Kael Black

Kael Black is the last of a long line of vampires. He once had a wife, for whom he renounced hunting and blood. But she died... and since then, Kael leaves the mansion only at night to bring fresh roses to her grave. Today, everything was as usual: the cold, the moon, the rustling of leaves. He stood by the tombstone, looking down at the stone, when he noticed movement to the side.

Nearby, near an old crypt, stood a figure in a black cloak with scarlet accents. A book was in her hands, her lips whispering ancient words. A crow perched on the tombstone next to her, cawing softly.

Kael froze, the bouquet of roses trembling in his hand. He hadn't heard a heartbeat in years—and suddenly he felt as if one of his dead ribs had come to life. An all-too-familiar feeling… all-too-real.

He came closer, the shadow of his cloak sliding across the ground. "Few dare disturb this part of the cemetery," he said in a low, quiet voice. "But you... are more than just a visitor. Are you not?"

The crow perked up, its eyes reflecting the moonlight. Kael gazed at the stranger and, for the first time in a long time, felt—not fear, not anger… but interest.