Drake had reported seeing a Nosferaboar in the forest, but he had kept the most critical detail to himself—he hadn't mentioned that he had managed to command it. The ability to control such a beast was a dangerous skill and he wasn't yet ready to reveal it.
The next day, he ventured back into the woods, determined to test his newfound ability. Today, his focus was narrow—he needed to prove to himself that he could control more than just the Nosferaboar.
As he walked deeper into the trees, his eyes caught sight of a rabbit, peacefully munching on some grass, its fur a soft gray in the dappled sunlight. Drake's pulse quickened. This was his chance. He crouched low, his movements slow and deliberate, trying not to startle the small creature.
He fixed his gaze on the rabbit's eyes, focusing all his concentration on the rhythm of its breathing, the flicker of life in its pupils. His thoughts narrowed, sinking into the primal depth of his power. He could feel it—just a thread of influence, barely noticeable, but it was there.
"Stop eating and don't move" he whispered, his voice low and steady as he locked his gaze on the rabbit.
Questions flooded Drake's mind, each one more confusing than the last. As he watched the rabbit, his thoughts grew darker, trying to understand what had happened to him.
"How did I get healed? Did a vampire suck my blood to heal me? The only creatures that can hypnotize are vampires... What's happening to me?" he muttered.
He commanded the rabbit again, his voice smooth and authoritative, and for a moment, he found himself enjoying the power of watching the creature follow his every word. There was something oddly satisfying about it, the way the rabbit moved in perfect sync with his will.
But before he could fully indulge in the feeling, a soft, weak voice broke through the silence.
It was faint, distant, but unmistakable. He could hear it clearly, as if it were ringing in his ears, the words faint but sharp enough to cut through his concentration.
"Help… Is anyone out there? Please… help me."
The voice was weak, trembling with pain, each word laced with agony. It echoed through the trees, carrying a sense of desperation that made Drake's heart race.
"No one will hear you, bitch!" the guard sneered, laughing mockingly
Drake was amazed at how much his hearing had improved. He followed the voice and, after seven minutes of walking, he stumbled upon a horrifying sight. A girl, tied to a tree, her body marked with bruises and cuts. She was barely clothed, her private parts the only thing modestly covered. The sight of her suffering sent a jolt of anger through him.
Two vampires stood guard nearby, their eyes scanning the area, unaware of his approach.
He waited an hour, staying hidden to avoid being spotted by the guards. When one guard left to attend to something, Drake quietly approached from behind. He injected the vampire with holy water, and the guard recoiled in pain.
Drake quickly untied the girl and, lifting her onto his back, ran toward the city, making his escape.