Chapter 1: Sibling EnvyEkkel rose from the shadows, his gaze fixed on the gentle movement of the trees in the pale light of the moon. His footsteps echoed across the cold, damp ground, echoing his insatiable desire for power. The night was his ally, but the darkness did not satisfy the emptiness within him. His brother, Maryial, stood like an even greater shadow over XCO, the undisputed leader of the vampire community. Ekkel gritted his teeth at the thought of Maryial's status as the alpha of the vampires. His brother's power was not only a burden to Ekkel, but a wound to his pride. Ekkel's eyes shone with a mixture of envy and disdain as he surveyed the dark city below the hill where he stood. He knew that Maryial reigned there, widely adored and respected. This worship was a thorn in his vampiric heart. However, Ekkel had no intention of bowing to his brother's reign. His cunning mind was already spinning a web of plans to challenge Maryial's authority. As the night continued, Ekkel sank deeper into the darkness, determined to carve his own path, whatever the cost.