In the name of peace, some sacrifices will have to be made.

Nicolau and Lilian were young and hardly knew about the pleasures and pains that would still live. Nicolau with his seventy-five years and Lilian with sixty-three. Although for humans they would be halfway through their lives, for vampires they were just two young men.

Visits never arrived and left on the same day. So all the castles had at least thirty guest rooms. The Phetrovisck family would leave the next day, meanwhile, they were enjoying a banquet served at dinner. After much discussion during the day, the heads of the two families present there, came to the following conclusion.

- We will unite our families - Count Vladmir said.

The silence manifested itself for a long time. Nicolau and Lilian stared at each other for brief seconds.

Marriages were only to increase the man's family name. Women only served to give heirs to the family and had an obligation to give birth to male babies. If after two girls she had another girl, she would have to be sacrificed. This law was applicable to all breeds. Many women committed suicide after having their babies euthanized. The role of wife was painful and lacked a cold heart.

- Claude assigned his daughter Victoria to be Nicolau's wife - Vladmir said, standing up raising a glass - I couldn't be more honored.

Nicolau was against marriage, and it was visible on his face, but as a good son he could not deny, much less in front of everyone.

- It will be an honor for me too - He said with a forced smile - Count Claude Phetrovisck I accept the hand of his daughter Victoria Phetrovisck and I will take her as my wife. She will give me heirs and make my name grow.

Cups were raised as an act of celebration of the marriage agreement. The subject about, the missing human, was not even touched. And everyone forgot about the conflict over the lack of blood.

...

Lilian went to her brother's room and her foot hit the floor hard with each step she took. She was furious at Nicolau's decision, as if she were the one promised to sacrifice her marriage.

- Is it serious that you will surrender like that, without fighting? -  She asked, frowning.

- What you mean? - Nicolau asked, sitting on the bed with his hand on his forehead. The boy barely processed his sister's question, he just sighed imagining the life he would lead from then on.

- I know you brother and I know you don't want that. Victoria is also unhappy.

- What can I do? - Nicolau asked furiously - I cannot disappoint our father, our family, our ancestors. I need to grow our name. It is our destiny. Our obligation.

Lilian looked at him, disappointed. The frowns did not deny his anger.

- I didn't think you were a coward - she said.

Nicolau got up without patience, snorting. He took a deep breath and released it all at once, calming down.

- If I were you, what would you do? - He asked.

- A war would start.

Nicholas walked away in disbelief.

- What are you saying? Got mad? - He whispered.

- I would have mentioned the recent conflict. So the subject of marriage would be diverted.

- Are you saying that you would rather see piles of corpses than sacrifice yourself for others?

- I don't know who you refer to as others. Our family is strong enough to fight. Humans are our food and everything else is an enemy. - Lilian replied with a cold look.

- I am beginning to understand why women do not have the right to express their opinion.

Lily frowned angrily and left the brother's room.

With each step, it looked like it would sink the castle floor.

Nicolau always rudely removed her from family affairs to avoid conflicts, but that was the only time she felt the truth in her words.

She returned to her room when she met Gaspar on the way.

Immediately he bowed his head.

Another custom passed down through generations in the vampire breed: No man should look at a woman if she is unaccompanied by a male relative. It was almost like a law, to avoid the unclean thought.

Lilian went to her room, didn't even notice the boy's presence. Despite her manly manner, the girl had her charms. Her little feminine side was attractive.

Gaspar saw his hair like a waterfall of blood on his shoulders, admiring his deep gaze and firm stance. Things he could only notice when they were in the family, however, found himself enjoying the swaying of the girl's hips.

Gaspar immediately turned and took another direction for his eyes. He could not, nor did he want to have sinful thoughts with his best friend's sister.

...

The day was barely born and the Phetrovisck family left.

With the wedding scheduled, Nicolau wanted to enjoy it while he was still single. He didn't think twice and went looking for Michele, his pleasure guaranteed, unfortunately the girl was still inaccessible.

Nicolau deviated from the way home and sought comfort in the field of sunflowers, a place he had not visited in a long time. Between the Soulmate forest and the village, the soil was graced by the yellow color of the flowers.

Sitting, he enjoyed the pleasant aroma, when his attention was taken by thin fingers passing over his head. A girl, who was walking around, had her arms outstretched, one on each side, touching the flowers. So distracted that she hadn't noticed the vampire's presence.

- Hi! - Nicolau spoke in a loud tone, in order to get her attention. But on hearing the vampire's voice, the girl darted away.

Nicolau did not understand the reason for the young girl's flight, but he did not think of pursuing her. He was very saddened by the news that he was getting married, and he had not found his sex partner, Michele. At the moment he just wanted to lie down in the sunflower garden and forget about everything for a while.

...

Even though it was a mating season, some mermaids had to stay in the port and guide the ships. Powerful beings, the mermaids could induce gigantic waves or leave the sea calm for navigators. He had strong vocal cords, capable of making his eardrums explode.

Lilian admired this ability of the mermaids, and had as a friend, Ligia, the mermaid to stay at the port this time.

- Have you explored all the water? - Lilian asked.

- No - answered Ligia.

- I explored every piece of land and the world is too small - Lilian said.

- I even feel like exploring the sea and going further, but I can't, I have my obligations - Said Ligia - We all have to make sacrifices to keep the peace.

Again the meaning of those words irritated Lilian. She did not want a peace based on sacrifices. And she hated that everyone thought so.

Walking aimlessly, as he always did, something unexpected caught Lilian's attention, or rather, someone.

- Michele? - She whispered incredulously.

The girl seemed to be in good health while pulling a cart. Even though she didn't believe his eyes, Lilian approached and started pulling the young woman's cart.

- Allow me - she said, with her usual charisma.

- Miss Lilian? - Michele asked in surprise - Thank you, but you don't have to ...

- I haven't seen her in a long time - Lilian interrupted her.

- I've been a little sick.

- It's better now?

- Yes. Strong as a bull - Michele smiled showing the skinny arm to make force.

Still confused, Lilian stared at the girl, looking for answers.

- I am happy to hear. I missed you. It is not funny to come to the village and not smell it - Lilian breathed it strongly and the smell of Michele's blood seemed, even more, irresistible.

In fact, the human did not look like the same girl, who had plummeted horribly at the feet of a witch. It was radiant. Clean and flushed skin. He seemed to shine, except for his dull-colored eyes.

- I must confess that it is being difficult to resist going to your smell. What have you been eating? - Lilian asked.

It wasn't just Michele's appearance that was different, his personality had also changed. The girl always blushed and looked shy in front of the Flowster brothers, but now she looked sassy.

She approached Lilian, before she could ask any more questions, and joined shis lips to hers.

- Why don't you check it out? - Michele suggested with a mischievous smile. Lilian dropped the cart and took the human in her arms, jumped a few kilometers and soon arrived at the abandoned barn, where they used to meet.

She stuck his fangs between the girl's shoulder and neck and rolled his eyes when she felt how delicious his blood was.

- Miss Lilian, slowly - Michele groaned removing his clothes. The breasts that had previously fallen from being sucked so much, were now firm and erect. Lilian didn't understand how that was possible, but she couldn't resist the sweet scent of that human's blood. As if she was mesmerized.

Lilian explored the entire body of the young woman and gave her pleasure by eliciting moans and orgasms.

At the height of pleasure, Michele bit Lilian, bleeding his lips. The human smiled, savoring the taste of the blood that tore from a vampire. In a second attempt to join his lips to hers, Michele was barred. Lilian put her arm between the two keeping the distance.

- You shouldn't be here, I saw her dead - Lilian said, frowning - What did the witch do to you?

Before getting an answer, Lilian looked for his dagger, but remembered that she had left it in the forest of death.

Michele realized that Lilian wanted to arm herself, so she decided to attack first.

Michele showed him fangs never seen before and his strength was comparable to that of a vampire. However, Lilian was more agile, reached a piece of wood on the floor and stuck it in Michele's rib, reaching her heart. The girl fell slowly as she murmured a few words. - You ... left me ... to die.

Michele's eyes closed. This time, Lilian was sure, she was dead. Unfortunately by her hands. That would weigh in on the peace agreement. But Lilian priority was to warn everyone, or at least those of his family, the discovery she had made: Witches were turning humans into vampires.

...

Immediately, Lilian hurriedly left, leaving the peasant's body collapsed on the floor. She didn't care about the scene she left behind, nor did she notice that an old man from the village was passing through that region. Rare thing.

- I saw her, it was Princess Lilian. She killed the girl Michele - said the old man to everyone in the village.

- She was not present on the day of the harvest, she must have forced Michele to feed her.

- They couldn't have done that, and the peace deal? - Asked another villager.

- We will no longer collaborate, if they do not do their part, we will not do ours either.

- What good would it do? In the end we are just their food. Sooner or later it would happen. We are weak and we cannot fight for our lives.

- We can ask for help from another breed - suggested an old woman - We can serve witches, they do not drink our blood.

- They take our children - said another lady denying the idea . - We'd better forget about it. I don't want to go back to the old days.

- You're right . My grandmother told me scary stories about her ancestors who were forced to lie with anyone just to guarantee the vampires' food.

- I heard that they lived in dungeons, chained so that they could not take their own lives. It was practically a slow death.

- I don't want to go through this. I prefer to give my blood and live as I am  now.

- Me either.

- Yes, me too.

The villagers then closed the matter. The fear of having a slow and painful death, or suffering at the hands of vampires, terrified them. In fact, it didn't really matter what they said, in the end, they were just the food of a superior breed, or worse , of the stronger breed.

Meanwhile, at the castle, the count did not believe the words of his own daughter who had arrived bloodied.

- Humans turned into vampires? But how was that possible? - Vladmir asked after hearing the story of Lilia.

- It was the witches, my father - She said - I always knew they were unreliable, but nobody ever listened to me.I hate the fact that I was born a woman.

- I'm tired of these stories, Lilian - Vladmir said.

- Forgive me, my father - Nicolau took the floor - But this time Lilian may be right.

Everyone, including Lilian, looked at Nicolau in surprise.

- What are you saying? - Vladmir asked.

- The human to whom Lilian refers, is the same one that I have been meeting, her blood was different from the other humans. Perhaps this is the cause of their disappearance.

- Still ... - Vladmir pondered - We cannot accuse witches without evidence.

- How not?! - Lilian interrupted - I saw it, and Nicolau just said about her blood being different.

- And how would I explain it at the trial? - Vladmir stood up changing his tone of voice - I will say that such accusations were based on adventures, that my children had with a human?

- You are right - Nicolau bowed his head.

- Nicolau? Lilian looked at him, confused.

- Anyone would think that Michele was a half-breed, raised in secret among humans - Nicolau said.

- If you understand, I ask you not to bring it up until the trial and Lilian ... - He stared at her - Don't involve the witches, no matter what happens.

...

At the end of the family meeting, Lilian went to her brother's quarters.  She noticed that he had pain in his eyes, ever since he heard that Michele was dead.

- I'm sorry - she said with a sad look - I know how much Michele meant to you, but I was forced to defend myself.

Nicolau turned to face his sister with furious eyes. Lilian shivered with her brother's strong step towards her, but soon relaxed when she felt his arms around her. Embracing her.

- What are you saying? - Nicolau asked - I would have killed Michel and if she had hurt you.

- But ... I thought ...

- My family will always be first. No matter what happens.

Lilian returned the hug and for the first time her heart of stone was softening.

...

The news was being discussed across the island, from sunrise to sunset the sun.

- I heard that some vampires ran out of blood, but the truth is that the leader's daughter was sucking humans in hiding? - laughed the wolves.

- Why did she do that? - They discussed the mermaids.

Count Vladmir was forced to leave his castle quarters and go down the mountain to judge his daughter's act in front of the humans in the village. Neither wolves nor witches were present, the subject for both breed seemed not to be of great interest, but for humans, who felt they were returning to the times of carnage, were desperate.

In the center of the village, where there was more space, a pile of wood and straw supported the body of the deceased, waiting for the flames to cremate her body. Around it, in the shape of a half moon, all the villagers stood in front of Count Vladmir.

- As a leader, of all races, I must do justice so that peace continues to reign. I bring you the perpetrator of the crime. Lilian Flowster , princess of Lalfheim.

As the laws dictate, Lilian was brought before everyone, handcuffed and barefoot. There was a kind of muzzle on his face and his dress was simple. She was taken to the center next to Michele's body. They removed their muzzle and put an iron collar around their neck.

Next to his father, on a small platform, Nicolau was watching the humiliation in which his sister was passing. The teeth clenched together, the jaw clenched, Nicolau had only one wish in mind: to go down and tear everyone apart. - Ungrateful humans - he thought.

Lilian took a step forward, to testify in his favor, before the decree.

- Many must have seen Michele and me together - She said, staring at the humans, who looked away - She did not hide the desire to become a vampire ... Even though I said countless times it was impossible. She considered taking my blood. In fact, I had never thought of that. Why, a human taking a vampire's blood? Poof ! - Lilian smiled.

The humans were attentive, anxious and nervous, so Lilian continued.

- She attacked me, she was out of control. She had a piece of wood in her hands, and was trying at all costs to reach me. I tried to avoid this battle, but I was surprised. She blinded me with sand and then immediately broke my blockers with a club. I was helpless ... She was just a human, but if I hadn't fought back, obviously she would have killed me ... When I fell on the floor I felt my hands touch a piece of wood. I couldn't see anything, my eyes were on fire, I just directed the piece of wood towards her, unfortunately it hit her heart ... And that's what happened. I am prepared for my trial.

Lilian stood firmly in front of that lie. Head up and look serious. At her father's request, she did not mention the witches, she entrusted the leader to find a solution.

Count Vladmir gave a signal with his hand and Nicolau got off the platform. He approached his sister and pushed her close to the humans, causing her to fall to the floor.

- Very well. You humans were the victim - said the count - So I leave in your hands the fate of the criminal. Forget that she is my daughter and do what you think is right.

Humans still fearing which could happen if they condemned a vampire to death , on top of that, the daughter of the chief of all breeds , just retreated with their heads down.

- Anyone who can speak for humans? - Vladmir asked.

It was obvious that everyone there wanted death, not just for that vampire, but for all of them. And it was even clearer that no one wanted to expose themselves by putting their lives in danger.

- I cannot give a final decree without the word of a human - Vladmir said again.

Only silence was made.

Everyone present knew that declaring the accused innocent would be the easiest and safest way. However, no one wanted to be the traitor to the human breed.

- Damn it - whispered one of the villagers, before lifting his head.

Vladmir stared at him, Nicolau turned almost nervous.

- I will speak for everyone, sir - said the young man, unkempt.

- Come closer - Vladmir ordered.

The villager took a few steps, passing Nicolau who did not take his eyes off him, and went to the count, lowering his head.

- In the name of humans what will be the sentence for the criminal?

The humans were staring at him. Nicolau even more. Lilian didn't seem to care about her fate any more.

- Innocent, sir - Said the human and everyone stared at him in surprise.

- And how did you come to such a conclusion? - Asked Vladmir.

- Fear sir. We humans live under the fear and judgment of vampires. Such things lead us to cling to the hope that one day we will be able to live freely. But some are not content to just dream and decide to act on their own. Michele received the consequences for her actions. The princess should not be judged for defending herself.

- Wise words - said the count, narrowing his eyes - So you judge the princess, Lilian Flowster, innocent because she acted in your defense?

- Yes sir. And I speak for all humans.

- So Lilian Flowster is declared innocent - said Vladmir giving the final verdict.

Nicolau only sighed with relief, he could not show feelings towards humans, but he kept a strong hug for when they arrived at the castle.

The chains were removed and Lilian released. The Flowster family   returned to the castle peacefully.

Later, Lilian went to her father's quarters. Vladmir was in front   of the window watching the night. He smoothed his beard thoughtfully, and his eyes looked sad.

- Here I am, my father - Lilian said bowing.

Vladmir turned to face her.

- Do you understand what happened today? - He asked.

- Yes, my father and I am grateful to have accepted the exchange.

Vladmir turned again, looking out the window.

- Humans are smarter than I thought. Trading a vampire's life for the right to fight.

- I'm sorry for putting you in that situation.

- So you know that from now on you will no longer be able to have fun with humans. Neither you nor your brother.

- Yes sir.

- You can go out.

That same night, Nicolau gave his sister the long-awaited hug. Despite being a big and strong guy, the boy had a soft heart when it came to family.

- Things will get more difficult - Nicolau said - We will not be able to use aggression if humans decide to fight. Our father practically enacted a new law. The right to fight, to defend oneself. And if humans decide to defend their blood we can only fight to the death against them and that would be tantamount to wiping out our food supply.

- I still think we could force them. We are still the strongest race - said Lilian.

- I do not believe that after all this, you still have these thoughts.

- Am I wrong, brother?

- You are not thinking clearly. It is a new law. All breeds will feel free to create wars, to defend anything. It wouldn't just be a simple battle between vampires and humans. It would be all breeds. And probably everyone against us, because we are the strongest.

...

In a few days, the other islands of the continent learned about the events in Lalfheim. And the new law enacted by the count.

- The Phetrovisck family has just anchored on the island, sir - said one of the castle's servants.

- they certainly came to know about the new law - Amelia said to her husband.

- It is the first time in centuries that a law has been put in place. I should have informed, or rather, gathered all the heads of the other islands to discuss the matter - said Vladmir.

- You are the leader, you have the right to redo the laws.

- It is not that easy, in the name of peace, I have to give up a lot.

The family gathered to receive visitors. Count Claude once again surprised everyone with the reason for his visit.

- My son has committed a great sin and I have an obligation to inform him - he said nervously.

It was not the topic Vladmir had expected, but it was better than starting an argument about breaking laws and a peace agreement. For Vladmir, it did n't  matter what happened on the islands, as long as peace was not threatened.

- Is your concern because of a simple look? - Asked Vladmir surprised - I do not believe that he still takes these traditions so seriously. But if that's the case, there's only one way to fix it by marrying our children.

- It would be an honor to take your daughter to my family, but I confess I didn't want it that way - lamented Claude.

- We are longtime friends. Then we will forget about this error. We will just seal this marriage as we did with our other children. We will not let them get married through a sinful act.

- I appreciate your good intention. But still, my son must answer for his act and be seen as a sinner. - Claude insisted.

- My dear friend. Don't be sorry. I am forgiving you and giving you my daughter's hand. Take it to your family and grow your name. - Said Vladmir ending the discussion.

As always, the news is given during dinners. But first, Amelia wanted to prepare Lilian, or rather, wanted to ensure that her daughter did not do anything stupid, such as refusing to marry.

- What is this man up to? - Lilian asked - First Nicolau and now me?

- Just accept it - Amelia said.

- I will be the family sacrifice. Is that what Daddy saved my life for? - Asked furious.

- It's your fault, now take responsibility.

- What if I don't want to get married? What if I just want to live my life my way?

- What are you talking about? Where did you get this ridiculous idea?

- These customs don't make any sense. Why should we women bow our heads and accept such a ridiculous fate as having children for a man you were forced to have as your husband?

- They are traditions and should not be discussed, just obey and behave at dinner today - Amelia said ending the discussion.

...

The wine was served, the families were waiting for the official news, then Gaspar stood up with his glass in his hand.

- I apologize for discreetly admiring you. I tried to fight, and even flogged myself  , but my thoughts continued to betray me. Since I have no way to go against such feelings, I want to take you as my wife and assume my mistake.

Gaspar bowed his head, in awe, and everyone at the table held their wine glasses while staring at Lilian, still unanswered.

Clenching her fists tightly, she was ready to face everyone and be condemned, but Nicolau held her hand below the table to calm her down.

Lilian stared at all the members present, and Victoria's desperate look was what caught her attention. It was like a message that claimed to be deciphered. She lowered her head in thought and remembered the words of her brother and his friend Ligia: - We all have to make sacrifices.

- I will be honored to be your wife. I will give you children and make your name and that of your descendants grow - Lilian said, with a neutral expression. As if a robot was there, in its place.

As the days went by, regret struck. Lilian thought of various forms of escape. There would be no place, on the Hideaway, where she could hide, she knew every bit of land by heart. And for Nicolau, it wasn't easy either. Now, without Michele, what other adventures would he have? All they had left was that little piece of paradise, the field of sunflowers, where he could relax her thoughts and enjoy the purity of the air.

...

It was there, a girl napping. His snoring drew attention. As much as he didn't want to interfere with her peace of mind, he needed to warn her that this was also his resting place.

- Hi?

The girl opened her eyes, and when she saw a strange face in front of her, she prepared to run. Nicolau was quick to grab his arm and prevent his escape.

- You don't have to leave!

The girl calmed down, and her breathing gradually returned to normal. She was dirty and barefoot, she stank of mud and her hair looked stiff. Nicolau, after watching her, felt free to let her go.

- You arrived first so you can stay too ...

Like a flash, she was out of his sight. She ran so fast that you could barely see her in seconds. Nicolau wondered how a human could be so fast? but he didn't think much of the answers, he was too sad thinking about his future marriage.