The black fog had disappeared, and the previously obstructed view suddenly became clear.
The car slowed down.
Leo noticed a small hill not far ahead.
Around the small hill was a flat grassy field, dotted with unknown wildflowers here and there.
The car window was rolled down, and a faint, refreshing fragrance filled the air.
The car came to a stop, and Prince Devon, sitting in the passenger seat, turned to Leo and respectfully said, “Master, we have arrived.”
Leo nodded and opened the door to get out.
Vampires from the two cars behind also got out and walked with Leo and Devon to the hill.
Prince Devon continued, “Master, whatever you see next, please hide your human scent and do not speak.”
Leo nodded again.
Prince Devon took two steps forward and loudly announced, “House Lessane of The Thirteen Clans of Vampires is here to visit House Brujah!”
After speaking, Prince Devon raised his right hand, extended his right index finger, and pointed at the space in front of him.
A red beam of light shot out from Prince Devon’s finger, then seemed to hit an invisible glass wall, blooming into a strange blood flower.
After the blood flower disappeared, a massive ancient castle slowly emerged.
Facing Leo and the vampires was a heavy door.
Once the castle was fully revealed, the heavy door slowly opened.
A group of vampires dressed in dark purple robes emerged from the castle.
Leading them was Prince Fred of House Brujah.
Behind Prince Fred were Duke Dane, Duke Gizack, and Duke Joseph, among others.
Prince Devon stepped forward with a slightly mocking tone, “Prince Fred, long time no see. You look more spirited than ever.”
Fred’s face twisted into an unpleasant smile as he replied, “Prince Devon, I thought Satan had already summoned you to hell.”
The Covenant and The Devil’s Party had been at odds for millennia. Even if they didn’t fight upon meeting, verbal sparring was inevitable.
If it weren’t for today’s centennial vampire gathering, both sides would likely have continued ignoring each other.
Leo found the exchange between the two princes somewhat amusing.
Prince Devon continued with a forced smile, “Prince Fred, aren’t you going to invite your esteemed guests inside?”
“Of course. Brothers of House Lessane, please come in. We’ve prepared the freshest blood for you,” Fred said with his unpleasant smile still plastered on his face as he gestured invitingly.
Prince Devon didn’t stand on ceremony and led Leo and the dukes into the castle with swaggering steps.
Leo was dressed in a vampire robe, his face made up to look pale. By deliberately hiding his scent, he looked indistinguishable from a real vampire.
Inside the grand hall of the castle, over a hundred vampires had already gathered.
It was clear that representatives from all The Thirteen Clans of Vampires were present.
The entrance of Prince Devon and his entourage immediately drew the attention of the murmuring vampires inside.
Prince Fred clapped his hands and loudly announced, “Brothers of the vampire clans, with the arrival of House Lessane, The Thirteen Clans of Vampires are once again reunited after a century. Let us welcome them.”
As Fred finished speaking, applause erupted.
Vampires friendly with House Lessane came forward to greet Prince Devon; those with no ties or harboring hostility remained seated but glanced at Prince Devon and his group.
Leo stood quietly behind Ashburn and Duke Angus, keeping a low profile.
A few vampires noticed Leo but lost interest upon seeing the count’s insignia on his chest, assuming he was just a servant to one of the dukes.
After the greetings, Fred gestured for Devon and his party to take seats at one side of the long table while he himself took the main seat at the front.
Fred surveyed the room with authority before raising his hand to quiet the hall.
“Brothers of the vampire clans, today marks our grand centennial gathering! This time, we will undertake an important task: selecting three representatives from The Thirteen Clans of Vampires to compete for the leadership of The Dark Alliance!”
Fred’s expression was both angry and passionate.
“As you all know, for nearly three hundred years, the wizards have held the leadership of The Dark Alliance. This is an insult to our great vampire race.”
“Tonight, I hope The Thirteen Clans of Vampires can put aside their differences and unite to reclaim the glory that rightfully belongs to us!”
At this climax, Fred raised his hand excitedly.
“Reclaim our glory!”
“Glory belongs to vampires!”
“Vampires will prevail!”
The vampires in the hall were roused by Fred’s words and began shouting passionately.
It was well known that although wizards were not as powerful overall as vampires, internal strife among vampires had allowed wizards to seize control of The Dark Alliance.
Fred achieved his desired effect as he raised his hand again and loudly asked, “Brother Cody of The Kavi and Brother Lance of The Nosferatu, as the convener of this assembly, may I have a word?”
Prince Cody of The Kavi and Prince Lance of The Nosferatu stood up.
As leaders of The Covenant and The Neutral Ground factions respectively, their influence was significant.
Although Cody usually didn’t see eye to eye with Fred, he acknowledged Fred’s role as convener and replied, “Brother Fred, please speak.”
Prince Lance, known for his neutrality, also responded, “Brother Fred is convening this assembly; naturally, you should arrange its proceedings.”
Cody’s and Lance’s responses reassured Fred. He continued, “As you all know, in past selections for representatives, we used combat.”
“Fighting among ourselves not only weakens our elite but also leaves the victors too exhausted to effectively challenge the wizards.”
“This has repeatedly cost us the leadership of The Dark Alliance.”
“So this time I propose that The Devil’s Party, The Covenant, and The Neutral Ground each select one representative to form a candidate team. What do you think?”
After Fred finished speaking, the vampires in the hall didn’t immediately respond but instead began thinking or whispering among themselves.