Chapter 2 XXX

-Caden's POV- The entry to the dungeon was marked by a spectacular pair of stone doors that stood next to the large door of the library. As I approached the doors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. Behind those granite doors lay a small, decaying room that opened onto a corridor. The ground was covered with a grimy layer of dead insects, puddles of water, and rat droppings, creating a repulsive atmosphere. The sound emanating from below ground was disturbing, and the musky fragrance of dried blood added to the eerie ambiance of the place. Sasha Kensington and I ventured deeper into the dungeon, where Sebastian Kensington, the enigmatic leader of our clan, had chosen to sleep for over a century. We were the first ones to enter the deepest area of the dungeon, and our presence surprised the people living in the house. Sebastian had been in hiding ever since he was accused of causing the Great War, and his sudden emergence puzzled everyone. To be fair, it was his wife who had instigated the conflict, but Sebastian took the blame and went into hiding. He was in a state of shock when he learned about the accusation. Despite the devastation caused, our clan, Carpe Noctem, stood by each other, including Sebastian Kensington. We rallied together and rose to glory once again. Though our members were scattered around the world, I knew that as soon as the news of Sebastian's awakening reached their ears, they would converge on Stonewick and make it their home. However, it was too dangerous for me as the Mayor of Stonewick. While Sebastian's followers had managed to survive by drinking animal blood, he had never consumed a drop of it throughout his long existence. He was accustomed to human blood, a habit he had maintained before isolating himself from the rest of the world. "Do you think there's a specific reason why he chose to wake up now?" I asked Sasha as I turned on the lights, illuminating the remnants of the past. According to old photographs passed down by my ancestors, the house had undergone significant transformations over the years. But the underground portion, where Sebastian Kensington lay, had remained untouched. "We're just as puzzled, Mr. Lockwood, but perhaps he simply had enough sleep," Sasha replied, seemingly unaware of the implications of her statement. Her response frustrated me to the point where I wanted to smack her on the back of her head for being so oblivious. I couldn't help but wonder how she had become the current clan chief of Carpe Noctem. "He might have slept forever," I muttered under my breath, barely audible. Sasha heard me, though, and stopped me in my tracks by placing her arm in front of me. Her eyes turned crimson as she glared, but I responded with a snort. I wasn't afraid of their kind, even though I was just a regular human being. My lack of fear seemed to irritate Sasha. Over the years, as we worked together to maintain peace in Stonewick, she realized that only I dared to stand up to her and her kind. Previous mayors had been different, and she wondered where I found the courage to defy them. "Before you lies the only path," she said as we walked side by side toward Sebastian Kensington's resting place, informing me about the treacherous journey ahead. "The path is tortuous, passing by desecrated and plundered tombs." We continued deeper into the darkness of the dungeon, navigating through several more corridors similar to the ones we had just passed. Eventually, we encountered a massive metal door blocking our way. Elaborate carvings adorned its surface, seemingly untouched by time or the elements. As I took another step forward, I became aware of faint footsteps following behind me. I tried to warn Sasha, but she seemed completely oblivious. I turned around and was startled to find Sebastian Kensington standing before me, prompting a loud scream of astonishment from my lips. Well, I couldn't help but be startled! "My lord," I greeted him, staring at his familiar face, which resembled the portrait I had in my office. His long, silver hair was elegantly combed back, revealing a gaunt yet captivating face. Despite his dull green eyes, he exuded a certain charm. Sebastian Kensington's silver hair and green eyes were distinctive features that set him apart from any other person I had encountered. He was undeniably beautiful, with an intense aura that justified the numerous legends surrounding this vampire. "If he's my meal for today, I'd rather bask in the sunshine and die," Sebastian remarked, his velvety voice echoing through the dungeon. Despite his words, I wasn't afraid in the slightest. I couldn't help but groan at the insult thrown my way by an ancient vampire, but as I scowled at him, Sebastian quickly averted his gaze. His eyes were unnerving, and I worried that if I didn't look away, he might end my life, leaving no trace. However, I refused to cower in the face of their kind. "My lord, my name is Caden Lockwood, and I am the current Mayor of this town," I introduced myself, but he simply sneered and walked away without saying a word. Trying to mask my discomfort caused by Sebastian Kensington, I followed him until we reached a golden coffin. My pupils dilated as I fixated on the opulent casket, and when I glanced up, I noticed the Kensington siblings staring at me. "You can take it home if you like," Sebastian announced. The vampire's challenge to carry the coffin home made my nostrils flare. As if I could do such a thing in broad daylight! If he only knew what I was about to do to an immortal with my bare hands. I struggled to find a suitable phrase to describe his arrogance. "What made you wake up now, my lord?" I attempted to inquire, hoping that he would refrain from further insults. "Did you want me to sleep forever?" Sebastian thundered, his eyes suddenly filled with a menacing intensity. "No, of course not, my lord!" I quickly responded to Sebastian's question as fear gripped me. In response to my initial query, Sebastian explained, "I'm thirsty," and I blinked in confusion. Sebastian chuckled at my obliviousness, but when he looked at me, his eyes were filled with both amusement and a hint of danger. It was clear that he sensed my fear, even though I tried to hide it. Brilliant! Sebastian continued, "After sleeping for many years, it's only natural to become thirsty." "Is that all there is to it? Did you have a specific reason for waking up now?" I pressed for more information. "Hmm, like Sleeping Beauty? I apologize for disappointing you, Lockwood, but that's not the case. My sister, Sasha, has informed me of the events that transpired while I slumbered, and I want to express my gratitude for allowing them to coexist with you. However..." Sebastian paused, swallowing a dry throat, before locking eyes with me. "I can't stand by and let them continue subsisting on animal blood, Lockwood. Yes, they can survive, but it's detrimental to their health in the long run," he explained. Sebastian's explanation left me utterly stunned. "Don't you see how selfish you're being, my lord? If you have any intention of harming my people, it will be over my dead body!" I declared with unwavering conviction. "Granted," Sebastian murmured, and with a slight turn of his head, he signaled to Sasha that the man's fate was in her hands. Of course, it was all a joke! Sasha merely frightened the man, but he was an entirely different breed. He didn't even tremble with fear. "You possess quite the courage, Lockwood. Are you truly doing this for the benefit of your people?" Sebastian commended my bravery as a leader, but he refused to compromise on his dietary needs. "Yes, and I believe we can find a solution that benefits both of our races. Just so you know, it is we who go out and hunt for the food your people consume. Surely, that warrants some consideration for a compromise?" I insisted, urging both of us to make concessions for the well-being of our respective communities. "I appreciate your willingness to coexist. However, feeding on animal blood is not a sustainable practice, as I've mentioned before," Sebastian insisted, raising his voice slightly, causing me to tremble. So he had sensed my fear, even though I tried to conceal it! Brilliant!