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Chapter 2: Clash in the Shadows The night stretched over the vampire kingdom, charged with the imminent tension of a storm about to break. Ekkel positioned himself at the summit of the hill, his gaze fixed on Maryial's imposing figure, a tangle of muscles and aura of leadership. Without a word, the two brothers plunged into battle, the thunder of blows echoing through the night. Ekkel's dexterity and cunning surpassed Maryial's brute strength. The fight was a dark ballet between shadows, their movements cutting through the air in a frenzy of determination. Each blow thundered as a sign of their bitter rivalry. Ekkel, driven by his envy and desire to prove superiority, did not back down. His movements were like sharp arrows, each one aimed at Maryial's weak point. Finally, with a well-aimed blow, Ekkel knocked Maryial to the ground. Their heavy breathing echoed in the stillness of the night. Ekkel knew victory was in his hands, but the moonlight revealed a spark of defiance in his fallen brother's eyes. Before he could celebrate his victory, Maryial disappeared into the shadows. Ekkel roared in frustration as he watched his defeated brother escape, but the taste of victory mixed with the bitterness of Maryial's escape settled in his mind. Ekkel stood there, triumphant, but the humiliation of Maryial fleeing left him helpless, the would haunt far beyond that night.

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