Outside of Sogut, 1299
Philippe looked at Osman, concern etched across his face. "I know the pain feels unbearable right now," he said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "But I promise you, this transformation will end soon. What you're experiencing is a necessary part of the journey. You're growing stronger, and you'll soon see the end of this journey." Philippe then took a deep breath, his expression shifting from concern to determination. "But I want you to know, Osman," he continued, his voice steady, "that you will get your revenge on Alemsah. You have my word."
As the words settled in, Osman struggled to hold onto the memories of his old life. Faces, names, and moments flickered like shadows in his mind, slowly fading away. He desperately grasped at the fragments, but they slipped through his fingers like sand grains.
Suddenly, amidst the chaos of his fading memories, vivid images of his future mate began to flow through his mind.
Osman saw her as a baby, her tiny hands curled into fists, her bright eyes wide with innocence as she giggled in delight. He could almost hear the soft coos she made, a sound filled with pure joy and wonder.
Subsequently, she matured into a young girl, her laughter intensifying as she engaged in imaginative play with dolls. He remembered the way she twirled around, her hair swirling like a golden halo, her spirit unburdened by the world's complexities.
Finally, she emerged as a young woman, confident and poised. He could see the determination in her eyes, a spark that promised strength and resilience. She stood tall, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, embodying the essence of the future they would share.
Amidst the turmoil of his fading memories, these images anchored him, reminding him of the bond that awaited them, a bond that would bring light to his dark path.
As Osman opened his eyes, he felt an overwhelming wave of sensations flooding his newly awakened senses. The world was sharper, more vivid, yet cloaked in an eerie stillness. The complexities of life that once seemed so distant now unfolded before him with an intensity he had never known.
He realized he was not merely a man anymore; he had transformed into a newborn vampire. The weight of his past life faded like a dream, leaving behind no memories of his old life. Yet, among the shadows of his former existence, he could still see her—her image burned into his consciousness.
Philippe then says to the newborn vampire, "It's time to feed." The words lingered in the atmosphere, laden with the profound significance of their message. The newborn, still grappling with the enormity of his transformation, felt a primal urge awaken within him. The world around him pulsed with life, and the scent of warm blood beckoned like a siren's call.
Philippe continued, "I know the perfect person for you to feed on." His gaze was steady, reflecting a mixture of mentorship and solemnity. The newborn's eyes widened with curiosity and hunger, a blend of anticipation and trepidation coursing through him. "Trust me," Philippe urged, "this will help you embrace your new existence."
Sogut Fortress
Vezir Alemsah approached the guard with a sense of urgency etched on his face. "Have you found Osman and his companion yet?" he inquired, his voice firm yet laced with concern.
The guard shook his head, frowning. "Not yet, Vezir. We are still searching the surrounding areas."
Alemsah sighed, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on him. "Make it a priority. Time is crucial. The guard nodded, determination igniting in his eyes as he hurried off to continue the search.
With determination shining in his eyes, the guard nodded and rushed off to carry on the search. "Yes, sir," he replied, urgency propelling him forward. Before the guard left, they both heard a noise.
"What was that sound?" Vezir Alemsah asked, his brow furrowing as he turned toward the source of the noise. The tension in the air thickened, and he felt a chill run down his spine.
The guard, pausing mid-step, glanced back at Alemsah, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "I don't know, sir. It came from the east corridor."
Alemsah nodded, the urgency of their situation escalating. "We need to check it out. Stay alert." With a shared look of determination, they moved cautiously toward the sound, every step laden with the weight of anticipation.
Suddenly, someone grabbed the guard with enormous speed, pulling him into the shadows of the corridor.
A chilling scream erupted from the guard as the mystery man, cloaked in darkness, began to feed from him. Panic surged through Alemsah as he darted forward, heart racing. The shadows writhed, and he could barely make out the figure, its eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger. "Let him go!" Alemsah shouted, adrenaline fueling his voice. But the guard's struggles faded, replaced by a haunting silence, the corridor heavy with dread.
Then the mystery person stepped forward after feeding on the guard, his form emerging from the shadows of the corridor.