The Violet Moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal violet glow over Mecatopia Academy. The grounds were alive with music, laughter, and the soft hum of conversations. Students dressed in elegant shades of violet danced beneath the moonlight, their movements fluid and harmonious. Professors mingled with students, celebrating with smiles and quiet pride. Lanterns, glowing faintly, drifted upward, carrying wishes and secrets into the night.

In the center of it all, Isabella swayed to the rhythm, her silver hair shimmering under the moon's glow. Kai, standing nearby, grinned mischievously. "You can thank me later," he said with a smirk, giving her a gentle nudge. Isabella stumbled slightly, her hand landing in someone else's.

Phillip caught her hand firmly, steadying her. She looked up into dark, piercing eyes. His sharp features held a mysterious allure, but his voice was calm, almost velvety. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Isabella replied, catching her breath. "Thank you."

"You are looking really beautiful," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Thanks," she responded with a small smile, feeling an unusual confidence in his presence.

As the two began to dance, the rest of the world seemed to blur. Phillip moved with precision, leading her effortlessly. But he wasn't focused on the dance. His vampire senses were captivated by the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, a sound so pure it seemed to echo in his mind.

Felix stood at a distance, his fists clenched, watching the pair with a tight jaw. Aurora, standing beside him, crossed her arms, her eyes flickering with jealousy. "Sirela was right," she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "Why she everyones first choice..."

Felix didn't respond, his gaze locked on Isabella and Phillip. Meanwhile, Sirela enjoying with her new besties. Lysandra kissing to her boyfriend Alex. Dancing and fully enjoying.

Elsewhere, two students giggled as they slipped away from the main circle, finding a secluded corner near the shadowy edge of the grounds. Their laughter turned into whispers, and soon, they were kissing under the violet moon.

The air grew unnaturally cold, and a faint blur appeared in the shadows. The boy pulled back slightly, glancing around. "Did you see that?"

"See what?" the girl whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"It's nothing," he said, pulling her closer. But as their lips met again, the shadow materialized.

Lucian stepped forward, his movements unnaturally fast, almost like a blur. His skeletal visage was horrifying-sunken red eyes that glowed like embers, fangs elongated and sharp, veins pulsing dark energy beneath his translucent skin.

The couple froze in fear as Lucian spoke in a low, guttural voice. "A night of love, is it?" He tilted his head, a mocking smile spreading across his horrific face. "How sweet."

Before they could react, he lunged. His fangs tore into their throats with ferocious precision, their screams cutting through the music. Blood splattered across the ground as their lifeless bodies collapsed.

The screams reached the crowd, and panic erupted. Students scattered in every direction, their laughter replaced by terrified cries. Professors sprang into action, gathering the students and shielding them.

Professor Seraphina stood on the raised platform, her voice booming with authority. "Everyone, to the main hall! Now!"

Phillip, standing in the chaos, froze as he saw the bodies. His sharp eyes caught the bite marks, the unmistakable sign of a vampire attack. He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening in fury. "Lucian..." he whispered under his breath, his voice filled with rage.

As the students were led away, Phillip remained, staring at the bloodied scene. His mind raced with thoughts of revenge, but his expression was calm, almost cold.

Professor Seraphina approached him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Phillip, come with the others. It's over."

"No," he said quietly, pulling away. "It's just the beginning." But Isabella hears it. She looking at him strangely.

He turned and walked into the shadows. Isabella follow him.

Phillip slammed the door of his house, his chest heaving with frustration. The small cabin, hidden deep within the forest, was dimly lit, its walls lined with books and relics of ancient vampire history. A single candle flickered on the table, casting shadows that danced with eerie grace.

"Lucian!" Phillip's voice echoed through the house, filled with rage. He stood in the center of the room, fists clenched, his sharp features shadowed by anger. "Get out here!"

There was a soft knock at the door. Phillip froze, his heightened senses picking up a familiar scent. Turning sharply, he saw Isabella standing at the doorway, hesitant but determined.

"You shouldn't be here," Phillip said, his voice lower but no less sharp. "It's not safe."

"I don't care," Isabella replied, stepping into the room. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the candlelight, and her eyes searched his face. "I heard you, Phillip. You were furious. I couldn't just leave you alone."

Phillip opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the air in the room shifted. A chill ran down Isabella's spine as the shadows in the corner seemed to ripple and solidify.

Lucian emerged, his presence commanding and cold. His dark suit was spotless, and his sunken red eyes gleamed with a sinister light. He looked at Phillip first, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"Well, well," Lucian drawled, his voice smooth as velvet but with an edge sharp enough to cut. "What's the commotion, dear brother?"

Phillip took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "What the hell were you doing tonight, Lucian? Feeding on witches in plain sight? Are you insane?"

Lucian tilted his head, his smirk widening into a cold, amused smile. "Insane? No. Enjoying myself? Absolutely."

"There's a Blood Lake," Phillip hissed, pointing toward the direction of the vampire territory. "An endless supply for vampires. Why didn't you drink from it?"

Lucian chuckled, his laughter low and mocking. "Because, Phillip, the Blood Lake doesn't scream. It doesn't beg. And it certainly doesn't offer the... thrill of a hunt." His eyes flicked to Isabella, who stood frozen near the door. His smirk deepened. "And who do we have here? A new, unexpected relative?"

Phillip's brows furrowed, his anger briefly replaced by confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Lucian's gaze remained fixed on Isabella, who finally stepped forward. "I'm Isabella," she said firmly, though her voice trembled slightly. "And I want to know why you're feeding on witches."

Lucian's eyes gleamed with a dark amusement as he took a slow step toward her. "Ah, the little witch speaks," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Why? Because witches are a delicacy, my dear. So much power, so much fear... it's intoxicating."

Phillip moved to stand between them, his voice hard. "Leave her out of this, Lucian."

But Lucian only laughed, his voice echoing like a haunting melody. "Oh, Phillip. Always so protective. Perhaps you should be asking why she's here at all. Following you into the lion's den... Or should I say, the vampire's lair?"

Isabella's eyes narrowed. "I followed him because he seemed like he needed someone. I didn't expect to find you here... gloating over your murders."

Lucian's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're bold for a witch. But boldness won't save you when you're this weak."

Before anyone could react, Lucian moved faster than the eye could follow. In an instant, his hand was around Isabella's throat, lifting her effortlessly off the ground.

"Lucian!" Phillip shouted, his fangs elongating as he lunged forward, but Lucian simply sidestepped, holding Isabella out over the edge of the room's balcony. Below them, the forest loomed dark and silent.

"Relax, Phillip," Lucian said, his voice calm and mocking. "I'm not going to kill her. Not yet. I just wanted to make a point." He turned his attention back to Isabella, his lips curling into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You're out of your depth, little witch. Run back to your spells and charms before someone less... patient finds you."

With that, he let go. Isabella gasped, her body falling, but Phillip moved in a blur, catching her before she hit the ground.

Lucian stepped back into the shadows, his voice echoing as he disappeared. "Remember this night, Phillip. The game has only just begun."

Phillip cradled Isabella for a moment before helping her to her feet. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.

She nodded, her breath shaky but steady. "I'm fine. But you're right. He's dangerous."

Phillip looked back at the darkened forest, his jaw tightening. "Dangerous doesn't even begin to cover it."

The two of them stood in silence, the weight of what had just happened settling over them. Somewhere in the distance, the Blood Lake shimmered faintly under the moonlight, its eerie beauty a stark reminder of the horrors lurking in the shadows.