Dark Lord in Twilight

In my territory, whoever caused trouble would dare to bother me if I didn't show that this land was mine. Tom considered the surroundings of his new home his own domain. Many strange events had unfolded around his previous home, and he was determined not to let the same happen again.

This time, Tom would ensure that everyone knew who ruled this place. As he moved toward the area in question, his body evaporated into black mist, just as it always had. The color of the evaporation spell varied according to the wizard's heart—white for so-called "pure" wizards like Dumbledore and Harry. But Tom's was black, a reflection of his true nature.

When he arrived, he saw a blond man holding a child. Wolves surrounded them, their fangs bared. At first glance, it seemed as though the wolves were attacking the man and the child. However, Tom knew better. The man was a vampire, and the child in his grasp was human. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation might assume that the vampire intended to drink the child's blood and that the wolves were merely trying to protect him.

But these weren't ordinary wolves. Tom could sense that they had power, enough to challenge even a vampire. Yet, they were different from the werewolves he had encountered before. Traditional werewolves stood on two legs, resembling monstrous hybrids of human and beast. These creatures, however, were more like massive, intelligent wolves.

Allowing death here would be an insult to me, Tom thought. If killings occurred on his land without consequence, others would lose their fear and dare to challenge his authority. He couldn't allow that. If bodies were constantly found near his home, the local authorities might grow suspicious, which would be inconvenient.

Today, by punishing these creatures, he would set an example. Others would learn to fear him.

Tom raised his wand and took slow, deliberate steps forward. He would make sure that everyone understood who he was. With a swift motion, he created a barrier that prevented any living beings from escaping the area. He had found this spell in the restricted section of the Hogwarts library years ago. It was obscure, ancient, and powerful.

The wolves immediately sensed that something was wrong. They glanced around, their instincts screaming at them that something unnatural had just happened. Then, their eyes fell on Tom. The vampire had noticed him earlier, of course—his enhanced senses allowed him to hear Tom's heartbeat even from a distance. But he had dismissed the wizard as insignificant. As far as he was concerned, anyone with a beating heart was no threat to him.

That assumption would cost him dearly.

Tom shifted his gaze to the child. The boy was unconscious, but from what Tom could see, he had no fatal injuries. That meant the vampire hadn't had time to feed on him—fortunate for the vampire, because Tom had no tolerance for creatures that disregarded his authority.

With a flick of his wand, Tom sent a wave of force outward. The wolves surrounding the vampire were thrown aside as if they weighed nothing. These creatures, strong as they were, could do nothing against him. Their bodies hit the ground with heavy thuds, unable to resist the power he wielded.

The vampire's eyes widened in disbelief. Dealing with even one of these wolves was a challenge, something that could very well cost him his life. Yet, this man had incapacitated all of them in an instant.

The vampire's grip on the child tightened. His mind raced. Was this wizard an enemy? Did he want the boy for himself? He couldn't afford to take any chances. With careful movements, he lifted the child and held him out toward Tom.

"Sir, I haven't harmed the child in any way. Please forgive me," the vampire pleaded, hoping to appease the powerful figure before him.

Tom did not respond. Instead, he waved his wand once more and cast the Cruciatus Curse.

The vampire screamed as he collapsed onto the ground, writhing in agony. The pain was indescribable, an overwhelming torment that made his nerves feel like they were being set on fire. Tom watched with satisfaction. He had no intention of killing the creature—not yet. He merely wanted to demonstrate what happened to those who dared to defy him.

The child, now free from the vampire's grasp, slumped to the ground. Tom glanced at him. The boy looked about ten years old. He had suffered minor injuries when he fell earlier, and blood trickled from a wound on his arm. With a lazy wave of his wand, Tom reversed the flow of blood, sending it back into the boy's veins before sealing the wound shut.

He had no interest in harming an innocent. Ruthless as he was, he had no reason to punish the child.

The werewolves, meanwhile, were recovering from their earlier shock. They were wary now, keeping their distance from Tom. They didn't like him, but they understood that he was dangerous. Unless they had no other choice, they would not engage him in battle.

The vampire, still shuddering from the aftershocks of the curse, slowly regained consciousness. He opened his eyes just in time to see Tom raising his wand again. Before he could react, a powerful force struck him in the chest, sending him flying backward. The impact rattled his entire body, and he could feel several bones breaking upon landing.

The vampire gasped, his strength failing him. He had never encountered a human who could do this to him. He had never thought it possible. Fear gripped his mind as he struggled to move.

Then, he did the only thing he could do—he knelt.

"Please..." the vampire rasped, bowing his head. "Please don't kill me. I will do whatever you ask. Spare my life, sir. I beg you."

Tom looked down at him, unimpressed. A pathetic display. Still, this vampire might prove useful.

Perhaps it would be amusing to have a servant for a while.