The King of the Undead: Of Knights and Monsters, #2

By Corinne M Knight

Vlad accompanied by siblings Lucien and Alessandra embark on a dangerous journey to the infamous Roslyn Academy, the Order's crown jewel.

 

As he ventures further into the unknown, hidden feelings of attraction towards the beautiful Alessandra make Vlad question his sanity and his choices. But there is no time to dwell on these emotions—the Order has launched a large-scale supernatural attack.

 

Knowing they didn't stand a chance without assistance, Vlad dives into the depths of the academy's hidden passages to find a weapon powerful enough to defeat the Order. He stumbles upon a sarcophagus containing a mysterious force; a power so immense that it steals Vlad away to a different world.

 

The Prince must make haste if he is to find the strength he needs and return in time to win the imminent battle against the Order.

 

Will Vlad find his salvation in this otherworldly realm, or will it be too late?

 

***

 

The King of the Undead is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy second novella in the Of Knights and Monsters series. The story is set in Roslyn Academy (England, UK), and features secret societies, supernatural creatures, and action-packed adventure with a side of otherworldly realms, epic battles, courage, coming of age and forbidden love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Guanyin Publishing
• Release date: Oct 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215635506

Book preview

The sound of hooves echoed through the air. Prince Vlad Drakulya of Wallachia, the first vampire, was travelling the English countryside with his recently found kin, atop the most beautiful white Arabian horse.

The rider looked regal, with a compelling presence. His profile spoke of power and ageless strength, while his jet-black hair was ruffled by the breeze.

Setting foot on the land of his enemy and declaring it his own stirred many memories and feelings Vlad had buried many years ago. He knew this was the right thing to do.

After claiming the Order’s knights as his army, he decided to make Roslyn Academy the base of his operations. There was a lot to be done and little time. The organisation would most likely send a swift response to his betrayal, but he was prepared to deal with that. He had dreamed of their demise for centuries, and nothing would stand in his way.

Stop! Vlad’s voice cut through the air, halting the procession of newly transformed vampire knights before the elaborate gates of Roslyn Academy.

The magical barriers around the academy prevented any further advance. Turning to Lucien with a knowing smile, Vlad enquired, What’s our next move, nephew?

The young vampire brought him hope they would win this war when he turned up with his sister on Vlad’s doorstep. He was the excuse the Prince needed to stand against the organisation and challenge their authority over the supernatural world.

The protective spells are set along the estate’s perimeter, only able to be turned off from the inside. Alternatively, a human could enter and disable the central mechanism that powers all others, situated directly within the headmaster’s office at the core of the academy, Lucien explained.

Let me, Alessandra interrupted before her sibling could utter another word.

Alessandra de Winter, famed as the Order’s deadliest assassin, wielded the freedom to pursue any endeavour. Yet Vlad found himself enveloped in a protective stance towards her. Her intelligence and allure had captivated him completely, rendering him hesitant to expose her to peril.

No, you must remain beside me, without objection. We have waged war against the Order. It goes against my principles to despatch you alone into potential danger. You are human; they might have an array of beasts prepared for an ambush, he stated, his expression grave. Vlad silently wished his evident protectiveness for the woman was perceived merely as a precaution for his newly discovered human niece, rather than the deep concern it truly was.

Revealing this vulnerability was not an option. The revelation that Alessandra was his weakness could spell disaster for both of them. Her prowess as the Order’s most formidable asset was undisputed. If the organisation were ever to learn of her influence over him, they would unleash the myriad of supernatural forces they’d amassed over the years to pursue her relentlessly.

I’ll eliminate them as I have always done. They won’t anticipate my approach, she declared, her voice threaded with resolve.

Vlad loved her fortitude and steadfastness. Those were some of her qualities that attracted him. But in her boldness, she forgot she was a mere human with only one life. An invaluable mortal being.

Alessandra, Lucien whispered, shaking his head, trying to silence his sister. It’s not the time to show off.

Brother! she snapped, narrowing her eyes.

Children! Vlad chuckled. I’ll do this myself. There’s no point in arguing about it. There will be plenty of time for you to prove yourselves.

The siblings exchanged looks, curious about the extent of his powers. What’s your plan? Lucien asked.

Find their weakest link and use it to our advantage. Now, both of you, be quiet. I have to concentrate for this to work.

Vlad briefly tuned out the world around him, focusing solely on the academy’s core, blocking out all external noise. His telepathic search stretched out, seeking a soul burdened by deep sorrow. Manipulating an untainted human mind demanded immense power, especially from a distance. For his scheme to succeed, he required someone whose spirit had been shattered by grief.

Having pinpointed the perfect subject, Vlad established a psychic link, seizing control of their mind. In an instant, he materialised in the academy’s kitchen, holding a knife. Perfect, he thought, inhabiting the chef’s body. He swiftly scanned the surroundings and stealthily approached another person in the room, swiftly ending their life in a silent, unnoticed strike.

Using his host’s senses as a guide, he made his way through the corridors towards the headmaster’s office. Prior to departing the kitchen, he disposed of the bulky knife, opting to conceal a smaller blade up his sleeve for safety.

Standing before the grand, intricately carved wooden door, Vlad paused to gather himself, drawing in a deep, steadying breath before firmly knocking.

Enter! resounded from inside the chamber.

Vlad stepped inside, pausing just past the entryway, sensing that the ease of his intrusion was unsettling.

The headmaster, engrossed in his paperwork, glanced up, slightly perplexed. Head chef? Are you here to discuss the menu for the week?

Not quite, Vlad responded, his voice cold as he manipulated the chef’s body to hurl the knife with lethal precision, embedding it directly into the headmaster’s heart.

As he approached his shocked victim, Vlad couldn’t suppress a grim smile.

What have you done, you fool? His foe gasped, his face draining of colour as he struggled for breath, eyes rolling back before slumping against the chair.

I’m righting a wrong, Vlad murmured, moving closer. He grasped the knife, twisting it with calculated cruelty to ensure a fatal wound, then withdrew it, satisfaction painting his features as he watched the man’s life slip away.

Vlad closed his eyes and moved methodically around the room, tuning into the unique energy of the central ward’s protective spell. He was intimately familiar with this ancient enchantment; its resonance echoed the ancient magic within him, making it easily detectable. Within moments, he located its source. Walking to the bookshelf, he ran his finger over the spines of several books until one reacted. Opening it, he found a hidden compartment containing a glowing red crystal.

Taking hold of the crystal, the core of the ward, he applied force, causing it to splinter into myriad pieces. As the crystal broke apart, Vlad felt the protective energies enveloping the academy diminish, indicating the deactivation of the wards.

The assembly of knights at the academy’s entrance drew a significant crowd. The courtyard swelled with hundreds of students, all eyes on the unfolding drama. Once Vlad reconnected with his own senses, a glance at his nephew conveyed his intent.

Lucien caught on immediately. Open the gates, he commanded, and the knights complied without hesitation.

Vlad, with a hand firmly placed on the hilt of his greatsword and the bearing of a battle-hardened immortal, strode into the heart of what had long been hostile ground. His entrance was nothing short of majestic, akin to a deity of old gracing the mortal realm. A visceral thrill coursed through him, a silent prayer marking this moment as he edged ever closer to settling scores with his arch-nemesis.

May the Lord protect us. The war is finally starting.

Seated regally on his horse, the Prince projected authority, his serious expression scanning the surroundings. The crowd of students returned his gaze, intrigued by the spectacle but also