In the serene and beautiful world of Alaria, where lush green fields and dense forests stretched far and wide, lay a small village named Lilywood, known for its simplicity and joy. Its people lived close to nature, with farming and hunting forming the core of their lives. As the first rays of the sun appeared, plows would turn the earth in the fields, and as day turned into dusk, hunting parties would return from the forest, their faces glowing with contentment. Every person in this village was a support to one another, as if they were all part of one large family. The air in Lilywood always hummed with laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Our protagonist, Marcus, also called Lilywood his home. He lived with his parents and younger sister, Leena. Marcus was still young, barely twenty. His body was well-built and strong, a testament to the hard-working life of Lilywood. His eyes were deep brown, often reflecting the sparkle of a dreamer, but they also showed determination when needed. Leena, five years younger than Marcus, was the most playful and beloved child in the village. Her sweet laughter echoed throughout the village, and she often roamed the forests alongside Marcus, though he always kept her within his sight. Their father, Aldrin, was the most skilled hunter in the village, whose wisdom and experience were respected by all. Their mother, Sara, was known for her gentle nature and amazing cooking skills; her loving touch made every home feel welcoming.
Marcus's life was simple, yet filled with happiness. In the mornings, he would work in the fields with his father or go hunting in the forest. In the afternoons, he would fish with Leena in the river flowing near the village or tell her stories. In the evenings, when the whole family sat together by the fire, Aldrin would tell them tales of ancient Alaria, stories of warriors and magical creatures, which often filled Marcus's mind with adventure. Sara would serve warm bread and vegetables, and Leena would recount her day's anecdotes, making the atmosphere even more cheerful. For Marcus, Lilywood was not just a place, but a part of his soul.
The Arrival of Darkness
Lilywood's happiness seemed to be cursed. One day, as the sun was setting and the villagers were returning to their homes, a strange silence descended. A chill permeated the air, and an odd scent, one that would unsettle any hunter, became noticeable. Marcus was returning from a hunt with his father at that moment. From a distance, they saw a dark shadow above the village, slowly growing larger. Aldrin's face turned pale.
"Run, Marcus! Run as fast as you can!" Aldrin whispered, his voice holding a strange warning rather than fear.
Marcus couldn't understand. "What happened, Father? What is that?"
"They... they are vampires, Marcus! Run! Save Leena and Mother!"
But before they could do anything, the shadows of darkness moved swiftly towards Lilywood. They floated through the air, their eyes glowing like red embers in the night. Their speed was so immense that in an instant, they reached the outskirts of the village. These were creatures with whom ordinary humans could not contend—vampires, known as such in Alaria. Their skin was as cold as ice, and their eyes thirsted for blood. Their mere presence caused life force to dwindle.
Screams erupted in the village. Those who were still outside ran towards their homes to save their lives, but the vampires seized them in the blink of an eye. Marcus and Aldrin watched as their neighbors, with whom they interacted daily, became lifeless at the hands of those terrible creatures. Marcus's heart sank. He ran towards his home, his mind consumed only by worry for Leena and Sara.
The Lilywood Massacre
When Marcus reached home, he saw his mother and Leena huddled inside, their faces clearly reflecting fear. Aldrin also reached them shortly after.
"Close the door! Quickly!" Aldrin shouted, and Marcus instinctively closed the heavy wooden door.
Screams and shouts could be heard from outside, slowly fading into a horrifying silence. The terror of the vampires had enveloped the entire village. Marcus peeked through a crack in the door. He saw that the vampires were not just killing people; they were searching for something. They were entering homes, searching every corner, breaking things, as if looking for something precious. Their red eyes darted everywhere, with a strange restlessness.
"What are they looking for?" Sara asked, trembling.
Aldrin shook his head. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it's very important."
The number of vampires was so vast that stopping them was impossible. They were so powerful and cruel that the simple people of Lilywood could not stand against them. One by one, the village homes were broken, and people's hopes shattered. Marcus moved away from the door and hugged his mother and sister. He wanted to save them, but he didn't know how.
Suddenly, their house door burst open with a loud crash. Three vampires entered, their eyes blood-red and their sharp fangs protruding. One of them seized Aldrin, while another moved towards Sara and Leena.
"No!" Marcus screamed and tried to attack the vampire with a broken piece of wood, but it was too fast. The vampire easily threw Marcus away.
In the next moment, Marcus saw that the vampires had taken his parents and sister captive. He cried out, but his voice was choked in his throat. The vampires continued their search, ransacking every corner of the house, but they did not find what they were looking for. Their frustration and anger grew.
When they did not find their desired item, their rage became uncontrollable. The vampires carried out a horrifying massacre in Lilywood. They killed people relentlessly, without any mercy, solely to quench their anger. Marcus watched it all from his hiding spot, his eyes blurred with tears. He saw his family become lifeless before him. This was a sight that would forever be etched in his soul. Lilywood, once a village of joy, was now a heap of ash and blood. Its streets were strewn with corpses, and the air was thick with the stench of death.
Marcus didn't know how he survived. Perhaps the vampires had left him for dead, or they were in such a hurry that they overlooked him. As the darkness deepened and the sounds of the vampires faded, Marcus slowly emerged from the rubble. He looked around him. Lilywood was now just a ruin, a graveyard. The bodies of his family lay there, silent. A deep void had formed in his heart, a wound that might never heal.
That night, under the quiet sky of Alaria, Marcus made a vow. He would never forgive those vampires. He would find them, no matter what. And he would also find out what they were looking for, what that thing was for which they killed so many innocent people. The fall of Lilywood was not just an end, but the beginning of Marcus's journey of revenge, a journey that would take him to the darkest corners of Alaria.