Velcy's POV
There was no disgust or despair here but only nobility, arrogance, and an unmistakable air of strength that set it apart.
We soared over the outer walls and I could see enormous bats flitting through the sky or clinging to the shadowed corners of the structure.
Soon, we landed within the castle's inner compound. The dragon lady strode forward with confident grace, and I followed closely behind her. Reverent stares and bows greeted her from the armored guards stationed along the walls and gates.
Once we were inside the castle, it seemed to somehow swallow us in silence and darkness. Blurry rays of light barely pierced through the small gaps scattered across the walls.
There were no windows or openings to allow natural light which added to the already gloomy and foreboding ambiance.
Only a dull and bloody glow illuminated the space which I could see was seeping out from hidden rooms and corners.
The light seemed alive and pulsated faintly as it was reflected off the walls. I followed the dragon lady through a maze of winding, shadowy corridors as the oppressive silence pressed in around us.
As we walked further, a palpable aura began to radiate from a wide opening ahead. A crimson light that was brighter than any other in the castle poured out of the left-hand corridor, casting long and eerie shadows.
"This is Scarlet Hollow Castle," she said, her voice breaking the silence. "It's home to one of the three dukes of the vampires. The shadowy lady you met at the underground peak was Duchess Crimson Edge who is the owner and ruler of this castle.
She was going to take care of you all, but for you, I intervened. As for why I'm telling you all this, you'll understand soon enough."
I nodded, still processing the information. Though I didn't fully understand the significance of the title Duchess, I followed her silently as the awe of my surroundings kept me quiet.
We turned a corner and entered a grand hall glowing with a dim crimson hue. I looked up, searching for the source of the light, and spotted a massive crystal chandelier hanging high above.
Its glow filled the throne hall with a gloomy, bloody ambiance.
Lowering my gaze, I saw a massive throne perched on a pedestal at the far end of the hall. Shadows clung to it that obscured its details but the sheer presence of it sent a shiver down my spine.
Goosebumps prickled my skin as I absorbed the grandeur and oppressive aura of the space.
This duchess must be a powerful and awe-inspiring figure, I thought with part amazement and part apprehension swirling in my chest.
Still, something didn't quite add up. The title of Duchess seemed too modest for someone who commanded such a castle and throne. This hall felt more like a queen's court though it was eerily empty and oppressively silent.
The dragon lady didn't linger long, and I followed her quietly. We soon arrived at an underground dark well. As I peered into the gaping blackness, an unsettling sensation washed over me as if unseen eyes were watching from the void.
Fear gripped me and froze me in place. My breath hitched, and my body tensed until a hand that was cool but brimming with power rested firmly on my shoulder.
Warmth radiated through me and dissolved the baleful feeling gripping my body and soul like snow under the sun's glare. I glanced to the side and met the dragoness's glowing golden eyes.
There was an unexpected warmth in her gaze, and I caught a glimpse of my own reflection in them.
Hmm… white hair and ears? I blinked, startled and looked down at the silvery locks framing my face. My hands flew to the top of my head where they brushed against my soft and fluffy ears. When did they appear? I thought with confusion and a little fear. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire
"You'll need to learn to control your transformation," the dragoness said with a seriousness that drew my attention immediately.
She crouched slightly and brought herself to my level, and whispered, "Remember this, Velcy. The people of this world are far worse than what you've already endured.
A rare and exotic creature like you will....draw attention wherever you go, and there will be demands for you—many of them. So you must learn to hide your secret."
I nodded gravely, her words sinking deep into my heart and I engraved her warning carefully. Together, we descended the old and worn-out staircase which spiraled along the interior of the well.
About halfway down, we came to a narrow gate-like opening in the wall of the well. It led into a dark cold passage. The air inside was damp but I pressed on silently determined not to complain.
My steps faltered when we emerged into a lavish room at the end of the passage. It was as if I had stepped into another world entirely.
The room was magnificent, adorned with ancient paintings that seemed to whisper stories of times long past. Every piece of furniture spoke of meticulous craftsmanship and grandeur.
At the center stood an expansive bed which was veiled by heavy red velvet curtains that obscured whatever lay within.
Could the person whom the dragoness mentioned—the one who killed the Blackwell family head be behind those curtains? I wondered, my curiosity mingling with apprehension.
The dragoness led me to the side of the expansive bed where a figure sat beside the grand bed. Though her back was turned to us, it was clear from her posture that she was a woman. My gaze filled with questions lingered on her though I dared not voice them.
Is she the one whose actions led to our freedom? I thought with intrigue and an urge to know about her crossed my mind. I wanted to thank her for her actions and even though she might not have intentionally done that, I and the other girls were still saved due to her brave actions.