3

My first hours in this new world beneath the earth were filled with astonishment and curiosity. Kael and Lyra told me many things about their clan's way of life, traditions, and their centuries-long captivity. Although they had human appearances, they were much stronger and more resilient. They could see perfectly in the dark, move at incredible speeds, and some could perform simple magic. Their centuries of slumber hadn't dulled their powers; on the contrary, they seemed even more honed.

However, the idea of the enemy Kael mentioned gnawed at me. If this clan's awakening would also cause that ancient enemy to awaken, then staying here, underground, wouldn't necessarily mean safety. Moreover, it pained me that these beautiful people had been unjustly imprisoned for centuries. I wanted to help them, at least offer them a safe place to live.

"Kael," I said one evening, as we gathered around the fire in the middle of the cave. "I know this is your home, but if an enemy is coming, you might be vulnerable here. I... I have a manor. Large lands and a tower surrounded by walls. Count Alaric has settled in the manor, but there are many empty houses inside the walls. If you want, you can come there. You would be safer, and... and I wouldn't be alone either."

Kael and the other clan members looked at me in surprise. Lyra said, "Seraphina, this is a very generous offer."

Kael thought for a while. Complex expressions crossed his face. "Wouldn't it be dangerous for you? The Count... he harmed you."

"He is no longer my husband," I said, trying to hide the pain in my voice. "And the manor is my rightful inheritance. We can remove him from there. With your strength, it will be possible."

A glint appeared in Kael's eyes. "We will consider your offer, Seraphina. We need to speak with the clan council."

The next day, the elders and leaders of the clan gathered. Kael conveyed my offer to them. A long and heated discussion took place. Some were receptive to the idea of going to the surface, while others were worried about breaking their centuries-long secrecy. In the end, with Kael's decision, my offer was accepted. They would come to the surface and settle in my manor.

This decision made me very happy. A hope had blossomed within me that I could help these people. Ensuring their safety would somehow alleviate the pain Alaric had caused me.

Our return to the surface was carefully planned. Taking advantage of the darkness of night, we quietly climbed up through the opened fissures. When the cool air of the forest touched my face, I felt freedom for the first time in a long time. The same excitement was in the eyes of the clan members. For the first time in centuries, they were walking under the sun and the moon.

When we arrived at the manor, everything was as Alaric wanted it. He had settled in my home, in the place that was rightfully mine. The men guarding the gate recognized him as the count. Anger and pain mixed within me.

Kael and the clan members silently surrounded the manor. Thanks to their superhuman speed and silence, no one noticed their presence. Kael turned to me. "What do you want us to do, Seraphina?"

I took a deep breath. My heart was pounding with anger. "I want to talk to him. I want to make him account for what he did."

Kael nodded. "Be careful."

I knocked on the main gate of the manor. The servant who opened the door was surprised to see me. "Countess... is that you?"

"Where is Count Alaric?" I asked in a cold voice.

The servant ran inside in a panic. A short while later, Alaric appeared at the door. When he saw me, the surprise on his face turned into a mocking smile.

"Ah, my dear wife. So you're not dead after all? I thought I left you in that forest."

His words pierced my heart like an arrow. I understood once again how cruel this man was.

"I have come to make you account for what you did to me, Alaric," I said in a resolute voice.

Alaric laughed. "Account? Who are you to demand an account from me? Thanks to me, I am now living a comfortable life. I am enjoying the wealth of your foolish father's inheritance."

My anger reached its peak. Seeing that this man felt no remorse, but rather enjoyed what he had done, infuriated me.

"You are a murderer, Alaric," I hissed. "You poisoned my father and left me to die."

Alaric shrugged. "I did what was necessary to survive. You were such a naive and easy target."

Just then, Kael came to my side. He sized Alaric up from head to toe. I could clearly see the anger and hatred in his eyes.

"Is this the man who harmed you?" Kael asked, his voice like ice.

I nodded. "Yes."

Alaric looked at Kael disdainfully. "And who are you? Where did you find this vagrant, Seraphina?"

Kael couldn't take it anymore. Moving with incredible speed, he lunged at Alaric. Before Alaric could understand what was happening, Kael's strong hands were tightening around his throat.

Alaric began to struggle, his face turning red. His eyes were wide with terror. Even I was shocked by this sudden attack.

"Don't do it, Kael!" I cried out, but it was too late.

Kael's grip tightened, and Alaric's lifeless body slumped to the ground. The manor's servants and guards began to scream in terror.

"This man tried to take your life," Kael said, his voice still filled with anger. "He paid the price."

At that moment, the hatred I felt for Alaric was replaced by complex emotions. His death hadn't brought me relief. On the contrary, we were now in an even more complicated situation.

Kael immediately took action. Clan members spread throughout the manor, driving out Alaric's family and close associates. Those who resisted were subdued with force. Within a short time, the manor was cleared of Alaric's supporters.

Then, the clan members moved towards the tower. The empty houses within the walls quickly began to fill. These people, who had lived underground for centuries, had finally found a new home.

I returned to my own home, the manor filled with the memories of my father. But I was no longer alone. By my side was this mysterious clan that had brought me back from the brink of death and avenged me. Especially their leader, Kael... The protective demeanor behind his stern gaze deeply affected my heart. A strange bond seemed to have formed between us. Although I couldn't fully understand what it was, being near him gave me a strange sense of peace. My life had completely changed, and I was curious to see where this new beginning would take me.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***