The woman, once human but turned into a vampire through the Embrace, had been deeply troubled by the war.
Intelligent and perceptive, she noticed that the Duke was already considering a truce. She proposed an idea that immediately gained his approval. He decided to negotiate with Helan Xuan, the human leader, on how they could coexist on this land.
The agreement was this: the Morris family would provide shelter and food for the Helan clan, and in return, the Helan clan would supply the vampires with blood.
Helan Xuan readily agreed. He and his people had been wandering for nearly a year after being exiled by the court. During that time, they had suffered from hunger and disease, their numbers dwindling. As outcasts, no one was willing to take them in. Though the vampires were strange and otherworldly, they had no better option.
At the time, Helan Xuan led a group of several hundred exiles, while the Morris family and their vampires numbered only a few dozen. Supplying blood for such a small group of vampires wouldn't endanger the humans. Thus, the Helan clan settled in Rosewood.
Over time, as dynasties rose and fell, Rosewood remained untouched by war, protected by the Morris family. Eventually, other war-torn humans fleeing into the mountains discovered this sanctuary. More and more humans came to Rosewood, and over time, they learned about the vampires' nature and weaknesses, mastering the things that could strike fear into them.
The vampires, well aware of humanity's flaws, knew true integration was impossible. So they moved away from the human settlements and took refuge in the surrounding forests...
---
Wolfen had been poring over ancient texts for days, completely absorbed. Suddenly, the roar of motorcycles shattered his focus.
Startled, he cursed under his breath. Who dared disturb him at a time like this? Then it hit him—he had forgotten something important.
He frantically checked the date. The calendar screamed back at him: the 13th.
"Damn it!" Wolfen shouted.
Without even grabbing a jacket, he bolted out the door, hopping onto his motorcycle and speeding toward Cloudspire.
If it hadn't been for the sound of the motorcycles just now, he would have completely forgotten that today was the 13th—the day the vampires were set to duel with the biker known as Liuguang!
He cursed himself for his oversight. He should never have forgotten to warn Liuguang. She couldn't participate in this event!
If he hadn't taken off her helmet that day, he wouldn't have discovered that Liuguang was a young girl.
And what did a human girl mean to vampires? He knew all too well. Her blood was the kind they coveted most. Today, the members of the "Wind Clan" gathering at Cloudspire were all vampires. If one of them recognized her as the girl from that day, or if they discovered her identity, her life would be in grave danger.
It would be like sending a lamb to slaughter.
Wolfen could barely stomach the thought. If his carelessness put Liuguang in harm's way, he would never forgive himself.
The night wind howled as his red motorcycle sped like a streak of lightning. Wolfen's heart pounded with a single plea: *Please, let me make it in time!*
---
At the base of Cloudspire, the members of the Wind Clan had already gathered. Unlike the Night Clan, the Wind Clan was known for their striking beauty. Some even had fiery, mini-skirted women cheering them on.
But when the lone human, clad in a helmet and riding a silver motorcycle, arrived at the scene, all the vampires fell silent.
Their eyes locked onto her, scrutinizing the only human among them with unbridled curiosity.