Chapter 53 Inner Thoughts

Ethan's POVAs the conversation shifted toward other topics, I remained quiet observing the dynamics between the group. Virelle, despite her usual cold demeanour seemed genuinely at ease around her elder brother. Victor's presence commanded respect his charisma effortlessly drawing others toward him.

Lucien, by contrast was a bundle of contradictions who looked polished and charming on the surface, but insecure and calculating beneath.

Rendell, for his part seemed content to stay in the background, his sister Ivanna clinging to his arm. Though he lacked the confidence of the others there was a quiet strength in his demeanour that suggested he was more than he appeared.

Suddenly, Victor proposed something that left me surprised.

Victor turned to address us his commanding presence drawing the group's attention. His smooth voice carried an inviting tone,

"Would all of you like to join us at the auction in the underground Crimson Cellar? Lucien and I were on our way there when we encountered you."

The mention of the Crimson Cellar piqued my curiosity though I had no idea what it was. Before I could ask, Virelle's voice rang in my mind her sound transmission magic offering a discreet explanation.

"Beneath the Euphoria Lounge lies the Crimson Cellar. It is a hidden venue where the city's most forbidden activities occur. Many rare and dangerous items are auctioned there to the highest bidders, from ancient vampire relics and cursed artifacts to blood vials harvested from mythical creatures. Occasionally, they even auction blood thralls and they are mostly individuals with unique bloodlines or powers like elves or werecreatures.

Access to the Crimson Cellar is restricted to those possessing a rune-marked invitation. These tokens are rare and nearly impossible for commoners or even lower-ranked nobles to acquire. Only the most influential clans and individuals have the privilege and opportunity to attend."

Her explanation revealed the darker and hidden aspects of Scarlet Hollow and I felt a surge of excitement.

The Crimson Cellar seemed to be the perfect opportunity to learn more about vampire society and also gain some knowledge about unique treasures and things that would be sold in the auction.

Smiling, I addressed Victor, "It would be an honour to attend. I'd love to witness such a renowned event first hand."

Victor's lips curled into a pleased grin as though my agreement had confirmed something he'd been expecting.

I drained the remainder of my Crimson Reverie in a single gulp, its refreshing essence invigorating my senses. The Drakovar siblings, especially Rendell seemed thrilled at the invitation. Their expressions betrayed how rare and valuable such an opportunity was.

Victor and Lucien led the way toward a secluded area near the restrooms. There, Victor stopped before a plain and unassuming wall. With a calculated rhythm, he tapped one of the tiles five times in varying frequencies.

A faint hum reverberated through the air as the tile slid aside revealing a hidden door bathed in crimson light.

The door opened to reveal an elderly man cloaked in shadow his hunched figure barely illuminated by the eerie red glow. His gaunt face was a labyrinth of deep wrinkles but the two blood-red streaks that glowed in his eye sockets seemed to burn with unnatural vitality.

Despite his frail appearance, an oppressive aura radiated from him suffocating and filled with menace.

The old man's gaze swept over us like a predator sizing up its prey. His eyes lingered on me momentarily and I felt as though he were probing into my soul. A shiver ran down my spine but I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to show weakness.

Victor and Lucien produced rune-marked tokens from their robes which were small squares embossed with a blood moon on one side and a thorned rose on the other. Victor handed the man four additional tokens, presumably for the rest of us.

The old man's bony fingers trembled as he inspected each token with painstaking care, his chicken claw-like hands turning them over with an unsettling precision.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally stepped aside gesturing for us to enter.

We ducked through the door and entered a dimly lit corridor. The walls were lined with lamps shaped like bats their glowing red eyes casting ominous shadows. Their spread wings gave them a menacing appearance far removed from the ordinary bats I had encountered in my previous life.

The air grew colder as we descended and a faint hum of magic resonated around us, the wards woven into the very walls humming with latent power.

I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and turned to see Virelle watching me. Her gaze was contemplative as though she were trying to unravel a puzzle. When our eyes met, she didn't avert her gaze or show any embarrassment.

Instead, she offered me a faint and an almost cryptic smile.

I returned her smile briefly before turning my attention back to the path ahead. Conquering her will not be easy, I mused silently.

Virelle's POV

As we walked through the corridor, the rhythmic sound of footsteps filled the silence but my mind was far from the present. Master's parting sound transmitted words to me echoed in my thoughts, their weight impossible to ignore.

"Remember, little Virelle, Ethan is of paramount importance to me and the Nightshade Dragoness. Though he walks among us, he is not a vampire. Under no circumstances must this truth be revealed to anyone. Protect him, guide him and ensure he avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Treat him as an equal—he is no ordinary child. In the days to come, he may prove invaluable to your survival and the goal you are striving for."

I wasn't one to invest much energy into others preferring the solitude of my own thoughts over the petty dramas and jealous whispers that seemed to follow me everywhere.

My peers, both male and female either envied, hated or adored me, but their opinions were irrelevant. Compared to my ultimate goal, their spite or fake affection was as insignificant as grains of sand.