Capítulo 3: Sanguines
As the family sat around the table, enjoying the last bites of their tasty meal and feeling the warmth of each other's company, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their happy chatter. Oren got up from his seat, a curious look on his face as he went to the entrance.
When he opened the door, he saw the familiar face of the village courier, a young man with a bag slung across his shoulder and a slightly rushed look in his eyes. "Good evening, Master Oren," the courier said, giving a polite nod. "I hope I'm not interrupting your family dinner, but I have a few messages to deliver."
Oren smiled warmly, stepping aside to invite the courier in. "Not at all, Jasper. Please, come in. We were just finishing up."
As Jasper entered the cozy home, Lyra's eyes widened with excitement. She always looked forward to the courier's visits, eager to hear the latest news and gossip from around Nocturnia. Elara, too, seemed interested, putting down her napkin and getting up to greet their guest.
"Jasper, it's great to see you," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "Can I offer you something to drink? A cup of Moonflower tea, perhaps?"
Jasper shook his head, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, Mistress Elara, but I'm afraid I can't stay long. I have a few more deliveries to make before nightfall, and you know how quickly the darkness comes these days."
Lyra leaned forward, her curiosity sparked. "What do you mean, Jasper? Is something happening with the moons?"
The courier chuckled, ruffling Lyra's hair affectionately. "You're a smart one, aren't you, Lyra? Yes, it seems that Nocturnia has been getting less and less daylight lately. Some folks are saying it's because of the moons' orbits. All I know is that it's making my job a bit harder, trying to get all my deliveries done before the shadows get too long."
Oren frowned slightly, exchanging a glance with Elara. "That is worrying, Jasper. We'll have to keep a close eye on the situation and see if there's anything we can do to help."
Jasper nodded, reaching into his bag and getting a small stack of letters. "I'm sure you will, Master Oren. You and Mistress Elara are always looking out for the community." He handed the letters to Oren, his expression getting more serious. "There's one more thing, though. I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but there's been another attack."
Elara's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "An attack? By the vampires?"
Jasper nodded grimly. "I'm afraid so. A young couple, out for a moonlit walk on the edge of the village. They were found just before dawn, almost completely drained of their essence. The Sanguine Guard is investigating, but you know how tricky those vampires can be."
Oren's jaw tightened, and he placed a comforting hand on Elara's shoulder. "Thank you for letting us know, Jasper. We'll be sure to take extra care and spread the word to our neighbors."
As the courier left, promising to keep them informed of any new updates, Elara turned to Lyra, her face filled with concern. "Lyra, my love, I think it's best if you stay inside after dark for a while. At least until we know more about these attacks."
Lyra opened her mouth to argue, but the worry in her mother's eyes made her think better of it. "Okay, Mom," she said, her voice unusually quiet. "I promise I'll be careful."
Elara smiled softly, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "I know you will, my brave little alchemist. We'll get through this together, as a family."
As Lyra hugged her mother back, her mind raced with questions and fears. The vampires had always been a distant threat, something to be careful of but never truly scared of. But now, with the attacks happening more often and the daylight hours getting shorter, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settling over their once-peaceful village.
As the family settled back into their seats, the weight of Jasper's news hanging heavy in the air, Lyra couldn't help but ask the questions that had been swirling in her mind.
"Mom, Dad," she began, her brow wrinkled with concern, "what exactly is the Sanguine essence technique, and what makes it so dangerous?"
Elara sighed, a shadow of ancient knowledge passing over her face. "The Sanguine essence technique, my love, is an ability that has been passed down through the Sanguine Royal Family for generations. It allows the user to control the essence of others, giving them a portion of their power and tying their minds to the user's will. Those affected become 'ghouls' to their Sanguine master."
Oren nodded, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Those who use the Sanguine essence can manipulate the very life force within a person, Lyra. They can drain someone's vital energy, leaving them weakened or even dead. Some say they can even control the minds of their victims, making them do what they want."
Lyra shuddered, a chill running down her spine. "But why would they attack innocent people? What do they want?"
Elara's gaze grew distant, as if remembering a long-forgotten history. "Those who use the Sanguine essence can be broken down into three groups: Royalty, Mafia, and Maskers, each with different reasons for what they do. We are not sure what would make a person attack in this case. Perhaps it was a mindless ghoul."
Oren started to say something, "That reminds me of a new flask I'm making. It could be used to-"
But Elara gently stopped him, turning to Lyra with a soft smile. "I think it's time for bed, my little moonbeam. Let me help you get ready in your room."
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