New Year

Upon arriving at the Ethelia Kingdom, Arachnia's demeanor transformed into that of a child beholding a wondrous spectacle for the first time. Her gaze sparkled with fascination as she took in the surroundings. Everywhere Chase ventured, he couldn't help but chuckle at her wide-eyed amazement. He realized that this was likely her maiden voyage beyond the confines of the cave she had called home.

After securing a tavern for shelter and purchasing food, Arachnia's delight was palpable with every bite she savored. For the first time, a joyful grin adorned her face as the flavors danced on her palate. Following the meal, Chase decided to procure a new tavern room to rest, recognizing that he had spent months without settling his accommodation bill, which ultimately led to its forfeiture.

As night descended, Chase invited Arachnia to his room in an attempt to engage in conversation. Yet, her silence persisted until a sudden explosion illuminated the sky with a breathtaking display of colors. At that moment, Chase was reminded of the occasion the first light of the New Year's Day casting a resplendent tapestry of purples, yellows, and blues across the heavens. Ethelia, the kingdom's majestic city, was adorned with enchanting decorations that seemed to radiate an inner luminescence. Trees adorned with sparkling ribbons intertwined gracefully, casting an enchanting glow over the cobblestone streets below.

The celebration was unlike any other, for it was not only a new year that had arrived but also a convergence of worlds, where mortals and magical beings would come together to commemorate the turning of the cosmic cycle. As the sun crept above the horizon, a sense of anticipation filled the air, carrying with it a delicate hint of lavender and mint a magical blend that was said to bring good fortune in the coming year.

The heart of Ethelia, the Grand Plaza, was an ethereal sight to behold. Elven minstrels played melodious tunes on silver flutes and golden harps, their music dancing on the wind like the wings of fairies. Glistening fountains sprayed water into the air, creating rainbows that shimmered and shifted with every breeze. Fire sprites flitted about, their playful laughter like the crackling of bonfires.

At the center of the plaza stood the towering Time Weaver's Clock, a masterpiece of enchanted craftsmanship. As the hands approached midnight, the clock's intricate gears whirred to life, and its crystal chimes began to ring with a harmonious resonance that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of reality. The Time Weaver, an ancient and mysterious figure shrouded in a cloak of stars, stood beside the clock, overseeing the momentous occasion.

As the clock struck twelve, the air shimmered with energy, and a portal of shimmering light appeared, revealing a gateway between realms. Creatures from all corners of Eldoria emerged, bearing gifts and laughter. Majestic unicorns with coats of silver and gold stepped gracefully through, their horns adorned with blossoms that glowed like galaxies. Playful gnomes and mischievous imps jostled each other as they brought forth baskets of enchanted fruits and sparkling spirits. Griffins circled above, their feathers catching the light and creating a spectacle of colors.

Amidst the jubilation, humans and elves, dwarves and centaurs, witches and wizards joined hands in a circle around the Time Weaver's Clock. A song of unity and hope rose from their hearts, their voices blending in a harmonious chorus that echoed across the realm. In this moment, all divisions were forgotten, and the tapestry of Eldoria was woven anew with threads of camaraderie and wonder.

Meanwhile, in a distant castle overlooking a splendid training ground, Ava gazed at the sky, longing for the presence of Chase beside her. In the Tailia Kingdom, Freya peered out of her window, observing the celestial display with a mixture of sadness and desperation. In another part of the realm, Luke slept in a tent beside a beautiful woman, while Alex trained with unwavering determination in a bronze castle, seemingly indifferent to the celestial spectacle.

Even further away, in a chamber, Chase's mother Kate stood gazing out of her bedroom window, her thoughts filled with concern and longing for her son's well-being. In yet another distant corner, a castle similar to Chase's awakening emitted an energy beam toward the sky, transforming the beauty into a sinister, blood-red darkness.

Back with Chase, Arachnia watched the skies with interest"What happening?" she finally decide to talk.

"It's New Year's celebration something that happens once a year, but it's better to celebrate it with someone special around you," Chase said feeling sad that he has no friend and no loved one by his side for this special day and his upcoming special day.

"Do you have anyone special?" Arachnia asked.

Chase looked at her and felt something pulsing inside, as he felt his nails grow"Go to sleep I will be back soon" he said jumping out the window and leaving Arachnia wondering if she did anything wrong.

As the celebration continued, the first stars of the night began to twinkle above, casting their blessings upon the realm. The mystical energy of the realm grew stronger, and it was as though the very air shimmered with the promise of adventure and magic.

Outside the tavern, Chase walked down an alleyway, his thoughts consumed by an intense thirst for blood, stronger than what he experienced during his awakening. Hood drawn over his head, he contemplated satisfying this need. The alley grew darker, and the people around him vanished. He collided with a man, his bloodied neck catching Chase's attention, his heart started to pound faster his fangs and claw grew even tho he felt like something was wrong with this situation his thirst for blood took over.

Chase grabbed the man's neck, biting into his neck and he started sucking the blood out the man furiously that a lot of the blood dropped onto the ground but for some reason, the man didn't scream, as minutes passed the alley was extremely quiet, Chase just wanted to get half of the man blood but his instinct made unable to control himself As he drained the man's life force, silence enveloped the alley, broken only by the sound of bones hitting the ground. But Chase's thirst persisted. He felt panic rising within him as he struggled to comprehend the changes he was experiencing.

Amidst the eerie silence, heavy footsteps and panicked breathing approached. looking down the alley, after a couple of seconds like a jumpscare came a man with pale skin coved in blood with a small spike in his body, Chase wondered what was happening and why was the man running in a panic. He got a familiar scent of the approaching man registered.

"Vampire!" Chase said taken back, looking down at the alley the man went, at the same moment he heard the sound of flesh cutting then suddenly he saw the head of the man rolling back out of the shadow of the alleyway, causing Chase to shiver.

At the same time, more slowly quiet footsteps came from the same direction as the dead vampire's head, thanks to his enchanted hearing, a footstep out of the darkness pressed on the dead vampire's head until it exploded, brains flying everywhere, the same more footstep came from the opposite side of the alleyway, at the moment Chase finally knew something was wrong, the alleyway suddenly becoming dark and a vampire appearing and dying, someone was orchestrating these events.