THIRD PERSON POV

"Imperia is going to be a problem if I want to keep being the supreme leader of the Alliance. We need to find a way to get her out of the picture," Gotard was consulting his trusted advisor about Imperia's sudden existence in the Alliance.

"This is all Anastasia's fault. We should've killed her when we have the chance. I told you that she'll bound to give us more problems in the future," Gotard trusted advisor turn to face his superior.

"But ... as the pureblood vampire, Imperia will be a formidable opponent if she wishes to take your throne. What will you do then?" He asked. Gotard sigh. He doesn't know how to deal with this matter because he never even thought that there is a possibility of having to face a pureblood vampire.

He was well informed about the massive massacre to take out the pureblood from existence. Seems like they forget about some who lives in the shadows.

"We should act before she manages to poison the mind of the other clan leaders. If that happens, you won't stand a chance to keep your throne," that was what Gotard afraid of.

At the other side of the building, Anastasia was having fun reminiscing the expression Gotard has in his face when he learns about Imperia's true nature.

"This is amazing! Did you see how surprised he was? That was terrific! I owe you one, Lady Imperia," Imperia was enjoying her cup of tea. Anastasia always wonders about that.

"Anyway, how was it possible to even taste something other than blood? I've missed the time when I was human. At the time, I can taste everything but now ... all I can think of is blood," Imperia smile.

"We pureblood has a rather unique taste bud. Same goes to my lover," Imperia explained. She placed her cup on the table before facing Anastasia.

"So, what goes after this?" She asked, curious now that everyone knows about her.

"Well, it's time for me to grant your wish. Was it your wish to have the complete control of this world? We can think of something to overthrow Gotard from his throne. He's been too cosy with the things he has now," that piqued Imperia's interest.

"Why would you go to such trouble for me? We don't even know each other that well," Anastasia chuckled.

"It's enough for me to know that you're a worthy leader than Gotard. You're stronger than us all combine. You have the aura of a legend. Only idiots would try to fight you," Imperia suddenly chuckled when her mind wanders to her brother, Baracus.

"I certainly have met that idiot," both Keres and Imperia find it amusing.

"So, what would it be? War against the supreme leader? Or war against the humans and take everything by force?" Imperia shake her head no.

"For thousands of years, all I can say that war only brings out more trouble that solution. I believe there is a more peaceful way to deal with this kind of situation," Anastasia raised an eyebrow.

A vampire who wishes to have peace is a rare one. Anastasia was impressed by the vision Imperia has in her mind.

"And how would you achieve something without showing how powerful you are? Please enlighten me," Imperia smile.

"The answer to your question is actually around you, around us. Everything that you have now, was from the war against your own kind, am I right?" Anastasia slowly nod.

"Was it fulfilling? Was it worth the bloodshed you had cause to achieve this ?" Imperia gesture her arms around. Anastasia shakes her head. Imperia smile.

"That goes for humans as well. Sometimes human wanted to have more than what they bargain for. Thus, the creation of the artificial vampire happens. Automaton dolls, viral diseases, unknown viruses, all those things happen because human wish to be God," Imperia stood up from her seat and lean against the railing that oversees the city.

"Instead of acting like a bunch of monkeys, why don't we try to be civilised for a second. You'll be surprised by how much you can achieve by how smart you choose your words," Anastasia has more questions than answer by now.

"How?" Was all Anastasia said?

"Well by negotiating with the other clan leaders of course. Once we know what they want, we can easily manipulate your supreme leader. If we have their support behind us, the world will be mine to have," Imperia explained.

"Just like that? You wish to have the world by having a simple conversation with the other leaders? I never heard of such thing before. I thought vampires only make a decision using brute force," Imperia smile.

"There is no harm in using brute force when your first try didn't get you what you wish for. Again, what's the point of having the strength to kill thousands in seconds if you just let people walk all over you?" Imperia chuckled.

"Well, if you wish to have a conversation, I suggest we should start with Amy. She may look friendly but she is someone who you'll have trouble dealing with,"

"And why is that?" Imperia was curious.

"Because she only listens to Gotard after he saves her from a group of vampire hunters," Imperia raised an eyebrow.

"Vampire hunters? They still exist? And here I thought humans stop being a nuisance," Anastasia gives out a small laughter.

"I think we all know that humans will never stop being a nuisance. Isn't that our little entertainment? To see them die in vain?" Imperia join the laugh.

"I do enjoy seeing them struggling to find a way to live once we give them a lethal blow. Even with their modernise weapons, none will give me even a scratch. They all should fear me when they decided to take away my freedom," Anastasia nod.

"Yes, they should. After all, there is no one stronger than a pureblood,"

"Strength alone is not enough to be a great leader," Imperia smiled while her mind thinks of every possibility.

"I guess, now that I have your support behind me, it's easier for me to find merit for myself. show me something that will benefit me and my museum. It's almost time for me to go back and I don't want to meet my associate empty-handed," Anastasia pointed at one of the many vases in her room.

"Allegedly, that vase contains a spirit of a woman who died at birth. It was something I bought off from an underground auction since it's beautiful to put flowers on," Keres went to examined the vase and was intrigued by the design.

"Well, I think Hotep will find it amusing. Just don't let Miss Kingston near it," all eyes turn to Miss Kingston when they remembered how she accidentally released an ancient demon from a vase she broke.

"Oh come on! It's one time! One time!" Miss Kingston sigh.

***

On the flight back home, Miss Waters was just reading a magazine about the famous tale of the Bermuda Triangle when she had a thought. She looks up to Imperia who enjoying her glass of red wine.

"Lady Imperia, is it okay if I ask a few questions?" Imperia motion for her to continue.

"What do you think is going on in Bermuda Triangle? I mean, this place exists since Christopher Columbus's time and I am sure it exists way before that as well. There are probably thousands of cases where people, aircraft, and ships go missing without a trace," Miss Waters shows Imperia an article she read earlier.

"It's probably just His way to control the birth rate of this overpopulated earth," Miss Waters and the rest of humans we confused by that statement.

"You mean God?" Evangeline Imperia shrugged.

"If that's what you humans call Him. Bermuda Triangle exists way back through my time as well and we vampires avoided that place like a plague. It is rumoured to be a place where terrifying monsters reside. Whenever we have to travel across the world, we just have to make sure we didn't even come close to that area," Imperia placed her glass down and continue to read the article.

"Conspiracy theorist has their own opinion on things huh? It's debatable but ... the idea of the extraterrestrial being making that place as their dimensional gate to come to earth is one possibility too," Imperia chuckled at the idea.

"Humans ... when they think outside the box, their logic on things turns to the impossible," she handed the magazine back to Miss Waters.

"Tell me what you think, Miss Kingston. What is going on in the Bermuda Triangle?" Imperia was curious to what Miss Kingston has in mind.

"I think it's just a place where natural magnetic field met and that created the unexplained storms. Have you seen this movie where they literally being suck into a tornado? I forgot the name of that movie. I was binge watching it with my nieces and nephews one time," Miss Kingston was thinking hard for the movie's name.

"You mean the one with Dwayne Johnson and Vanessa Hudgens with that short guy?" Daphne asked. Miss Kingston nod.

"Journey 2, mysterious island," Evangeline replied.

"Yes! That movie. Basically, my theory is, it serves as a temporary pathway, to guide those who venture into the storms. Probably those who lost at sea ended up in some island. They can't simply build a raft or miraculously build a hot air balloon. The storms will kill them. I doubt anyone would leave a submarine like in the movie," Miss Kingston finished her theory. They chuckled.

"You have a very, very wild imagination," Keres voiced out her opinion. Miss Kingston shrugged.

"Those who manage to escape the storm said that they went through a bright tunnel. But I think it's just an illusion made by their mind at the time. It's probably just an electrical storm," she added.

"So basically you're saying that the Bermuda Triangle is actually a hoax? It's nothing paranormal, or anything weird about it?" Evangeline was curious.

"No ... it's just Mother Nature being herself. Look, I appreciate every opinion and this is mine. What do you think of Bermuda Triangle, Musashi?" Musashi was busy stuffing her mouth with food when all eyes were on her.

"I think it's scary. Imagine if I have my old body and being suck into the storm. That would break me apart!" She said with her mouth full and continued to eat since she got bored by the long travel.

Imperia was shaking her head.

"I think it would be fun to visit Bermuda Triangle. Think about all the artefact we could find there. Who knows, we might find Amelia Earhart still alive, and hasn't aged one bit?" Everyone thought that Imperia was joking around but she actually being serious.

They were making jokes about it but Keres know too well to never doubt the queen.

"What do you have in mind, Imperia?" Imperia smiled while looking out of the window and see nothing but clouds.

"Imagine the pirate's treasures and ships that carried valuable things that were left in Bermuda Triangle. We could make another discovery that no one has ever seen before. I doubt the humans can handle being in such a horrible situation," Imperia then look over to the humans who talks about the possibilities of the extraterrestrial existence.

"We can always send the vampire brides for an errand. What's the point of having dozens of them and not gonna use them for our own gain?" Keres has a point.

"Make the arrangement as soon as we landed," Imperia can't ignore the fact that Evangeline has been stealing glances at her since they talk about Bermuda Triangle.

"What is it, Evangeline?" Evangeline was startled by the sudden call. She quickly shakes her head and apologises for listening in.

"What is it?" Imperia asked once more.

"With us talking about Bermuda Triangle, it reminded me of my parent's conversation when my mother was alive. They're both intrigued by the idea of Bermuda Triangle even existed and ... it always an interesting topic for us to talk over dinner. It reminds me of the good old days," Evangeline expression changes.

"I sense ... sadness," Imperia tilted her head.

"After her mother died, her father rarely talks or even ask for her well being. The death of his wife was hard for him to handle," Daphne joins the conversation and calms her friend.

"It's almost your mother death anniversary, right?" Daphne asked. Evangeline gave her friend a little nod. That pique Imperia's interest.

"Should I accompany you this year too?" Evangeline nod again.

"Is it okay if I ... accompany you as well? I would like to meet your father," Imperia smiled.

***

"Hmmm ... I can totally imagine your mother living here. It's serene but I probably won't be able to live here," Imperia look around the neighbourhood and smile whenever someone walking past her.

"Why? It's a beautiful gated community," Daphne question.

"That exactly it. Why would I ever live in a gated community where powerless human live? It reminds me of the time when my father used to let his human slaves run around his maze and let his pet went loose just for entertainment," Evangeline and Daphne stops taking their belonging from the trunk of the car before looking at each other.

"What? It's true," Imperia shrugged her shoulder before leaning her back against the car.

"Didn't you bring any change of clothes? We're going to be here for a few days," Evangeline asked.

"There is no need for that. The vampire brides can help me with that," both Evangeline and Daphne rolled their eyes. They almost forgot that they're talking to a former queen.

"Let's meet my father," Evangeline lead the way followed by Daphne and Imperia. Evangeline knocks on the door before a woman in her late 30's opens the door.

"I'm so glad you decided to come home," the woman said before hugging Evangeline.

"I see you decided to accompany her this year too, Daphne," they smiled and hugged each other.

"And I don't think you ever came here before," Imperia looks down at the woman's hand when she offered for her to shake. She looks up to the humans with confusing looks.

"Am I suppose to shake her hand?" Daphne faces palms herself before facing the woman.

"Aunt Beatrice, she's foreign. She doesn't shake hands. You actually bow to her," Beatrice was confused but she bows in the end.

"I never heard of any custom that require me to bow before. It's fun to learn new things," Daphne face Imperia.

"Aunt Beatrice is actually an anthropologist herself but she mainly focuses on finding a killer," Beatrice chuckled.

"I work with the police to solve crimes. I just love to be alive with bones and ... rotting flesh," Imperia flashing her gentle smile.

"We both has the same interest ..."

"Beatrice, who's at the door?" Imperia turned to the corner to see a bearded man looking surprised when his eyes landed on Evangeline.

"Oh ... you came. Your mother would be happy to see you," Imperia raised an eyebrow at how nonchalant her father acted.

"Even my father show a lot of hatred towards me when I came home back in the day," Beatrice sigh.

"It's always been this way after my sister died. I always told him to be more open minded since Evangeline decided to be like her mother. He totally against it when her daughter decided to take anthropology. Did she told you that?" Imperia shake her head no.

"She said she doesn't want to lose his child over a curse but Evangeline won't listen. She just does whatever she wants, just like Angel herself. Like mother like daughter huh?" Imperia smiled as she remembered how stubborn her only human friend was.

Soon the home was filled with family and friends who want to pay their respect for the departed one. Imperia was walking around, enjoying herself watching humans interact with each other.

"Have you heard about the new museum? They're going to exhibit an exclusive sword that they found inside THE Musashi battleship wreck. Do you think it's a hoax?" Imperia pretend to indulge herself with food while listening in.

"Come on, even with the robots they can't explore the whole seabed for it. It's like ... thousands of feet under the ocean! I think it's a hoax. It's just some publicity stunt made by the curator to lure gullible people," Imperia was offended.

She squeezes a whole bunch of finger sandwiches making them turn their attention to her.

"Sorry ... there's pickle," Imperia smile.

"I think you're right. It's a new museum and they need a newer attraction every now and then. Their first exhibit was ... quite okay in my opinion but ... a sword from the battleship Musashi that belongs to the naval admiral himself? That's far-fetched," they laughed.

"Come to think of it, Evangeline is working in the museum as well right? What can she achieve from a start-up museum like that? And to make things worst, that good-for-nothing anthropologist is actually the head of the researcher in the museum," they continued to laugh.

"What was her name again? Rita Waters?" One of the guys shakes his head.

"That is the archaeologist who decided to be with the good-for-nothing side. Her name is Elly Kingston. You do remember her right? The one who wear those funny looking clothes all the time?" They all laughed even harder.

"I do remember her. She's the one who took over Angel's project, The Golden Casket?" they nod.

"I heard you fired her from your museum? Is it because her exhibitions don't give you that much profit?" The man shrugged his shoulder.

"That and because it took that much money just to maintain every single artefact that came with the exhibition. When Angel was alive, I was afraid of her husband. Now that she's gone, and Elly took over, it's easy for me to fire her without worrying about anything it may cause," Imperia literally squeeze her champagne glass hard enough to break it into pieces.

Everyone turns to her direction and wonder what is going on.

"Sorry, the champagne was that good. Gentleman, may I join your conversation?" The group of curators were looking down at her bleeding hand instead of acknowledging her request.

"But your hand is bleeding. WE NEED A FIRST AID KIT!" They were frantic about the gushing wound but Imperia took this chance and snap her fingers to calm everyone down.

"Hmm ... honestly, little blood never kills me before," she licked her wound to heal it and snap her fingers again to make them all forget about that little incident.

"Now, gentleman, where were we?" Imperia smiled and casually joined the conversation.