The Last Blood Mage

The Villainous Dog

Unaware of the mage hunters' proximity, Xander stood in a secluded corner of the courtyard, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Celina, the Duke's enchanting daughter. She epitomized the concept of beauty, her wavy, golden hair dancing gracefully in the wind and accentuating her perfect hourglass figure.

"That was a narrow escape," Bloodhound's voice jolted Xander from his reverie.

"Perhaps luck was on my side," Xander replied, though his own words seemed hard to believe.

"Luck? Ha! You were on the brink of discovery. If it weren't for that girl, you'd be caught by now," Bloodhound retorted.

Xander still marveled at his good fortune. The red-haired man had been perilously close to unraveling his facade as a noble. But, serendipitously, Celina, the Duke's daughter, had intervened at the opportune moment, allowing Xander to slip away from the man's scrutiny. Since then, he had seamlessly blended into the bustling crowd, biding his time for the gala to commence.

As Xander lingered in the shadows, his ears caught fragments of hushed conversations among the nobles nearby. They whispered about Celina's ethereal beauty, her presence seemingly captivating everyone who laid eyes on her. The phrases "ravishing," "a true gem," and "fit to be a queen" floated to his ears as the nobles showered her with adulation.

"Did you hear the Duke is finally searching for a groom for Celina?" one noblewoman said, her voice tinged with excitement. "It's said he's looking for someone not only of noble birth but possessing extraordinary qualities."

"Ah, the Duke's daughter is quite the catch," another nobleman chimed in. "Rumors suggest that her marriage could bring alliances and power to the lucky suitor."

The conversations shifted, and Xander's attention was drawn to a more somber topic. A group of nobles were discussing the escalating tensions between Emberlyn and Mooncrest.

"I've heard whispers that the relationship between Emberlyn and Mooncrest is growing increasingly strained," one nobleman said, his brows furrowed.

 "The trade routes have been affected, and some say it's only a matter of time before it escalates into something more."

"Have you heard the rumors about Duke Marvin?" another noblewoman asked, her voice lowered in concern. "They say he's amassing an army, preparing to challenge the Mooncrest King's authority."

Xander's heart quickened as he absorbed this piece of information. The talk of an army and a potential challenge to the Mooncrest King's rule hinted at the possibility of a civil war brewing within the kingdom.

"Unrest within Mooncrest could lead to dire consequences," a third nobleman added, his tone grave. "We must tread carefully; the kingdom's stability is at stake."

Xander continued to listen intently, his mind racing as he pieced together the snippets of information. The conversations painted a vivid picture of a kingdom teetering on the edge of conflict, with political ambitions and power struggles threatening to ignite a civil war.

As the nobles' discussions swirled around him, Xander's gaze remained fixed on Celina. Her beauty might have captured their attention, but the shadows of impending turmoil cast a heavy cloud over the gala.

The courtyard was abuzz with the resonating chime of bells, signaling the imminent beginning of the gala. Maids and guards, dressed in resplendent uniforms, entered the courtyard and gracefully beckoned the nobles to follow them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the gala is about to commence. Please, allow us to guide you to the grand hall," the maids announced in harmony. Noble conversations paused as glasses and plates were gently placed on tables, and the crowd began to follow the procession of maids into the magnificent castle.

Xander seamlessly merged with the gathering of nobles, keeping a careful eye on Celina and the rest of the attendees. The procession led them through opulent corridors and finally into a spacious hall. Its grandeur took Xander's breath away. A grand staircase adorned with intricate carvings led to the second floor, while enormous golden chandeliers bathed the hall in a warm, radiant glow. The marbled floor reflected the light, creating an ethereal ambiance. Portraits of the duke's lineage graced the walls, a testament to the history of the noble family. Sumptuous tables were spread around the hall, laden with an array of decadent foods and beverages.

Suddenly, a commanding voice echoed through the hall, drawing the attention of all present. Xander, like the others, looked up the grand staircase to see a brown-haired man in regal red robes descending with grace. By his side walked a woman with striking golden hair and piercing blue eyes, her dress resembling a star-studded night sky.

"Your Grace," the nobles acknowledged, bowing slightly as a gesture of respect toward Duke Krovian and Duchess Marlina. The duke, positioned a few steps higher on the staircase, addressed the assembly.

“Where is the red haired mage?”

Amid the polite chatter and admiration, Xander's impatience grew. While the nobles were captivated by the duke and duchess, he scanned the hall fervently, hoping to catch a glimpse of the red-haired mage.

In the midst of it all, Duke Krovian extended a gracious welcome to his esteemed guests, marking the formal commencement of the gala.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests," Duke Krovian's voice resonated through the hall, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he addressed the gathering. "Tonight, under this roof that has witnessed generations of our family, we come together not only to celebrate the traditions that bind us, but also to forge new bonds that will carry us into the future."

A ripple of applause and appreciative murmurs spread among the attendees, and the duke's lips curled into a playful smile. "Now, I must warn you all, the dishes you shall indulge in tonight are not only a feast for the palate but also a testament to the artistry of our talented cooks. So, I advise you to savor each bite, for you never know when you might be tempted to sneak back into the kitchens for seconds!"

Laughter echoed through the hall, a gentle wave of mirth shared among the nobles. Duke Krovian's ability to strike a balance between nobility and approachability was evident in his words and demeanor. 

"Let tonight be a night of connections. As you mingle and exchange stories, remember that our histories intertwine like the threads of an intricate tapestry. Let us cherish this opportunity to share the chapters of our lives, to learn from one another, and perhaps even pen some new tales together."

The duke's eloquence was met with appreciative nods and a renewed round of applause. As he wrapped up his opening remarks, his wife, Duchess Marlina, took a step forward, her smile as radiant as her gown.

"Indeed," she added, her voice melodic and soothing. "May this evening be a celebration of unity and camaraderie, a beacon of light in these uncertain times."

“There he is,” After a desperate search, Xander's gaze locked onto a figure in the midst of removing his robes, revealing fiery red hair that matched the description. The man was engrossed in conversation with Duchess Marlina. The rising sun tattoo on his forehead marked him as a mage, and Xander's heart quickened at the sight. This was his chance to gather information about the dark mages, to unravel the secrets that could potentially free him from his bloodlust.

"You're going to get yourself killed if you think you can talk to him about dark mages," Bloodhound's mocking voice whispered in Xander's mind.

"I'll find a way," Xander replied, determined. His memory flashed back to the incident in the sewers, where Bloodhound had wielded immense power to save him. That encounter had sparked the courage within him to seek a cure, to confront the reality of his situation. To do that, he needed answers from the red-haired mage.

Taking a deep breath, he began to step forward, but his attention was diverted by a sudden commotion. A black-furred dog came hurtling towards him, its sudden appearance startling both him and the surrounding nobles. Before anyone could react, a contingent of blue-armored soldiers burst into the hall, their entrance triggering an air of tension and concern.

"Everyone, don't move!" The commanding voice of a dark-haired man with a goatee rang out, slicing through the murmurs of confusion. The hall fell into an eerie silence, the guests frozen in place. Amidst the unfolding chaos, Xander's eyes narrowed as he observed a red-haired youth making his way discreetly toward the duke. Their hushed conversation intrigued him.

"Go away, you damn dog," Xander muttered, attempting to shoo away the persistent canine. But the dog seemed determined, barking loudly and even nipping at his attire.

"Take him down!" The sudden order from the black-haired man sent a jolt of panic through Xander. The realization struck him that he was the target of suspicion. The nobles instinctively recoiled, creating a clear path for the approaching soldiers. Xander's heart raced, and he quickly weighed his options, his mind racing to find a way out of the impending confrontation.