Dawn of light - Reincarnated as a villain

Chapter 20: Her family

Zephyx stood before the mirror, staring at the reflection that gazed back at him. His white hair cascaded softly over his shoulders, the pale strands gleaming faintly under the dim light. His mismatched eyes—one an icy blue, the other a burning crimson—seemed almost alive, their contrasting colors embodying the duality that defined him. It was strange to see himself like this, adorned in something so extravagant, so different from the usual training attire he wore.

The outfit Drusilla had provided for him was perfect. The black material glowed softly in the light, studded with fine golden vines that wrapped up over the lapels and shoulders, each strand placed with care. Under the coat, a snowy white shirt poked through, its elaborate collar lending an aura of refinement. Chains and brooches lined his chest, their soft glint a measure of their excellence. All of this ensemble cried out nobility, yet he couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh.

It had been a month since Drusilla had transitioned his training from combat to refining his magic and category skills. Despite her efforts to teach him her own techniques, his body simply refused to accept them. It was as if there was a wall between her knowledge and his ability to grasp it. Instead, she shifted her focus, helping him improve his magic and his mastery over his category. And while he had made progress, the fact that he couldn't fully connect with her teachings left an irritating sting.

Today, however, she handed him these clothes and told him to wear them. "We're going somewhere," she had said, her tone leaving no room for questions. And so, here he was.

He emerged from his room, pulling down the cuffs of his sleeves as he did so. At the door was Drusilla, waiting for him. She was stunning. Her dress, a mixture of black and deep red, fitted her body exactly, the material flowing like liquid flame as she moved. Her crimson eyes flashed towards him, and a smile twisted her lips.

"You look good," she said, her tone laced with approval.

"I know," he replied casually, smirking slightly.

Her smile turned into an amused smirk. "Since when did you become so narcissistic?"

He shrugged, his smirk widening. "Well, I am that handsome."

"Right," she said, rolling her eyes, though there was a faint blush on her cheeks that she tried to hide.

Without another word, they made their way to the mansion's terrace. Drusilla's wings materialized first, black and bat-like, stretching out with a majestic flair. She took off into the night sky, her form graceful and commanding.

Zephyx focused, willing his own wings to manifest. A stinging feeling crept down his spine as they pushed through—strong, dark, and big. The material of his suit gave way elegantly to make room for them, a credit to the suit's construction. One strong stroke lifted him off the ground, in pursuit of her.

For half an hour, they flew in silence, the chill wind whistling around them as the world below dissolved into blackness. Then they flew down, landing a kilometer from a thriving metropolis. His wings folded back into his spine perfectly, the slight feeling of his body sewing itself back together again fading for only an instant. Drusilla and Zephyx set off, their attire and presence exuding so much dominance that the city guards didn't even try to intervene.

They reached a teleportation port, its circular platform glowing faintly in the dark. Drusilla handed over the payment and stepped onto the platform with Zephyx in tow. She gave the operator specific instructions.

"Teleport us to the capital city," she commanded.

The platform activated, and in an instant, the world spun around Zephyx. His vision blurred, his mind reeled, and then, as quickly as it started, it was over. They stood in the heart of the capital city, the vibrant energy of the place palpable even in the air.

But Drusilla wasn't finished. She turned to the new operator, her voice firm. "Teleport us to Tenebris."

The name rang a bell in Zephyx. His ears stood up, and his heart skipped a beat. Tenebris—the Vampire Continent. He understood then that they were going to Nyxoria, the capital of Tenebris, and residence of the royal family—Drusilla's family.

[A/n: they did not teleported from the town to directly Tenebris because that town teleportation range is not that long, so they first have to teleport capital city and then to Tenebris.]

When the teleportation ended, they were indeed in Nyxoria—the capital city. The city was unlike anything Zephyx had ever seen. Gothic architecture dominated the skyline, dark and intricate buildings looming tall and proud. The atmosphere was heavy yet captivating, the very air seeming to hum with the power of the vampires who resided there.

Drusilla's wings unfurled once more, and she took to the sky without a word. Zephyx followed, his own wings carrying him behind her as they soared over the sprawling cityscape. For an hour, they flew in silence, the towering silhouette of a majestic castle growing larger with every passing minute.

When they landed, Zephyx found himself standing before a massive black gothic castle. Its spires reached into the sky like claws, and the ornate carvings on its walls seemed almost alive in the dim light. As they approached the gates, the guards moved to stop them, their expressions stern.

But when their eyes fell on Drusilla, they froze. Recognition flickered across their faces, and they stepped aside without a word.

Drusilla motioned with her hand, and the heavy castle doors groaned open, disclosing a long corridor lined in red carpets and shaded chandeliers. Zephyx trailed after her as she strode purposefully, her high heels clicking on the marble floors.

At last, they arrived at a set of large doors at the far end of the hall. Drusilla pushed them open, and they entered a huge chamber.

At the far end of the room stood two figures.

The first was a woman with black, flowing hair and red, piercing eyes. Her royal bearing was unmistakable, and her similarity to Drusilla left no question in Zephyx's mind—she is Drusilla's mother. She moved with a grace and confidence that demanded respect, her eyes cutting as they met his.

The second took his breath away.

Seated upon a black throne sat a man with an aura so strong that it overwhelmed. A pitch-black face was framed by his hair, both regal and frightening to behold, as crimson eyes burned dimly to see Zephyx. His very presence choked and awed at the same time, projecting strength. The king of Tenebris—the Vampire King.

But it was not fear or awe that made Zephyx's heart pound. It was something more, something primal.

He sensed it in his very being, a recognition, an irrefutable draw that called to him.

"So," he thought as he met the Vampire King's eyes, his heart racing wildly. "This is what it feels like when a Primordial Vampire encounters another Primordial Vampire."

And from the manner in which the King's eyes rested upon him, Zephyx sensed he felt it too.