Things have been going pretty well in the US. Slacovich and the others are expanding their influence in the underground society, recruiting hunters of different specialties and helping them train throughout their stay at Sun University. Meanwhile, in the UK, where Harry and Sofie have stayed for four months already, they're still updated on the happenings regarding Slacovich and the others. Knowing that they're working on recruiting capable vampire hunters, both Harry and Sofie are relieved to know that there are still people willing to take the risk to protect the helpless.
Harry's been pretty busy salvaging chemicals from the burned-out laboratory of Volton Hellgazer. Some of the formulas are new to him, and others are useful for making the antidote that will dispose of the serum in their bodies. All these months, Sofie has been hiding the truth from her family, where she's been for a year, being far away from them. As the only daughter, they can't afford to lose her.
As night falls, Sofie is called by her mother, the Queen. She hurries to her side and asks what she can help with. Being called so late at night, she wonders what her mom wants to talk about. As she steps closer, she sees the Queen looking at her with contentment. She's been naughty in the past, but now that she's returned, her relationship with her parents seems to be blossoming, they're very open with each other now. Hiding what she really turned out to be is making her heart ache.
"Mother, is there anything you want to talk about? Is it something important for you to call me out at night?" She puts a jacket on her mother's back.
"My dear, for the past years, I've been thinking about when you would be able to take over the title as Queen. In this modern day, all that's left for us is the title. The people's respect is just passed down by generation. Our existence as royals ends up being just a figure they talk about."
"What do you mean, Mother?"
"I guess it's the right time to pass the crown. You're my only daughter. I'll be more relieved knowing you're the one who's going to take over my throne."
"Mother, I'm honored, but I don't think I'm worthy to be called Queen. I've caused you trouble in the past, I faked my death, and now----"
"Hush, sweetie, it's all in the past. I don't even mind what you did before. All that matters to me is that you're back safely."
"But Mother, there's one thing you need to know before you pass the throne to me."
"I'm willing to listen." As her mother looks her in the eye, she then changes into her vampire form. Her eyes turn red, her fangs show, and her face changes slightly. The Queen takes a few steps back as she sees her daughter turn into a vampire. She lets out a sigh and steps closer, gently caressing her cheek as she kisses her forehead.
"You're a vampire. I already knew it even before you came back. All your whereabouts this past year, I know them all."
"You do? How come? That's why you never believed I died?"
"I'll tell you how, but first I want to take you to the most important place that only the Queen can access." Sofie and the Queen enter the hallway of the palace. At the side of the stairs, there's a secret door that appears when the Queen twists an antique vase.
"Where does this door lead to?"
"You'll find out when we get there." Both of them enter the secret door and go down the stairs. At the end lies a long hallway with walls that have large framed painted portraits. They all look like knights. The crest on their armor is the symbol of the Queen. At the end of the hallway is another door which they open. They go inside a very wide room filled with armors and swords. There's also a mini library with books that seem old.
"Mother, what's all this?"
"As the next Queen, you have access to this room anytime you like."
"I know the Queen possesses some special authority, but I didn't know it's this."
"There's more to that. Now, wear this ring. This ring is the symbol of your authority over them."
"Them? What 'them'?" As Sofie's mother puts the ring on her ring finger, the legendary Black Knights suddenly fill the room. They all bow down to her in respect and acceptance as their new Queen.
"They are the legendary Black Knights. They've served past generation Queens. Only the Queen can summon and order them. You need them if you want to put a stop to your enemy's evil deeds."
"Mother, this is too much."
"It's not. You'll be able to make use of them for good. Even though you're a vampire now, you still have the heart of a human. Your willingness to risk your life to deliver safety to everyone, that's what a Queen should possess."
"Mother, if you really believe in me, then the best gift I can give you is the safety of the people around us." The two hug each other, and after a while, they leave the room and head back to their respective rooms to rest. Sofie stares at the ring in happiness. Now, she can help Slacovich with training the vampire hunters.
In the morning, everyone is very busy preparing for Sofie's coronation as the new Queen. As the crowning ceremony progresses, a few of Volton's men are present, hiding themselves in the crowd. Having Volton's blood in them, they perfectly blend in. The ceremony goes by peacefully; Sofie spots them but ignores them until they do something unwanted. After the special event, she calls Slacovich to inform them about the success of the ceremony. As the new Queen, she won't be able to go back soon to the company.
"Congratulations on being the Queen," Slacovich greets her the moment she calls.
"Thanks a lot. Seems like I'm going to stay here a little longer. With this responsibility, I can't just disappear again."
"I understand. You should focus there for now. By the way, any news on Volton's men?"
"I spotted three of his men during the coronation, but it seems they're just reporting things. They're not acting hostile."
"Just be careful. We don't really know how Volton's mind works. Whatever plan he's thinking, we should always be alert."
"I'll be on guard and also watch over Harry. He's been going back and forth from the burned laboratory salvaging useful chemicals."
"I see. You should be resting now. I bet the coronation exhausted you."
"Yeah, a bit. Tomorrow I need to go hunting. It's already been four months since the last time I drank blood."
"You should be careful on your way."
"I will, don't worry. Bye." As Sofie hangs up, she hears footsteps not far away from her mother's room. She sneaks out of her bedroom and stealthily watches three unknown figures whispering to each other. The scents seem familiar.
"Volton's men from the coronation." After confirming, she shows up in front of them in her vampire form.
"Look who's here, guys. The new Queen. Should we bow down?" They all chuckle in unison.
"The three of you stink a lot. Finding your location is a piece of cake. The palace smells of blooming flowers carried by the breeze, not some stinking dead rats lingering in my territory."
"You!" The three of them attack her at the same time. Before they can get a step closer, the legendary Black Knight's general steps in, draws his sword, and strikes them all in one quick draw.
"Ho ho, seems like I don't need to fight. Now, tell me, why did Volton send you here?" She moves forward, stepping on the neck of one of Volton's men, choking him.
"N-not g-gonna t-tell y-you anything!"
The Black Knight general stabs the other two in the heart. His sword, made of pure silver enchanted with flames that burn anyone it makes contact with, except for the holder, kills them. The two burn to death and dry up into ashes. The remaining one turns into a vampire and shrugs her off to the ground, then desperately runs for his life. But the Black Knight general blocks his way out, sealing every possible exit. He aims his sword right at the enemy's heart.
"Again, let me ask you one last time. Why did Volton send you here?"
"Master Volton won't even spare me. I'd rather die now than go back as a failure."
"Something seems odd." She observes the enemy and, to her surprise, is now facing a different enemy. His blood smells like Volton's.
"Heh, shocked? Maybe you already figured it out. We're no longer the ones you call failures. Master Volton has an army of the likes of you, obeying his every command, equally capable in both strength and agility."
"No, gotta be kidding me? You and the rest of your gang aren't comparable to me and my family. We're far superior to your almighty master."
"Prove it! You're no match for us."
"Since you want me to prove it, then I'll accommodate you with a full course of despair. Your presence here will help us to victory. As a sign of my gratitude, I'll let you live to see Volton's defeat." Her eyes glare at him as if she's devouring his very existence. Just a glare, yet he feels chills all over his spine that make him want to scream in fear.
Upon learning about Volton's new army, she informs Slacovich and the others. Sofie takes Harry with her to where she confines the captured vampire, guarded by the legendary Black Knights. Seeing them makes Harry feel both at ease and intimidated. Facing new sets of enemies means bloodier fights. The Vampire Hunters Society should be prepared for what's coming. Their current position is very edgy and fragile. They can't fight back just yet. They need to train their hunters mentally and physically. But how can they enhance their hunters' fighting skills?