Mallen and Iérti walked towards a vampire castle at the edge of the one of the settlements Iérti named New Haven. All the remaining survivors of the fortresses were sent to live in cities and settlements built by the vampires. The survivors chose which city or settlement they wished to live in.

Barracks were built to house the weekly volunteers who allowed themselves to be fed on. Iérti forbade vampires from killing humans, allowing them to only take what they needed, no more. Few vampires got too close, forming relationships that led to interracial marriages.

Both men and women were volunteers, either voluntary or involuntary, depending on health. For example, the sick and elderly were not allowed to be volunteers, and children were forbidden from any vampire contact.

The barracks looked like rectangular castles, sophisticated and vast. They were located near the castle in every city and settlement throughout the land. Though Iérti ruled over all the people in the land, there were vampire overlords given charge over individual cities and settlements. Iérti chose each one of them, making sure each vampire overlord had a good heart rather than a malicious one, before putting them in charge.

Some vampires like Tavaly were military commanders. Since Tavaly was originally Mallen's right hand man, he became Iérti's right hand man. In events of battle and times of war, he was given command of the army, although Mallen had the ultimate command. Now Tavaly had been discharged from service, under suspicion of his involvement with the secret rebellion.

Most vampires had moved from the caves and forests, living in vampire communities of their own through a unique castle system. A castle-palace city was built near each human city and settlement to house the vampire population. The castle-palace cities were cool and interesting, a modern design derived from both castles and palaces. They weren't as grand and high in stature as vampire castles, but they were of impressive architecture.

The human cities and settlements were just as impressive, not lacking in extravagant architecture. They were closer together than the vampire castle-palace cities were, with farms and fields out in the open. Garlic wasn't permitted, and silver was taken away from the humans so they wouldn't be able to use it on the vampires. Gold was allowed, but the humans had no currency, choosing to merely support each other through a barter system.

As Mallen and Iérti walked through the lit-up city at nightfall, on their way to the vampire castle right next to the barracks, Mallen was saddened to see little activity. There were some people out, but when the vampires walked past, they either shrank back in fear or stood on guard, cautiously watching. A few greeted Iérti, thankful for the peaceful reign that allowed them to venture out in the open, no longer held back by life inside the fortresses. But most humans resented vampires, hating their very presence.

Mallen's eyes locked with a frightened pair of eyes hidden in a corner. They belonged to a small girl in a blue dress. She was alone, having dropped her doll out in the street when she scampered away to hide. Mallen stopped just a few footsteps away, slowly picking up the doll and handing it to the girl.

Iérti stopped, watching as the girl stared back in fear, afraid to go near. Mallen placed the doll at the girl's feet and stepped back, a small smile appearing on his face when he saw her grab it. She looked up at him, saying, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Mallen said warmly.

The girl's father appeared, hastily clutching his daughter to his chest. He looked in alarm at the sight of the land's most powerful vampire leaders. "What business have you with us?" he asked tensely, fearing they wanted blood. "It's not my week yet."

"No business at all, sir," said , his voice sincere, slightly down. "We're just passing by."

"Your daughter dropped her doll in the street, so I picked it up and gave it to her," Mallen added, wanting the man to know they meant them no harm. "We'll be on our way. Wishing you a good night, sir."

The man didn't relax, still tense and anxious. He kept his daughter close behind him, urging her to go back inside. He waited until Mallen and Iérti continued their way before retreating inside and shutting the door.

Iérti sighed heavily, disheartened. Apparently he hadn't been out enough to notice peoples' reaction to vampires, having stayed inside his castle too long. "Why do people still fear us?" Iérti asked, wishing people no longer viewed vampires as a threat.

"Because of what we are. We're dominant over them. Violent or peaceful times, the fear is still there. Few humans feel safe around vampires. You wanted peace, so you gave it to them, but they still expect violence from us. Our nature precedes our intentions, however good they may be."

Iérti was quiet, pondering for a moment. He was beginning to see the fraying seams in what he thought was a unified harmony. Now it appeared there were ripped tears in his perfect tapestry, the mantle of peace tilting down due to fear of the vampires striking.

Mallen keenly looked at Iérti, his voice firm and solemn. "Did you seriously think there would ever be true harmony among vampires and humans? Even though we consider humans equal to us, they still see us as the more dominant lifeform. There are more of us than there are of them. Your weekly rationing is more to cover up the sober truth regarding the human population. A third of the humans fell prey to us at the fall of the fortresses. Now we're protecting the two thirds that are left, trying to keep the peace between our kind and their kind."

"And now that peace is on the brink of ruin." Iérti sighed, feeling like all his efforts at keeping the vampires and humans from each other's' throats were dangerously close to failure. "When my original objective to eradicate the vampire thirst for blood became impossible, I went for my second objective: peace between our kind. And now...."

Mallen put a hand on Iérti's shoulder. "Iérti, you've done more than you have ever dreamed. Of course, I wasn't for the human cause at first, but you've changed that for me. I'm on your side."

Iérti looked closely at Mallen, seeing how quickly he changed from the man he knew before. "You truly do have humanity about you. How is it that you got your humanity back after not having it for so long?"

Mallen stepped back from Iérti, his hand sliding off his shoulder. He had no desire to tell him, wanting to keep Iérti in the dark about it for the rest of eternity.

"I think it might be a balance thing," Mallen said, being careful with his words. "The moment you lost your humanity, I gained mine. Some may think it's an ironic coincidence. Maybe I just got tired of all the killing. Perhaps you inspired me to become a better person. We may never know. But one thing I am sure of: you will get your full humanity back."

Mallen continued to walk forward, making Iérti follow him.

They reached the vampire castle belonging to a vampire overlord. The castle was pointy and gothic in style, scarier-looking than most other castles of idyllic nature. It was entirely black, a true depiction of a vampire dwelling.

The cold chilly weather seemed even colder at the entrance. The vampire sentry guards, noticing the two vampire leaders approaching, opened the doors while they were still several footsteps away, so as to not break their pace in walk.

Mallen's scarf tugged in the wind, Iérti's cape flowing out behind him as they walked through the tall pointy doors. Darkness surrounded them; there was no light or lamp anywhere. Their vampire eyes, however, could see every detail of the place. A long flat table, coated in dust, loomed in the center of the hall. There were columns on either side of the room, the ceiling inlaid with intricate architecture.

Candles appeared into view at the top of a staircase, bringing light into darkness. Mallen and Iérti looked up to see a beautiful woman descending from the stairs, making no sound whatsoever.

Her hair was long and crimson red, trailing the floor after her. Her skin was ivory white. She wore a white dress with sleeves, the dress inlaid with red ribboning throughout. Her face was proud, her youthful features giving her the appearance of a young woman.

Her bright red eyes met the two vampires standing at the base of the staircase. Her soundless footsteps met them shortly, her movements as silent as the castle.

"Greetings. I am . What brings you two to my castle?" Her voice was like musical bells.

Iérti stood firmly, his cloak wrapped around him. He frowned at the last few words. "This is not your castle, and you are not the overlord of this settlement. I chose Blaise Benyt for New Haven. Direct me to him at once."

Trésora's eyes narrowed. "Blaise is at the barracks. If you ask me, he doesn't take his overlord position too seriously, as you see how often he spends time at his castle. It was my castle, and you gave it to him. I should be the overlord, not him."

"I chose him for a reason. Only those of good, kind hearts can be overlords. You do not have such a heart."

Iérti turned to give the place one more sweep with his eyes, not liking the way the castle was being kept. "When I gave your castle to Blaise, it was meant to be kept in good condition. I am displeased with all the dust and state of dilapidation. See to it that the next time I arrive, the castle will be in better condition, as presentable for my presence."

"Are you commanding me?" Trésora asked, as if challenging his authority. "I'm not a servant."

Mallen's eyes flashed in anger. "You will adhere to Iérti's command," he said sternly. "He is the prevailing ruler in the land."

Trésora batted her eyelashes at Mallen, taking a closer look at him while Mallen remained stern, unvexed by her charms. "I liked it better when you were the prevailing ruler in the land, Mallen. You were so fierce, so powerful. Nobody dared rise against you. What made you willingly give up your position to a former human general?"

"I was the one who willingly took over, as Mallen wanted," said Iérti, glancing at Mallen as if to prove a point. Mallen glanced back at him with a look saying, It didn't exactly go as I originally wanted. "After I learned it is impossible to eradicate the vampire thirst for blood, I sought peace between vampires and humans."

"Quite an accomplishment," said Trésora. "Although I do miss the old days."

"Does your want for the old days encompass the need for peace?" Mallen asked. "What Iérti did needs to be the way to continue. If you stand against Iérti's ways, you stand against Iérti and against me."

Trésora's eyes widened. "Whoa look at you, all for the human cause. I miss the old you without humanity."

"Ironic you should say that, since I scarcely remember you."

"We never met, but I did hear of you from afar. You were a deadly killer, the most cunning of them all. Nobody dared disobey you. You're so different with humanity. You're like a kitten now instead of the fierce lion you were."

No doubt she's without humanity, Mallen thought. He heard Iérti say to his mind, Add Trésora to the list of potential enemies?

Yes, she is most definitely an enemy. A traditionalist for sure.

Iérti's eyes narrowed cautiously. What should we do?

We'll speak with Blaise and the rest of the overlords, gathering as much information as possible. Then we'll discuss what to do. If there indeed is a rebellion growing, we'll have to counter with a rebellion of our own. We'll work together to keep humans safe from harm.

I never thought we would become comrades. That you would join forces with me in working for the human cause. You who was once the cruelest vampire in the land.

To think you once hated me. I was always on your side, Iérti, even before I ceased being the cruelest vampire in the land.

Trésora glanced at the two men, suspicious but unaware of their mental conversation. She knew Mallen was the most powerful vampire of them all and that he held secret ancient powers only he possessed. Trésora wondered if Iérti possessed them, since he was turned from Mallen's blood. Not knowing it to be true, she assumed it was so, putting the two together as a strong, reckoning force.

Tavaly has no chance against these two, Trésora thought as she assessed the men. Especially if they both have powers we don't have. I need to find out if Mallen turned anyone else, or just Iérti. It's unknown who else he may have turned, but he does seem to become attached to those he does turn.

Trying to glean some information regarding Mallen, Trésora directed their attention by clearing her throat, raising her head high. "Does anyone else share your blood, Mallen? Or did your powers drain the moment you bled life into Iérti?"

Iérti tensed, but Mallen looked directly into Trésora's eyes, his eyes firm and authoritative. With those words, Mallen knew exactly what Trésora was trying to learn, revealing exactly her intent.

"You will not leave this castle, Trésora," Mallen told her, his voice low and commanding. "You will remain here until further notice. While you are confined to the castle, you will clean the entire place and make it sparkle. Make good use of your time and get to work immediately after we leave."

Turning away from a stunned Trésora, Mallen murmured, "Let's go," to Iérti. The latter gave Trésora a puzzled look, wondering what she was looking surprised about. He followed Mallen out of the castle, heading towards the barracks.

Once they were outside, Mallen kept walking forward, mentally telling Iérti, She's a spy. She's trying to learn how many powerful vampires stand against Tavaly. There are only two: you and I.

Iérti seized Mallen by the shoulder and hastily but not roughly pressed him to the wall, astounded. "Are you serious?" he asked, keeping his voice low so others wouldn't hear.

Mallen nodded. Iérti thought about this for a moment, then asked, telepathically this time, Am I the only one you turned? Are there more?

Just you, Mallen responded. That makes us the most powerful vampires in the land.

Iérti let go of Mallen and stepped back, not exactly sure how to feel. He was somewhat touched to learn he was the only one Mallen turned. Though he preferred the life of a human over the life of a vampire, Iérti understood now how important it was to limit exactly how many people were capable of Mallen's power. To realize he was the only one besides Mallen with that great power....

Mallen straightened, sensing Iérti finally understood the importance of it. "I compelled Trésora to stay in the castle. She will remain there until we decide what to do regarding the rebellion."

"Compelled?" Iérti repeated, learning for the first time of Mallen's powers. "As in mind compulsion? I am not aware of that particular....vampire power."

Mallen took a deep breath and let it out, using his superior hearing to make sure nobody was around before deciding to tell Iérti. "I have many powers, Iérti. I'm not only the most powerful vampire in the land; I am the oldest. By oldest, I don't exactly mean years. It's measured by oldest blood. But yes, I am the oldest in years as well."

Mallen moved to a more secluded area, Iérti following him. "Iérti, you have all the powers I do. Powers of mind compulsion, persuasion, outlasting garlic burns and the weaknesses imposed on us by silver longer than any other vampire could, shapeshifting – "

"Shapeshifting?!" Iérti exclaimed, taking a step back in astonishment. "That's impossible. No man can do it!"

"No human man can," Mallen elucidated. "As it turns out, we're not human. I'm limited in terms of shapeshifting; I can only shapeshift into certain forms of animals. I haven't used this power yet, but I know I have this power." He paused, then said, "I've seen Crato use it before. It was terrifying."

"What did he shapeshift into?" Iérti asked, noticing it was the first time Mallen spoke of Crato since the night he told Iérti about his past.

"Bats. Not just any bats – vampire bats."

"So if you were to shapeshift, you would shapeshift into vampire bats?" Iérti asked, feeling ill at ease of the notion of such an act. "And if you chose to shapeshift into something else – horses, for example – they would be vampire horses rather than normal horses?"

"Possibly," said Mallen, feeling less at ease about it, though he did feel some of Iérti's uncertainty. "I think being able to shapeshift into vampire horses is certainly a possibility for us."

Iérti was silent, frightened by the possibility of turning himself into an army of vampire creatures. He loved horses and couldn't fathom the prospect of assembling violence into animals he loved. But he believed Mallen was telling the truth; Mallen had never once lied to him.

"Were bats Crato's favorite animal, or did he just choose to shapeshift into bats?" Iérti asked, trying to understand the logic behind it.

Mallen thought for a moment. "We did have bats living at the estate, but bats were common. Crato liked dogs and had some in his human years, but he never shapeshifted into anything other than bats. He only did it once, just to test his powers. As for me, I like all animals, but I think I like horses the best. I've always favored horses and always will. I am also fond of crows and hedgehogs."

Iérti glanced at Mallen in surprise. "I don't know why that surprises me, but it does. As for my favorite animal, I haven't had much time to think about animals since I was too concerned with my people, but I do love horses."

"Another similarity between us," said Mallen, smiling.

Iérti eyed him for a moment. "You truly are different with humanity," he told him. "You're very unlike the man I knew. It's like I finally get to see the good side of you that's been hidden deep underneath your dark side."

"And you unearthed the darkest parts of you when you became a vampire. But I'm definitely seeing the old Iérti again."

Iérti chuckled. "The old Iérti? I must be so young compared to you." His smile fell when he remembered he was immortal, never to grow old, locked forever in the same age he was when he turned. He thought of Katlyn once again, knowing he would never grow old with her, nor would he ever see her grow old.

He abruptly turned away, wishing once again Mallen had never altered his fate by turning him into the very thing he despised all his life. However, amid the remorse and sorrow, Iérti began to realize the importance of his fate now that he was an immortal.

Perhaps I was meant to become an immortal. I never knew vampires were rising up against humanity this way. Even Mallen never had such cruel intentions.

Mallen noticed Iérti was deep in thought and decided it was time to get back to matters at hand. "We should get going," Mallen said, moving in direction of the barracks. He didn't look Iérti in the eyes, looking away from him as he walked.

Iérti was at his side in an instant, his footsteps matching Mallen's as they walked quickly. Iérti was already familiar with his new body and how natural it was for him to move almost instantaneously. He thought it was rather practical to have the strength of a hundred men, to have superior vision and hearing, and to be able to sense things humans couldn't. But thirst was undoubtedly the worst part of being a vampire.