Chapter 14: The Seven Families Part 2
Bella had been diligently educating Zac about Laws during their journey, but the implications of the Blood Queen's feat left even her astounded. As they delved deeper into this enigmatic world, it became evident that they were on the trail of a truly remarkable and intricate tale, one that would challenge their wits and reveal hidden wonders.
"Let's delve into the Crimson Family, the one Clarisse and Elise proudly belong to," Zac suggested. "They hold dominion over the Vampire-Werewolf Battlefield, a place now used to hone the skills of the younger generation. Outsiders are welcome, but there's always a price to pay. Those who enter must not only prove their worth but also contribute a portion of their earnings from the battlefield to the Crimson family when they depart."
Bella's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "It does sound like an ideal spot to grow stronger. Plus, what a perfect place to expand your undead army," she suggested with a sly smile.
Zac nodded, the details of the Crimson Family's powers still fresh in his mind. "They appear to control abilities associated with blood, but it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Different individuals wield unique blood-related talents. The effectiveness of these abilities in battle depends on talent, comprehension, the purity of one's bloodline, and, of course, a touch of luck. The same goes for the powers granted to the other families."
Bella posed an intriguing question. "So, does that mean main family members with purer bloodlines have a greater chance of awakening more potent abilities?"
Zac nodded in agreement. "It seems that way. That's also one of the reasons why the main families have consistently maintained dominance over branch families among the seven families. According to the knowledge you've shared, their bloodlines can manifest various aspects of the Law of Blood."
As they unraveled the intricacies of the Crimson Family, Zac and Bella realized that the power dynamics within the vampire society were more complex and layered than they had ever imagined, a revelation that only fueled their determination to uncover the full scope of their world.
"Alright, let's move on to the Ashford Family," Bella continued. "From the data I've collected, it appears their powers are intricately linked to the enigmatic Law of Shadows. Most of their abilities seem to thrive in the cover of night, making them ideally suited for the art of assassination. They've harnessed their powers to create a formidable assassin organization known as 'Shadow Wing.' Their talents are in high demand, and it matters not if the target is a vampire or not – they offer their deadly services to the highest bidder, making them renowned mercenaries in a world where darkness reigns."
As Bella unveiled this secretive family's connection to the Law of Shadows and their shadowy dealings, Zac couldn't help but be captivated by the depth of intrigue and adventure that lay ahead of them. The puzzle of the Seven Families was beginning to take shape, and each revelation only added to their excitement and determination to uncover the hidden truths of their world.
Zac delved into the lore of the Blade Family, a lineage whose powers were rooted in the formidable Law of Destruction. Their abilities granted them unmatched battle prowess, and they held the prestigious responsibility of maintaining law and order within vampire society. Their authority was absolute, second only to the Queen's castle itself.
With a wry grin, Zac added, "When it comes to the Blade Family, their dominion is unchallenged, except for the Queen's castle, of course."
Zac's voice carried a hint of trepidation as he introduced the enigmatic Blackwood Family. He took a deep breath, his expression pensive, as he delved into the family's intriguing history. "The Blackwood Family," he began, "holds powers derived from the enigmatic Law of Curses. These abilities have been channeled to create a myriad of hexes and spells, but their most notable creations are the Bloodline Contract and the Slave Contract."
Zac's brows furrowed as he explained further, "The Bloodline Contract, a binding agreement, requires two parties to sign using their own blood, agreeing to specific conditions laid out in the contract. Those who dared to break these sacred agreements faced dire consequences, sometimes even death. Naturally, those with immense power could defy the contract's effects, leading the Blackwood Family to create contracts of varying levels, with the most potent ones being rare and exorbitantly priced."
He continued, "And then there's the Slave Contract, as the name suggests, a dark pact that brands a person into slavery. Much like the Bloodline Contract, they come in different levels, each escalating in price. With these two contracts, the Blackwood Family has an iron grip over the underground auction houses and the harrowing slave market."
Zac's expression darkened as memories of his own encounters with slavery surfaced. "It's a cruel business," he muttered under his breath, his disdain for the Blackwood Family evident. The trauma from his past experiences cast a long shadow over his perception of this family, making him inherently distrustful.
Bella, reading through the family's information alongside Zac, noticed his change in demeanor. She understood that it would take time for him to reconcile his past experiences with the new information they had uncovered.
As they explored the depths of this secretive world, Zac and Bella found themselves on a path toward confronting their own personal demons. The weight of their past experiences was an ever-present companion on this journey, shaping their reactions to the newfound knowledge they unearthed.
Bella, sensing the need for a change of topic, decided to shift their focus. "The next family on our list is the Hargrave Family," she announced. "Their abilities are rooted in the Law of Metal. They're a unique bunch, with a profound affinity for all things metallic. Among them, you'll find blacksmiths and weapon masters without equal. It's no exaggeration to say that they dominate the weapon market, with a majority of it firmly under their control. Most of their members possess talents related to weapon smithing and forging, but here's the intriguing part – some have unlocked powerful combat-related abilities. So, you could say they are a force to be reckoned with."
Zac, absorbing Bella's words, couldn't help but ponder the possibilities. "We should definitely learn more about them in the future," he mused. "And if it's possible, I'd like to delve into the art of blacksmithing. It's going to be a challenge if I have to keep buying weapons for my growing undead army every time they advance."
Bella nodded with a sly smile, content that she had successfully diverted Zac's attention from the previous distressing matter. Their journey had taken an intriguing turn, and with each family they explored, it was clear that their quest was as much about self-discovery as it was about unraveling the mysteries of their world.
king the reins of the conversation this time, Zac introduced the Fairchild Family. "Let's move on to the Fairchild Family," he began. "It appears their unique abilities are rooted in the Law of Wood. They excel in the craft of potion-making, alchemical arts, and the creation of vitalizing medicines that have fueled the growth and vitality of the Vampire race. Not only that, but they've awakened powers related to manipulating plants and even have the extraordinary capability to turn their own bodies into wood, significantly enhancing their defenses for use in battle."
Zac scratched his head in bewilderment, his curiosity piqued. "What's puzzling to me, though," he continued, "is that despite their powers being derived from the Laws, it seems that none of them have any inkling about it."
Bella offered a thoughtful perspective, her voice tinged with insight. "It's quite possible that they aren't aware of the connection to the Laws," she mused. "To them, these powers may have been bestowed by their all-powerful ruler, whom they revere as a god. Perhaps only the Blood Queen and the upper echelons of the Vampire race hold the knowledge of these secrets.
As Bella delved into the final family, the Lancaster Family, she found herself murmuring to herself in amazement. "The Law of Fate... now that's a rare one," she said softly, captivated by the extraordinary powers they wielded. Gathering her thoughts, she then shared the revelations she had uncovered.
"The Lancaster Family," Bella began, "derives their extraordinary powers from the Law of Fate. They stand as the wealthiest and most enigmatic among the seven families, possessing a unique set of ocular abilities that allow them to peer into the intricate tapestry of destiny. With their mystical talents, they have made shrewd use of their gifts as astute merchants, accumulated vast wealth and cultivated intricate connections across all vampire houses."
She continued with a hint of intrigue, "Yet their influence extends far beyond the realm of commerce. They hold the reins of the vampire society's information network through their clandestine agency known as 'Heaven's Net.' While they seldom engage in combat, they are far from powerless. It's said that they can employ their ocular abilities to foresee the movements of their adversaries, making them a formidable and unpredictable force on the battlefield."
The discovery of the Lancaster Family's powers left Bella and Zac with a sense of awe and wonder.
In the grand halls of the Crimson Family's ancestral castle, Clarisse eagerly recounted their harrowing adventure to the esteemed council of elders. Her cousin Elise stood by her side, her eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. Assembled in this opulent chamber were representatives from various branch clans, their presence a testament to the gravity of the situation. The Crimson Family had never tolerated disobedience from their branches, and today's meeting would be no exception.
The main hall itself was a sight to behold, adorned with exquisite tapestries and magnificent chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm, crimson glow. Rows of ornate chairs lined the hall, with an air of regal authority that spoke to the family's centuries-old legacy. At the heart of the chamber, an imposing throne sat, and upon it, a man who seemed to be in the prime of his life. His chiseled features, fiery crimson hair, and a robust physique exuded an aura of power and authority. He was none other than the current clan leader of the Crimson Family, and coincidentally, the uncle of both Clarisse and Elise.
As the clan leader sat legally upon the throne, Clarisse and Elise stood at his side, their hearts pounding with both pride and apprehension. Before them, on bended knees, knelt Louis, a representative from one of the branch families, and another venerable elder. They awaited the clan leader's judgment with bated breath.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone