Klaus's private jet touched down on the ATH runway after a lengthy fifteen-hour journey. A man in beige linen trousers and a coarse shirt stood beside a white Mercedes, ready to greet him.
"Welcome to Athens, Mr. Thorneblood," the man said, holding the car door open for Klaus to enter.
Once they were both in the car, the man informed Klaus that everything was sorted out as per his directions.
A helicopter and its pilot were ready to transport Klaus to his intended location, a quaint village situated 35 kilometres southeast of Kalamata.
"The villa is prepared for you, sir, and its staff is ready to welcome and accommodate you with everything you desire. A chauffeured vehicle will be available round the clock if Sir decides to utilize it, and a 2024 Ford Escape will be available in the parking lot in case you wish to venture out and explore the area independently."
The man gave Klaus a bulky leather envelope with keys to the villa and the car, a note with the telephone number, a visa for electronic transactions, and two packs of 50 and 20 euro notes.
The car stopped on the helipad, and the man stepped out and opened the door for the hybrid.
"Enjoy your stay, sir," he said. "For anything you may require, the villa's butler is your designated assistant. His mobile phone number is included in the envelope, and he will be waiting for you with the villa's car in Kardamyli."
As the Robinson R44 helicopter took off, the view below unfolded before their eyes. The urban terrain, with its ring bridges and asphalt roads, stretched out, revealing factories and warehouses with spacious fenced yards. Dozens of vans were lined up, ready to transport products to every corner of the country. And then the scenery transformed into vast fields of crops, a beautiful mosaic of green and yellow. Finally, the never-ending blue of the sea merged seamlessly with the sky on the far-off horizon.
The sight was breathtaking as the helicopter gracefully flew over the crystal-clear waters, revealing the stunning coastline and picturesque islands scattered in the distance.
Acting as a slender land bridge, the Isthmus of Corinth linked the Peloponnese peninsula and the mainland of Greece. A canal lies between them, providing a faster route for ships to pass through.
The Peloponnese offered a variety of landscapes, with mountains and fertile valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. Throughout the land, there were olive and orange trees, along with villages boasting stone-built houses nestled into the steep mountainsides. The sea winds through forests, rivers, and caves, creating a picturesque setting. Along the coastline, there were miles of stunning sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The towns in the region were filled with charming white-washed houses and narrow, paved streets. The region's rich history is preserved in the ancient ruins and archaeological sites that dot the landscape, telling stories of civilizations that once thrived there.
As they got closer to their destination, the breathtaking beauty of this place became increasingly apparent. Taygetos stood ahead, with its five majestic peaks reaching towards the endless blue sky. A few scattered clouds dot the horizon, providing a soothing sight for the weary eyes.
As Klaus' helicopter descended, his view constantly shifted. He went from seeing the majestic mountain peaks, adorned with grey and white rocks and patches of alpine tundra, to witnessing the rugged paths scattered with a handful of fir trees and small bushes. The sparse trees seemed as if a celestial hand had randomly scattered seeds, and the wind whimsically blew them, resulting in a random growth pattern.
Lower in the mountains, the forest becomes denser in the conifer zone of the majestic black pine, the sturdy fir, and the aromatic cedar. Further down to the foothills, the Mediterranean maquis takes over, with a diverse range of shrubs and trees like hollies, arbutus, sycamores, maples, and pyrus spinosas. You know that by stepping your foot on the ground, your senses will receive a series of incredible stimuli. Smells, air, light, and heat.
The village of Kardamyli spread beyond the helicopter, showcasing its stone-paved paths that entice you to explore, regardless of where they may lead you. Ηouses that look like miniatures of towers, flowered courtyards with red bougainvillaeas, charming old taverns, spots with idyllic views, and a quaint harbour perfect to take an evening stroll.
Klaus hopped out of the Rodinson R44, and his senses were assaulted from all directions. The scent of pine, herds, and honey wafted from the nearby mountains, while the air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, roses, and jasmine. The smell of the sea mingled with the saltiness of the air as the sand beneath the scorching sun emitted its unique aroma. The harbour carried the aroma of freshly caught fish, while the surrounding taverns teased his nose with the enticing scent of grilled fish completing the sensory overload.
He could taste the salt in the air and the pollen from the blooming flowers.
He could feel the hot sun piercing his skin, his eyes stinging from the bright light, and the sea breeze cooling the sweat that was already starting to form on the back of his head.
And finally, he could see. He could see that light. The light in that small country was unlike any other place on Earth.
It was intense and harsh; it burned the land; it scorched eyes and skin; and at the same time, it nourished the earth, regenerated the body, and healed the soul.
To grasp the essence of the Greek light and the entirety of Greek culture, it was imperative to comprehend the underlying contradiction. That contradiction lies within the Greek light itself, which was characterised by a dual exaggeration. The light stretches towards both extremes of white and black, forcing everything to its utmost limits. Under that radiance, nothing could remain concealed; every detail was illuminated with the utmost clarity, free from any embellishments or distortions.
The painter within Klaus wanted nothing more than to set up his easel, prepare his palette and his brushes, and sit for as many hours as he needed being able to render what his eyes perceive and what he could feel with his body and soul on the canvas.
But this wasn't a leisure trip. Therefore, he made a conscious effort to concentrate on the person standing before him. The man had a sun-kissed complexion, complementing his deep brunette locks and chocolate eyes. After enduring several hours of travel, Klaus had an insatiable thirst for blood. Amidst the faint woody fragrance and the pleasant aroma of sunscreen, Klaus could almost imagine the rich taste of the man's warm blood flowing through his veins. Most likely, "O negative," Klaus thought to himself as he licked his lips in anticipation.
The man stepped forward. "Mr. Thorneblood, welcome to Kardamyli. My name is Costas, and I will be your butler during your stay at the Eos Villa. This is Alex." The man pointed to the person standing beside him and said, "He is your chauffeur." Both humans standing in front of Klaus were dressed in white short-sleeve shirts and dark navy pants. They were youthful, aged between 26 and 27 years.
"Please allow me to take care of your bag, sir," Costas said as he took Klaus's luggage and handed it over to the driver. Then he opened the door for the hybrid and took his seat next to the driver.
The Eos villa was placed on one of the top hills of the mountain. It was isolated, with a magnificent view of both the mountain and the sea.
Costas, the butler, was the first to enter the stunning stone house. All the house staff had gathered to greet the new resident. Klaus guessed the women in front of him were a cook and two maids.
The first female appeared in her mid-forties, slightly stout, with dyed auburn hair and greenish eyes. It was safe to assume she was a local, probably the cook, given her hands and age. The two maids, both in their early 20s, had distinct features. One of them was Greek, with dark skin, black hair, and hazel eyes. She wasn't particularly tall but had a thin yet curvy figure. On the other hand, the second girl had the appearance of a northern European, possibly German or Polish. She had honey-blonde hair, blue eyes, and a tall, model-like physique.
Klaus nodded his head in greeting and asked to be shown to the master bedroom.
The second girl led him down a long hallway. The living room exuded elegance and sophistication. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, adding a touch of luxury to the space. Plush sofas and cosy armchairs were arranged around a coffee table, creating a perfect gathering spot for family and guests. Large windows allowed ample natural light to illuminate the room, highlighting the opulent decor.
The master bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and tranquillity. Soft pastel shades adorned the walls, creating a soothing ambiance. A luxurious king-sized bed stood centre stage, draped in elegant linens and surrounded by plush pillows. A cosy seating area near the window provided a serene spot for relaxation or reading.
The ensuite bathroom boasted modern fixtures and sleek marble. A spacious soaking tub and a separate rainfall shower added a touch of indulgence to the already luxurious space. The walk-in closet offered ample storage for clothes and accessories. Stepping out onto the private balcony, the breathtaking views of the tranquil garden below and the distant mountains beyond completed the sense of serenity and grandeur.
He could bask in the opulence of his surroundings and revel in the feeling of power that came with his immortality. The plan had been meticulously crafted, taking into account every detail to ensure his success.
But first, he needed to compel the girl to feed him in silence. The girl had no idea what awaited her; his attack startled her so much that she barely managed to let out an inaudible, high-pitched scream.
Klaus, when wanted, could be efficient in having lunch and leaving the food unharmed.
As he sank his fangs into the girl's delicate neck, the taste of her blood was exquisite—a blend of sweetness and warmth. He relished in the sensation, savouring every drop as it flowed into his mouth. When he had enough, he withdrew his fangs, stepped back, leaving the girl trembling and weak, and wiped the remnants of blood from his lips. Then he bit his wrist and forced some of his blood into the girl's mouth to rejuvenate and heal her, compelling her to forget everything. Then he instructed her to prepare the bath for him, as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
After a quick and revitalizing shower, the hybrid decided to switch up his regular attire to something more appropriate for Greece's climate. Part of the plan was to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to his person. He opted for a stylish combination of black cargo pants and a comfy grey t-shirt.
Before stepping out of the house, one by one, compel the villa staff: The villa staff were instructed to maintain the illusion of normalcy, treating the new occupant's requests for blood as casually as any other beverage. Any injuries sustained by the man were to be regarded as mere accidents, ensuring that no suspicions would arise among those who might be curious about his lifestyle.
For all interested parties, the villa's new occupant was an adventurous, lonesome, single man, nothing more.
As he stepped out of the house, bearing a confident grin, he unlocked the door to his Ford Escape and casually tossed his leather jacket onto the back seat. He adjusted his sunglasses and slid into the driver's seat, feeling a sense of exhilaration as the engine roared to life. With a simple push of a button, the car's music system blared a rock anthem, drowning out any lingering doubts or fears. He pulled out of the driveway, leaving the luxurious villa behind.