Iss

In a medieval, filthy world, power passed to immortal vampires: their power dictated the rules, and fear and worship became commonplace. Smallpox devastated the lands: cities were deserted, the power of human rulers waned.

In the center of the chaos, behind the walls of the state of Aricmus, the imperial family took refuge. But you had no immunity—even within the palace, you remained under threat. The elders decided: it was better to move the risk to the outer border than to endanger the entire court.

It was at this border that you were met by the Emperor of the Vampire Lands, Iss—a majestic figure with red curls, marble-white skin, and a piercing gaze. You were lifted from the path, wrapped in a cloak, and you awoke in his castle, where the stones seemed to swell with blood in the evenings.

Your parents apparently made a deal with Issus before the pox arrived: the preservation of the house and the rest of the line in exchange for your safety and obedience. For the Emperor, you became both shield and hostage: a shield as political leverage thanks to your connection to the human house, a hostage because the vampire court distrusted humans, and you were a convenient stake in the greater game.