Friday, July 13th, 1 NW
Winter Manor, Springfield, Dukedom of Winterheim, Kingdom of Pentoria
Amon stood on the balcony of the tallest tower of the Manor, staring at the sky as those strange energy droplets continued to fall, bathing in them.
Over the past 181 days, the world had changed completely. Strange flora and now even stranger fauna had appeared and spread far and wide. Even the existing plants and animals had begun to transform.
The Manor was now covered in vines that wrapped around it like living veins, and the grounds, too, were coated in moss and trailing tendrils.
Unknown species of plants had sprouted beside the trees, blooming with mesmerisingly beautiful flowers. Strange fruits hung from the branches of the now colourful forest surrounding the estate.
Amon had often asked himself if this was all a dream. It felt too surreal, too beautiful to be true, but it could not wash away the sorrow in his heart.
No matter how beautiful the world would become, he would never see those, whom he had lost, again.
Amon's gaze drifted across the estate grounds, still bathed in the soft, glowing rain. Everything felt quiet, suspended in a strange harmony, until the sky above the eastern forest shimmered like rippling glass.
A new portal began to form, oval-shaped and pulsing with a quiet white-blue light. It hovered just above the treetops, expanding gently, and from its depths emerged a herd of reindeer unlike any he had seen in the Old World.
They were magnificent creatures, their bodies cloaked in sleek black fur patterned with soft, snow-white spots along their flanks and legs. Each one bore a pale, kite-shaped marking on its forehead, glowing faintly with a hue that hinted at some ancient significance.
Their antlers were wide and elegantly curved, branching like polished silver. A faint trail of light followed their movements, as if the air itself bent in reverence to their presence. The herd moved with an almost unnatural grace, their hooves barely making a sound as they touched the mossy earth.
The lead reindeer was a tall, imposing stag with antlers broader than the others. He paused and turned his head, locking eyes with Amon across the distance. His gaze was calm and perceptive, as if he understood something deeper about the world they had entered. Then, without hesitation, he turned and led his herd into the forest, slipping between the trees with the silence of shadows.
Their passage left behind a faint, shimmering trail of hoofprints that slowly faded into the moss, as if the land itself was swallowing the evidence of their arrival.
Amon remained still, his expression unreadable. He had witnessed many strange things over the past weeks, but there was something about this herd that stirred something quieter and deeper in him. The world was changing, and not all of it was terrifying. Some of it, just like these reindeer, was hauntingly beautiful.
Shortly after the last of the reindeer disappeared into the forest, the earth rumbled ever so slightly beneath Amon's feet. He turned his gaze toward the open fields beyond the estate, where the mossy ground had begun to shimmer faintly.
A soft glow pulsed from the soil, and within seconds, another portal formed. This one bloomed low to the ground, like a rising veil of light, humming gently as its edge rippled with hues of silver and pale blue.
From it stepped a line of majestic creatures that at first glance resembled horses. But they were more than that.
They moved with effortless grace, their slender frames both powerful and elegant. Each stood taller than a warhorse, with coats in shades of moonlit white, pearl-grey, and soft opal. Their manes flowed like liquid silk, and each bore a spiralled horn of ivory extending from the centre of its brow, smooth and glinting with faint iridescence.
Their hooves shimmered faintly with each step, brushing over the moss without disturbing it. A faint trail of light followed them, fading quickly into the air. Their eyes were clear and luminous, intelligent yet cautious, as if they understood they were not in their world anymore.
The lead stallion stopped for a moment, his horn gleaming beneath the overcast sky. He looked toward the Manor, his ears twitching as if catching some distant sound. Then he let out a low, musical whinny, and the herd moved again, flowing as one into the forest beyond the estate.
Amon watched them go, silent and still. They did not belong to the Old World, yet their presence brought no fear. Only questions.
And he knew there would be more.
"Uncle."
He snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Freya's voice. She stood at the door with Sylvia, both sheltered beneath the archway, and he smiled at them.
"Good morning, Freya." He beckoned her over, and without hesitation, she stepped into the rain for the first time since this phenomenon had begun.
Her eyes widened instantly as the droplets of energy exploded across her skin, filling her with a soothing sensation. Sylvia joined her when she saw the astonishment on her face.
Soon the two girls were laughing and twirling beneath the soft shimmer of rain, marvelling at the transformed estate. It felt like a dream, but it was very real. They were reminded of that when another portal opened in the sky above the Manor, releasing a flock of dazzlingly coloured birds whose cries filled the air with music.
Amon's attention shifted when he noticed Sylvia sway unsteadily. He rushed to her side just as she began to collapse.
"What's wrong with her?" Freya asked anxiously, her voice tightening with concern. Amon looked into Sylvia's eyes.
"She'll be fine," he said gently and carried her back into the Manor.
"Your Grace!" Felix's voice rose in alarm as he saw Amon carrying his daughter. But after checking her temperature and finding she was only asleep, he relaxed.
Freya too began to feel sleepy, and Amon urged her to rest.
Their bodies were beginning to transform and strengthen. He could sense it. And there were no signs of any harmful effects.
"Go outside into the rain, Felix. Take Remus with you," he ordered after they laid Sylvia in bed.
Felix looked surprised but bowed without question and went to find the butler.
Amon lingered for a moment, then found himself walking toward Meredith's room.
He knocked once, heard her call him in, and entered, closing the door behind him.
She was standing beside the wide-open window, reaching out and letting the glowing droplets fall across her fingers, marvelling at the sensation.
"It almost feels like the world is trying to console us. Like it's washing away the pain of those we've lost," she whispered. He joined her at the window.
"I feel the same," he murmured, glancing at her. He couldn't help but be struck by how radiant she looked.
Meredith felt his gaze and her heartbeat quickened.
"You never told me what happened to you."
"What?"
"How did you become a Vampire?"
For a moment, Amon was silent, then he chuckled and shook his head.
"Do you really think we're Vampires like in those stories?"
"What else would we be?" she countered, turning to face him. "Remus doesn't hide that he's a Werewolf. Why are you so reluctant to accept it? Do you still hate Vampires?"
"I mean, it's not like we need to drink blood to live. Maybe to get stronger or recover quickly, but that's all."
"So, you're a Vampire, just not the kind you disliked in those old tales?" she teased.
She was fourteen years older than him, his first cousin, and she had practically raised him. She knew all his secrets, his mischief, his oddities, and especially how much he'd always hated vampire myths.
Her giggle confirmed she hadn't forgotten.
"Yeah..." he sighed, smiling at her laughter.
"So, how did it happen?" she asked again, wiping away a tear that had slipped down her cheek.
"I think it was the gem I chose."
"Gem?" Her eyes widened. "You picked a gem too?"
"Yes," he said, frowning. "Did you?"
"I did. I think that's why I didn't turn into a monster. Freya picked one too."
"You didn't gain any powers?"
She shook her head. "Only our bloodline powers. I did get a boost after your transformation, but not from the gem."
Amon frowned. Something didn't feel right.
"What colour was yours?"
"I picked a sapphire. You?"
"Ruby," he whispered, and then a strange vision flashed into his mind.
A woman was running through the woods, holding a frail boy of about six in her arms. Behind her, an evolved Wolfman chased her with terrifying glee.
Yes. An evolved Wolfman.
He had sensed the monsters were becoming more powerful and more intelligent with the rain. This confirmed it.
"Come with me," he whispered as he opened the window grille and leapt out.
Meredith didn't hesitate. She followed him into the eastern woods without question.
Even as they sped through the forest, she noticed the vibrant flora and felt invigorated by the scent in the air. But soon, she picked up on the life signs and sensed the danger ahead. She pushed herself faster, overtaking Amon.
The woman ahead knew she couldn't outrun the Wolfman. She stopped abruptly and unleashed a sonic scream from her mouth, striking the monster and knocking him into a tree.
She tried to run again, but dizziness overcame her. She had pushed her limits to protect the unconscious child in her arms.
The Wolfman, his eyes glowing red, exhaled a burst of embers. His body pulsed with fiery veins as he charged again, his claws glowing with deadly heat.
The woman despaired, until a black blur smashed into the Wolfman and knocked him away.
"Don't run. There are more monsters nearby," Meredith warned as she stepped forward.
The woman hesitated but froze when she saw another figure appear beside her. It was Amon.
She sensed the bond between them instantly. Siblings, perhaps?
Their golden-brown hair caught the shimmering light of the energy rain, and their sapphire eyes radiated the same intensity. Their fair skin, sculpted features, and regal elegance made them look like they had stepped out of a storybook. They shared a striking resemblance, not just in beauty but in presence. The woman could only assume they were siblings.
"Need help?" Amon asked Meredith after she was struck hard and sent crashing into the trees.
"No," she whispered, charging again.
Amon watched her engage the monster. The Wolfman's strength, speed, and heat were overwhelming. Its claws could melt metal, and its body grew more dangerous by the second.
"Careful," he whispered, summoning a Psionic Shield to protect the woman and child. Meredith mirrored his action just in time to block a powerful heat wave from the Wolfman.
Her shield cracked, then shattered under a second blow.
Her vision turned red. She vanished in a blur, dodged the next attack, and slipped inside the creature's reach. She drove her palm into its chest.
The Psionic Blast ruptured its insides and hurled it into a tree, snapping the trunk.
"Why is it so strong?" she asked, breathing hard. Then she saw the Wolfman rise again and flee.
She gave chase. Amon frowned. It was a trap.
Sure enough, the creature let her close in and unleashed another heated blast.
Her shield protected her, but she couldn't avoid the punch that followed. Bones cracked in her shoulder and arm, and she was sent flying. Burns scorched her skin.
She flipped in mid-air and landed against a tree, crouched to absorb the impact. The Wolfman was already upon her, claws descending.
Acting on instinct, she lunged forward, ramming her head into its gut. The Psionic Blast launched the creature directly toward Amon.
"No," she snapped when he moved to strike. Despite her injuries, she blurred forward, summoned Psionic Arrows, and pierced the monster.
She turned those arrows into blades and, gritting her teeth, sliced the Wolfman to pieces.
"I dare you to get up now," she muttered, falling to her knees. The body twitched, then went still.
A satisfied grin touched her lips, until the body burst into flames and began to disintegrate.
Among the ashes, a strange glowing orange gem the size of a tennis ball was left behind.
Amon rushed over and picked it up. Meredith rose and inspected it too.
"It's bigger than the one I picked," she said, rotating her now-healed shoulder.
"It's not the same," Amon replied, studying the red-hot veins running through it.
"Please give it to my child."
They turned at the woman's voice. She had dropped to her knees and was weeping.
"Please… I beg you. I'll serve you for the rest of my life… I swear… please."
Without hesitation, Meredith took the gem from Amon's hand and tossed it to her.
The woman caught it and pressed it to the boy's chest.
Their eyes widened as the gem shattered into red-orange aether, which surged into the child's body.
His skin regained colour, and his eyes opened, glowing with the same fire as the Wolfman's.
"Mama..." he whispered, and the glow faded from his eyes.
The woman embraced him tightly, crying with relief.
Amon and Meredith, however, were stunned after what they had just witnessed.