Libor's gaze drifted into the distant past as he began his tale—a story of a vampire born from an absurd twist of fate.
"My birth was practically a cosmic joke."
"My mother, Julia, was the Vampire Queen. She had walked this world since time immemorial, her bloodline pure and noble—unlike later vampires tainted by mixed heritage."
A wry smile touched his lips. "And then there's me. My father was Apollo, the Pope and incarnation of the God of Light."
"A bet led my mother to seduce him. She won the wager—and as an unexpected prize, got *me*. Hilarious, isn't it? A child born from a vampire and a holy pope." He watched Sophie, half-expecting the familiar scorn he'd seen in others' eyes as a child. But there was none—just genuine curiosity.
*"So vampires really do exist here! And they're as gorgeous as the stories say. Maybe they're not all evil?"* If Libor knew her thoughts, he might've choked on his own (very precious) blood.
Encouraged by her lack of judgment, he continued.
"From birth, I was different. Daylight didn't burn me; I *thrived* in it. By day, I was human. By night—a true vampire."
"This duality made me an outcast. Even as the queen's son, I couldn't force acceptance. Respect only came when I gained power—and even then, it was fear, not genuine regard."
His expression softened. "Except for one: Bazzak, son of Princess Yulia—the vampire who'd made that fateful bet with my mother. He stood by me no matter what. If anyone mocked me, we'd beat them until even their mothers wouldn't recognize them."
A chuckle escaped him at the memory.
"Then, over a millennium ago, Bazzak and I met Lina, princess of Nepeldon Kingdom. He fell for her instantly. But *she*… loved *me*."
"To preserve our friendship, I left. Soon after, the Vampire Kingdom issued a warrant for my capture. Without my mother's protection, I fled to Chilisia—where my nocturnal thirst grew uncontrollable. The vampire blood dormant in me awoke."
"Yet my father's holy blood kept me from slaughter. I refused to kill like others of my kind. So I studied medicine, moving every decade to avoid suspicion—collecting blood under the guise of healing."
His voice darkened. "Over centuries, vampires grew reckless. Turned humans—second-generation vampires—drained mortals without restraint. Now, our races are locked in eternal war."
"I never returned home. In my mind, the Vampire Kingdom remains as I left it."
With a sigh, Libor lay back on the branch, gazing at the leaves.
Sophie bit her lip. *"So most vampires *do* kill… Good to know I shouldn't go looking for more."* Aloud, she asked, "Do you miss your mother?"
"Sometimes. But as queen, she needs no one's pity."
"What about your father?"
"I met him as a child—a kind, radiant man. He truly loved my mother; I saw it in his eyes. But after the rift between humans and vampires…" He trailed off.
Sophie hesitated. "Can I ask something… sensitive?"
"Go ahead."
"How old *are* you?"
Libor laughed. "I stopped counting after three thousand years."
"Wait—you met Lina over a thousand years ago? Did you *love* her?"
"Lina was brilliant, vivacious—"
Sophie cut him off. "If you loved her, why leave? You can't *gift* feelings like some noble sacrifice! All you did was hurt everyone!"
Libor blinked. "I meant I loved her *as a sister*. Bazzak's devotion would've won her heart in time."
"Did you *tell* them that before vanishing?" Sophie groaned. "Or did you just assume they'd magically understand? What if Bazzak thinks you sacrificed yourself for him? What if Lina blames *him* for driving you away?"
"Wouldn't my leaving make it obvious?" Libor frowned. "Besides, Lina's surely gone now. Bazzak would never condemn her to vampirism. He'd cherish their mortal years, then guard their memories forever."
Sophie fell silent, thoughts drifting to Sam. *"Did I make the wrong choice too?"*
"Hey." Libor nudged her. "Admiring my wisdom?"
She shook herself. "So… any girlfriends since then? Were they pretty?"
His smirk returned. "Interested in my love life? Should I take that as a confession?"
"Pfft! As if I'd fall for a vampire." The words tumbled out before she registered their cruelty.
Libor's face paled.
Sophie winced. "I didn't mean—! It's just… your near-immortality makes love impossible for someone like me. I couldn't bear watching you stay young while I—"
"Love doesn't measure time," he said softly. "Even a single day together can outweigh eternity."
She nodded, resolve firming. *"Next time I find love, I won't hold back—no matter who they are."*
A loud *growl* interrupted them. Sophie clutched her stomach. "Oops. Forgot to feed the beast inside."
Laughing, they hurried back—only to find an unexpected guest at Bashara's house.
**Who awaits them—friend or foe?**