I must warn you know that this is the continue of the 11th book of the saga so if you read this you might as well not bother to read the 11th book because it's a spoiler. Also I would like to point out to those who don't know that due to great success Darren Shan decided that he is going to make 12 books rather than the original 23. The saga shall come to an end in October 2004 when the 12th and the last book will be released.

xXx

PROLOGUE

The war of the scars seemed endlessly. Though we know the lord of the vampeneze, my best friend Steve Leopard. Nightmare comes in many different forms. The vampires had to win the battle or victory would belong to the purple-skinned blood-cousin, vampeneze. Except new revelation has come to our intelligence. Although the lord of the vampeneze was of big threat to the vampire clan. The fear of lord of the shadow is much greater.

In the age of war. Three vampires were given the opportunity to kill lord of the vampeneze. These prince included Vancha March, Larten Crepsley who deceased by burning in pit which he was sent to engulf upon by Steve. And me, Darren Shan, a half vampire who is maturing into a man.

Throughout our journey we received company. Debbie Hemlock, my ex- girlfriend. Alice, the chief inspector and Harkat Mulds. Harkat Mulds had once been a vampire, a traitor. The one and only traitor a vampire has had, Kurda. Nevertheless he tried paying his deed by helping us defeat lord of the vampeneze.

After returning to my home land we bumped to old friends. Steve, R.V, Morgan James and Gannen Harst. I saw Annie after along time. She looked the same but matured and had now had a son. I was happy to see her face again but it bought back painful memories and it reminded me of all the things I had missed on.

Steve revealed the existence of his son, Darius. In which he brainwashed and the boy now believes that vampires are creatures that all must abhorrent, no matter what. I was not surprised that Steve had brainwashed his son when he got the opportunity. What took me back was the fact that not only did Steve has a son but his son was my nephew. Evra lost his son, Shancus to Steve. While we held Darius as our hostage.

The dark night is coming close. Blood is being spilt and the lord of the shadow is being awaked and no one cans top him. He will drive man kind to extinct and will kill who ever stands in his way. My heart ached every time I thought of the lord of the shadow. According to lady Evanna either me or Steve will become lord of the shadow. I find it difficult to believe that I would kill so many people for no apparent reason.

Before his death, Mr Tiny told me that Vancha was going to be killed by the lord of the shadow. The thought haunts me day and night. What if I'm the lord of the shadow? Do I kill my own friend?