Trigger Warning: this chapter has scenes of sexual harrassment and assault. Please read it at your cautious.

Caleb and his group stand in front of what seems to be the estate of Vladislaus Straud. Kian stares at the place, an ugly feeling rises within him. The place that used to be his home is a grim reminder of the war House Vatore has been through.

"Madam Rosalina!"

The woman turns her attention to the portal that just opened in front of her, soldiers donning the cape with the crest of House Emberlynn have arrived. Alfred has ordered them to come here for her aid.

"Thank you for coming here. You all have Edward and my gratitude."

The soldiers shake their hands, unable to receive such a bow from the wife of Edward Emberlynn. Alfred sternly warns them against treating this woman unfairly, emphasizing how she is a member of House Emberlynn, even when some of their elders deny her legitimacy.

"Well, I guess we're all here now…" Marlin, after talking to the mages of Glimmerbrook, turns to them "Let's go in."

Caleb, leading the force, enters the ruined castle. Trailing behind him are formidable vampires of House Vatores, warriors who have gone through war before. However, the moment he touches the magical veil, lightning strikes him, leaving the young lord gasping in pain as the shocking ailment runs through his body.

Kian immediately catches his brother-in-law, surprised at the shocking status that he has never learned before. The Straud castle has never employed such a weapon like this, making him wonder how and why it is installed. Marlin narrows his eyes, a yellow hue forms on his hand as he checks the magical veil one more time, noticing how he is able to enter but not Caleb.

"Rosalina, try to go through it."

"Understood."

Holding the spear in her hand, she walks through the veil with ease, prompting the fire mage to speculate. He asks Kian to try touching it, only to see the blond vampire is facing the same shocking ailment as Caleb. Pondering his thoughts, the soldiers of House Emberlynn and mages of Glimmerbrook each go through the veil, leaving Marlin and the two vampires on the other side.

"And they think that this little trick will get me…" scoffing at the veil, Marlin rolls his eyes "Tactless as always…"

The yellow hue on his hand slowly emits a warm light before turning into a light sphere that pierces through the magical barrier, breaking it entirely, and revealing an eerie castle standing in front of them.

"M-Master Marlin, amazing!" one of the mages exclaims.

Marlin smirks, the warm light dissipating as he looks at the now broken magical barrier. With a confident stride, he walks through the opening, joining the others inside the Straud castle. Caleb, still recovering from the shock, glances at Marlin with a mix of gratitude and curiosity.

"If they think this simple trick can stop me, wait another one hundred years then…" fixing the cuffs of his shirt, the fire mage scoffs "And what do you know? We have companies…"

"Intruders! Capture them!"

Kian steps up, his human appearance is now replaced by a sickening greyish skin and soulless cyan-blue eyes, and charges at them. His fighting skills, honing after years of training, become the forefront of the rescue team.

The guards, shocked upon seeing the familiar cyan eyes, hesitate to attack him. Standing in front of them is the vampire who bears striking similarities to Vladislaus Straud. Those cyan-blue eyes are not mistakes, they belong to the once formidable lord Staud himself.

"L-Lord Straud!"

"Shut up! My name is Kian Vatore!"

The other vampires join the fight, breaking through countless foes that charge against them. Fire dances on Marlin's fingers as a large fireball strikes them, burning away the enemies while Rosalina swings her spears, a deadly dance that captivates everyone. Her spear jabs the oncoming foes, precise strikes that leave them vulnerable to her attacks.

"Don't let them come closer!"

The mages of Glimmerbrook throw magic at the enemy while the soldiers of House Emberlynn, wielding magical tools, step in to aid Rosalina through the onslaught wave of opponents. Kian doesn't stop there, he swiftly snatches the weapons from them and passes one to Caleb. The vampire duo skillfully navigates through the crowd, striking anyone who stands in their way, the blades on their hands are now dripping with the blood of their foes.

"Brother, behind you!"

Before that attack can touch Caleb, the enemy screams out in pain and covers his eyes, the poisonous dust on them makes it harder for him to see. Rosalina seizes the opportunity, swinging her spear and knocking him off his feet, in her hand is the concoction made from the false moral mushroom.

"Thank you…"

"Let us continue, Caleb! We must come to her aid no matter what." Primrose's mother gives him a firm nod.

Despite her age is slowly reaching that of a middle-aged woman, her agility remains intact. Rosalina's spears dance through the air, striking with lethal precision. The soldiers of House Emberlynn, reinforced by the mages from Glimmerbrook, create a coordinated defense, ensuring that none of the attackers can break through their lines.

The vampires of the Vatore family continue to aid their lord through the battleground, Kian stands by Caleb's side, his blade swiftly parrying another attack, protecting his brother-in-law from harm.

"Don't let them get inside!"

"Tsks, not on my watch!"

A wave of fire sets ablaze the battleground, cries of burning echo in the air, an eerie warning to those who dare to stand in their way. Marlin's smirk hangs tight on his lips, his fire magic has become even more enhanced after the fight with Selene Voss.

"Out of my way!"

Another slash and his foe immediately slump onto the dirt ground, Caleb grits his teeth, parrying an attack that comes his way. For a cult that worships Vladislaus Straud and his vision, there are way too many members that pose as their obstacles. Rosalina throws out another concoction, stopping them in their tracks and blinding them in the process.

The soldiers of House Emberlynn stare in awe, amazed at how skillful Edward's wife is on the battlefield. Despite posting herself as a woman with love and care for her family, she completely transforms the moment a spear is in her hand. Marlin swallows a lump in his throat, silently reminding himself to never anger either Edward or Rosalina.

Yup…They will destroy me…

"Lord Vatore, leave this place to us!"

Caleb nods, silently praying for their safety as he continues to make his way inside the castle. The foes on their way are blown away by Marlin's powerful fire spell. The enemies, while outnumbering them, are not skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Their attacks are easily swept away by Kian's years of training and Caleb's skillful moves.

The mages of Glimmerbrook freeze the ground, the ice hinders the movement of the cult members, stopping them in their tracks. As they encourage the group to move further in, Rosalina's spears become a whirling storm of death, striking with lethal precision. Her deathly dance and skillful swing turn into a fearful force that is fueled by the love and care she has for her daughter.

A scream erupts, capturing their attention. Caleb's expression morphs into dread when he realizes whose scream it was.

"Primrose!"

"Come now, we need to get to her, fast!" Marline instructs them, leading the team into the castle.

Within the depths of the castle, Seraphina rises from the bed, the blanket drapes loosely around her naked body as she narrows her eyes, looking at the man she just spent some time with. He swiftly puts on his clothes, picking up the ruckus outside the castle, it seems like the mighty lord Vatore is here to rescue his mate.

"What is going on?"

"Madam, you either want to finish your meal or get out of here." he smirks, leering at her body peeking through the blanket "Caleb Vatore has arrived."

"Lord Vatore? But how?" the Bloodhaven princess's senses become heightened, allowing her to pick up the chaotic battleground "The veil protecting this place is supposed to stop vampires from entering, unless…"

The excitement on his face is evidenced as he points out that the formidable Marlin Ember is with them, the fire mage that even Glimmerbrook is afraid of. Cursing under her breath, Seraphina puts her dress back on, she doesn't even have a chance to tear that wretched human apart and they already come to rescue her.

"Remember what you promise, captain…" grabbing a handful of his face as she forces him to look at her, the twisted smile on her lips draws a glare from him "You must not reveal my identity to them, even if it means you lay down your life here."

"Hmph, of course, Madam…" the man smirks "I, Victor, shall seal my lips tight…"

An eerie chuckle escapes her lips, praising him for being a good boy and swiftly makes her way to the other room, where her father is having fun with his prey.

Primrose scrambles backward, inching away from the man that is Lord Bloodhaven. His eerie amber orbs leering at her, a blooming flower that is waiting to be plucked. Her heart pounds in her chest like a trapped bird, frantic and desperate for escape. The cold sweat on her skin mirrored the chilling atmosphere of the room, the air thick with fear and malevolence. Every fiber of her being screams for freedom as Lord Bloodhaven loomed over her. The twisted smile on Lord Bloodhaven's face only intensifies her dread.

"Get away from me!" she protests, sensing his hand reaching her.

His laughter echoes in the dimly lit chamber, a haunting melody that chills her to the core. He moves closer, a hand reaching out to stroke her cheek. Primrose recoils, but his grip tightens, preventing her escape.

"Now, now, my dear. There's no need to be so resistant," he sneers. Primrose, however, snaps away from his hold, refusing to become a pawn in his game "Feisty, just as I anticipated. Your spirit will make the eventual submission all the more satisfying."

Her scream erupts in the still air as the man violently pins her down on the bed. His smirk grows wider at the sight of her thrashing, how she desperately tries to get away, the sight entices his sadistic nature even more. Curse the binding cuff on her wrist, she will be able to use magic if this object is not on her.

Lord Bloodhaven's eerie laugh echoes in the room as he tears off her shirt, leaving her exposed and vulnerable in his eyes. A cruel intrusion into her personal sanctity. The coldness of his touch, the lecherous gaze, and the unnerving laughter heighten her fear even more.

Her eyes well up in tears, her mind racing back to Caleb and his kind smile, how his gentle words soothe her fear away, how his warm embrace is a loving cocoon that shields away the dangers approaching her.

Caleb…

This man, this monster that Seraphina calls her father, he is planning to take something important to her. She spends all this time saving herself for Caleb, her veil is intact and her body is unspoiled. Primrose's breath quickens, and her mind races for any possible escape. She can't let this happen to her, she can't allow this man to steal something that precious to her and Caleb.

"Your lover won't be here to save you. It's just you and me now." his voice drips with malevolence as he whispers.

Lord Bloodhaven leans in, his cold fingers trailing down her neck, leaving a shiver in their wake. The pendant with the crest of house Vatore dangles on his hand, a reminder of her place in Caleb's heart. Tears fall down as she shuts her eyes tightly, trying to think of something, anything that can help her get away from this dreaded situation. A flicker of determination sparks in Primrose's eyes, she won't let this monster break her.

"You will not lay a finger on me, devil!"

"Ah, the naivety of mortal love, clinging onto false hopes. No one is coming to save you." The man chuckles, unfazed by her resistance.

As his hand descends once more, meeting the hem of her torn shirt, panic surges inside her. She needs to act fast…

Her eyes land on the white cuff that binds her wrists together and before she even realizes her action, her wrists swing hard, hitting Lord Bloodhaven in the face as he stumbles on the side, shocked at the impact. Seizing the opportunity, Primrose uses all her might and pushes him away, forcing the man to get off her. The raven head scrambles off the bed, running the to nearby vase and throwing it onto the cold, hard floor. With trembling hands, Primrose picks up the shattering piece, pointing it at the man as he slowly regains his stand.

"Stand back!"

"Your futile struggles amuse me, my dear." the menacing smile still hangs on his lips, amber eyes staring at her "Very amusing…"

He hurls himself at her, forcing Primrose to swiftly move away. Despite the pain in her head and the cuffs that continue to drain her energy, she refuses to be broken by him. He and Seraphina Bloodhaven must pay the price for the crime they have committed and the raven head refuses to become the victim of their atrocious game.

"Even if you can escape from my grasp, what makes you think that you can get away from this place?" lord Bloodhaven taunts her "Give up, human. You are a mere prey to all of us."

He continues to jab at her, revealing his plan about Caleb and how he will meet a gruesome end. The moment he steps into this castle, his fate has been decided. The captain of Vladislaus Straud's loyalist group, Victor, a formidable vampire will rip the head off his body.

"No, you will not fool me with your foul words!"

"Believe it or not is up to you, human. Caleb Vatore will meet his end here, at the castle of his arch-enemy." he gloats, his laughter reverberating through the halls "I will make sure you witness it, his gruesome end. I will tear him off, from limb to limb."

Primrose shakes her head, refusing to give in. Yet his words strike her core and fear surges as she thinks of Caleb and how he is desperately trying to get to her.

No…

It's her fault for being weak, for not being able to protect herself from those vampires. If Caleb comes here, then he will…

Primrose's body shakes violently at the thought, her heart shatters at the mere thought of these people laying their hands on him. Her mind is swimming in the imagery of Caleb's lifeless body, a haunting imagination that will soon become reality.

She steps back, sensing the menacing man's advance, her body touches the table, a vase of flowers. The vibrant pink color reminds her of a plant that her mother once told her about.

"This is oleander, Primrose." holding a pretty pink flower in her covered hand, Rosalina explains "This is a toxic plant, one that can kill an adult the moment they swallow it."

The raven head stares at the plant, nodding at her mother's words. She is studying for the concoction exam at Glimmerbrook School of Magic, the test that she has failed two times already.

"Everything on this plant is poisonous, that is why I'm using gloves when handling it. The poison affects the heart, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system." Rosalina continues "Even a vampire who drinks blood that has oleander poison in it can have negative effects on them. Remember that, Primrose."

Dropping the shard of the vase, she turns her attention to the oleander flower. If this man and Seraphina Bloodhaven already desire to get her blood that much, then…

I will bring you all with me to hell…

Lord Bloodhaven steps closer to her, the menacing smile matches his sinister intention, to have the mate of Caleb Vatore begging under him as he stomps on her innocence, prying that precious thing she desperately trying to protect.

"Come to me now…"

Primrose flinches at his voice, her attention returning to the vase of oleander flowers as she takes in a deep breath, ready to end this nightmare that keeps unfolding in front of her very eyes. Grabbing a handful of the flowers, she swallows them, feeling a burning sensation in her throat and how her stomach begins to twist painfully.

Lord Bloodhaven draws near, seizing her arms and without a second thought, she pushes the flowers into his mouth, forcing him to swallow them. A sudden shock registers in Lord Bloodhaven's eyes, a realization of the peril he now faces. The toxic effects of the oleander start to take hold, causing a violent reaction within him. His grasp on her tightens, bloodshot eyes staring at her, the painful expression on his face mirrors her own as she pushes him away, creating a distance between them.

"You…What did…"

"Do you like it? The poison…" gasping in pain, Primrose wraps her stomach tightly, the pain in her body is unbearable "And when…Seraphina…drinks my blood…I will make sure…" she coughs out blood, slowly slumping onto the ground "…to pull you both…into the…pit of hell…with me…"

"You…wretched…human…!"

"Father!"

Seraphina storms in, informing him about the arrival of Caleb Vatore. To her shock, lord Bloodhaven's body shakes violently, she rushes to his side, inquiring about his status, but he dismisses her question and orders her to bring him back to the Bloodhaven manor immediately. The blond vampire stares at Primrose's body on the floor, her green eyes fill with rage as she realizes that her plan to tarnish this woman's dignity is not successful.

"Primrose!"

Picking up Caleb's frantic call, Seraphina glares at her one more time before disappearing in a veil of mist, bringing her father with her.

Caleb…

Tears fall down her eyes as she clutches onto the pendant bearing the crest of House Vatore, despite forcing lord Bloodhaven to swallow that poisonous flower, he has gotten away.

I'm sorry…

Caleb runs to the depths of the castle, using his vampiric abilities to sense Primrose's whereabouts. He catches on her soft murmurs, a painful gasp, and a tearful apology, fear etching on his face, the situation has become dire…

Rosalina, Kian, and Marlin follow him, knocking the enemies with everything they have in their arsenal, be it magic or physical strikes. The castle of Vladislaus Straud becomes the battleground that no one expects. The ruined building, scattered with broken stones and bricks, is the remnant of the once-powerful Straud family, one that had fallen under the hands of Caleb Vatore.

As they make their way to the stairs, an eerie laugh stops them. Standing in the middle of the hall is Victor, hands bearing two blades and drawing closer to the group.

"Ah, if it isn't the mighty lord Caleb Vatore."

"You…"

Before Caleb can respond, Kian steps in, his cyan blue eyes reflecting the anger within him. The man stands tall, a nonchalant smile hangs on his lips. Under the ruins of castle Straud, the moonlight peeks through, shining an ominous light on him. His silver hair illuminates under the moonlight, matching the shining stars in the sky. His eyes, an icy blue color, preys on his newest victims.

"Hm? My my, and there he is, the disowned son of Vladislaus Straud…" he scoffs "Honor to meet you and your coterie, my lord…"

Kian's jaw clenches, his grip on his weapon tightening. The disdain for the name Straud, the legacy that once bound him, is palpable. Marlin and Rosalina position themselves beside Caleb and Kian, ready for the impending confrontation.

"Enough with your games, where is Primrose?" Caleb speaks up, his voice is filled with determination.

Victor casts them a lazy gaze, his mind wanders back to when Primrose was here, meeting Seraphina and lord Bloodhaven. A dark chuckle escapes his lips, the blades twirl with a menacing flair as he thinks of how lord Bloodhaven may have his fun with her.

"Do not fret, my lord. The lady is enjoying herself in the depths of this castle."

The horror of what Primrose might be enduring seizes Caleb's thoughts. His mind races with nightmarish scenarios, each more gruesome than the last. A surge of desperation and fury fills him, and his vampiric instincts push him to the brink.

No…

Sensing his brother's turmoil, Kian steps forward. His grip on the blade tightens, the notion of him being the disowned son of House Straud strikes a nerve, but he refuses to take the bait.

"You will tell us where she is, or else…" his cyan blue eyes narrow, the name dances on his tongue tastes like poison to him "…Victor…"

Victor's eyes lock onto Kian's, a sinister smile playing on his lips as he revels in the turmoil he has stirred within the disowned son of House Straud. The name itself carries a weight of disdain and resentment, and Victor taunts them with the knowledge of Primrose's plight.

"Oh my, what would you do then, Kian Straud?"

Kian's eyes twitch, the vein on his head is threatened to pop at the continuous taunting. That name, he never wants to hear that name ever again. The haunted memories of being a Straud, submitting to his father's sins, and watching those people wail as the vampires devour them, there is a reason why he chooses to leave behind the Straud legacy and serves House Vatore instead.

"Oh, the disowned son seeks to protect the mate of his lord. How poetic…" Victor smirks, twirling his blades with a sinister grace.

Within a blink of an eye, Kian strikes him. His blade clashes with Victor's weapons, the clang of metal echoing through the hall. Victor, seemingly unfazed, grins wickedly. The dance of blades continues, a symbolic clash between the haunted legacy of House Straud and the determined resolve of those who seek to break free from its chains.

"Caleb, go with Rosalina and find Primrose. I will aid Kian here."

Looking at Marlin, the fire mage gives him a firm nod, fire dances on his fingers as he is ready to join the battle. Rosalina looks at him, pulling out a small pouch and handing it to Marlin.

"Use this blinding dust to your advantage. This is the same one that Primrose got inflicted before."

"Understood…" looking at Kian who is lunging at Victor, he steps in "Now go!"

With Caleb and Rosalina leaving for Primrose, the hall becomes the battlefield of Kian and Victor, clashing with ideas and the echoes of their once friendship.