Page 75 of Dark Awakening

I ruffle my hair in disbelief, stomping around the room.

Lucian lets out a whistle, “Fuck me! That’s an almighty burden to bear. Are you sure you can take that on?”

I let out a deep sigh. “We have to get in touch with Adrian. He knows about this kind of shit; legends, tales... I don’t want to leave Dani here without my protection, so I’m asking both of you to go find him.”

Lucian blurts out, “Hell no! What the fuck are you thinking? I love you, bro, but I got things to do and shit to take care of here. We ain’t going to jet off to some spooky Crypts-R-US for a goddamn holiday.”

Understanding dawns as I realize I shouldn’t put this problem on my brothers’ shoulders. It is now up to me to figure out how to help Dani. “Alright,” I say. “I’ll go.”

Erik stands, making it clear he won’t let me go alone. “I’m here for you and will help however I can,” he says.

Every instinct urges me to remain and guard her, but I need information. Glancing at Lucian, my gaze solemn, I utter a low growl— “Keep an eye on her. Should she show up here, make sure you watch out for her. It seems she’s giving off some pheromone, and it draws the wrong kind of vampires. Including Azrael.”

Lucian stares at me with a look of surprise and nods, “Got it.”

We plan to be gone and back within two days. I don’t think it was necessary to tell Dani my motives yet.

Erik and I load up with everything we need for the trek and step onto my private jet, ready to dominate the journey ahead. We're jetting off to the Obsidian Enclave, the infamous Veil of Arcane Society, perched atop the Appalachian Mountains in Nova Scotia. This hidden bastion is where our vampire ancestors hoarded their knowledge, a sanctuary opened only to the most influential among us. We're on a mission to tap into that ancient wisdom, and nothing is going to stand in our way.

About a nine-hour flight later, we arrive. The second we step into the area, everything changes. Everything seems darker and more foreboding here. An eerie atmosphere hangs in the shadows, almost as if something magical is brewing. The hairs on my neck stand up in response.

Towering obsidian pillars surround us, their polished surfaces reflecting fragmented images of ancient vampire lore. The chamber hums with mystique and reverence as if the knowledge within its walls holds the power to reshape destinies. Erik and I are careful as we meander through the Enclave’s twisting hallways and chambers. Our mission is to find Adrian, the guardian of the Enclave’s knowledge, in search of wisdom and advice to help us understand this prophecy.

We walk down a dark, narrow hallway lit by a few torches on the walls that give off a dim light. The hallway ends in double doors, barely visible in the gloom. The floor’s intricate marble pattern barely peeks from under a dust coat, and our footsteps echo on the stone. We pass rooms with rotting wood doors that stare at us with wide eyes and vacant sockets. Like a tomb or mausoleum, the air is stale, musty, and heavy. The dust here has the texture of ground bone, crunching under our feet. The yellow flicker of candlelight appears in one of the doorways down the hall, so we turn past the other doors into a large stone room. A doorway at the other end of the room stands open ebon-black as a mouth ready to swallow us whole.

Erik stops—“Adrian is this way; I feel his presence.”

As Erik and I enter the room, the air is filled with ancient knowledge. A fireplace sits in the corner with a crackling of fire; the hiss of the wood burning and the flames popping are heard throughout the room. The smell of old books wafts in the air. Adrian sits at his desk, surrounded by tall piles of worn-out volumes and scrolls, his eyes darting across the lines of text before him. He exudes sagacity and solemnity; his gaze is penetrating yet remote.

As I stalk closer to my brother, suspicion and anxiety burn in my veins. Adrian’s head snaps from his book, and his eyes widen in amazement and delight.

“What the hell?! Am I dreaming?”

I seize him in an embrace before he can even think to move, squeezing tightly as if he would vanish if I let go. Adrian’s piercing gaze cuts through us both, his seriousness hiding a deep intelligence renowned among us. His mastery of prophecies and legends is unrivaled, while his understanding of the dark arts surpasses any in history. His striking features are a testament to the power of our bloodline, commanding attention with an undeniable presence.

I grab his shoulder firmly with my hand, the intensity of my grip an immediate signal that I missed him. “Goddamn, it’s good to see you. How are you doing, little brother?”

He shrugs slightly as he says, “Ah, can’t complain. Livin’ the dream.”

Erik takes a step forward and offers his hand for shaking. “Brother, good to see you,” he greets him with a smile.

Adrian reciprocates by taking his hand and giving it a firm shake. “Good to see you too, Erik,” he responds cheerfully.

Slumping back in his chair, Adrian appears tired but content with himself in an air of casual confidence. “What brings both of you out here?”

I’m relieved Adrian remains untainted by this place's sinister forces. I hastily asked, “Are you aware of the Dark prophecy?”

Adrian looks at me intently. “Of course. But remind me, what is happening?”

I pace the room, taking a deep breath. “What do you know of it?”

Without a word, Adrian moves to the bookshelf, fingers trailing over ancient spines until he finds a battered leather tome. He opens it, releasing an earthy aroma, and studies the foreign symbols and illustrations.

“According to the text, the mortal savior must find their true mate to awaken their dormant power. The savior's full strength will emerge once a genuine bond forms between them, pledging their hearts.”

I wonder if there are any clues about this individual.

But Adrian shakes his head. “No physical description given.” He looks at me closely. “So what have you discovered? Is it the one we have long sought?”

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