The front door creaked open. Two vampire guards stepped inside, their black armor gleaming in the candlelight.
Your mother immediately fell to her knees. You frowned.
"What's happening?"
One guard grabbed your arm.
"Mother?"
She began crying as the guard tightened his grip.
"Please!"
you cried, struggling.
"Father!"
Your father didn't move. He didn't even look at you.
One of the guards spoke calmly.
"We've come to collect what was promised."
You looked between your parents, confused.
Your father finally spoke, his voice low.
"I'm sorry."
Before you could ask what he meant, the guards seized your arms and pulled you toward the door.
"What are you doing? Let me go!"
You struggled against their iron grip, twisting and pulling, but it was useless.
"Mother!"
you cried.
"Father, please, help me!"
Your mother covered her mouth, sobbing. Your father remained frozen, his gaze fixed on the floor.
The guards dragged you outside.
A sleek black carriage waited before the house. Beside it stood a tall man dressed entirely in black, his crimson eyes calmly studying you.
Your father stepped forward with trembling hands.
"As we agreed... my lord."
A servant placed a small leather pouch into his hands. Gold coins clinked softly inside.
The vampire lord glanced at the pouch in your father's hands. Then he turned his gaze toward his servants.
"And the livestock?"
One servant immediately bowed.
"Two cows and one breeding bull, my lord."
Lord Nevan gave a small nod.
"Very well."
A brief silence followed.
"Add one more cow."
His crimson eyes shifted toward you. With a small motion of his hand, he signaled the guards to take you toward the carriage. But before you could be led away, his voice stopped them.
"Wait."
He looked at you calmly.
"Do you wish to say your last words to your parents?"
