The aura radiating from the throne was not mere physical pressure—it was a psychic burden, an ancient sensation of blood, power, and death. Leon felt cold sweat trickling down his back. Xuánhú stood rigidly beside him, showing the highest level of alertness.
Rael stepped forward and bowed low. "Your Majesty, esteemed guests. I have brought the foreign travelers stranded at our gates."
The King did not answer immediately. His dim red eyes shifted from Rael to Leon, then settled for a long time on Xuánhú. His voice was hoarse, low, and rumbled like stones grinding together. "Nine-Tailed Fox... it has been a long time since I've seen one like you."
"And I have never seen a vampire sitting on a throne as hard as his face," Xuánhú retorted calmly, though the sharpness in her tone was unmistakable.
Silence for a moment. Then, suddenly, the King laughed. His voice was like the roar of a rockslide. "Bold. I like that." He leaned back, his shadow dancing on the walls illuminated by red candles. "I hear you wish to pass through to Venturia."
"Yes," Leon responded, finding his voice.
"We merely request permission to take shelter until the Ring of Fire Eclipse has passed."
"The Eclipse," the King murmured, his large fingers tapping the arm of the throne. "The celestial lights extinguished, the sun shackled by fire... it brings both blessing and curse." His eyes fixed sharply on Leon. "For the forest creatures, it is a spring of wild power. For us, the vampire race... it is a trial. The remaining light, filtered into a ring of fire, weakens our blood, makes us vulnerable."
Rael added in a soft voice, "That is why the guard has been tightened, and why we cannot allow anyone to roam outside during that period. Chaos would invite danger."
"You offer shelter," the King continued, refocusing on Leon. "But in Cloţca, everything has a price. A guarantee of safety is not given freely."
Leon clenched his fist. "What price do you demand?"
The King narrowed his eyes. "Your strength. During the peak of the Eclipse, when our palace's protection weakens, you will assist in defending the city's perimeter. Become... the first living shield, if necessary."
Xuánhú sneered. "So, you mean we'll be bait?"
"You call it bait," the King retorted without emotion. "I call it strategic cooperation. You need protection, we need extra strength."
"And what prevents you from betraying us once the danger has passed?" Leon asked, getting straight to the point.
King Vladirescu fell silent for a moment, then drew something from behind his cloak—a small piece of carved bloodstone with intricate symbols. "This is a Blood Oath Stone. I will bind an oath upon it. As long as you do not betray us within our territory, your shelter and safety are guaranteed by my blood. For a vampire, breaking this oath means death. That is my guarantee."
Leon and Xuánhú exchanged glances. The stone emitted an ancient, binding magical energy. It wasn't a trick.
"There's one more thing," Xuánhú suddenly said, staring at the King. "You called me Nine-Tailed Fox easily. You know what that means. And I know what those ember-like, nearly extinguished eyes mean. Your power, the Great Bat, is almost extinguished, isn't it? This Eclipse will be the hardest trial for you."
The King's face contorted, this time with real emotion—surprise, then quickly suppressed anger. Rael stared at Xuánhú with wide eyes. The room became deathly silent.
"...You are older and sharper than I assumed, fox," the King finally hissed. "But that knowledge is dangerous. Let it remain our secret."
Leon felt the conversation had entered dangerous territory. "Alright, we accept your offer. Shelter in exchange for assistance during the Eclipse, bound by that stone's oath."
The King nodded slowly. "Wise." He held the stone, uttering a short incantation in an ancient language. The stone glowed brightly red, then faded. "The bond is made. Rael, escort our guests to suitable chambers. They are... guests of honor, for now."
---
The room given to them was a luxurious suite in a wing of the palace that seemed to have been renovated. Thick carpets, mahogany furniture, and beautiful paintings adorned the walls. However, the windows were adorned with ornamental iron bars, and the air still smelled of damp earth and old iron.
Once the door was closed and they were alone, Leon let out a long sigh. Xuánhú immediately approached the window, checking the bars and the view of the city below.
"An interesting conversation," Xuánhú murmured.
"The King nearly lost control when I mentioned his fading power."
"You took a big risk," Leon said.
"But now we know their weakness. The King is strong, but perhaps not as strong as he appears. That could be useful." Xuánhú turned. "More importantly, his oath is real. We are safe, at least until the Eclipse is over. But remain vigilant. The words 'for now' were deliberately spoken."
---
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Kazan and Nix had disguised themselves in simple cloaks given by the vampire troops. They blended into the crowd in the central market, listening to conversations.
"Are the offerings for the Blood Tower prepared?"
"I hear there are more this year than ever before... because of the guests."
"The Eclipse is coming. I can feel my blood churning."
"May His Majesty and the Prince protect us."
Nix touched Kazan's arm. "Offerings? Guests?" he whispered.
Kazan nodded, his eyes sweeping the crowd. "They're talking about us. And something called the Blood Tower."
They followed a group of servants carrying covered baskets towards a tall tower at the city's edge. A strange scent—sweet and metallic—wafted from the baskets. Before they could get any closer, a guard with sharper eyes stopped them.
"Restricted area. Return to your lodgings, guests."
---
Night fell quickly in the cliff-surrounded city. Inside their room, Leon lay awake. The sounds of the friendly city during the day had changed into wind whispers and, occasionally, distant howls that made the hairs on his neck stand up.
Knock. Knock.
A soft knock at the door.
Leon and Xuánhú immediately went on alert. Leon approached the door. "Who is it?"
"A servant, Sir. Bringing warm water for the night."
The voice was flat. Leon opened the door cautiously. A young vampire servant with empty eyes stood there, holding a silver pitcher. However, as Leon took the pitcher, a small, rolled-up piece of paper fell from the servant's sleeve onto the floor.
The servant bowed and left without a word.
Leon picked up the rolled paper. Written in elegant, hurried script: "Do not trust the opulence. The Blood Tower is the key. They need fresh blood for the Eclipse ceremony—and you are the primary offering. - S."
Xuánhú read the message over Leon's shoulder. "S? Who is that?"
Before Leon could answer, the crystal given by Nix in his pocket suddenly vibrated with heat, then emitted a faint, pulsing golden light.
DANGER.
Leon ran to the window. In the distance, atop the dark Blood Tower, flashes of crimson light flared, like the beating of a giant heart. From below, long lines of city residents—faces that had been friendly and cheerful during the day—walked as if possessed towards the tower, each carrying a small bowl. In the air, the scent of blood and dark magic grew thicker, marking preparations to welcome the Eclipse in a far more horrifying way than they had imagined.
=== CHAPTER 54 END ===