"Don't you ever get tired of studying us while humanity continues to fall behind?" the vampire asked.
He lowered his hood, revealing a tall figure with long dark hair and crimson eyes that glowed faintly in the candlelight.
"Lord Latros," Mark replied calmly, standing his ground. "Studying the enemy is the only way humanity can evolve. One day, we will surpass your kind."
The vampire laughed, deep and amused. "And yet, you show no pride by using our core to fight against us."
"What use is pride, when my side is losing?" Mark answered bluntly.
Latros stepped closer, the firelight stretching their shadows across the stone walls.
"Then let me help you. I will show you the secret of vampires. I will raise humanity to stand beside us."
Time passed.
When they sat again by the fireplace, the vampire's voice was lower, deliberate, as if carving each word into stone.
