Beneath the Blood Moon: Thirteen Cycles of Immortal Obsession

Chapter 1

A New Adventure

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Vivian’s worn suitcase hit the floor of the Vienna International Airport with a thud, its contents a jumble of books, clothes, and treasured mementos from her past expeditions. The humid air clung to her skin as she stepped out of the terminal, her gaze drawn to the unfamiliar cityscape before her. Towering Gothic spires and grand, ornate buildings stood testament to the centuries of history that permeated the very essence of Vienna.This prestigious university had extended an invitation she couldn’t refuse; an opportunity to deliver keynote lectures on the latest findings in her field of anthropological studies.

Little did she know that the esteemed institution harbored secrets of its own, ones that would navigate the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, the weight of her research and the promise of new discoveries propelled Vivian forward. The past few years had been a whirlwind of academic triumphs and personal struggles, but the allure of uncovering the mysteries of human behavior kept her driven and focused.

As the aircraft’s wheels finally kissed the runway, a wave of relief washed over Vivian. The grueling journey from New York to Vienna was nearly over, and she could already imagine the refreshing shower and comfortable hotel room that awaited her. The driver, already at the ready, efficiently collected her luggage and guided her to the car. After the smooth ride into the city arriving at her hotel, Vivian changed into a crisp blouse and tailored slacks, the perfect attire for making a strong first impression at the conference.

To calm her suddenly jittery nerves, she sipped a glass of rich, full-bodied red wine. It had been a long time since she felt this level of anxiety – not since the devastating loss of her father just a few years prior. A strange, unshakable sensation took up residence in her chest, a feeling she had been so determined to ignore in the wake of her grief. But now, as she prepared to deliver the keynote lectures she had spent months meticulously preparing for, the hunch in her chest would not be dismissed. Vivian tried to push the inexplicable unease from her mind, focusing instead on the momentous occasion before her.

As Vivian gazed upon the Agatha Institution, her eyes widened in awe at the grandiose Gothic architecture that rose before her like a testament to the prestige and rich history it held. Only the most privileged students, offspring of influential officials, politicians, and intellectuals, were granted the opportunity to walk these hallowed halls, their minds shaped by the institution’s rigorous curriculum in arts, politics, criminology, science, and the complex tapestry of human history.The labyrinthine corridors were a marvel of marble and meticulously carved stone, the intricate details a feast for the eyes and a reminder of the centuries of accumulated knowledge that resided within every ancient wall. As Vivian and her escort ventured deeper into the institution, the very air seemed to hum with the weight of wisdom and power, its storied past whispering through the ornate carvings and polished surfaces.Larissa Hale, the imposing rector and partner of the institution, emerged from the throng of staff and students to greet Vivian warmly.

Larissa Hale, the principal and partner of the institution gave a cordial welcome to Vivían, who was shown to the conference room where the lecture will be presented, the room fully organized with the maximum capacity of students attending the anthropologist’s research presentation.

The stunning rector who is much taller than Vivian opens the event with a welcoming introduction.

“Please welcome Ms. Setterberg, one of the greatest researchers of human behavior defined from a unique perspective, her new studies have had a great significance for modern science. It is for us a real pleasure to have her in our institution, and taking advantage that we are celebrating 30 years since we opened the museum with the help of students and teachers, we are sure that her knowledge will be of great motivation for the new generations”.

Vivían smiles graciously at the introduction she receives and proceeds to introduce herself, along with her latest research, and book on the discovery of new human DNA and how it has connected to ancient civilizations and even to alien components of other as yet undiscovered civilizations.

As Vivian’s voice filled the conference room, her eyes inevitably locked onto a captivating young redhead seated at the front of the audience. Her porcelain skin and striking features seemed to glow under the fluorescent lights, drawing her gaze like a magnet. She listened intently, her eyes flicking up to meet hers as she scribbled notes on her pad, the movement of her slender fingers mesmerizing her.

But it wasn’t just her focused attention that held her spellbound, the intelligent questions she posed, probing deeper into her research, only served to intensify the older women’s fascination. Vivian’s responses flowed effortlessly, her voice carrying the weight of her expertise as she addressed the other inquiries. Yet, despite the sea of faces before her, her attention remained fixed on the radiant redhead, drinking in the sight of her delicate profile and the tantalizing curve of her lips as she concentrated on her words. Her presence seemed to fill the room, an unspoken allure that Vivian found herself helpless to resist, her mind wandering to the forbidden possibilities that lay hidden beneath her polished exterior.

As Vivian’s lecture drew to a close, a cluster of eager students and faculty members converged around her, their faces alight with curiosity and enthusiasm. They bombarded her with questions, their voices a lively symphony of academic inquiry that Vivian eagerly answered, her responses weaving a spell of intellectual fascination. Amidst the throng, the striking redhead with porcelain skin and perfect features remained engaged in a captivating conversation with Larissa Hale, the institution’s principal. Their animated discussion seemed to pulse with an undercurrent of something more, their body language speaking volumes of unspoken understanding. As the last of the inquiring minds were sated and the crowd began to disperse, the young woman’s gaze finally drifted to Vivian. With a confident stride, she made her way through the dwindling sea of people, her eyes never leaving hers until she stood before her, her proximity sending a thrill through her veins for some strange reason. The air was heavy with anticipation, the space between them charged with the promise of something new and illicit.

The captivating beauty was dressed in well-fitting uniform clothing and the hint of Gothic flair to her makeup fit her look perfectly as she approached Vivian during the break between speakers at the last lecture being held at old Symphony Hall.

“Good afternoon Vivian, nice to meet you, my name is Elizabeth Von Marburg, student and leader of the reading research committee at the institution. I was part of the organization of this event. I am fascinated about your theories of connection of space and time being one of the key elements involved in the old ways old cultures communicated. It reminds me of the investigations between alchemy and ancient and modern science that encourage the study of supernatural beings, or that belong to legends, but beyond fantasy, reality hides many edges that humans are unaware of.

I would be most interested in sharing my theories on such matters in a more indepth way than possible speaking to a crowd for forty minutes. I would be most delighted if you would join me for a lunch date. We could leave here for a quaint little Cafe where they serve the most delicious meals of a broad range and would surely have something you would like. Maybe even a slice of what people in America call Pizza? I hear they have one with the best olives, mushrooms and cheese dishes you have ever tasted”

The invitation delighted the older woman who happened to love pizza with olives and mushrooms most of all.



Holding out her hand the young woman took Vivian’s hand in both of hers in a gente but electric greeting and held it.

“It’s a delight to listen to your well presented ideas Elizabeth and yes thank you I would be delighted to talk more on them over a nice lunch when this is over today. I can also expand my theories and would like your feedback on my latest research of old books in the Houten Library. “

“Wonderful Vivian, then it’s a date. We can meet at the East entrance after the last speaker” —She said as she looked in that direction. The hand rung bell marked the end of the break and the women parted ways with plans that excited both of them for different reasons.

While Vivian was refreshing herself, she noticed an elegant woman getting out of a limousine, she stopped for a moment to talk to Elizabeth and then both women got into the car.

Vivian paused for a moment to survey the scene unfolding outside. An elegant woman, her attire exuding sophistication and wealth, emerged from the waiting limousine. Her curiosity was piqued as she watched the two women engage in a brief conversation, their words lost to the din of the city. The red-haired beauty, now Vivian’s focal point, followed the stylish woman back into the sleek vehicle.

Two hours dragged by with Vivian’s anticipation mounting, her mind replaying the captivating redhead’s features and the tantalizing prospect of their impending encounter. Finally arriving at the designated location, Vivian’s heart raced as she scanned the surroundings for her mysterious companion. Her gaze locked onto the same elegant limousine that had brought the young woman to her earlier. With a nervous thrill, Vivian watched as the passenger door swung open, and the radiant redhead stepped out onto the pavement, accompanied once more by her enigmatic guardian.



Vivian felt almost underdressed compared to Elizabeth’s beautiful ornate long flowing dress with vivid colors and laced bodice. She was not used to seeing the beautiful Victorian-era clothing worn on the street. She was starting to see the young red-haired beauty was not the average woman. She felt a magnetic pull tickling her primal brain but tried to dismiss it as an attraction to her beauty and respect for her clear sharp mind.

As the older woman who accompanied Elizabeth left to talk to other people at one of the tables, the girl approached the meeting place with Vivian to keep her date. Vivian was intrigued to know who the other woman was.

Seated in the shade of the tall gothic building in the old part of town was like being in a romance novel setting. Vivian watched the grace as the stunning young woman tucked her long flowing dress under her well-shaped bottom to gently take her seat across the table.

Elizabeth gilded effortlessly into her seat, her emerald eyes sparkling as she greeted Vivian with a gracious kiss on her hand. “Good evening, Vivian,” she purred, her voice as smooth as velvet. “Please, do forgive my tardiness. I was seeing my mother through some pressing matters, a rarity for us, indeed.” Her lips curled into a playful smile as she settled into her chair, the crimson dress clinging to her curves like a second skin.Vivian’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he returned her warm smile. “No need to apologize, Elizabeth. I quite enjoyed the view myself.” She gestured vaguely towards the bustling place, but her gaze never strayed from the enchanting redhead. She raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued by her casual remark.

“And just what view were you admiring, Vivian? The patrons, perhaps, or the décor?”— Her tone was light, but beneath the surface, a current of curiosity rippled.Vivian leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “None of the above, Elizabeth. I was simply waiting for the most captivating woman in the room to arrive.”

The women stare at each other for a while and Vivian breaks the silence.

The conversation turned to the theories Vivian was wanting to learn more about and one of the subjects she had heard Elizabeth expound on during her time at the lectern.

“I took the audacity to visit the academy library to look at some of your publications. Let me tell you that I am pleasantly surprised that at such a tender age you have made such profound and interesting writings that undoubtedly tie in very much with my latest publication.

I particularly note your important points regarding metaphysics, alchemy, connected with energy vampirism and its implications and applications in Army experiments even, but your treatises seem very ancient, precisely what I have always wanted to touch upon.”

Elizabeth listens attentively with a hand on her chin nodding with a relaxed expression. At that moment they are interrupted by the waiter, who already knows Elizabeth.

“Good evening Miss con Marburg, it is as always a pleasure to have you here with us, what can I offer you to eat or drink?”

“I’d like something to drink, you know, the usual, and for later mushroom pizza” — replies Elizabeth while the waiter nods his head and then turns to Vivian.

“And what would you like to eat madam?”

“Oh just red wine for now, and pizza as well thank you!”

As the unwelcome waiter withdraws, Vivian continues with the constructive criticism found in Elizabeth’s report.

“Elizabeth, you talked of how some believe the power skips a generation to avoid conflict between mother and daughters when it comes to vampirism and it is not the same for witchcraft do you follow the theory the daughters become food stock in a reverse of a baby nursing from the mother and becomes the mother feeding from her infant daughters blood and if so does it create some kind of loop of the mother breast feeding her baby and the baby giving that energy back to her mother in her blood she takes small drinks of from her child. What is it that is exchanged?”

A few minutes passed as the waiter arrived with the drinks and quickly departed.

Elizabeth leaned toward her slightly with her confident voice, but intriguing tonality as if sharing a dark secret.

“Ah, the theory of daughters becoming fodder for witchcraft, how intriguing.” She paused and her emerald eyes twinkled mischievously. “As a descendant of a long line of important people I can assure you it’s not just a myth. Power may be passed from generation to generation, but it’s not always a direct progression from mother to daughter.” Her gaze wandered, as if evoking a distant memory. “In the particular case of my family, we have observed a kind of inversion. The eldest daughter, upon reaching a certain maturity, begins to nourish the eternal life force of her mother, just as a baby feeds on the milk of its progenitor…”

She traced the rim of her champagne glass with a finger, and the glass caught the faint light. “This feeding dynamic creates a fascinating feedback loop. The mother’s vital essence is replenished, while the daughter absorbs the accumulated wisdom, power and experience of her lineage. In reality, it is a symbiotic relationship: the daughter becomes the mother’s sustenance, while the mother acts as her pupil, guiding her in the arcane arts.”

Elizabeth’s smile widened, revealing a hint of fang before she took the cup to take a sip of her strange drink.

Vivian thought she was hallucinating due to fatigue and tried to ignore this detail. Elizabeth adds next;

“I can say that this theory is not to be taken lightly, it takes a long time to research, and of course I can verify it, I don’t like to speak without foundation. I am grateful for the great wisdom imparted by my paternal grandmother, Evangeline”

At this last, the young woman sighs thoughtfully.

Vivian was not only attracted by the young woman’s face and energy but also by her thick British English and Hungarian accent.

“Well that is very enlightening and impressive information indeed” Vivian replies.