[General POV]
In the heart of the arid desert of New Egypt, where the sun blazes relentlessly by day and the cold freezes everything by night, majestic pyramids rise, tearing through the sky with their grandeur — eternal symbols of worship and power. They represent the greatness of an empire, a name that stretches as far as the daylight reaches.
Near these awe-inspiring monuments, which connect us to a distant past still very much alive, a sprawl of cities and people stretches out toward the horizon. Among them stands one above all: Pi-Ramesses, the pharaoh's magnificent city, pulsing like a living reflection of the glory that once ruled these harsh lands.
But what truly matters to you, dear reader, at this moment, is a convoy of chariots making its way toward that grand city, shining brighter than all the rest: Pi-Ramesses. With its towering white marble walls, it gleamed under the fierce sun, as if built from pure light and glory — a glory descending from the heavens, meant for those chosen above all others.
Pi-Ramesses boasted red stone towers that reached toward the heavens, adorned with golden linen banners fluttering gently in the desert wind. Its hanging gardens bloomed between inner courtyards, offering a stunning contrast to the surrounding dryness. And the great columns at the entrances of temples — covered in hieroglyphs telling the stories of gods and men — added to its grandeur.
Pi-Ramesses wasn't just a capital; it was a vision. A breathtaking display of engineering and devotion, capable of leaving any visitor in silent awe.
As the chariots moved down the palm-lined road, past dried date trees and blooming desert roses, the rhythmic sound of horse hooves blended with the creaking of worn-out wheels. Dust rose behind them like golden veils under the watchful eye of the sun.
Inside the main carriage, cloaked in shadows and deep blue silk, sat a beautiful young man, eyes closed, with raven-black hair and a cold, serene expression. He appeared deep in thought — and then, suddenly, his eyes opened, as if sensing something... or someone… watching him. In that instant, something curious was revealed: the young man seemed to have heterochromia. One eye was blood red, the other as blue as the ocean.
A subtle shift moved through the air.
Time seemed to slow, as if the world itself awaited the next words from someone who carried far more than mere titles.
[Main POV]
The city I find myself in is ruled by one of the greatest names in Egyptian history. A name that, for now, is embodied by a newly crowned king, still uncertain of his future — but who, in time, would become the greatest of all.
Here, where one of Egypt's most legendary figures would rise — the only Ramesses known as the Great — Pi-Ramesses was far more than a city: it was a declaration to the world.
After briefly reflecting on that, and after spending most of the journey pondering why Ramesses II summoned me, I set my gaze on the gates — towering enough to swallow entire armies. That afternoon, they stood open, as if eagerly awaiting someone crossing over from the far end of the world.
And I say "far end of the world" not merely in terms of geography — but in the sense of culture, belief, essence. I truly come from the other side of the world — in fact, from an entirely different world altogether.
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as we entered the city, and as the convoy moved through the sun-drenched alleys, I realized the place pulsed with a rhythm that felt almost tangible — a vivid energy impossible to ignore.
Everything was so alive. So alive, in fact, I dare say: even more alive than the coastal city I myself founded along the Nile.
I could hear the voices of pedestrians, street vendors, music performances, public debates, and even the calls of the guards — a vibrant blend of life in all its colors. I watched the streets as we headed toward the city's heart — where the palace of Ramesses II, the Great, awaited.
As the procession neared the colossal castle, the sight before us was breathtaking. Raised upon a natural elevation, the royal palace dominated the skyline with limestone towers that shimmered in the sunlight, as if the sky itself had anointed it with divine radiance. The walls, carved with exquisite details of gods and battle victories, radiated both beauty and intimidation.
At the wide stairway to the main entrance, a dozen soldiers stood in perfect formation. They wore gold-plated armor with deep blue accents — the royal colors of Ramesses — and held spears that glinted under the scorching sun. As I approached, their bodies stiffened even more, as if time itself had frozen to witness that moment.
When I took my final step toward the gate, they all spoke in unison, their voices strong and perfectly synchronized:
— "Welcome, guest of the Pharaoh, child of shadow and light, bearer of the world's knowledge."
Hearing that greeting, a satisfied smile formed on my lips. The way humans treat us — with reverence and awe — is undeniably admirable. Yet at the same time, I know I must tread carefully... I think to myself in silence.
After that brief reflection, I stepped down from the carriage. And like shadows slicing through the hot air of New Egypt, ten figures emerged behind me. They moved with such precision and silence, they seemed like living phantoms, and the stillness of their breathless presence made them appear even more unreal.
They wore dark cloaks with tactical cuts and subtle golden accents — a perfect fusion of Egyptian elegance with the lethal grace of silent warriors.
Their skin bore the distinct features of the land, and even in their vampiric form, it was clear they'd endured much in life. But what stood out most were their eyes — glowing red like embers in the night — and expressions that blended serenity and lethality.
At the center of them stood the tallest: over two meters tall, broad-shouldered, with garments interwoven with golden threads. His gaze was piercing. His presence, overwhelming.
This was Abnadiel — current commander of my vampire guard.
With them beside me, I began walking toward the castle's inner gates. And as I approached that immense structure of stone and light, the weight of thought returned to my mind.
The same thoughts that had led me here in the first place.
Vampires may seem superior to humans — stronger, more beautiful, nearly immortal.But that's a shallow view… and a dangerously misguided one.
I know well the danger humanity represents, because I was once one of them.They remain the only race capable of creating tools of self-annihilation — and they become even more dangerous when united by a common enemy.
Vampires may seem superior in many ways, but that's a classic mistake.If you observe the history of mankind — at least in my former world — you'll see that humans were never the strongest, the fastest, or the most enduring… and yet, they became the dominant species on Earth.
Whenever I think about this, one quote always comes to mind — Darwin's words:"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change."If I'm not mistaken, it was in The Origin of Species.
Humans have constant adaptation as their greatest weapon.Vampires, by contrast, embody the opposite: stagnation.By nature, we do not change.We remain the same — in habits, in ideas, even in personality.We are like marble statues watching the world evolve around us, unmoving, and eventually... irrelevant.
I sincerely believe this will be the real reason behind our extinction — if nothing is done.Beings that refuse to evolve are doomed to become obsolete.
The irony is cruel. Fragile, fleeting humans conquered the world because they were fleeting.And we, in our arrogant pursuit of eternity, are the ones who stagnate.And that… will be our undoing.
I refuse to be caught in the middle of it.I will not fight a race that, though it may seem weaker now, has already proven it can mold the world in its image.
On that point, I must agree with Aro: our survival depends on remaining hidden — in the shadows, away from the hungry eyes of mankind.
But… until that future arrives, I intend to savor every drop of the present.To be adored, revered, desired.And in the meantime, to gather power.
Because unlike most vampires, I do not intend to stand still when change comes.I want to stand atop the wave of human evolution — and of vampire transformation.
The greatest minds, the most powerful names... all of them will bow beneath the grand crimson banner of my coven.
This thought concludes as I step into the heart of the castle.
[General POV]
Inside the throne room — the golden glow from the engraved columns gleams across the royal robes, woven from fine linen and adorned with intricate gold detailing.
Ramesses II, with radiant amber skin and eyes that burn with the fire of a young king, rises slowly from his throne. His body is slender but strong, his posture commanding — the stance of one raised among gods.
His ceremonial beard rests perfectly braided beneath his chin, and the blue crown of Upper Egypt sits on his head with a quiet dignity.
Morpheus walks forward under the careful watch of the court.When he finally stands before Ramesses II, the young king bows his head in respect.In response, the entire court kneels in unison before Morpheus — a profound display of reverence.
After a brief pause, Ramesses speaks — his voice steady, but reverent:
— "You are exactly as they said… A being of splendor. Even without ever speaking to Your Excellency, I know you are great — bearer of wisdom and power that transcend the ages."
The pale figure before him, with jet-black hair and mismatched eyes — one blood-red, the other ocean-blue — responds calmly:
— "And you are the crowned young lion. Ramesses, second of his name… but perhaps the first among the great."
Hearing such words from the one he nearly worshipped — as if a god himself, despite only recently appearing in Egypt — Ramesses answers:
— "Praise from you is an honor. But I summoned you for something beyond titles or vanity."
"My people are in danger."
"The Hittites advance from the north — ruthless, vast in number. My army is strong… but the gods whisper it may not be enough."
Morpheus meets his gaze with quiet gravity.He understands the weight behind "the gods whisper" — it hints at deeper forces at play, political and military movements orchestrated by the Egyptian coven of vampires.
Still, his interest grows.He knows the value of having a figure like Ramesses as an ally.Perhaps this was the first step toward becoming the most influential name in the coven — on a scale never before imagined.
After a brief pause, he responds:
— "And what do you expect of me?"
Ramesses approaches slowly, solemnly, and answers:
— "I need your wisdom… and your strength.""Help me protect Egypt — not just this empire of sand and sun, but the soul of our civilization.""Stand with me in this war, and together we will carve our future into the stone of eternity."
A heavy silence settles in the room.Each second stretches, thickening the air around Ramesses and the gathered court.
Then — from the depths — the low, resonant voice of Morpheus breaks the silence:
— "War is not my desire. But protecting what has value… is a burden I know well.""If the heavens brought me here, then let it be with purpose."
Ramesses exhales, the relief subtle but real.He bows his head again, slightly — a gesture of respect — and replies:
— "May the gods be with you.""And may we… be remembered together."
To be continued…
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[N/A] If you've read this far, thank you! And since I'm terrible at handling compliments, please, insult me instead!