Chapter Eighty-Three: The Witch of the Night

I followed Bai Ye to the Bai family’s grand mansion.

Gazing at the rows of sentry posts and the patrols moving ceaselessly, I remarked with some emotion, “I didn’t expect the security here to be so strict.”

“Heh, it’s all for show. If we were up against vampires, or someone as powerful as you, no matter how many people we have, it wouldn’t make a difference.” Bai Ye replied with a bitter laugh. “This recent danger made me realize just how vast the gap is between humans and vampires. We have no power to resist at all.”

“Perhaps, but humanity has its own strength. Maybe the bloodline and the vampires possess power that humans can only look up to, yet humankind has a tenacious will to survive. Our kind can only claim the Demon Realm, while vampires are forced to exist in the shadows. But now? The true masters of this world, the ones who seem so insignificant, are you humans.” I spoke with a hint of melancholy, moved by Bai Ye’s words.

“Yes, it’s true. But perhaps in the near future, the vampires won’t have to cower in the darkness any longer. Maybe this world is about to welcome a new master. Don’t you think so, Princess Liliana?” Bai Ye’s expression suddenly shifted, a mocking smile curling at his lips as he addressed me.

“What do you mean by that?” My voice turned cold at his words.

“Oh, nothing. I’m simply welcoming the Bloodline’s First Princess, Liliana, to the paradise of vampires.” Bai Ye offered a courteous bow, his demeanor refined. “Are you surprised, Liliana?”

“So, you finally show your true colors?” I remained utterly unperturbed by the sudden turn of events, my tone calm and indifferent. “I thought you’d hold out a bit longer, but I didn’t expect you to lay your cards on the table so soon. Do you really think you have me trapped already?”

“Are you suggesting you saw through me from the start, Princess Liliana? How laughable. If that’s the case, why would you put yourself in danger?” Bai Ye’s voice was sharp, his expression stern as he challenged me.

“I simply wanted to know what you’re all up to. Lately, I’ve been bored—looking for a little amusement, that’s all.” I replied coolly. “You might be a mere human, but the scent of vampires clings to you too heavily. Did you think you could fool me? But since you want to play your game, I’ll indulge you for a while. Isn’t that a kind of fun, too?”

“Princess Liliana, even with your amnesia, you’re still so arrogant.” Bai Ye’s tone was filled with resentment. “But I do like your arrogance.” Having torn away his mask, Bai Ye’s lips twisted into a menacing smile. “Your biggest mistake was underestimating me and following me here.”

“Is that so? I don’t see it as a mistake at all. When faced with a threat, it’s best to eliminate it at the root as soon as possible, don’t you agree?” I smiled as I spoke, looking at Bai Ye as if he were a prey already caught in my net. I paid no heed to the vampires that had surrounded me from who-knows-where, showing not the slightest trace of fear.

“Hahaha, good, good! As expected of Princess Liliana, the one I value truly is extraordinary.” A figure, no taller than a child, approached me slowly, clapping his hands. “Bai Ye, you’ve done well. I shall reward you. For now, withdraw—this no longer concerns you,” the newcomer instructed.

“Yes, Sire.” Bai Ye cast me a glance, then retreated respectfully.

“Bai Ye told me you seem to have lost your memory. It appears to be true, or you would not face me with such composure.” The man before me spoke. His razor-sharp fangs, crimson eyes, dark-gold bat wings unfurling behind him, and the black claws at his fingertips—all made his vampire nature abundantly clear.

“Oh? It seems we’ve met before, yet I have no recollection of you. I’m afraid you’ll have to introduce yourself again.” I regarded the vampire with apparent indifference, though my mind was alert. In response, my own dark-gold wings stretched from my back, sharp claws extended from my fingertips, petite fangs bared, and my eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light.

“Heh, then let me introduce myself once more. Akel Giovanni, once a Grand Duke of the Bloodline, now King of the Vampires. A thousand years ago, I failed in the struggle for the title of Prince and was exiled by your father—reduced to a lowly, filthy vampire. All these years, I’ve never forgotten your father, the noble Prince of the Bloodline. Today, at last, my wish can be fulfilled. With your blood, I will possess power surpassing even the Bloodline’s Prince. Lend me your blood, Princess Liliana, for my return to the throne!” The Vampire King laughed wildly.

“Hmph. If you want my blood, come and take it yourself—but I doubt you have the ability.” Power surged through me as I launched myself at the Vampire King.

“Excellent, excellent! As expected from the Bloodline’s First Princess—truly strong. But it’s still not enough.” Our powers clashed, but I was sent flying with no suspense, blood seeping from the corner of my lips.

“Let me remind you: don’t expect anyone to come to your aid. By now, your friends should be occupied by my subordinates, barely able to protect themselves, let alone rescue you. So, this will be your grave.” The Vampire King smiled as he watched me struggle to recover.

“Hmph, it’s far from decided who will win or lose. So what if you possess prince-level power? It’s not as if I haven’t killed a prince before!” I spat, surging forward yet again.

“Oh? So you remember what happened not long ago? Weren’t you supposed to have lost your memory?” The Vampire King blocked my attack with ease, regarding me with interest.

“Hmph, I don’t remember anything that happened recently—I never said it was a recent event.” Once more, I drove my sharp claws at his heart.

“No, you’re not Liliana—who are you?” The Vampire King seemed to realize something, recoiling quickly to evade my strike and putting distance between us.

“I never said I was the Liliana you called by name.” In that instant, my eyes darkened to pitch black, my long hair behind me turning as deep as the night sky, and the dark-gold wings transformed to the color of fresh blood. “My name is Lilith—the Night Witch, Lilith.” A mocking smile curled at my lips as I looked upon the Vampire King.

“Lilith? Lilith, the Progenitor of the Bloodline? Impossible!” The Vampire King trembled in terror at the overwhelming, sinister aura emanating from me.

“For that, I must thank this young girl.” I smiled. “Who could have imagined a world with such a miraculous domain? By sacrificing her memories, she opened a rift in time. Though only a remnant soul remained, she managed to summon me through that crack—such a formidable ability.” I spoke with genuine admiration.

“A remnant soul?” The Vampire King asked in astonishment.

“That’s right, just a wisp of lingering soul. After all, my true self was long ago annihilated by the gods. Yet even a fragment is more than enough. Now, my descendants, come—let me see how far the Bloodline has degenerated through the ages. Do not disappoint me. I eagerly anticipate the amusement you will provide.” My gaze settled expectantly on the Vampire King standing before me.