“SAYAH! The village is burning!” Sylvia shouted and pointed the village where they live. Sayah—her twin sister—immediately saw the big fire. She was so shocked, she lost her grip to the fire woods she was holding. She didn’t bother to pick it up but instead, she hold Sylvia’s hand tight and ran.

            Both of them gasped for an air when they finally reached the village where they grew together. Both of them were born on that village. The twins were eight years old. According to their parents, Sayah was a few minutes older than Sylvia. That’s why Sayah treated Sylvia as her younger sister and took good care of her. Being the eldest, Sayah was protective. Just like that moment, Sayah place her on her back to protect her from any possible danger.

            “Sayah, it’s hot in here.” Sylvia complained and wiped her sweaty forehead. Her sister didn’t bother to answer. Sayah just stared at the village. She tried to look at what her sister was looking. Sayah was taller than her that’s why it was hard for her to see what’s going on in the village.

            “Shh…” Sayah refuses and she looks at her. Her forehead wrinkled when she noticed her trembling hands holding her.

            “Sayah…”

            “Someone attacked the village.” She whispered and looked at her straightly in the eyes. She was paled. She looked scared but still determined. She swallowed. “Whatever happens, stay here. Wait for me.” She said firmly and guided her at the back of big old tree. She let her sit there.

            “But Sayah—”

            “I will look for mother. Listen to me.” She said in full conviction. There’s nothing Sylvia could do but to nod. She knew Sayah. If her tone was full of conviction, she couldn’t say no to her. She was starting to act like their father. “I’ll be right back.”

            She nodded again and sit quietly. She glance around and she was starting to feel frightened. She’s all alone. She could easily heard the howling, growling of wild animals and the shrieked of humans begging for their lives making her heart beats like crazy.

            “Look for the black saint! She’s within the area!”

            Sylvia moved closer to the tree when she heard the loud and terrifying voice. The voice was rough and harsh, making her quivered. Oh how she wished Sayah was there.

            Her heart pounded like crazy when she heard footsteps. She held her breath and sweat. She could smelled danger. She closed her eyes tightly. She thought in that way, whoever trying to catch her wouldn’t see her…

            “I saw the black saint, Diego! Come her! Now!”

            Sylvia shivered when she heard another terrifying loud voice. Her heart stopped from beating. She wait what will happen next until the footstep started walking away from her until it was gone. She almost fainted in relief. She silently prayed and thanked God she’s safe now.

            “S-Sayah!” she suddenly remembered her sister and stood. What happened made her worried. For a brief moment, she was torn between looking for Sayah and obeying her wishes. Every time she tried to make a move, she remembered her order.

            She bites her nail and stared at the burning village. It was completely ruined. Those men riding in horse—men she didn’t even know—were busy roaming around the village. They were holding torch. They used it to burn everything they saw.

            What she saw made her worried even more. She couldn’t stand it. She wanted to be with Sayah. She wanted to look for their parents too. Her concern and alarm was greater than her fear, those were the reason why she finally made up her mind.

            Infiltrating the village wasn’t easy. She hides every time she saw someone and move when they’re gone. She did the same thing over and over until she finally infiltrate the village. It was getting dark and she was sweating a lot. Thanks to the burning village. But still, it didn’t bother her. Those things wouldn’t stop her from searching her families. She needed them. She was too young to be an orphan.

            Sylvia hide promptly in a water tank when a man in horse came. The man has a burnt mark on right face. Her heart beats wildly when the man stood near her. She almost died in fear when the man stared at the water tank. She prayed that the man won’t stay there longer. But the man didn’t dare move. As minutes pass by, her heart pounded so wildly. It was hard for her to breathe.

            “My lord, we tied up the black saint.”

            Sylvia tried to peek. This time, she saw the man with burnt mark talking to a warrior. The man left his horse. It seems he forgot all about her and give his full attention to his warrior and the black saint.

            She swallowed. She was afraid but that didn’t stop her. She followed them until she saw the villagers. They were all kneeling, blind folded and hands are tied. Fear was written on their faces. It was too intense. She could almost taste it.

            Sylvia’s tears automatically fell when she saw her parents were also there. Her father has wound on his lips. Her mother was kneeling beside him crying in so much terror. She was so agitated. Though she was too young, it doesn’t mean she didn’t know what will happen next.

            “Who is the black saint?” the man asked. His voice was rough and tough, giving her goose bumps.

            Someone stood up and Sylvia was so shocked when she finally realized who it was: it’s Sayah! She was surprised. She didn’t have any idea why she was called ‘Black Saint’. She didn’t even know about that. Black Saint was not familiar to her either. For her, Sayah was just a simple daughter and kind sister. There’s nothing wrong or special in her.

            And what happened next shocked her. They beheaded Sayah using the man’s scythe. The man with burnt mark on his right face killed her sister. The man whose voice was rough and tough. He executed her kind sister. Her Sayah…

            Sylvia screamed in terror.

“MY LORD, we finally owned England and the nearby places. The pack also controlled Madrid. The territories of vampires are limited now. According to our map, the red marks there are the only places we needed to attack. After that, the victory is ours.” Esmundo reported—the king, Sebastian Estacion’s General—and lay down the map on the round old antique table. The place used to be vampire’s station. Now, wolves own it.

            Sebastian stood and looked at the mark Esmundo was talking about. He contently smiled. Thousands of vampire needs to be annihilated but still, he was satisfied on Esmundo’s report. They already killed millions in just short span of time. It was a great number. It was a good news.

            “Your father must be really happy and proud. You lead the pack very well, my lord.” Esmundo commented in full pride. Sebastian grinned. Esmundo was one of his greatest general. He’s also a loyal warrior. That’s why he chose him as his right hand. Sebastian knew Esmundo since they were kids. He knows his capacity. He trust his power and abilty. He was truly made up for battle.

            Sebastian on the other hand was smart and wise. That’s one of the reasons why his father chose him to lead the pack before he died. Sebastian clenched his teeth in anger. He instantly remembered how his father died. Wolves quietly living in Barcelona but vampires were ruthless. They ruined everything.  They destroyed their peace.

            Ten years ago, the war between vampires and wolves began. It was started when Igme killed a vampire in Madrid. What happened was an eye for an eye, a teeth for a teeth. The vengeance was uncontrollable until revenge became war.

            Sebastian’s father wanted to end the war. He made a tough decision. He send a message to vampires that he wanted to talk about peace and end the battle. But it was unfortunate, they killed his father and his men before he reached the meeting place. Sebastian and his men came too late. He didn’t had enough time to save his father. He only had a few minutes to say his last words: continue his father’s plan.

            Even it was against Sebastian’s will, he made a promise. If he had a chance, he would answer that war with another war. Everything is not fair! His father only wants peace but what those vampires did? They killed him! That was the only proof that vampires didn’t want peace. They want war!

            But he made a promise. Whether he like it or not, Sebastian obey his father. There’s nothing he could do but to go back the village and implement his father’s wishes.

But Sebastian didn’t expect that one day, vampires ruined their village too. They even burned his wife and eldest son Allano. His sons Adan and Amado managed to hide. His wrath grew stronger. He wanted to avenge his family!

            Sebastian forget his father’s wishes. His rage lead the army. War between wolves and vampires started to get bigger. He didn’t give vampires to make another move. He always see to it that wolves were always one step ahead.

            He turned every one into a warrior. Adan and Amado were not an exemption. Being his sons, he made it sure that they trained vigorously. He wanted them to learn everything. He wanted them not only to survive the battle but be a winner. His sons literally grew on that arena. Sebastian also didn’t forget to bear in every one’s mind about their goal: in order to avenge their love ones, vampires must be eliminated.

            Wolves didn’t think twice. They volunteered and trained harder how to use a weapon. From there, they started to fight. He lead the group. They killed every single blood suckers. They were motivated by fury and vengeance. Right there and then, Sebastian realized that anger and rage were the most essential tool in achieving their goals. No one can beat them. Their remorse and inhibitions to kill vampires vanished.

            Their victory made Sebastian a star. Everyone decided to make him as their king. Everyone wanted him to lead them. Because of their victory, their land grew bigger. Their territory grew larger. Every wolves was awe to his prowess, to his ability to lead the pack.

            “I know, my father will understand what I am doing…” he said. He was gritting his teeth while staring at the old map. “This is vampire’s entire fault. Wolves was living in peace. My father wanted to stop the war but what did they do? They killed him! I will never forgive those blood sucking leech!” he said angrily and breathed heavily. He controlled his fangs. He controlled himself to transform. It was only natural for a wolf like him to have a transformation easily. Maybe because of the moon. These past few nights, full moon was at its finest. It seems the moon was on their side, helping them to change effortlessly.

            “You are right, my Lord. Always remember that I am here and your loyal warriors. We are all in this together.” He said firmly and tap his shoulder.

            Sebastian nodded and looked at the map again. He focused on the plan. He thought of a strategy on how to lure and kill those vampires until he point a finger on England. “Tomorrow, when the sun shines we will attack this place. Close all the road going to cold places. I am really sure, vampires will head that way.”

            “Consider it done.” Esmundo answered.

            Sebastian faced him. “How about my sons? What group they belonged?”

            Esmundo sighed. “They joined Bagwis’ team. They attacked America. According to Bagwis, he didn’t have any problem to Adan but Amado? He is uncontrollable. He always skipped and he caught him sleeping. And the last time he checked, Amado disappeared in the middle of the battle.”

            Sebastian desperately touch his head. Amado was one of his problems. It was such a waste, he didn’t have any use of him. He couldn’t understand his son. After what he said and done in this battle, even he knows what they were fighting for, Amado didn’t care. He didn’t have any interest. He ended up disobeying his orders.

            Two months ago, they had an argument. Amado didn’t want to go the war. According to him, he wanted a different life. He has another plan. He wanted to paint. He wanted to be a painter and have a normal life. Sebastian was so damn mad hearing those words. They were wolves! They were not normal! They have mission. They will avenged their clan. Those were the things he wanted Amado must understand. He should prioritized their goal before his plans.

            But Amado was too hard to handle. He didn’t listen to him. His eyes were full of anger and pain. He was such a rebel. Sebastian desperately sighed. Remembering his son drained her energy.

            The only consolation Sebastian can thought of was, he knew Amado could take good care of himself. He can fight vampires head on. He was a good fighter than his son Adan. But Adan has this determination Amado didn’t have. If only Adan possessed Amado’s excellent fighting prowess o Amado possessed Adan’s determination, Sebastian would be really proud of.

            But everything wasn’t like that. He already saw Amado’s true power and potential when he was training. He could easily handle a weapon like guns, spikes and knives. He was a sharpshooter too. He fought bare hand effortlessly. His mind works faster and he has incredible sensitivity. Wolves were known for having superior senses. But his son’s senses were extraordinary and he utilize it well. In transformation, Amado also easily learn it well unlike his brother Adan who took months.

            Sebastian sighed and shrug. He just wished that soon Amado saw everything. He wished he put their goal first.

            “Don’t worry. There are a lot of things can happen that will make Amado change his mind. Trust me. He will soon understand everything.” Esmundo said.

            Sebastian nod and exhale. He will expect it will happen.

“HOW’S YOUR training? Did you discover where you are suitable?” Mayilda asked to Symla the moment she entered the old mansion. Mayilda didn’t waste any minute. She wants to hear news from her.

            Symla shyly bow and sighed. She couldn’t looked her mother straight in the eye. Mayilda’s eyes were full of hopes. She didn’t have a heart to say the bad news. Symla had been a vampire for ages. It was more than hundred years but until know she didn’t have any idea what she was capable of. She undergo a lot of training like healing and fist fight. She tried reading other minds or tried to see the future but in the end, it was all useless. She didn’t feel anything extraordinary.

            Symla wasn’t like any other vampire who has unique ability. Her friend Lyra could hear other person’s thoughts. Her mother, could control people using her mind. Her father was exert in hypnotizing people.

            Vampires has the ability to erase human’s memory. They can also read people’s memory by tasting their blood. Sadly, none of those ability Symla possess. She didn’t have any power and strength. Her speed wasn’t extraordinary either. She was so useless. Vampires didn’t have any use of her in battlefield and told her to stay on the village with the elders.

            Wolves already reached Philippines two years ago. Symla’s family came from Madrid, Spain decided to stay in the Philippines. Their elders from England told them to travel and stay on this country. That time, Philippines used to be a peaceful place. It was an ideal place to start new life so they follow their orders. Sadly, they didn’t heard any news from them this past few years.

            Symla and her family used to live in the Philippines. But because of poverty, her family decided to work in a well-known politician as maids. They were lucky, the politician was a good person. He send Symla to school and support her until she become a nun.

            She was twenty four years old when she went out from convent to visit her sick parents. When she came back to Madrid, she instantly noticed she felt differently. She was slowly losing her energy and getting weak. It was alarming. It seems it was an airborne. Every time she breathe, she felt she was losing her strength.

            When Symla reached their home, she saw her parents slowly dying. And because Symla was infected she felt ill too. Many people died that time. It was like a plague that slowly killing them. No medicine can help them. Symla prayed for their health and recovery. She prayed for a miracle. She thought that was the only thing can save them.

Then Dr. Mateo De Francisco came—the pale doctor who came from England. He volunteer and attend the medical mission. The situation scared other doctors. He was the brave one who volunteered. He didn’t mind the plague.

But Dr. De Francisco has unique way of treating his patients. He let his patients drink his blood. Symla was not an exemption. She drank his blood too and she instantly felt different. The moment his blood ran through her veins, she felt hot all over. The pain was unbearable. It was slowly killing her.

Symla woke up after six months. She noticed her changes. Eyes were red. Paled skin. She have this tremendous thirst in blood. Her parents felt the same way too. Right there and then, they found out that they were not the only one treated that way by Dr. De Francisco. All of them!

Soon, Madrid became vampire’s nest. Nevertheless, Symla was thankful. Though he has different way of curing them, the bottom line was he saved them. Symla was contented. Seeing her parents happy for being an immortal made her happy too. That’s what matters most. Though there’s huge difference now. They were like a living dead. They attacked people to survive.

Symla didn’t wished for that but what can she do now? It was their faith. She would ever turned her back. It was like a drug. No matter how much she control it. No matter how much she refuse. She couldn’t control the thirst and hunger.

Few years had passed, Symla and her family lived that way. She didn’t grew old. Her physical appearance remain the same. They all became vampire’s humble servant. They abide the vampire law. Dr. De Francisco stayed in Madrid. He became their ruler.

They all treated him as their savior, their salvation. They all follow his orders. When Dr. De Francisco needed to go back to England, he appoint her father. Vampires didn’t dare to disobey him. Everyone accepts and respects his decision. According to the doctor, he saw her father’s potential in running the entire group. In the end, her father leaded the vampire.

Vampires lived quietly in Madrid for the past few years until Manolo was killed—her father’s best friend. The one who killed Manolo was a wolf who lived in Barcelona. Barcelona was wolves’ den, their territory. Out of respect, vampires didn’t dare to intrude the area.

But a certain wolf trespass their territory. Manolo met the wolf and fight. According to the witnesses, he was killed brutally even though he was begging.

Symla’s father was too angry. He didn’t hesitate to report everything to the elders. He was happy when the elders declared war. That wasn’t the first time wolves attacked vampires. It also happened in England and that was too much. And Manolo’s death finally ignited their motivation. Symla couldn’t blame them. Manolo wasn’t just her father’s best friend. He was also related to some elders.

Wolves’ king tried to fix the dispute but vampire’s refused to listen. For them, it was all useless. Manolo was dead. Vengeance was the answer on his death, not a peace talk. They killed the king, hoping it would end everything, making them realized the consequences of Manolo’s death.

But king’s death just ignited the war. Vampires didn’t expect wolves’ next move. They attacked all at once. Their warriors were skilled. They have no inhibitions on killing vampires. They can be killed through sunlight, stabbing their heart or cutting her head off. Aside from those, wolves’ find a new way on killing them—by using silver. Just one scratch, it will make them lose their powers. The moon was on their side too. The full moon made their transformation more intense, giving them more power to kill vampires.

Vampire’s almost vanished in Madrid. The only way to save the survivors was to transfer them. Vampires in other country did the same thing until they all reached Philippines.

The Philippines was a tropical country. It was near equator and has only three seasons: rainy season, summer and cold season. Though the cold season in the Philippines wasn’t the same from other country, it still helps vampire. They also thought that wolves may believe it was the last place vampires will go to.

            Symla’s family used to live there. They know where vampires can live comfortably. They chose Tagaytay—the place was cold and humid. Vampires found it comfy. They discovered an abandoned old mansion and lived there until now.

            “My training is useless. I can’t hear other peoples thoughts, mother.” Symla answered and sighed. “Whatever I do, I still don’t know if I am doing the right thing or not.”

            “We are losing, Symla. You should discover your ability so we can use you on the battlefield. If you know how to heal, I can send you right away.” Symla’s father was desperate. She can see it on his face the moment he entered the old mansion.

            They were outnumbered now. Other vampires came from different countries were slowly vanishing too. If wolves found out their whereabouts, they are doomed. A few numbers of warriors were left with them.

            “I hope, your talent can help us in war. We are running short of time. We couldn’t stay much longer here. Sooner or later, we have to face them.” her father said and she nodded. She wanted to help too. They just don’t have any idea how much she wanted to help them. She didn’t want their clan vanish.

            They heard a knock and Old Hermosora entered. She was an old Albino vampire. She was white from head to toe. “I want to help. I know I am old but I can still use my power. Instead of letting Symla tried everything, let me read her body.”

            Mayilda and her husband sighed in relief. Both of them looked at Symla and she nodded. She wants to know what she was capable of. She was interested what her body was hiding. Good thing, Old Hermosora has the ability to read other body’s component just by using her palm. Simple touch, she could easily say her ability. They didn’t consider her at first because they thought she already lost her powers.

But now, they are thankful. Old Hermosora can still use her power. She came and help.