The Unveiled Secret

As night falls, the city is wrapped in a silent darkness. Deep beneath the bustling streets lies an unseen world that most cannot perceive. Alex moved through the dimly lit tunnels that wind under the city, leading to a secret destination known only by those who dwell in the shadows.

Although Alex's mind was buzzing with countless questions regarding his encounter with the astral creature, he couldn't ignore the summons from the lords of the night. He knew that a part of him also belonged to them.

His eyes kept darting back and forth, unable to resist the tension and excitement inside the secret chamber. As a highly perceptive being, Alex was acutely aware of the charged atmosphere. A multitude of vampires inhabited a dimly lit gathering, with only candlelight revealing their uniquely shaped features.

Murmurs of their desires, laden with undisclosed intentions and aspirations, emerged softly like the gentle night breeze. Amidst the commotion, Alex sat as a guest, serene and poised.

Yes, Alex was often invited into the midst of them - the undead - when things happened that disturbed their peace. Alex always thought that his presence here was representative of the human race. Considering that he was half-blood. Because it was impossible to include humans in a meeting of vampires. The misdeeds of the humans would instead become food for the vampires who could not control their bloodlust.

Alex turned his attention back to his surroundings. His sharp gaze searched every face present. He knew that in this dark gathering, every word and gesture had a deeper meaning than what met the eye. And if Alex had lost his way, there was no guarantee that he would leave this place alive.

Alex's eyes were now fixed on the two central figures that dominated the atmosphere - Lucius Bloodthorn, the leader of the Rival Vampire Clan, and Damian Nightshade, the leader of the Ancient Vampire Clan. Alex knew this familiar atmosphere by heart, where the presence of the two central figures always created an increasingly tense atmosphere.

"This argument has gone on far too long," Lucius said sarcastically, his voice sounding like the wind in the silence. "Must we really waste time discussing the trivial actions of a novice vampire?"

Damian glared at Lucius, his green eyes shining with a mysterious light. "You really know how to complicate a situation, don't you, Lucius? But this action is not just any action. It threatens the balance that has been maintained for hundreds of years."

"Come on, old man! You know very well that this is nothing more than a new vampire who cannot control his appetite. So what's the fuss about? Once he gets a grip on himself, he will stop of his own accord!" Lucius interjected lightly.

"I knew you were stupid, Lucius! But I didn't think you'd be this stupid! You can only assume that this is the work of a novice vampire. Did you not see how long this incident lasted and how many victims there were? This is beyond the wild limits of a novice vampire. This is more like a vampire out of control. A vampire who is a professional but can't control himself." Damian pressed.

The two vampire leaders looked at each other, the feeling of hatred between them was palpable. But why did they still seem to hold their own? Perhaps the answer lay in their wisdom. The wisdom that kept them from looking ridiculous in front of their followers should a fight break out in the room.

"Cih!!! I don't know where you're going with that old man! You want to blame our clan, don't you? You're really playing a dirty game. We in the Rival Clan know very well that you and your clan are not as pure as you make them out to be. And when it comes to who is behind all this, I think all we have to do is prove that the white-bearded vampire's clan is not responsible," Lucius accused bluntly.

"How dare you accuse my clan of this?" Damian fumed in a fiery tone. He knew, of course, that the white-bearded man had to be him.

The tension in the room instantly skyrocketed after Damian and Lucius' outbursts. But it was no wonder, for the rivalry between the two clans had existed since time immemorial. The relationship that looked good from the outside was nothing more than a thin thread that could snap at any moment.  And yes! Look at that! In an instant, things heated up.

"I'm not accusing anyone, please prove that you and your clan are not the masterminds behind all this!" Lucius' retort was no less sharp.

"You still dare to deny your words!!!" Said Damian became furious. He even stood up and pounded the table.

At that moment, the meeting almost turned into a fierce battle between the two clans. Accusations flew back and forth. Explosive anger could be heard here and there. Fortunately, Alex's voice cut through like a sharp knife. "Enough!" His word shook the room and made all heads turn towards him. "We all know that arguing like this won't help. We need to find a solution together, not blame each other." He said, finally finding the courage to speak. Alex did not want to get involved, but if he was allowed to, he might die stupidly. And he certainly did not want to die foolishly in the midst of two large vampire clans ready to attack each other. That was why the courage came out of Alex.

"You must understand, this is not the time to accuse and confront each other. What you should be thinking about is how to find out who did this so that the killing can stop. You don't want everything you've organised to fall apart because of this, do you? So stop arguing.”

The two clan leaders looked at each other thoughtfully. Damian finally nodded, and Lucius followed with a somewhat reluctant expression. "Very well," Damian said in agreement. "We will combine our efforts to find this murderous vampire." Damian said firmly.

"Thieves want to pretend to be cops! I can't trust hypocritical vampires like them!" Lucius interjected sharply.

Alex raised his hand and immediately silenced all the vampires. "If the noble Lucius Bloodthorn is still stubborn, then we are going nowhere! We will stay here!"

There was silence for a moment. Seeing that the atmosphere was getting under control, Damian took the initiative to propose a solution that might end their dispute. "All right, if his Excellency Lucius doesn't want to cooperate with me! I think I have a better solution! Let me present my idea! I have a proposal," he said in a low but firm voice.

Everyone's eyes fell on Damian, including Alex, who was curious to know what his plan was. Lucius looked at him sceptically but decided to give him a chance to speak.

"How about we ask someone who specialises in investigating such things to take care of everything!" Damian continued confidently. "Someone who has a greater insight into the human world, but who can also understand our world. Someone who has a reputation as a goblin world detective."

Alex was surprised by Damian's suggestion. He felt that all eyes were on him now.

Everything Alex had said earlier was pure from his desire not to die stupidly in this place. That was why he had opened his voice to appease both clans. He had never thought that he would be involved in the conflict between the two clans.

"You mean... me?" Alex nodded slowly, confirming Damian's words. "You want me to investigate this case?"

"Yes," Damian replied firmly. "We need someone who can gather evidence carefully and objectively. You've proven yourself in solving cases before. And most importantly, you have a neutral position between the two of us."

Lucius still looked doubtful, but Damian continued excitedly, "We can work together. You will have our support and we will give you all the information you need. Together we can find out who exactly is behind the murders," he said wisely as usual.

"Otherwise a big war between the two clans might be inevitable." Damian continued, this time sounding more like a threat.

Alex, feeling himself backed into a corner by the ancient vampire clan leader's idea, was finally forced to agree to it. And as a first step, he had to make it clear that he did not want any clan involved in his investigation unless he had to. As a detective, Alex saw these two clans as the prime suspects. They were the only two clans he knew. And the murderer of the humans was definitely a vampire. So if he was not from the old vampire clan, then he was definitely from the rival vampire clan. And vice versa. It was better to take precautions beforehand in order to guard against all possibilities.

"Alright! But on one condition! I want to work alone as usual! Only when I need something from you can you enter my work area! How about it?"

Damian and Lucius nodded in agreement. "No problem!" they both said at different times.

"Then this case falls under my jurisdiction! And as for payment, you must have memorised my rates!" said Alex as he stood up and put on his favourite hat, a sign that he was leaving.

Don't worry about payment! We of the ancient vampiric clans have plenty of gold to give you! Damian said humbly.

"I'm glad to hear that! Nice doing business with you." Alex left the secret meeting place.