The time was four hundred and sixty six years before the merge of the multiverse and creation of Zetalon. The year 5461 AD to be exact. The Transylvania universe was a place where huemans and monsters coexisted. The universe had not been explored and people were content with living on their earthly planet. There were huemans, werewolves, vampires, elves, fairies, goblins, and many other beings. However, the elves lived the longest out of all of them and the vampires second longest.

The elves established their own kingdoms and kept separate from the rest, however, the vampires expanded their reach and became the rules of it. Each continent had a vampire ruler and those continents were divided into districts with their own vampire ruler.

The vampires still had the limitation of light and needed huemans and other creatures to still maintain order during the day. They appointed huemans and creatures alike as dukes and duchesses to control the local provinces, marquess and marchioness protected the frontier land of the kingdom, earls or counts and countesses to keep the peace and dispense justice in the cities, and barons and baronesses to oversee their particular lands and those citizens who live within their plot of lands.

Even though most species and creatures began to coexist there were two that continued to be enemies across the planet. The vampires of the Cult of Carmilla and the werewolves of the Pact of Marduk. In the territories the vampires controlled they served as rulers over the huemans and other species that chose to live in their domain. The werewolves, however, chose to live in partnership with those who chose their lands and serve as protectors rather than rulers of the people.

The rivalry between vampires and werewolves ran deep in these lands. Their animosity had been ingrained for centuries; a feud fueled by ancient tales of betrayal and bloodshed. Both factions clung onto their territories fiercely, unwilling to yield an inch to their sworn enemies. Yet there were whispers among both species—rumors that spoke of a brewing darkness that threatened to consume them all.

The Eurasia continent was the most contentious border between the vampires and werewolves. The vampire territory ended at Montenegro, Serbia, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland. Where the werewolf territory began at Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania. 

The rest of the planet was spotty for where territory lines were drawn but the Eurasia continent was the headquarters of the vampire king and queen in Romania and the werewolf pack leaders in Bulgaria.

In the heart of Romania, within the towering walls of Castle Dracul, King Valerian, a formidable vampire ruler, sat upon his ornate throne. His piercing red eyes surveyed the grand hall as his loyal subjects bowed before him. Queen Seraphina stood by his side, her regal presence commanding respect from all who gazed upon her.

Valerian's mind was filled with thoughts of expansion and dominance, his hunger for power insatiable. He knew that he could not rest until every inch of the Transylvania universe was under his control. The werewolves, led by Alpha Lucius and Luna Selene, were a constant thorn in his side. Their resistance against the vampires' rule proved to be both admirable and infuriating.

Inside the castle, the air was heavy with an ancient power that pulsed through every stone. The castle itself was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its dark stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and stained glass. Servants, mostly huemans under vampire rule, hurried about their duties, keeping the castle running smoothly. Among them was Amelia, a young hueman woman with a defiant spirit. Her loyalty to the vampires was unwavering, though she often found herself questioning the morality of their rule.

Amelia had grown up in the nearby village and had been chosen at a young age to serve at Castle Dracul. She had witnessed both the grandeur and darkness that lay within those walls. She had seen the opulent feasts where vampires reveled in their immortality, feeding on willing or unwilling victims brought from far and wide. She had also witnessed the merciless punishments inflicted upon those who dared to defy their vampire overlords.

Meanwhile, in the heartland of Bulgaria, nestled among the rugged mountains, Alpha Lucius and Luna Selene held a council with their most trusted pack members. The air crackled with tension as they discussed the growing threat from the vampires. They knew that their peaceful coexistence with other species was at stake.

“We cannot allow Valerian to continue his tyrannical reign,” Alpha Lucius bellowed, his voice reverberating throughout the ancient stone chamber. “Our pack must stand united against this darkness and oppression he seeks.”

Luna Selene, her silver fur shimmering in the dim light, nodded in agreement. “We have lived in harmony with the other creatures for centuries, and we will not let Valerian and his vampires disrupt that balance. We must find a way to protect our lands and our people.”

The werewolf council was filled with warriors, strategists, and healers. Among them was Elias, a fierce warrior known for his unwavering loyalty and cunning tactics. His silver eyes glistened with determination as he addressed the council.

“We cannot underestimate the strength of the vampires,” Elias warned. “They have formidable powers and an army at their disposal. We must be prepared for any attack they may launch.”

Alpha Lucius nodded solemnly. “We need to gather intelligence on Valerian's forces, their weaknesses, and their plans. We cannot fight blindly if we hope to succeed.”

Amelia, who had been assigned to spy on the werewolf council by King Valerian himself, listened intently from the shadows. Her heart wavered with conflicting emotions as she witnessed the determination and unity of the werewolf pack.

As the meeting drew to a close, Luna Selene turned her gaze towards the darkness where Amelia hid. Her sharp senses allowed her to detect a foreign presence.

“Who's there?” Luna Selene growled, her voice laced with anger and aggression.

Amelia froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been careful to remain hidden, but Luna Selene's keen senses had detected her presence. Slowly, she emerged from the shadows, her eyes downcast in a show of submission.

“I-I apologize,” Amelia stammered, her voice trembling. “I meant no harm. I only wished to observe.”

The werewolf pack members bristled at her words, their instincts urging them to attack. But Alpha Lucius held up a hand, silencing their aggression.

“Who sent you?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.

Amelia swallowed hard, weighing her options. She knew that admitting she was a spy for the vampires could mean certain death. And yet, the longing for freedom and justice tugged at her conscience.

“I am...loyal to King Valerian,” she confessed hesitantly, her words barely above a whisper. “But that does not mean I agree with his methods.”

Alpha Lucius exchanged a glance with Luna Selene, and after a moment of silent communication, he spoke again.

“Bring her forward,” he commanded one of his trusted pack members.

Reluctantly, Amelia took hesitant steps towards the center of the chamber where the council stood. The werewolves circled around her, their eyes filled with suspicion and mistrust. Amelia could feel their intense gaze upon her, as if they were peering into her very soul.

Alpha Lucius stepped forward, his voice low and steady. “You claim to disagree with King Valerian's methods. Why should we believe you?”

Amelia took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak her truth. “I have seen the suffering caused by the vampires' rule,'' she began, her voice trembling but resolute. “The huemans who are enslaved, the innocent lives taken to satisfy their thirst for power. It weighs heavily on my conscience.”

The werewolves exchanged wary glances, their suspicion still evident. Luna Selene stepped forward, her silver eyes piercing through Amelia's defenses. “If what you say is true, why have you chosen to reveal yourself now? And why seek refuge among us?”

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as she met Luna Selene's gaze head-on. “I've witnessed the unity and justice that resides within the werewolf pack,” she explained, her voice filled with sincerity. “I believe in your cause to protect all creatures and maintain the delicate balance of this land. I want to be a part of that fight.”

Silence hung heavy in the chamber as the werewolves considered Amelia's words.

Elias sniffed before growling at her, “We could have her spy on King Valerian and provide us with the intel we need to prove her loyalty to our cause.”

“That would put her in too much danger, she couldn’t hold her own against a vampire,” replied Alpha Lucius.

“And if she is lying it could be the death of us,” Luna Selene growled at Amelia before looking at her mate.

“I’ll do it!” exclaimed Amelia, “I’ll spy on King Valerian to show you I’m loyal to freeing the species from King Valerian’s cruelty.”

The werewolves looked to each other before Alpha Lucius looked to Amelia and nodded. He stuck out her hand and she took his for a handshake. 

However, in one of the regions controlled by the vampires 1,934 miles away, in Scotland, was a young fourteen year old Melanie Vandershine with her father, better known as The Red Baron, Rancoff Vandershine and his servants.

Melanie sat in her room while her attendants helped to ready her to go with her father to vampire lord of Sctoland’s castle so they could attend the festivities the following day for his annual party that was held for all those with a titled position and their families in the kingdom. 

Melanie groaned while one of the attendants tightened her corset, “I hate wearing these things.”

“One of the pleasures of being a woman in this country, miss,” replied one of the attendants as the others laughed.

Downstairs Baron Vandershine was standing and talking with one of his knights while nursing a glass of scotch. He threw a newspaper down on the table and took a large swig of the drink.

“More reports of werewolf activity,” Baron Vandershine muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. “Those mutts are becoming quite the nuisance. We need to put an end to them once and for all.”

The knight nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with bloodlust. “It's about time we rid these lands of those cursed creatures. They have no place in our society.”

Melanie watched her father from the top of the staircase, her curiosity piqued. She had grown up in this world of vampires and darkness, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to life than this lavish but suffocating lifestyle. She decided to make her presence known to her father, “Father, I’m ready.”

Baron Vandershine looked up to where he heard her voice come from. His look of displeasure turned to a forced smile, “Good, my dear, let’s get to the party. We mustn’t keep them waiting for us.”

Melanie came downstairs with one of her attendants. They walked outside and boarded the carriage with her father and one of his assistants. The coachman cracked the reins and the horse began to walk as they took off to the castle of their vampire lord.

They had started out early in the day as it would take them a little over eight hours to arrive at the lord’s castle. It was a long journey that Melanie always hated but played the role of the good daughter like her father expected.

In Edinburgh at Castle de Matthecourt, the nobles were beginning to arrive and were taken to their different rooms in the castle for the next few days. Lord de Matthecourt was put away in his coffin still asleep while there was daylight out.

The following day, the castle buzzed with anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the awakening of the vampire lord. Servants scurried about, making final preparations for the grand festivities that would take place that evening.

Melanie followed her father through the ornate corridors of Castle de Matthecourt, her eyes wide with wonder at the opulence that surrounded her. The scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the alluring aroma of exotic flowers adorning every surface.

As they walked, Melanie's attention was drawn to a beautifully adorned door slightly ajar. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she discreetly peeked inside. To her surprise, she found an elegant study lined with ancient books and artifacts of untold power.

Just as she was about to step inside, a voice echoed through the corridor behind her. “Where do you think you're going?” 

Melanie turned to see one of her father's assistants, a sneer on his face. Her heart raced as she tried to come up with an excuse, but before she could say anything, another voice came from behind her.

“Leave her be, Maurice,” Baron Vandershine commanded, his tone cold and authoritative.

Maurice scowled but quickly bowed his head and walked away. Melanie gave her father a grateful smile before joining him to continue their walk to the ballroom.

The grand ballroom shimmered with candlelight and the sound of lively music filled the air. Lords and ladies adorned in their finest attire twirled across the polished marble floor, their movements graceful and smooth. Melanie couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she entered the vast space, her eyes darting from one elegant figure to another.

Baron Vandershine led Melanie to a table on the outskirts of the dance floor, where they could observe the festivities while maintaining a level of privacy. As they took their seats, Melanie's gaze wandered across the room, searching for something - or someone - that could alleviate her growing restlessness.

And then, her eyes locked onto a figure in the distance. It was a young man with tousled dark hair and piercing blue eyes. His presence seemed to radiate a sense of confidence and mystery that instantly drew Melanie's attention. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him, captivated by his every movement.

Baron Vandershine noticed his daughter's distraction and followed her gaze towards the enigmatic stranger. He narrowed his eyes and gripped his glass tightly, his knuckles turning white. “Stay away from him,” he warned, his voice low but filled with an undeniable authority.

Melanie turned towards her father, surprised by the sudden intensity in his voice. “But Father, why?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of curiosity and defiance.

Baron Vandershine sighed, his eyes flickering with a hint of regret. “He is not someone you should associate with, Melanie. There are rumors that he has ties to the werewolves, our sworn enemies. It would be dangerous for you to get involved with him and would not look good for our house if the rumors of his allegiances are true.”

Melanie's brows furrowed, her mind swirling with questions. She had grown up believing in her father's hatred for the werewolves, never questioning his motives or actions. But now, faced with this mysterious stranger who seemed to hold an allure she couldn't resist, doubts began to creep into her thoughts.

“I understand your concerns, Father,” Melanie spoke softly, her voice tinged with determination. “But I can't help but wonder if everything we've been told about the werewolves is true. What if there's more to their story than we know?”

Baron Vandershine's eyes hardened as he reached out to grip Melanie's wrist tightly. “You mustn't entertain such thoughts, my dear. The werewolves have caused nothing but chaos and destruction. We cannot afford to let their influence corrupt our minds.”

Melanie was torn between loyalty to her father and the intrigue that whispered in her heart. She tried to pull away but he had a tight grip on her, “Father, you’re hurting me.”

Baron Vandershine snapped out of it and released her, “Sorry, my dear.”

As the music swelled and couples continued to twirl around the ballroom, Melanie's gaze returned to the mysterious stranger. His eyes met hers from across the room, and in that moment, she felt a magnetic pull between them. She couldn't ignore the longing in his eyes, the unspoken invitation to explore a world beyond the confines of her father's beliefs.

Without another word, Melanie rose from her seat and made her way towards the stranger. Her heart pounded in her chest as she moved through the crowd, each step fueling her courageous defiance. When she finally stood before him, she found herself lost for words, captivated by the intensity of his gaze.

He broke the silence with a gentle smile, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. “I've been watching you from across the room,” he said, his tone laced with intrigue. “You have a fire in your eyes, a spirit that goes against everything I've been told about your kind.”

Melanie's lips curved into a shy smile as she studied his face. There was an air of danger about him, an untamed wildness that both frightened and thrilled her. “My kind?”

The young man smiled at her, “The fairer sex.”

“And what have you been told about my kind?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He leaned in closer, their breath mingling as he spoke. “That women are damsels looking to be rescued, but you… you’re much more than that. You’re bold, strong, from the looks of it, not afraid of danger.”

Melanie's heart fluttered at his words, her curiosity piqued even further. She had always felt a restlessness within her, a desire to break free from the confines of societal expectations. And here, in this stranger's eyes, she saw a glimmer of understanding, a recognition of her true self.

“I've grown tired of playing the role of the good daughter,” she admitted, her voice filled with both trepidation and excitement. “I want to experience the world beyond these castle walls. I want to embrace the unknown.”

The stranger nodded, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Then let me show you a world you've never known,” he whispered, his hand extending towards her. 

Without hesitation, Melanie placed her hand in his, feeling an electric jolt pass through her as their skin touched. She knew that this choice would forever change the course of her life, but she was ready to face whatever consequences it brought.

As they slipped away from the grand ballroom and into the moonlit gardens of Castle de Matthecourt, Melanie could sense that she was stepping into a new chapter of her existence. The air around them crackled with anticipation as they walked through the labyrinthine paths, shadows dancing along their figures.

“I am Kaspar Cromwell,” he finally introduced himself, his voice feeling like electricity to her.

“Are you a werewolf?” she asked while running with him to the edge of the castle garden, one hand in his and the other holding her dress up as she ran.

He began to laugh at her assumption, “Wizard actually.”

“I’ve never met a wizard before,” she called back.

“Ready to meet some more?” He slowed down to a walk as they approached the neighboring forest.

Melanie was hesitant to enter at first, she looked back at the castle but decided to continue forward.

They walked deep into the forest until they saw a fire and several people standing around it partying. Some of the noble girls and boys had snuck off to join the witches and wizards that caught their eyes.

Melanie's eyes widened with wonder as she took in the sight before her. The air was filled with laughter and lively chatter, sparks of magic dancing through the night. She watched as couples swirled around in joyful abandon, their movements guided by the enchanting melodies played by a group of wizards and witches.

Kaspar led her further into the midst of the revelry, introducing her to his friends and fellow magical beings. Each person she met had a story to tell, a unique talent that set them apart from the world she had known. There were enchantresses who could weave dreams into reality, sorcerers who could speak to the ancient spirits of nature, and alchemists who could transform mundane objects into extraordinary creations.

As Melanie listened to their tales and witnessed their extraordinary abilities, she felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. For so long, she had yearned for something more than the rigid rules and expectations of her father's world. And now, surrounded by these free-spirited individuals, she knew that she had found her place.

Kaspar began to hand out alcohol to those who were there. People drank to their heart’s content and without a care in the world. The hueman nobles began to feel the alcohol hit their system and Melanie stumbled as she felt like passing out, “Whoa there,” Kaspar helped her steady herself and sit down on one of the logs.

“My head feels all fuzzy,” Melanie tried to shake it off while putting her hands on her head.

“That would be the drink,” Kaspar had a smile on his face as he placed his hand on her back.

Melanie looked at the other nobles who were now unconscious, “Wait, something isn’t right.”

“You’ll be fine,” replied Kaspar.

Melanie couldn’t hold on any longer and fell unconscious like her peers.

“Took her long enough,” Kaspar laid her down gently  and stood up.

He could hear the sound of bats overhead, “He’s here.”

The bats swooped down to where the children were and formed Lord Masef de Matthecourt. He looked down at the noble children who were unconscious, his hands clasped behind his back, “What did you find?”

Lavina Latimer, the dreamweaver, stepped forward and bowed to her master, “You were right they are all prime candidates, my lord.”

“I can’t fathom why my master is so interested in these children,” replied Lord de Matthecourt, “But we will keep an eye on them as she has asked. Take them to their rooms, make sure they don’t remember anything.”

“Yes, my lord,” replied Kaspar.

Lord de Matthecourt’s body separated into many vampire bats and flew away into the darkness of the night.

The witches and warlocks moved the unconscious bodies of the nobles to their rooms in the castle. When morning came, everything from the previous night felt like a dream to Melanie. “How did I get in my room?”

Melanie blinked, her head throbbing with a dull ache. She looked around her room, the morning sunlight casting a warm glow on the familiar furnishings. It all seemed so ordinary, so mundane compared to the fantastical events of the previous night. But as she glanced at the frayed hem of her gown and felt a lingering sense of exhilaration in her bones, she knew that it hadn't been a dream.

She sat up in bed, memories flooding back to her in fragmented pieces. The forbidden journey into the forest, the enchanting company of witches and wizards, and then...the sudden blackness, as if time had skipped forward.

Melanie's mind raced with questions, but she wasn't sure who she could trust. Was Kaspar involved in the disappearance of their memories? There was something more to this than just a secret gathering of magical beings.

Determined to uncover the truth, Melanie rose from her bed and quickly dressed herself. She had long ago mastered the art of appearing obedient and proper on the surface while harboring her own desires beneath. But now, this newfound taste of rebellion had awakened something within her - a burning curiosity that refused to be extinguished.

She made her way through the castle corridors, her steps light and purposeful. Melanie's heart pounded with anticipation as she sought out Kaspar Cromwell, the mysterious wizard who had whisked her away into the night. She was determined to confront him, to demand answers about what had truly transpired in those hours of darkness.

It didn't take long for Melanie to find Kaspar. He was standing near a window overlooking the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. As she approached him, she noticed a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he composed himself and turned to face her.

“Melanie,” he greeted her with a hint of apprehension in his voice. “I didn't expect to see you so soon.”

“I need answers, Kaspar,” she replied firmly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within her. “What happened last night? Why can't I remember?”

Kaspar sighed, his expression filled with a mixture of guilt and regret. “Melanie, there are things you're not ready to understand yet. It was for your own safety that we erased your memories.”

Melanie's brows furrowed as frustration welled up inside her. “Safety? From whom?”

Kaspar hesitated for a moment before answering. “The castle has ears, if I tell you I’m a dead man.”

“Fine, I’ll find answers, even if I have to do it without you,” Melanie turned her back to him and walked away.

As Melanie walked away from Kaspar, determination burned in her eyes. She knew she couldn't rely on him to uncover the truth and protect herself and her fellow nobles. If there were hidden forces at work within the castle, she needed to find out who they were and what their intentions were.

However, she would have to put her investigations on hold as her father and her would board their carriage in the coming hours to return home to their estate. She would have to return to her normal life of being the perfect daughter while trying to remember what happened the night before.