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Chapter Text

“My lord, ten more of a covenant haven’t gotten back after night’s hunt.” A long white haired, tall, fit spawn spoke – making a slight bow while reporting to his lord.

“I know, Sorin. I can feel them fading away. More and more of them each night.” Astarion exhaled getting up from his throne. Slowly walking up to the window. His crimson eyes gazed upon the city which still was recovering after the fight with the Absolute. Some citizens safely roamed the streets, helped each other rebuild broken homes. Some lurked in dark alleys, because they were scared… Scared of new raising threats that had came up with the rebuild of the city. Enver Gortash somehow survived and came back more powerful than ever. What was the most shocking thing was that Wyll and Ulder Ravengards kneeled below Gortash. Something must be behind this sudden new power of Gortash.

“Do you have anything else to add, Sorin?” Astarion slightly turned to his servant. Sorin nodded and gave him a poster.

“What’s this… Is he trying to truly ruin Baldur’s Gate?” Astarion laughed reading the paper.

“Gortash wants to raise taxes and to kick out most of the citizens…” Sorin looked down. “Especially creatures that might be a threat to him.”

“You may go.” Astarion tossed away the poster turning back to window. He closed his eyes, feeling sunlight hitting his skin.

“Fuck this!” he growled hitting a wall, making another hole in it. “I am supposed to slowly take over the city not feel threatened.” He exhaled pressing his forehead against the window. A few strands of hair fell out of his bun, gently hanging next to his cheeks. He knew if his coven keeps getting low in numbers, he will lose a quite of number in strength. And just to mention that some cannot walk in the sun. That’s a great opportunity to ambush them for Gortash hunters.

“And probably those disgusting Gur are siding with council to hunt down creatures.” Astarion walked back to his throne. “I need to grow my numbers... but if I leave the city, I either start to be hunted or sealed out from the city.” He murmured, taking a golden goblet filled with fresh blood. Human blood. Astarion’s ears twitched hearing footsteps getting closer and closer. Suddenly doors opened, a female figure walked in without a knock.

“My lord.” A young girl kneeled in front of him. She was dressed in a silk red dress, lace lingerie peeking through the fabric. Her black straight hair covered her face.

“Viviana… I told you to knock. Not because I can hear you come from a mile but to be respectful.” Astarion addressed the human.

“My lord, please, forgive me. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I just wanted to pay a visit.” She cleared her throat and got close to his legs on her fours. “Lord Astarion, you must know already that I crave to be turned. To serve under your command, to help you expand the numbers...” she bit her bottom lip gently sliding her hand up his leg to his crotch. “And maybe to become your consort...” her voice trembled with hunger while hand kept on rubbing his crotch.

Astarion’s hand quickly grabbed her by the jaw, making her gasp. “And why should I turn you? Why would you think someone like you can take a spot of my consort? Why feeling so privileged, darling?” his voice made her skin tremble in fear. Astarion brushed his lips against her cheek. The woman stayed silent. Frozen in fear that she might’ve made her lord angry.

“Just get to bed. Now.” Astarion harshly pushed her away. The girl nodded and quickly, on her fours, crawled past him to his bedroom. Astarion rolled his eyes, fixing hair, pushing it back to his undercut man bun.

“Consort you say… Let’s see if you can keep yourself alive.” He smirked unbuttoning his shirt, while walking to his bedroom, which was past his throne room. There she was. Only in her lingerie, sitting on the edge of his bed.

“My lord!” she shrieked when Astarion quickly appeared next to her, baring the fangs. In one swift one he ripped off her bra and pushed to lay down. Viviana’s eyes filled with lust and charm just by looking at the Ascendant.

Chapter Text

“Sorin!” Astarion called him while wiping off some blood. The Ascendant placed his hand on the fireplace, naked body stained with blood, curls dropping down on his face. Astarion blankly gazed into the fire, fidgeting another hand’s fingers behind his back.

“My Lord, I came as fast as I heard-“ Sorin stormed into Astarion’s bedroom but got silent when he saw the view on his bed. The girl, Viviana, dead… Bloodless, her innards purging out of the body. Bed and sheets soaked. An awkward silence filled the room.

“Get rid of her body. And tell someone to change the bed, clean it.” Astarion whispered, eyelids flickering together with the fire.

Sorin closed the girl’s eyes shut and looked at his master. “Astarion... This is not okay. This is the third girl within a month. Others will start noticing. You should be making spawns, not kill them.” Spawn exhaled talking to his master as if he was his friend.

“Can you just get rid off her??” Astarion finally turned to him. “Not my problem that she and others were weak.” Pale elf spat the words with disgust. Sorin just exhaled and wrapped the body in sheets.

“Where should I put her? It’s daytime. I can’t bury her in the graveyard.” He held the limp body.

“I don’t know. Give it to Kil’Hex. He might be hungry.” Astarion walked past Sorin to the bathroom and stopped in the doorway. “Do be careful.” He smirked.

Astarion tapped his fingers on sink. Crimson eyes gazing into his reflection in mirror. He washed the dried blood on his face and body.

“Master.” A pale dragonborn kneeled. His chains rattled next to it. Astarion smiled and remembered the day he saved Kil’Hex. Met Kil in his full glory. A gorgeous dragon that was fading away. Red skin fading from sickness. Barely breathing in abandoned lands. So weak to not even transform back. Astarion saw his carnivore, bloodthirsty eyes and a will to live. For exchange the dragon pledged loyalty. When turned, his beautiful fading red skin turned pale, only the bottom part of body having slight redness left. Although, his feral nature made Astarion take actions he never thought he will do. As someone who was chained, held captive and tortured he was against chaining Kil’Hex, but there was no other choice. Citizens would horribly die if Kil get loose.

"There there. No need to kneel." Astarion unchained the dragonborn.

"Thank you. And I am grateful for a meal, master." Kil smiled sitting on the ground comfortably. Astarion sat next to him. Old memories of dungeon floating in memory.

"I'm glad you enjoyed. I cannot let you walk out even more now. Gortash is becoming more of a threat each day." he stared into the pit with a coffin in the middle.

"Tell me and I will devour that man for your sake, Master." Kil licked his snout, letting out a hungry growl. Astarion chuckled.

"No. I can kill Gortash myself. I think..." elf's voice toned down. "Something is not right. He should've died. I saw him drop dead at the brain. And now... It's Gortash but at the same time it's not. Like someone else is using his body."

"You seem worried. I suppose this worries you more than I thought." Kil looked down. Pale elf nodded.

"Gortash is seeking to clean out the city of all potential or existing threats. Poor ones that cannot pay raised taxes. And the those who do not obey. I wouldn't care but this smells more serious than these things." Astarion stood up frowning. "Like all these are just a disguise for something far more worse than Illithid invasion was."

"Maybe we should go into lower city taverns to snoop around even more. We both know upper and lower city will be quiet if citizens are scared. But maybe lurkers will talk more." Kil suggested. Astarion rubbed his chin thinking. 

"That's a nice suggestion and I believe you want to join?" vampire smirked. The dragonborn quickly nodded licking his snout again.

"Alright. You will be fine with me and Sorin. We shall pay a visit to some old places I used to lurk." made a small and turned to walk away.

"Master, you know I don't trust that Sorin guy but whatever you think is better." Kil'Hex bowed. Astarion pressed his lips together and then smiled.

"Please, get clean and put on fresh clothes. You reek." a strong disgust shown on his face and walked away hearing the dragonborn talking to himself. Still drooling over the girl he devoured.

"Ah, the smell of shame and alcohol." Astarion's arms showed to the people sitting in dark corners, drunk, kissing or sleeping.

"So, this is where you went to before, master?" Kil let out a hungry growl staring at all the helpless creatures, sleeping on the table.

"I don't think such behavior is good." Sorin frowned definitely not liking the dragonborn.

"No need to fight. We're all friends here." Astarion sat down knowing well that he's now respected in every shadowy corner of the city. Night creatures, dark alley lurkers, whoever is sanguine and abandoned are looking at Astarion as a savior, master...

Chapter Text

"Sir, same as always?" waitress asked. Astarion nodded and scanned the whole tavern with eyes.

"I can't believe you actually look at someone without wanting to eat them." Sorin rolled his eyes, showing his arrogance towards Kil. Always feeling better and more trusted by his lord. He took great pride of his status which made Sorin hateful towards Kil. Sorin views the dragonborn as not just unworthy but too dangerous to have around.

"When I see a pretty girl walking down the street, I think of two things. One part of me wants to take her out and talk to her. Be real nice and sweet. Most of all, treat her right." Kil grinned while telling. Astarion chuckled leaning back.

"And what does the other part think?" Sorin frowned.

"How her head would look on a stick!" Kil let out an evil laughter. Astarion joined him.

"No wonder you are kept chained." pale one looked away in disgust.

"Now now, both keep yourselves in a friendly mood." Astarion smirked when guys and girls sat down at their table with drinks.

"Sir, you're charming as always." one girl traced her finger gently on Astarion's shirt. 

"Thank you, darling. I see a lot of new waitresses. How come newbies here? I thought the gate is closed for newcomers." Astarion asked. Ascendant's eyes locked on a pale beauty attending bar. Taking drinks on her plate. Her long hair braided into two, hanging down. Few loose hair strands covering the face.

"I'll be back. Kil, behave." Astarion stood up walking away from their table. Her scent mesmerized him. He never felt such scent of anyone in his life. And the heartbeat. Vampire's heartbeat. But the scent was so alive that he didn't want to believe she's a vampire. He feels, he hears every night creature in the city and out of it. How he haven't felt the white-haired girl.

"Hey, wait." he tried to catch up to her but as he walked around the corner there were only a couple of drunk half ogres kissing.

"Huh, how come she is gone." Astarion whispered to himself confused and turned around.

"Ascendant." an elder lady slightly spooked even him. He didn't feel the lady’s presence. Astarion frowned again... Ascendant. How does she know?

"Curiosity is a poisonous thing, vampire." her raspy voice echoed as she took a seat. "May I invite for a chat?"

A vampire cleared his throat and sat down. The mage quickly grabbed her dagger and sank into the paper with drawn sigil. The air thickened and time seemed to stop around them. Mage’s eyes turned completely black. Then she spoke:

“Blood of the First, risen by crimson hands… your path coils like a serpent toward the sunless one.

A flame-wreathed queen waits at the edge of dreams, veiled in thorns, cloaked in forgotten names.

When the third eclipse bleeds across the sky, you shall meet her—not in war, but in need.

Beware the sound of bells in silence. Beware of the scent of roses.

She walks wrapped in prophecy, and you… you will not leave unmarked by the queen herself.” the mage deeply inhaled almost shouting the words. Astarion pressed himself into the chair, hands gripping his shirt. 

"The fate... The fate." mage shook her head repeatedly.

"What fate? What are you talking about?!" Astarion stood up. Vampire’s eyes gazing into the mage’s blackout eyes. Flames purged out, making Astarion back away.

"She is the savior!" the mage shouted, getting consumed in flames.

"My Lord! Are you alright?" Sorin ran to Astarion's side.

"Mm, the smell of burning flesh." Kil kneeling to the burned body. Dragonborn sniffed the ashes. "Infernal."

Astarion ran out of the tavern. The thick air still haunted. 

A loud female's laughter echoed in the empty street. A corner of vampire's eyes glimpsed the same white-haired female running around the corner. Astarion quickly appeared around the corner grabbing the hooded person.

"Ay! What are you doing!" some human shouted. Astarion stood in confusion. Lost. Not understanding what's happening tonight.

"Have you seen a woman, long wait hair?" Astarion looked around.

"I haven't seen any bloody women!" the man spat out.

"Master, you should be careful!" Kil'Hex ran up to Astarion. "What's going on?"

"I don't know but we should leave. I hear Gortash's guards are coming this way. We should get back to palace." Astarion jumped on the bridge wall. "Don't go anywhere tonight. Sorin, tell other spawns to not get out too." he spoke out exhaling. Sorin nodded, disappearing.

"Are you sure everything is fine, friend?" Kil patted his master's shoulder. He just nodded and jumped off the wall to Upper city. 

Chapter Text

"Beware of bells... Beware of the roses... What all of this supposed to mean?" The vampire kept tapping his fingers on paper where prophecy was written. He sighed rubbing his forehead.

"More wine, my Lord?" a female’s voice echoed in a quiet room. Astarion's eyes looked at the fireplace and then at her.

"Pour and leave." he rolled his eyes. Voice full of annoyance. His mind was not here but with the prophecy and the white-haired vampire girl.

"Master, you look quite stressed. May I relieve it?" she smiled placing down the wine and came behind his chair.

"Don't touch me." his voice was serious and filled with a warning.

"Maybe a good massage?" the spawn ignored the master's words, placing hands on shoulders.

"I said don't touch me!" Astarion grabbed her hand, yanking the spawn quickly in front of him. The girl gasped and looked with fear into his eyes. Ascendant stood up in anger.

"What part of that you didn't understand?" he gnarled, slowly breathing.

"Please, my Lord... I didn't mean to disobey! I will never make such mistake again." she pleaded trembling. Astarion let her go and the spawn crawled out of his room.

"They became so..." he inhaled sitting down. "Ingrate." exhaled. Vampire closed his eyes, drowning in his rest.

"Citizens! Citizens!" screams woke up the Lord. 

"Hey! Get your ass up, My Lord. Enver Gortash is making a public announcement." Sorin shook Astarion by the shoulders.

"What does he want now?" Astarion exhaled. Quickly getting ready to get out.

"He's... Making more rules about this whole mess." Sorin took the wine glass that Astarion didn't even touch. He took a big sip of it and started coughing.

"Why can't you drink properly?! Always like a pig." Astarion came out from his bathroom staring at coughing Sorin, annoyed.

"Wait what..." Astarion rushed to his side when a rose petal fell out of throat.

"That shit almost made me see heavens." Sorin took a deep breath.

"You ain't getting there." Astarion chuckled and examined the rose petal from the distance.

"Why was it there?" Sorin asked picking up the petal from the ground. "Ah! It burns!" he let go of the petal that turned into ashes.

"Idiot." laughed leaving his room. Astarion cleared his throat walking down the hall. Every spawn and non-turned creature bowed, giving their respects to their Master. Some looked in awe, some in fear and there were those who just wanted the gift of immortality.

"Something for breakfast, my Lord?" Maria slightly bowed, coming from the kitchen. A spawn. One of the first that got his blessing. A natural beauty and a great cook for Ascended Astarion that can now enjoy mortal's food. He truly only bedded with her. Not because he felt something towards her. No. Out of boredom. Others that tend to his bed are devoured by his great hunger. Sometimes too carnivorous.

"No. I have business in town. Make sure nobody gets out. I don't know what the tyrant will say today. Maybe we'll get kicked out of the city." Astarion said while another male spawn fixed his outfit.

"Can't you just kill him?" she asked. Astarion grinned.

"I can. Or at least try doing so. It's Gortash, darling. I know he won't be that easy to kill. He has someone behind his back. For sure." Astarion explained before leaving. Turned to her. "And there's a blade of frontiers joining evil sides." added and left.

The plaza is filled with anxious civilians: merchants, laborers, beggars, and minor nobles alike. Steel-clad guards line the streets, crossbows at the ready. Gortash steps forward on the balcony above, his gilded armor catching the pale morning sun. He raises a gauntleted hand. Silence falls.

“Citizens of Baldur’s Gate! My loyal subjects… my fellow protectors of order. Look around you. Our city bleeds after all the chaos that fell on us from mindflayers. The city is crippling, unsafe and falling into deepest darkness than ever. The weak drain our coffers. The disobedient mock our laws. Parasites thrive while we labor to keep this city safe.” Gortash spoke confidently. Keeping his cold tone. Astarion looked around. Mixed into the crowd. Hearing how some gasp, agree or mumble.

“The days of indulgence for the idle and cowardly are over. From this day forth, taxes shall rise—not as a punishment, but as a necessity. Every coin is a brick in the wall of stability. Those who contribute will prosper. Those who do not…” he pauses, smiling coldly “…will find there is no place for them here.”

A ripple of unease passes through the crowd. He leans forward, voice sharper now.

“And yet, while you toil, a cancer festers in our shadows. A blight. A covenant of leeches, feeding on our fear and chaos. Led by a traitor who once called himself ally.” Gortash grinned looking straight at Astarion. Vampire let out a small growl but kept his cool, smiling like nothing is wrong. The citizens murmured. Astarion’s name hovered in whispers.

“He claims power. He claims freedom. But make no mistake — he seeks only dominion. His kind does not live beside us. They feed on us. And every night they grow stronger while you grow weaker.” He spreads his arms wide, mocking magnanimously. Then he placed his hands on the balcony, leaning forward. Not breaking eye contact with Astarion.

“So, I will do what must be done. I will strip the cowards of their shelter, bleed the parasites dry, and tear out this so-called lord of shadows by his root. His spawn, his pets, his false throne — all will burn.” Gortash let out a disgusting laugh.

“Stand with me, citizens. Pay your due. Prove your loyalty. And together… we will cleanse Baldur’s Gate of every rat hiding in the dark!"

The guards stomp their boots in unison, the sound echoing through the plaza like drums of war. The crowd, too afraid to defy him, erupts into hollow cheers. Gortash smiles.

“Glory to Baldur’s Gate. Glory… to those strong enough to survive it.” he toned down at the end and he disappeared back to his room, smirking. The sound of bells started to echo in the air.

"Bells..." Astarion quickly disappeared from the spot, so people wouldn't start to rebel against him right there. Especially, the lurkers of the night. He needs to keep his profile low. At least for now.

"Why bells at such time...?" he asked himself following the sound.

Chapter Text

"What's going on?" Astarion approached an old chapel. His body pressed to the wooden wall. Head peeking through open doors. The priest kept ringing the bell calling citizens for mass. They kept walking in, ignoring Astarion's presence. Few people gathered, taking their seats. The priest stood, taking his position. Slowly looking upon people.

"Shameful. Our father has granted you a path to salvation." the priest held a book in hand. His voice was filled with disgust.

"Father?" Astarion mumbled frowning.

"And yet!" the priest slammed the book in anger. "You stray from it in every opportunity. You drink, you gamble, you covet and steal. Shameful." his voice trembled. Suddenly, a few rose petals dropped down on the now open book. More and more petals rained from above.

"Sin.." a calm, soothing voice echoed in the air. Astarion pressed even more to the wall seeing the figure behind the priest.

"Is their birthright." a female's voice continued. Citizens gasped. In fear. The priest fell down the altar on floor, trembling.

"My children." a heavily horned woman spoke again. Her silhouette falling down on still gasping people. Her wings peeking sunlight from the window behind her.

"The Lords of Hell are coming to devour our world." she finally stepped into the light.

"Who is this..?" Astarion squeezed the doorway wall. Was he in fear? Did he feel threatened? He didn't know. But what he knew that the woman was making the vampire feel calmer, yet intense from her presence. Astarion noticed one woman kneeling, praying to the horned woman.

"Salvation lies not in the light, but in you. The faith has thought you to deny your heart's desire. And turn you into the prisoner within yourself." horned woman kept walking closer to people. The priest crawled back, holding his book towards her.

"Break the chains and discover who you were meant to be." white long hair gently fell on horned woman's shoulders. Her voice still calm, caring. Embracing the ones who kneeled in prayer for her. One lady devoting herself with passion. Ladie's eyes gazed into the horned woman, as she approached closer and closer, spreading arms out.

"Break the chains and be beautiful in sin." horned woman warmly looked at the devoted lady. Suddenly lady smiled and slowly stood up. Then other people too.

"What's going on?" Astarion whispered, lowering a bit to not be seen.

"Resist! Resist her temptation!" priest tried to speak with citizens.

"Fuck." Astarion whispered gasping quietly, as the devoted one smacked the priest in the head with holy symbol made of metal.

"Vani, it's me." he tried to talk to the lady. "I brought your child into this world." he tried to speak but another person stabbed him in the back. Everyone who was there gathered to the priest. Kicking, stabbing the priest continuously. Laughing from enjoyment. The horned woman walked past them towards the door. Astarion moved away quickly behind the corner. Horned entity walked out looking around. The vampire held his breath. Her scent was the same as the vampire girl he kept seeing.

"Who are you?" his voice trembled. Horned woman turned her head directly towards Astarion. He quickly hid behind the corner. Closed eyes, took a deep breath and peeked again. There was only rose petals swirling in the air.

"What?!" he came to the petals confused. Pale one looked inside the chapel.

"What?!!" he was shocked. There was nobody in there. Like nothing happened. Astarion ran inside. There was only dust, webs, rats crawling around.

"Am I going crazy?" asked himself sitting on the dirty bench. Astarion squeezed his knees from frustration.

"What do you want from me?!" he shouted in anger. Astarion exhaled calming down and walked to the altar.

"Huh?" he noticed a piece of paper under his foot.

"Gods... So, disgusting." he coughed trying to get rid of the dust.

"A map?" he frowned. Eyes scanning unrecognizable language.

"Master? What are you doing in such place?" Sorin's voice reached Astarion.

"Ugh, nothing. I thought, I heard someone in such an abandoned place." Astarion quickly hid the map in his pocket and approached Sorin.

"Let's get out of here. It's dirty here and I dislike getting dirty." Astarion said with disgust and glanced at the altar before leaving.

Chapter Text

"Open the damn door, Volo!" Astarion kept knocking. Rolled his eyes and looked at the map.

"Oo! Astarion! Good to see you. Please, come in." the bard widely opened the door, letting the Ascendant in.

"Came to tell me some great Vampire Lord stories this lovely evening?" Volo quickly grabbed his book to write down anything that Astarion could tell.

"Do you know anything about this?" Astarion placed the map on the bard's book. Volo took a better look.

"Please. Leave." he gave back the map, pressing on the chest.

"What? So, you know something?" Astarion got confused. Volo just shook his head. Bard's face was the most serious than ever.

"Hey! You must tell me whatever you know!" Astarion stumbled as Volo pushed him out of home and closed the door right in front of him.

"Volo! Stop being an idiot or I'll get mad!" Astarion knocked again, letting out a small growl. Bard's hand quickly appeared, placing a piece of paper into Astarion's hand and door closed again.

"There's a weird pale man walking in lower city at night, recently. He doesn't seem like a Baldurian. You will recognize him quickly. He seems to know such things. Do be cautious. -Volo." Astarion read to himself and blinked. He weirdly looked back at the door again and walked away.

"Alright. This should be a good spot." vampire sat down on a roof, waiting for a stranger to appear. He closed his eyes, listening. Hearing the whispers of the night. Took a deep breath relaxing.

"Beautiful moon tonight, isn't it?" a male's deep voice echoed in the night. "Ascendant." a smirk formed on a pale man's face. Astarion slowly turned head towards the voice. Was about to attack but the pale man stopped him.

"Calm down. I don't mean any harm." the man stood up. Astarion relaxed but kept cautious. The man looked at the Ascendant with his blood filled eyes. Nothing but crimson scleras looked at the vampire.

"My name's Elias." the pale man reached for his chest. Clawned hand pressing to the priest's robes. One finger was missing. A pinky. The black robes and with golden accessories hugged his body. A cloak that wrapped his shoulders, neck and back of the head. The edge of cloak, from the back had a metal gold piece, perfectly aligning on his bald head. Two small golden screws, in the forehead, seemed to hold the piece on his head. A face of middle aged man... Wrinkles shaping on his forehead, eyes and smile lines. The appearance wasn't usual for Baldurian but for Astarion he did remind of Balthazar he once saw in Sharran temple. Just that creep had his own skin carved.

"Astarion." he slightly nodded and noticed an amulet hanging on the cloak, in the middle. Seemed like chained together the piece of the outfit. An inverted pentagram with two small metal pieces added at the end. Like extra legs but shaped a letter 'M'.

"I think you can help me with something." Astarion pointed at the amulet and took out the map. In the corner it had same symbol drawn. "Tell me everything about this."

Elias smiled not even taking the map.

"You must've seen the visions?" his hand revealed a rose petal. Astarion stood confused.

"Yes." he gave a suspicious look.

"The Blessed Mother have chosen you to enter her region." Elias once again showed respect with a small bow.

"Blessed Mother?" Astarion raised his eyebrow.

"Yes. She is yet to be reborn but she's with us already. Mother appears to those who needs help or she finds worthy of.." he gave a scroll. "invitation."

Astarion unfolded the scroll, the projection of sigil with a flaming eye surrounded in circles, spun three times and vanished into ashes.

"You have been granted permission to enter Wiccania." Elias explained.

"Wiccania? First time I hear such name." Astarion blinked in confusion and looked at the pale man.

"Why would I even go there? What does this Blessed Mother want from me? What does it mean yet to be born but she's already among us?" vampire kept asking but Elias showed to stop.

"You can ask her such questions. I'm just her right hand and came as guide. Get ready, we should leave while sun is not up. You're spawns won't like the sun." Elias smiled and jumped off the roof. Astarion stood confused.

"But..." he exhaled tilting back his head in frustration.

"Don't worry, your coven will be protected while you are gone!" he heard Elias from a distance.

"What is this? Knows everything?" Astarion chuckled. He looked at the scroll and sniffed it.

"It's her... The vampire girl." Astarion recognized her faint scent on a scroll. Immediately rushed to the palace to get ready and tell Sorin, Kil'Hex to get ready too.

"Why are we getting ready so late and so suddenly?" Sorin asked while putting necessary things into his pouch.

"We're going to Wiccania! Never heard of it but I feel it will be fun." Astarion excitedly laughed.

Chapter Text

"You're late." Elias frowned waiting for Astarion.

"Well... Kil'Hex needed a snack, so he wouldn't eat you." nervously laughed while the dragonborn licked bloody snout.

"I'll teleport us to certain place, then we take flight with the dragon." Elias informed opening a portal.

"Where does it lead?" Sorin asked walking after Astarion into the portal but the pale man just remained silent. Astarion slightly shook his head, glancing at Sorin, signaling to not ask questions.

"Alright, we should be fine." Elias looked around the empty desert. Not a living soul moved in these lands.

"Was this necessary?" Astarion got suspicious.

"Someone was after us. They got lost in the void." he explained. Astarion raised his eyebrows and showed Kil to transform.

"How do I find the Wiccania later on?" Astarion questioned hopping on Kil'Hex's back with others.

"That's a question for mistress to answer." Elias didn't even glance at Astarion, looking down as they reach the skies. Suddenly the atmosphere changed within a blink of an eye. From a deathly desert to a dark, crimson region.

"A blood moon?" Astarion whispered looking around. The place looked dead but so alive, at the same time. Few bats swirled around the Ascendant. One dropped its little body on Astarion's palm.

"Hey! Where's that weirdo?!" Sorin gasped, noticing that Elias was gone.

"What should we do know? Where to go?" Kil asked, soaring in the velvet sky.

"Go down! Go down!" one bat kept yelling while sitting on Astarion's palm.

"Kil! You must go-" Astarion tried to warn the dragonborn but the dragon hit something invisible, making all of them fall.

"Thank you!" Sorin breathed out, as Astarion casted feather fall before hitting the ground.

"You could've just done so yourself." Astarion stood properly fixing clothes. "For once would've been useful." he shook his head. Kil'Hex started banging on the barrier in anger.

"Why I took you two with me?" Ascendant cried out looking at the velvet sky.

"Please, stop harming the barrier!" a projection of a tall, ghostly man appeared. His white long, luscious hair perfectly laid on his body. The voice was calm but full of warning.

"Stop it, you idiot!" Astarion kicked away Kil from the barrier as the creature ignored the projection and kept doing what he started.

"My name's Alucard." the hand touched his chest, showing respect. "You all have been expected to arrive. The mistress grants permission to enter." Alucard calmly informed and disappeared. 

"This... Feels homey." Astarion whispered amazed when the barrier seemed to open the most beautiful region he have ever seen. It was a perfect place for a vampire to live without a sun but enjoy life to the fullest.

"You can even see how alive this place is." Sorin cleared his throat, amazed too. Fauna and flora seemed to be in perfect balance even with blood moon shining upon them. Astarion let out a shaky breath walking further. So many animals he never ever seen casually roamed around, not posing any threats. Trees, flowers and every other nature element seemed to be alive.

"This is a perfect place for a vampire. Hells... Any creature." Astarion's eyes kept scanning the whole thing he could. "This must be the city." vampire turned 360 on his heels. Vampires, elves, drows, tieflings, kobolds, ogres, cyclops, goblins and many other creatures roamed around in the streets. Some selling things in markets, some just walking around with spouses and children. Everyone seemed to be feeling safe and sound. The buildings were so much different from Baldur's Gate. Gothic, rich, regal. Like every structure was made like an art piece.

"You must be our guest." the same voice from before interrupted the groups sightseeing. Astarion turned around to see the pale guy. His amber eyes pierced the group.

"Please, follow me." Alucard turned around and started walking towards the most biggest and tallest castle he ever saw.

"This shit is tall!" Kil'Hex snarled, leaning back his head glancing to the very top. "She must be very rich, pal. Act fast." Kil whispered getting closer to his master. Astarion showed to shut up, knowing that Alucard hears everything. 

"Whoa..." Sorin gasped, as they entered the castle. "So..." he couldn't make any word out to describe the elegance of the interior. Astarion gently touched the golden devil's head, at the beginning of stair rail. His eyes couldn't stop scanning every piece of the castle. For him this was perfect. Everything he ever dreamed of all these years. Cazador's palace compared to this was nothing.

"Please, wait here." Alucard quickly vanished.

"This place seem unreal. I never knew such region existed. Now, I wonder how this - so called mistress looks." Astarion patiently stood.

"Probably some old hag." Kil chuckled. Astarion grabbed his snout.

"You better behave. One mistake of yours can cause our lives." master warned his spawn. Pale dragon just nodded.

"Huh?" Astarion let go of him, getting cautious. He sniffed the air quickly.

"Her scent..?" he breathed out shakily.

Chapter Text

"My apologies. Mistress is busy and cannot accept any guests. She will be available tomorrow." Alucard apologized. Astarion frowned, definitely not satisfied with what he heard. Or was he more annoyed because couldn't sense the vampire girl's scent?

"She calls us here and cannot accept? Ridiculous!" he huffed. Alucard came closer to the trio.

"Take this opportunity to look around. Get to know Wiccania." his golden eyes pierced Astarion. "A place for you three to stay is ready. Here's a key." Alucard gave Astarion a key and casually walked away.

"How will we know where?" Kil got confused and was about to chase Alucard but Astarion stopped him.

"Don't cause trouble. He's dangerous. Might kill you with one swipe of that silver sword." Astarion suspiciously said and looked at the key. The key had an eye that was closed.

"I think, I know how to find it." he quickly walked out of the castle but glanced back, hoping to sense the vampire again. As the trio walked away from castle the eye opened up, searching for something.

“Looks disturbing.” Sorin showed disgust. As further they walked, the more the eyes reacted.

“I guess, this is our place.” Astarion stopped at the regal, thorn and roses hugged cottage. It wasn’t the biggest but a nice place to temporarily stay.

"I wish we stayed in castle." Astarion said, leaning towards the wall, watching how Sorin struggled to chain down Kil'Hex.

"You really liked that place, didn't you, master?" Sorin asked backing away from chained Kil, as he tried to bite the leg. Astarion nodded thinking of the scent once again.

“The castle is a perfect place for someone like me. I shouldn’t be in some palace..” he stretched arms out. “but a whole castle. Rule upon such region full of night creatures and plenty more. Whoever rules this place must be powerful. Powerful to the point of being feared.” Astarion smirked and went closer to the window, through it was the beautiful view of the castle. “We shall go and look around. Maybe something valuable is here.” Astarion smiled.

“You should definitely grab that hag who rules this. Wrap her around the finger and we can conquer the lands. Wicannia, Baldur’s Gate. All yours, master.” Kil let out menacing laugh, rattling the chains.

“Perfect plan as always, my wicked dragon.” Astarion nodded in agreement. “But we do need to be cautious. There’s plenty of dangerous creatures here.” remembered Alucard. Astarion and Sorin left Kil chained in the cottage, after getting dressed more casually to roam the city.

"The region is truly alive, even at this time." Sorin smiled walking with Astarion. Spawn formed a crystal from the lively essence of the realm. "Place reeks with magic."

Astarion got cautious sensing the vampire girl again.

"Follow me." vampire grabbed his spawn by the arm dragging towards the scent.

"Who are you chasing recently??" Sorin got confused but obeyed the master.

"Don't you smell another vampire? A female? It's like fresh roses, not rot. No smell of decay but like an alive being?" Astarion tried to explain. Sorin just frowned confused.

"Black Sabbath..?" spawn squinted his crimson eyes as they approached a club. The dark club was really outstanding from everything around the area. It was bright, loud music coming out of it. Some creatures making out just outside the door. Both vampires looked at each other and walked towards the door. Sorin opened it, revealing a full dance floor of all kinds of creatures moving to the rhymes of the music bards played.

"That's her..?" Astarion whispered catching a whiff of the vampire girl. His eyes gazed upon a long white haired female, laughing and dancing between other two creatures. Her smile was bright, long hair flowing perfectly with the movements. To him she was mesmerizing and just a thought of the girl being within his hand reach felt unreal.

"I'm going for a drink. Feel free to do what you want. Don't cause trouble." Astarion quickly said before disappearing into the dance floor. Going through the crowd after the elven vampire all the way to the bar. Ascendant stopped for a moment, checking his reflection in the glassy decor.

"You see yourself?" a soothing female's voice reached Astarion's ears. He turned head to see the same vampire girl. Her crimson eyes slightly were glowing. Long beautiful white lashes slowly blinked.Two long piggy tails tied made her look charming. Astarion smiled.

"Yes." he simply replied trying not to lose his cool. His eyes scanned her open cleavage through unbuttoned shirt, her curvy body, feeling aroused just by the elf's presence. Astarion cleared his throat glancing at the delicate neck of hers. The pulse felt so alive, yet so dead.

"Lylia." the girl made a bright smile, exposing double fangs through those juicy plumpy lips.

"Astarion." he smiled back, taking the hand for a shake. Lylia's black eyebrows lifted up. She placed a second hand on his. Warmth. A warm vampire? The lashes flickered in frustration. Astarion admired how surprised she was.

"Huh? Where you taking me??" he questioned but didn't resist. Lylia didn't let go of his hand, dragging the Ascendant into the dark corridor. She snapped her fingers and doors opened to the dim red room.

"What you think you're doing?" Astarion frowned and noticed the whole room decoration. From frown to surprise. A debauchery room.

"I didn't think you are so spi-"

"How come you're warm?" Lylia got close to him quickly. So close that they're bodies pressed against each other. Astarion's back hit the wall from such sudden appearance.

"And so..." Lylia gently sniffed the crook of his neck. "alive?"

Astarion smirked and took her chin, turning head towards him. Lylia blinked gazing into his gorgeous crimson eyes. She saw how lustful and predatory they were at this moment.

"Why are you seeking me?" the girl whispered into Astarion's lips. Her tongue tried to lick his lip but only met the man's tongue, licking each. Both chuckled. Astarion's hands gripped the girl's fit waist and kissed those plumpy lips that he kept staring at. Lylia smirked into the kiss, cupping his cheeks with the clawy hands.

Chapter Text

"Why are you seeking me?" the girl whispered into Astarion's lips. Her tongue tried to lick his lip but only met the man's tongue, licking each. Both chuckled. Astarion's hands gripped the girl's fit waist and kissed those plumpy lips that he kept staring at. Lylia smirked into the kiss, cupping his cheeks with the clawy hands. With each moment the kiss got more heated.

"Oh, gods.." Lylia breathed out feeling Astarion's soft lips kiss, nibble the skin of the neck. Her hands traveled down his chest, grabbing onto the unbuttoned part, opening the shirt fully by ripping the buttons apart.

"Someone's eager, huh?" Astarion got surprised and looked into Lylia's eyes. She heavily breathed out gently brushing had down his warm toned body. Astarion's hand slipped underneath her shirt, feeling cold soft skin. Hand quickly unclapped her bra.

"Like what you see?" Lylia smiled dropping away bra and shirt.

Astarion licked his lips gazing onto her toned, tattooed body. "Mmm, very." he whispered licking the hard nipple. Lylia bit her bottom lip watching Astarion suck, lick and massage the breasts.

"Mm, you're delicious." Astarion whispered and traced his wet tongue through Lylia's neck. The Ascendant's hands slid down her bottom clothes.

"No biting." Lylia harshly pushed away Astarion's face from neck. He pouted unbuttoning his pants, removing, revealing his hard erection.

"Someone's very excited." Lylia giggled kicking away her clothes. Astarion pushed the girl onto the bed and climbed on top of her. Lylia breathed out looking into Astarion's eyes. His white eyelashes slowly blinked, eyes gazing deeply into hers. Both seeming to look into each other's souls. The girl cleared her throat, feeling mesmerized by the male elf. She gently brushed away few strands of hair falling on his face. Lylia gently connected their lips, bringing Astarion closer to the body.

"Gods, you're soaking wet." Astarion lightly moaned into the kiss, pushing himself into Lylia. Astarion snuggled into the crook of her neck, hardly resisting not to bite her. He didn't want to hurt this girl intentionally for some reason. He felt respectful towards her boundary. So, instead he sucked on the skin while thrusting into Lylia.

"Fuck." she moaned, digging her nails into Astarion's scarred back. Lylia hugged his waist with legs from pleasure. The room filled with their moans. Both enjoying each other. Lylia gazed into Astarion's neck, inhaling his sweet scent. Feeling his blood throb in veins. The pulse drove her crazy. She wanted to taste him. To devour him.

"No no no." Astarion pinned her head back to the pillow by the jaw. "If I can't, you can't either." he smirked seeing her hunger, bared fangs. Astarion licked his fangs wishing to taste the girl himself and became more rough from such thoughts.

"Harder." Lylia moaned and placed his hand on the neck. Pale elf grinned, gently squeezing her neck. Watching how it turned her on even more.

"Please, don't stop." Lylia pleaded not breaking their eye contact. Astarion squeezed a full hand of her breast, not stopping. He haven't enjoyed sex like this in a long long time. This vampire girl felt like setting his body on fire. The way she touched his skin, kissed him. Looking at him - felt unreal.

Astarion slowed down hearing and smelling familiar scent. "Don't." he shook his. Lylia frowned and saw doors open slowly. Another pale elf peeked his head in. "Don't invite." Astarion barely whispered, massaging her body.

"Damn, master. I didn't think you'll be so locked with her." Sorin smirked entering the room. Lylia blinked feeling amused, hearing how he called Astarion 'master'.

"Wanna join?" the girl reached out her hand towards Sorin and showed to come.

"Tsk." Astarion huffed in disbelief, sinking his clawy nails into her skin. Sorin didn't even hesitate and removed his clothes. He crawled into the bed getting close to Lylia and kissing her. Astarion closed his eyes not enjoying the views, dissociating, pulling out to kiss her body.

"Mmm, what a lucky night. Two hot elven vampires all over me." Lylia smiled, although, she saw and felt how Astarion became colder. Less into this. Like just doing this out of the reason. Because he started. Both men kissed, licked, caressed Lylia's body while she stroked Sorin's dick.

"No, I wanna be below." Astarion protested laying down. Lylia got on top of him, instantly inserting Astarion's dick inside, wanting to feel him again. Sorin got behind the girl, bending over Astarion's body, making their faces get close. Lylia once again wanted to get lost in his beautiful crimson eyes but the stare was so blank. She traced kisses down his cheek, grabbing onto the sheets when Sorin pushed himself into her ass.

"Fuck." she whimpered into Astarion's neck, adjusting to both of them being inside.

"Come." Sorin quite harshly grabbed her hair, bringing Lylia closer to him while both of them kept going faster and faster into her.

"Faster." Lylia moaned out from pleasure, clinging back into Astarion's skin, digging her nails deep.

"Why.." Ascendant softly moaned into her lips, holding her face by the jaw. While both of them not stopping thrusting into her. "Why..." he repeated squeezing her face more. Lylia gazed into his eyes moaning, feeling how much he wanted her all to himself.

"Mmm." she sucked on Astarion's fingers.

"You found a hot treat, master." Sorin kissed her back, slapped ass multiple times.

"Oh, shiiit." Lylia shivered between them as they didn't stop at all but kept going deeper, like two animals digging into a pray.

"Ugh, I'm cumming." she trembled. Sorin and Astarion just nodded to each other, driving Lylia over the edge. Astarion squeezed her neck while splashing out a load into her, while Sorin pulled out, jerking himself off, shooting a load all over her ass.

Chapter Text

Lylia fluttered her eyes open. Her head turned to the right side - Sorin's broad back, long, tangled white hair fell down his pillow. Lylia gently moved her hand close to his body.

"Oh?" she blinked as red crystals started to form around the fingers. She smirked. Then she slowly turned her head to the left getting spooked by how close Astarion's face was. Lylia's lips curled up into a smile. She finally could've drink into his features. With nails Lylia gently moved away Astarion's loose hair. 

'What a man.' she thought to herself. In air she traced his facial features, carefully to no wake him up. She bit her bottom lip getting closer to his gorgeous elven ears. And his scent... That pulsing, warm blood in his veins. How he's so dead but so alive? 'Is this the rumored new vampire?' Lylia pressed her lips together. She had questions but didn't want to ruin this moment either. She wanted to savior this peaceful moment. To her he looked perfect. In such a long time, no man felt so... Magnetic. That she could just jump into his arms and not let go. Is this fate? Or another challenge? Another man to break her undead heart? She heavily exhaled and tried to sat up without waking any of the elves. Lylia stopped as Astarion sighed and turned to his other side. Revealing his scarred back fully. Lylia gazed into every internal letter, carved deeply into the skin. 

"Of course." she inhaled seeing faint visions and hearing Astarion's screams. Lylia closed her eyes trying to control herself and lightly jumped out of bed, picking her clothes up. 

"Calm down, just relax." Lylia whispered to herself putting on the clothes and glancing at the scars one last time before leaving.

"Oh." Astarion whispered disappointed that the vampire girl wasn't in bed anymore. He sat down at the edge of the bed, brushing his hands through the body. It seemed like it was on fire. But pleasant heat rushing through his body, like she's still touching Astarion's skin. He closed his eyes remembering her kisses, eyes, smile, scent, body. Every curve he had a chance to touch. 

"She left already? I thought we can snack on her in this early morning." Sorin chuckled. Astarion slowly turned to him. Furious. 

"Fuck." Sorin whispered understanding what he has done.

"Master, I-" Sorin got out of bed quickly, fearing for his life. Astarion swiftly moved his hand and yanked Sorin roughly by the invisible leash, back to the bed, gasping.

"Did I invite you?" Astarion asked gripping the collar on Sorin's neck tighter.

"Noo.." spawn chocked on his word. Helplessly laying on the bed, looking at his master's furious face, eyes glowing bright crimson.

"Lately you are very very on the loose, Sorin." Astarion gripped the spawns jaw, sinking his nails into the skin until blood showed up. "You should be lucky that you're my servant and that you are useful. You should only listen to me and nobody else, understood?" Ascendant's eyes gazed into Sorin's. Astarion nodded head for the spawn and tossed him out of the bed, like some worthless sack.

"If I ever see you close to that woman in any way..." Astarion picked up his clothes from the floor. "I'll chop you into bits." his voice became even colder. Sorin cleared his throat.

"Yes, my Lord." he bowed. Astarion nodded and left the place.

"Damn, she left only one button." Astarion tried to find how to button his shirt but there was only one left, and it was barely healthy.

"I'll try to get you something to snack on. I'm not promising you of a tasty mortal, Kil. I don't want trouble here." Astarion fixed his shirt and accessories looking into the mirror. Changed and ready. He felt excited for this meeting, more than ever.

"Looking dashing, master." Kil grinned. Astarion smiled.

"Need to impress the one who rules this region, right?" he fixed his fur coat before leaving. Before going to try and meet the mistress of this region, Astarion decided to walk around and get to know the city. 

"What's this?" elf approached an old temple. He gently touched a statue of a horned woman. There was a lot of sculptures of her standing here. He decided to enter. The temple smelled of candle wax, incense… and something faintly metallic beneath it all. Astarion stepped further, the hush pressing against him like a heavy shroud. The stained glass windows bled moonlight across the pews, the colors trembling in a draft he could not feel. Every face in the congregation was turned toward the altar, rapt, breathless. A priest stood there, voice quivering as he spoke.

"And lo, the Mother of Mercy hears the cries of her children… and comes to bring grace." The air thickened. It began with a drifting fall of petals, soft, black-red roses blooming mid-air, tumbling down like snow. The scent was intoxicating, sweet as blood fresh from a vein. Astarion’s heartbeat—though long dead but now lively thudded faster. A veil of shadow and crimson mist curled around the altar, pulsing like a heartbeat. Then she stepped through. Flawless, terrifying in her beauty—skin pale as bone lit from within, eyes molten gold rimmed in black, every movement flowing like wine in a goblet. The curve of her horns gleamed in the candlelight. She wore no crown, but the air crowned her. Lilith smiled, and the whole chapel exhaled.

"My beloved children," her voice flowed through the room like warm honey, thick and slow, "do you not see? You are not wicked… you are perfect in your sin. You are beautiful in your hunger." A woman in the front row began to cry. A man fell to his knees, reaching for her as though she were salvation.

"They have told you to bury your desires. I say—" her voice deepened, rich and commanding "—drink of them. Feast upon them. Let your hands, your teeth, your hearts take what you crave."

The priest dropped his holy symbol, eyes wide and adoring. It happened all at once. Lovers turned on each other with kisses that became bites. Friends embraced, then stabbed each other with sharpened altar candles. Blood streaked the marble floor. Lilith stepped down from the altar, her bare feet touching the blood as if it were consecrated wine. As she passed, she touched foreheads, kissed lips, whispered names. Every one she touched melted into bliss even as they tore each other apart. And then—her golden gaze lifted. She looked directly at Astarion.

"Ah. The pale lord," she murmured, though she was across the temple. "We will speak soon, you and I."

The petals thickened in the air, swirling until all sight was lost and he was back in the empty temple. No blood. No bodies. No Lilith. Just the faint scent of roses and a single black-red petal in his palm.

"I am done." Astarion crushed the petal, exhausted from the visions and no answers.