Title: "Eternal Blood: The Last Vampire"
Chapter 2: Shadows of the Ancients
The centuries had passed like whispers of forgotten empires. From Rome's marble halls to Egypt's golden sands, I had walked among kings and warriors, merchants and poets. But as the world changed, so did I.
And now, in the shimmering heart of the modern world, Dubai, I stood beneath the blinding sun—untouched, invincible.
But my children—Selena and Daniel—were another matter entirely.
"The Ancients, Father," Daniel said, pacing the penthouse balcony, his dark hair whipping in the desert wind. "They whisper your name like a god's. They're restless. They want you to reclaim your throne."
"Throne?" I scoffed, gazing at the endless cityscape. "I never wanted a throne, my son. Thrones crumble. Empires fall. I simply wish to live, to witness history... to savor what was denied to me in my first life."
Selena, lounging on the silk couch with a glass of crimson wine—blood, no doubt—smiled with fanged amusement. "Yet the world remembers you, Father. Whether you wanted it or not, you're legend. The Ancients only follow their nature."
I turned, my eyes narrowing on them both. "You speak of the Ancients as if they are gods themselves," I chuckled. "They are my servants. My creations. Do not let centuries of power confuse you."
Daniel crossed his arms. "Power demands respect. Some of them believe they are more than servants now."
"Children," I interrupted, my voice softening, "You're both being mischievous tonight. Do you remember when I first found you? Starving, frail, abandoned amidst the ruins of Rome?"
Selena's eyes softened, the ancient memories surfacing. "You carried me in your arms... I thought you were an angel."
"An angel with fangs," Daniel added with a smirk.
"Indeed," I grinned, stepping closer. "Would you have me educate you both again? Remind you what true discipline feels like?" My tone was teasing, but the air thickened with old, powerful authority.
Selena's laughter broke the tension. "Father, please, I barely survived your lessons the first time."
"You survived because you're mine," I replied, brushing her cheek with a hand colder than marble. "And you, Daniel, would do well to remember where your strength comes from."
Daniel's eyes burned with pride, but he nodded. "Always, Father."
Outside, the city pulsed with neon and greed, but inside our sanctuary, the past and present wove together like threads of fate.
"Tell me," I asked, pouring myself a glass of wine as rich as spilled rubies, "What do the Ancients want this time?"
Daniel hesitated. "They believe the world is on the brink. Wars, disease, technology… they see an opportunity to rise, to reshape society in your image."
Selena added, "They fear humanity's progress. Science chips away at myth. Soon, even you may become just another story buried by the digital age."
"Let them fear," I replied, sipping the wine. "I have outlived legends, toppled kings, seduced time itself. The world changes, but I endure."
"But we don't hide forever," Daniel insisted. "You always taught us: observe, influence, but never vanish."
"Wise words from my own teachings," I chuckled. "Perhaps you've learned more than I thought."
Selena stood, her silhouette framed by the city's glow. "Father, you're tired of thrones and crowns, but the world still needs its myths