The camp was full of joy and warmth. Luna, her fairies, Meli, Mirzand, and Lolan were sitting around the campfire, laughing and talking. The fairies were dancing in the middle, their tiny lights sparkling like stars. Luna clapped her hands and joined their fun, her smile shining brightly. Everyone was happy. Even Mirzand and Lolan enjoyed the moment, watching Luna with quiet interest.
Far from the camp, at the edge of the forest, a guard was standing alone, carefully watching the dark trees. Suddenly, he heard something—soft footsteps, moving fast through the shadows.
"Who's there?" he called out, gripping his spear tightly.
There was no answer. Only silence.
He stepped forward slowly, his eyes scanning the dark.
Whoosh—thud!
Suddenly, a sharp knife flew out from the trees and stabbed him directly in the chest.
"Ah—!" The guard gasped, falling to the ground.
The sound of his body hitting the ground alarmed the nearby guards. One of them ran to his side, shouting, "Man down! We're under attack! Go! Inform Lord Noctarion, now!"
Another guard quickly rushed toward Noctarion's tent, breathing hard.
"My Lord! The vampires—they've attacked! One of our men is dead!"
Inside his tent, Noctarion was standing over his map, studying the roads. His face stayed calm, but his eyes turned cold.
"The Crimson Fang," Noctarion said quietly. "They're not just anyone. I met their leader once. They are dangerous."
The guard waited for orders, fear in his eyes.
"We can't fight them now. We're not strong enough," Noctarion said, folding the map carefully. "We must talk."
As soon as Noctarion stepped out of his tent, both Mirzand and Lolan rushed toward him, breathless after hearing the news.
"We're not strong enough to face them head-on," Lolan panted, worry written all over his face.
Noctarion gave a firm nod. "I know."
Mirzand crossed his arms, his eyes sharp. "Peace talk?"
Noctarion glanced at him, his voice low and steady. "No other choice."
Without wasting another second, the three of them made their way to the meeting tent where the peace talks were set up.
Inside the Tent____
Sitting inside was a young man dressed completely in black. His long black hair brushed his shoulders, and strange tattoos crawled up his arms and neck. The bright red locket hanging from his neck glowed faintly, making his cold appearance even more intimidating.
"Long time no see, Crimson," Noctarion said calmly as he entered, his voice deep and steady.
Crimson smirked, resting one arm lazily on the table. "I was passing through the center. Thought I'd visit my old friend."
Lolan rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed, but said nothing. Noctarion took his seat across from Crimson, with Mirzand and Lolan sitting on either side.
Noctarion leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his sharp eyes locked on Crimson. "What do you want?"
Crimson's lips curled into a slow, dangerous grin. "Women."
Mirzand's brows shot up in shock. "Excuse me?"
Crimson chuckled darkly. "I've come across someone with a very… familiar vibe. It's been a long time since I met a beauty like that."
He turned his red gaze to Mirzand and smirked. "I heard you have plenty of beautiful women traveling with you."
Noctarion slowly turned his head toward Mirzand, his eyes silently asking for permission to give women.
Mirzand gave a small nod.
Noctarion leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable. After a long pause, he finally said, "Fine."
Without saying anything more, the four of them stood and exited the tent together, stepping into the cool night air.
Centre of the Camp____
There were many women gathered in the center of the camp, most of them dressed in clothes meant to catch attention. Crimson slowly walked among them, his sharp red eyes scanning each woman with a strange, unsettling gaze.
As he walked, his eyes landed on a small group of maids peeking nervously from behind a tent flap. Among them was Meli.
The moment Crimson saw her, his steps froze. His eyes widened in surprise.
"A witch," he whispered under his breath, a wicked smile slowly forming on his lips. He pointed at her. "You. Come here."
Meli hesitated, trembling, but she slowly stepped forward and bowed her head.
Crimson turned to Mirzand. "Along with these women, I want this one too."
Mirzand looked at Meli, clearly unsure, but before he could answer—
"NO!"
A sharp voice sliced through the tense silence.
Everyone turned.
Luna had arrived, standing tall with her fairies surrounding her protectively. Meli immediately ran to Luna's side, hiding behind her.
Crimson's curious red eyes locked onto Luna, completely intrigued. "What kind of creature are you?" he asked, stepping closer, studying her glowing fairies and the unique flower crown resting on her head.
Noctarion quickly stepped between them. "Crimson, there are two other witches in our camp. Take them instead. Leave this one."
Lolan, standing nearby, nervously signaled Luna to go back inside.
But Luna completely ignored him.
"I didn't know I came to a cheap market," Luna said sharply, her voice filled with disdain.
"Mind your words, Princess," Lolan warned quietly.
"You all should mind your actions first," she shot back, her eyes never leaving Crimson.
Noctarion, growing impatient, signaled his guards. "Take Luna inside. Now."
But Crimson raised his hand. "No one will touch her."
He walked toward Luna slowly, his eyes locked on her with dangerous curiosity.
The fairies glowed brightly, their magic stirring around them, but Luna stayed perfectly still.
"You won't get a single woman from here," Luna said, staring directly into his eyes, fearless.
Crimson chuckled darkly, clearly entertained. Noctarion's voice boomed, "Luna, I said go inside. Now."
Luna ignored him. She took a step forward. "I will take with me all the women here—the ones you're trying to trade away. They're not yours to sell."
Noctarion clenched his jaw. "LUNA, GO!!"
Crimson's smile deepened. "Princess Luna… as you wish." His voice dropped, deadly soft. "I don't need any of these women."
His crimson eyes gleamed.
"I just need you."
The fairies instantly flared in anger, their lights glowing fiercely.
But Luna quickly raised her hand, silently asking them not to interfere.
Floe, ignoring Luna's signal, stepped forward bravely. "How dare a filthy creature like you speak to our Luna like that?"
Before anyone could react, Crimson casually waved his hand, sending a powerful force that struck Floe like a blast of wind. She was thrown backward like a doll, crashing to the ground hard.
"FLOE!" Luna screamed, rushing toward her—but Crimson swiftly blocked her path.
Crimson's grip tightened around Luna's wrist as she desperately struggled to break free, her eyes darting towards Floe, who lay weakly on the ground.
"Let me go!" Luna snapped, twisting her hand, her voice sharp with panic.
But Crimson only watched her calmly, his cold fingers brushing a strand of her hair away from her face.
"So fierce…" he murmured, a wicked grin tugging at his lips.
"You're… interesting."
His eyes darkened as he slowly leaned in, his gaze fixed on her lips.
"Let's see how your fire tastes," he whispered, closing the distance.
Just as his lips were about to touch hers—
BANG!
A powerful invisible force slammed between them, jolting Crimson back a step.
His hand fell from her wrist in shock, and Luna stumbled slightly, gasping as she clutched her chest.
Both of them froze.
Both of them turned their heads sharply, their eyes locking onto the direction the force had come from.
Crimson's eyes narrowed, Luna's chest heaved—but neither of them spoke.
In that single tense heartbeat, the camp fell silent.