Chapter 1
Chapter 1
The autumn wind swept gently through the quiet village of Ashwood, carrying the scent of pine trees and freshly baked bread. Hidden deep within the mountains, the small human settlement had remained untouched by the outside world for generations. Its people believed the forests protected them from the creatures whispered about only in bedtime stories.
To them, vampires were nothing more than legends.
Among the cheerful villagers lived an eighteen-year-old girl named Rain. She had long ebony hair that flowed down her back, bright emerald eyes, and a smile that could brighten even the gloomiest day. Though life was simple, she cherished every moment she spent with her family.
Her father, Thomas, was the village blacksmith—a hardworking man known for his strength and gentle heart. He often told Rain, “A person’s worth isn’t measured by power, but by the kindness they leave behind.”
Her mother, Elena, was the village healer. Warm and compassionate, she spent her days tending to the sick and comforting frightened children. Rain had inherited her mother’s gentle nature and unwavering courage.
Rain also had a younger brother, Noah, only twelve years old. Mischievous and energetic, he dreamed of becoming a great knight despite never having held a real sword. Every morning he challenged Rain to playful duels using wooden sticks.
“One day,” Noah declared proudly as he pointed his stick at her, “I’ll protect everyone in this village!”
Rain laughed, easily knocking the stick from his hands.
“You can’t even protect your breakfast from the chickens.”
Noah puffed out his cheeks. “That chicken cheated.”
Their laughter echoed across the yard.
Inside the house, Elena watched her children through the window with a peaceful smile.
“They’ve grown so quickly,” she whispered.
Thomas wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“As long as they’re smiling, nothing else matters.”
For that brief moment, life was perfect.
As evening descended, the village gathered in the square for the annual Harvest Festival. Lanterns glowed like golden stars, musicians played lively melodies, and children ran through the streets with flower crowns resting on their heads.
Rain danced with Noah while Thomas roasted meat over an open fire.
Elena handed Rain a small silver necklace engraved with a crescent moon.
“It belonged to my mother,” she said softly.
Rain admired its delicate craftsmanship.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Wear it always.”
Rain smiled.
“I will.”
Elena’s expression lingered, touched by an emotion Rain couldn’t quite understand.
Almost... fear.
Far beyond the village, hidden beneath towering black mountains, stood the enormous walls of Noctis, the ancient Vampire Kingdom.
Its towering castles pierced the clouds, illuminated by a blood-red moon.
Within the royal palace sat Lord Brown, ruler of every vampire clan.
His crimson eyes narrowed as an ancient servant knelt before him.
“My Lord... we’ve found her.”
Silence filled the throne room.
Lord Brown slowly rose from his obsidian throne.
“The Moonblood heir...”
The servant lowered his head.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
A faint smile spread across the king’s lips.
“Bring the girl alive.”
“And the village?”
Lord Brown answered without emotion.
“Leave no witnesses.”
Back in Ashwood, the celebration continued.
Rain stood beneath the stars, her necklace shimmering faintly in the moonlight.
Suddenly...
The wind stopped.
Every lantern flickered.
The forest became unnaturally silent.
Even the insects stopped singing.
Thomas looked toward the woods.
His face paled.
“...Everyone inside.”
The joyful music ceased.
“What happened?” someone asked.
Before anyone could answer—
BOOM!
The village gate exploded inward.
A deafening scream shattered the silence.
Dark figures cloaked in black poured through the smoke with impossible speed.
Red eyes.
Pale skin.
Sharp fangs.
Vampires.
Chaos erupted.
People fled in every direction.
Homes burst into flames.
The peaceful village transformed into a nightmare within seconds.
Thomas grabbed Rain’s wrist.
“Take Noah and run!”
“What about you?”
“I’ll buy you time!”
Rain’s eyes filled with panic.
“No!”
Thomas kissed her forehead.
“You are my greatest treasure.”
Then he charged toward the invading vampires with nothing but a blacksmith’s hammer.
He never hesitated.
Rain pulled Noah through the burning streets.
Smoke stung their eyes.
Cries for help echoed from every direction.
“Noah! Stay close!”
“I’m trying!”
A vampire landed in front of them.
Its grin stretched unnaturally wide.
“Found them.”
Rain froze.
The creature lunged—
Before it reached them...
CRACK!
An arrow pierced its skull.
Elena stepped from the shadows, bow in hand.
Rain stared.
“M-Mother?”
Elena had never mentioned knowing how to fight.
There was no fear in her eyes.
Only determination.
“Run!”
More vampires appeared.
Dozens.
Elena fired arrow after arrow with deadly precision.
Each shot struck true.
She wasn’t just a healer.
She had been hiding something.
Thomas stumbled toward them, covered in blood.
“We have to leave!”
Suddenly—
A towering vampire dressed in silver armor descended from the rooftops.
His aura alone forced everyone to their knees.
“You’ve hidden the girl long enough.”
His voice was calm.
Merciless.
Thomas stepped forward despite his injuries.
“You’ll never touch my daughter.”
The vampire barely looked at him.
With one effortless movement—
Slash.
Thomas collapsed.
Rain’s scream echoed across the burning village.
“FATHER!!”
Noah rushed toward him.
“Dad!”
Another slash.
Noah fell beside his father.
Everything happened too quickly.
Too cruelly.
Rain couldn’t breathe.
She crawled toward them through tears.
“No... please... wake up...”
Elena embraced Rain one final time.
“Listen carefully.”
She pressed the silver moon necklace tightly into Rain’s hand.
“Whatever happens...”
“...Never let anyone take this from you.”
Rain sobbed.
“Please don’t leave me...”
Elena smiled through her tears.
“I’ll always be with you.”
She turned and faced the vampires alone.
The last thing Rain saw was her mother standing tall against impossible odds.
A brilliant silver light burst from the necklace around Elena’s neck.
The entire battlefield exploded with blinding radiance.
The vampires cried out in agony.
When the light faded...
Elena was gone.
Only ashes drifted through the night air.
Rain screamed until her voice broke.
But before she could move—
A cloth soaked in a strange scent covered her face.
Her vision blurred.
The last thing she heard was the silver-armored vampire speaking.
“The Moonblood heir has been secured.”
Darkness swallowed everything.
When the sun rose the next morning, Ashwood Village no longer existed.
Its homes lay in ruins.
Its streets were silent.
Its people were gone.
And somewhere far away, chained inside a black iron carriage, Rain slowly drifted toward a fate far worse than death.
She was no longer a daughter.
No longer a sister.
She had become merchandise.
