often depicted as cunning and deceitful. They don't rely on brute force but on their wit and charm to ensnare their victims. The legend of Abhartach, for instance, speaks of a malevolent dwarf who rises from his grave to drink the blood of the living. He's outsmarted not by strength but by cunning."

John, visibly intrigued, leaned back in his chair. "It's like each culture has its own version of vampires, shaped by their own fears and values."

Crimson smiled at John's observation. "Indeed. And then you have the Uruku from ancient Mesopotamia. These are among the oldest vampire legends. The Uruku, or 'Utukku,' were seen as demonic beings. They weren't just bloodthirsty; they were agents of chaos and destruction, often unleashed as a curse upon the land."

Annabelle, always drawn to the mystical, asked, "What about the Tlahuelpuchi from Mexico? You mentioned they could shapeshift?"

"That's one of the most fascinating aspects," Crimson replied. "The Tlahuelpuchi are part of the rich tapestry of Mexican folklore. They're not just vampires; they're shapeshifters, capable of transforming into animals, usually birds. They're particularly feared for their predation on infants and young children. At the core of these tales is the theme of the unnatural consumption of life, a perversion of the natural order."

As Crimson spoke, his words painted vivid pictures of these varied and terrifying creatures. The tales were a mosaic of the human psyche's darker aspects, reflecting deep-seated fears and the universal theme of life, death, and predation.

"The interesting part," Crimson added, "is how these stories also serve as cautionary tales. They often contain lessons about morality, the dangers of the unknown, and the consequences of straying from societal norms."

The discussion meandered through various aspects of vampire folklore, each revelation more intriguing than the last. Crimson's knowledge seemed encyclopedic, his passion for the subject evident in his animated expression and the lively intonation of his voice.

As their conversation drew to a close, Elise summarized their collective sentiment. "This makes our class seem even more interesting. There's so much more to learn about these creatures and what they represent."

John, glancing at his watch, noted the passing time. "Oh, I should probably get going, I have to go to the gym. But hey, this was really cool. We should do it again."

Crimson nodded in agreement. "I'd like that. It's refreshing to find others who share an interest in the deeper, darker facets of folklore."

As their meeting drew to a close, Annabelle, filled with a sudden burst of enthusiasm, extended an invitation. "There's a party tonight, kind of a kickoff for the new academic year. You should come, Crimson. It'll be fun, and you'll get to meet more people."

Crimson's smile widened. "I'd be delighted to join. Thank you."

They parted ways with a plan to reconvene and explore more of these fascinating tales, each student carrying with them new perspectives on the legendary creatures of the night. Crimson's insights had opened a doorway to a world that was both thrilling and unnerving, a world that they were now eager to delve deeper into.

They left the café with a sense of excitement, the promise of the evening's party adding an extra layer of anticipation to their burgeoning friendship with Crimson Adler. Little did they know, this encounter would be the beginning of a journey that would take them far beyond the realms of folklore and into the heart of the supernatural.