Shadows of London: 3-10 The Expected and Unexpected

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A stranger dressed as a holy man appears before Caroline with a cunning look in his eyes. Who is he?

Info

Style: No dress-up component Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 1 , 1 , 1

Dialogue Choices

Depending on your choices in previous stages

• If you chose both:
  • I trust Jesse in Shadows of London: 3-3 The Gates of Death
  • and There's something else I need you to do in Shadows of London: 3-9 Return to the Opera House
    • Album: We Are Othello
    • Stage event 1/3
    • Unlock Shadows of London: 3-11 Shakespeare at Night
• Otherwise:
  • Continue to Prompt 1

Prompt 1

Prompt: (But what's going on outside the carriage? Should I take the risk?)

• Leave with the dagger
  • Album: We Are Othello
  • Stage event 2/3
  • Unlock Shadows of London: 3-11 Shakespeare at Night
• Keep hiding in the carriage
  • Stage event 3/3
  • Ending: Descendants of Cain

Transcript

Expand for script.

• My plan was to dress up like my mother, proclaim that I would be taking up the role she played in "Othello", and venture out alone late at night.
• I did all this to incite the Elder's wrath and provoke him to appear before a weak human like me.
• But I never imagined that the leader of the Blood Clan, who has ruled over London for more than two centuries, to look like this solemn and dignified middle-aged man seated before me. Is this really him?
• You: Good evening, sir.

• You: You seem to know me, yet I don't know your name.

• His mouth curls as he glances at the empty coachman seat.
• ???: What would Madam Petit think if she saw her beloved niece disregard etiquette and drive out alone late at night?

• You: (Is he threatening me with my aunt’s safety?!)

• At this moment, I pray that my aunt is kept safe, whether it is by Mr. Erskine, the Strait of Dover, or a god.
• But no matter what, I must be the first line of defense.
• You: I had no choice but to do something unexpected.

• You: My aunt isn't a foolish woman. She understands that one's life must come before etiquette.

• You: If she knew about my current predicament, the actions she would take may be far more daring than mine...

• I carefully observe the man in front of me while deliberately stalling for time, hoping to discover any flaws that would reveal his true identity and give me an advantage.
• His attire gives me an idea, and I decide to take a stab in the dark.
• You: Besides, I'm sure you know exactly what happened to my coachman, Pastor William Akerman.

• He reveals a dark smile upon hearing this, satisfied with my response.
• ???: You're smarter than you let on, Miss Rayes. Well then, let me.

• He slides past me to the coachman's seat, and I catch a faint whiff of something rotten.
• He picks up the reins and whip, and urges the horse forward.

• My nerves heighten as the carriage moves forward, and I can hardly resist the urge to touch the silver dagger hidden in my cloak.
• You: (Stay calm. Now's not the time to confront him yet.)

• William Akerman isn't in a hurry to speak either. He drives the carriage silently, his white hair fluttering gently in the night breeze.
• But for some reason, despite his appearance, he doesn't exude the aura of a holy man. Instead, a chilling fear begins to seep into my heart.
• You: It's an honor to finally meet you, saint of the Eastern District.

• William Akerman: Saint of the Eastern District?

• You: The people of the Eastern District still remember that you helped them thirteen years ago, and miss you greatly.

• His sinister smile appears once again.
• I discover something strange then. Under the moonlight, his skin seems to glow with a pale, cold light, just like his hair.
• William Akerman: Do they really still miss me?

• William Akerman: I'm not surprised, I suppose. A kiss from the Blood Clan brings more happiness than freezing or starving to death on the streets.

• You: Did you really hand them over to your ally for their happiness?

• William Akerman: Ally?

• You: The Elder of the Blood Clan who's lurked in London for two hundred years. Irad, the vampire you made a deal with.

• You: You provided him with a constant supply of blood, but what did he give you in return? It must be something very valuable.

• After a moment of silence, he starts to chuckle softly.
• Chilling fear takes hold of me, my body growing rigid.
• His deep laughter continues unabated, as if he has no need to pause for breath.
• William Akerman: What a brave little girl you are! Has no one ever told you that this name is not to be uttered?

• He turns his head to face me, his blood-red eyes filled with contempt.
• You: (He's no human! He's a vampire!)

• My teeth are chattering as if I've never seen a vampire before, and every cell in my body screams at me to run away.
• Perhaps it's because his eyes are completely different from Vincent's. Vincent's crimson eyes are dim and profound, while his blaze like wild and violent flames.
• You: Who... are you?

• Was Pastor William turned into a vampire, or was he, like the Baroness, serving the Elder from the very beginning?
• William Akerman: Why are you so surprised? Thy own affiliation with mine ilk was not forged in a mere fleeting moment.

• William Akerman: At this juncture, feigning such an air of innocence doth seem futile.

• His tone suddenly changes as he starts using archaic terms.
• It is unlike the old-fashioned tone my grandfather used. It sounds ancient, exuding the scent of musty pages.
• My eyes widen and everything starts to make sense.
• You: ...You're Irad... the Elder?

• William Akerman: So I am. Fortunately, Lavinia's daughter is no fool.

• You: But... how is this possible... you—

• William Akerman: Art thou doubting the connection betwixt William Akerman and myself?

• He uses archaic terms again, as if he were reciting lines from a Shakespearean play.
• The eloquence with which he crafts his sentences gives me the impression that he has, in fact, experienced multiple centuries.
• William Akerman: Mere humans can scarcely be deemed worthy of being called an ally of the Blood Clan.

• William Akerman: William Akerman's body simply serves as a vessel. Even so, this body is far from adequate.

• He gazes at me, as I'm frozen in my seat. Suddenly, he reveals a malicious smile and undoes the two buttons on his collar.
• You: *gasp*

• I can't quite make out what's hidden beneath his robe in the darkness, but the overpowering odor of decay and blood makes me avert my gaze instinctively.
• It's almost as though his body has died and revived countless times. The overwhelming scent of rot makes me nauseous.
• William Akerman: Do you feel it? This daily repetition of pain and despair... just like Sisyphus' punishment...

• William Akerman: That's why I need you.

• My stomach clenches. He casually opens his collar, and masks some of the smell with a scented scarf.
• William Akerman: Don't worry, Caroline, your body won't endure such torture.

• The rotten smell occasionally wafts in with the night breeze. I feel a sour taste rising in my throat and anxiously edge towards the window.
• You: What do you mean?

• William Akerman: The true power of the Blood Clan originates from our undying blood. The fragile human body is incapable of withstanding such power.

• William Akerman: When undying blood resides within a mortal body, it initiates a cycle of death and rebirth.

• William Akerman: But you are no ordinary human. Your body transformed into an undying vessel while in your mother's womb.

• William Akerman: Isn't that incredible? Your body will never decay, and always remain in its prime.

• His gaze traces the curves of my body, not in a lascivious manner, but in a way that sends shivers down my spine.
• You: That means nothing to me. I'll be dead by then.

• William Akerman: Abandon your narrow perspectives, little girl. You won't die. You'll live forever.

• William Akerman: Your soul will merge with mine. You will experience the exquisite taste of blood, wield unparalleled power--

• You: Shut up. I'm going to throw up.

• I rush to the window and stick my head out. He laughs from behind me, sounding genuinely happy.
• After vomiting up my dinner, I wipe my mouth weakly and scan the surroundings.
• You: This isn't the way home. Where are you taking me?

• William Akerman: To meet an old friend.

• He sneers and shakes the reins.

• The carriage continues to move steadily. I lean weakly against my seat, my mind spinning rapidly.
• I have to admit that Irad the Elder is quite different from the image I had in mind.
• He is not easily angered, nor is he disturbed by simple provocations.
• What's more important is that from the start of our conversation, he has been deliberately suppressing and manipulating my momentum, leaving me completely powerless to resist.
• Just like Othello's tight grip on Desdemona's throat.
• ...Maybe it's time to adjust the plan.

• The carriage takes several turns and eventually arrives at an unfamiliar alley.
• You: I don't have any old friends to meet. Let me go home!

• William Akerman: What a heartless girl you are! Is this how you treat a loyal friend who risked their life to save you?

• You: (A loyal friend who risked their life to save me?!)

• You: You mean...

• ???: ...

• William Akerman: We're here. Come here and take the reins, child. There are no servants here to serve you.

• He jumps off the carriage and throws the reins towards a shadowy corner. Something I initially thought was a pile of trash suddenly stirs and shifts.
• I stay inside the carriage but stick my head out of the window, eyes wide as I try to determine if he is addressing the person I have been searching for.
• ???: I... I can't. Master. I can't get close to her—

• William Akerman: And I'm telling you it's fine, Jesse. Do you think I would let you harm a hair on my precious vessel?

• You: Jesse?!

• Jesse Lindvall: ...

• His figure slowly emerges under the moonlight.
• It's hard to describe, but he is astonishingly thin. His once radiant golden hair has lost its luster, and his skin is now as pale as limestone.
• He lowers his eyes, deliberately avoiding eye contact with me. His long eyelashes cast mottled shadows on his face, making it hard to discern his expression.
• You: Jesse... Jesse...

• William Akerman: Oh? Didn't you just say that you didn't have any old friends to meet? How fickle a woman's heart is.

• He laughs scornfully and hangs the whip back on the coachman's seat.
• William Akerman: Don't glare at me like that. He did this to himself.

• William Akerman: You should know that a vampire's body can heal rapidly, but we require a significant amount of fresh blood to do so. He just hasn't drunk enough yet.

• William Akerman: Once he feeds on, let's say, twenty to thirty more humans, he'll be back at his peak.

• William Akerman: But the Blood Clan has its rules, and this is his just punishment for repeatedly defying my will.

• You: He defied you repeatedly?

• I look back and forth between them in astonishment. Jesse continues to hang his head low, showing no intention of defending himself.
• William Akerman: You're aware, of course, that he once saved you from my ghouls.

• William Akerman: That was his first act of defiance, but I went easy on him for the sake of your friendship.

• William Akerman: But this rebellious young gentleman thought that he could defy his destiny...

• William Akerman: He returned to his human family without permission, hoping to be accepted, but well... hah!

• William Akerman: The humans did just as I expected them to!

• You: !

• I suddenly understand why the Lindvalls fled London so hastily.
• The Countess' eyes were filled with tears of sorrow, not just because she was abandoned by her family...
• Jesse once said, "if I were to die some day, the only ones who would miss me would be Edward, my sister, and you."
• He was right all along. My body trembles slightly, not out of fear, but out of anger, fury, and despair.

• Roger Evans: Do you really think the Lindvall family is completely unaware of these circumstances?

• Roger Evans: Do you really think that the strange condition of Jesse Lindvall's body didn't arouse their suspicions?

• Roger Evans: Do you really think the Lindvall family left London just to avoid the epidemic?

• Roger Evans: Face reality, Caroline. For Jesse Lindvall's family, the best thing would be for them to believe that Jesse is dead.

• Edward Grey: Since I'm unable to convince you, I can only remind you--

• Edward Grey: Humans and vampires are enemies by nature. Even if vampires have been in hiding for several centuries, this fact remains the same.

• Edward Grey: Once vampires appear in the vicinity of humans, it means a war is about to begin.

• Enemies by nature.
• Doctor Grey repeatedly warned me that humans and vampires cannot coexist.
• But as someone who is half-human and half-vampire, I believe that love can overcome these hurdles.
• However, not everyone is as lucky as I am to experience such steadfast and selfless love.
• William Akerman: Indeed, little Caroline.

• William Akerman: You're a lucky person, and you should cherish your good fortune.

• You: !

• William Akerman, or rather Irad the Elder, sees through my thoughts and calmly speaks bewitching words.
• He opens the carriage door and even extends his hand to me in a gentlemanly manner, waiting for me to leave the carriage willingly.
• My palms are sweaty.
• And his outstretched hand is steady and pale, yet possesses unrivaled power.
• You: Are you planning to seize my body tonight as your new vessel?

• William Akerman: I'm not going to "seize" you, Caroline. That's ungentlemanly.

• William Akerman: I am simply inviting Lavinia's daughter to join me and Jesse Lindvall in eternal life.

• Jesse Lindvall: Caroline...

• Jesse looks up for the first time, looking at me nervously.
• His once amethyst eyes have taken on a crimson hue, yet the anguish and sorrow within them remain familiar.
• That's the Jesse Lindvall I remember.
• The moment our eyes meet, I make a decision.
• You: I can give myself to you.

• Jesse Lindvall: No! Caroline—

• You: But I have one condition: let Jesse go.

• Jesse Lindvall: !

• William Akerman: Oh?

• He tilts his head and glances at Jesse playfully.
• You: Let Jesse be free. Stop controlling him. Let him go wherever he wants.

• You: Can you fulfill this wish of mine, Irad the Elder?

• He retracts his hand and narrows his eyes, studying my expression intently. There is a brief silence as he contemplates my offer.
• Jesse Lindvall: No! Caroline, it's impossible, he won't—

• William Akerman: Shut up, Jesse. I rarely feel magnanimous.

• William Akerman: Is this your wish, Caroline? Will you not regret it?

• You: I won't.

• He stares at me, his crimson pupils getting darker.
• William Akerman: You really are Lavinia's daughter... The look in your eyes...

• William Akerman: You look exactly as she did back then.

• Irad: You're crazy, Lavinia.

• Irad: What do you want? You've refused to eat, to hunt, and even refused me! Stop this nonsense!

• Lavinia: Calm down, Master...

• Irad: Look into my eyes and call me by my name! Only you have the right to speak my name!

• Lavinia: ...I do not wish to argue with you, Irad.

• Lavinia: We've argued for two centuries now, but our problems remain unresolved.

• Irad: That's because of your stubbornness. I've been waiting for you to repent, Lavinia, and I've been patient enough.

• Irad: When will you stop siding with the humans?

• Irad: Such pathetic creatures... They're only worthy to be our meals. Stop wasting your efforts on them.

• Lavinia: As I said, arguing won't solve our problems.

• Irad: Is that why you're trying something different now? Going to play pretend in a marriage with a human?

• Irad: If I were to allow it, how long would this meaningless marriage even last? Fifty years?

• Irad: You would give up eternal happiness with me to be with a human who will only live for a few decades?

• Lavinia: ... "Eternal happiness"?

• Lavinia: You're right. It's just fifty years. So, will you allow it?

• Irad: What?

• Lavinia: Just indulge my childish willfulness for these fifty years.

• Lavinia: Fifty years from now, Cyril Rayes will die, and I will return to your side. Is that okay?

• Irad: ...

• Lavinia: But during these fifty years, you must not interfere in my life. Grant me my freedom, and let me live the life I want.

• Lavinia: Can you promise me this, Irad?

• Irad: Look me in the eyes, Lavinia. Do you love me?

• Lavinia: ...

• Lavinia: You're the only one, Irad. You granted me immortality, and I will never forget that day.

• Irad: Then go... go, Lavinia. Remember... just fifty years.

• William Akerman: Fifty years... Hah, it didn't even get to fifty years. And now she's gone forever.

• William Akerman: She lied...

• He murmurs these words, looking at me with strange fervor.
• William Akerman: Your mother was foolish to give up eternal life and happiness so willingly. But she is still my one true love.

• William Akerman: So, for her sake, I will grant your wish, Caroline.

• William Akerman: However, you must also keep your promise.

• He glances at me coldly. I take a deep breath.
• You: I promise.

• A strange smile appears on his face as he turns to look at Jesse.
• William Akerman: What are you waiting for, Jesse? Come and bid Miss Rayes farewell.

• Jesse stiffens. He remains silent for a full minute before slowly making his way towards me with heavy steps.
• I glance at the Elder, who's smiling happily.
• William Akerman: Are you satisfied now, child?

• He folds his hands together, but his collar is still unbuttoned.
• His cologne can no longer mask the putrid smell, and the smell of death wafts into my nostrils.
• Jesse Lindvall: Caroline...

• Jesse takes slow steps, approaching the carriage. His body trembles with increasing intensity, as if battling with intense emotions.
• I anxiously gaze at him, biting my lip tightly, reaching out my hand towards him. This should be the last time we'll ever meet.
• You: Jesse!

If you chose "I trust Jesse" in 3-3 and "There's something else I need you to do" in 3-9

• Jesse Lindvall: Run... away!

• You: !

• William Akerman: What?

• As Jesse utters those two words, I duck quickly, evading his fangs.
• Just as I do so, a gust of wind swiftly blows past me.
• Countless black crows shriek as they fly straight towards Jesse.
• ???: I told you, Caroline.

• He sounds just as tense and composed as always, even amidst the chaotic flapping of wings.
• Vincent Savile: Jesse may not have full control over his body.
• Jesse Lindvall: Mr. Savile!

• Vincent suddenly appears from the darkness and grabs Jesse's carotid artery with his fingers.

• It may not seem like much, but his hand tenses, ready to shatter Jesse's skull in an instant if need be.
• You: And I told you, Vincent.

• You: I will carry a weapon with me.

• I finally draw out the silver dagger hidden in my cloak.
• And press it quickly against the Elder's open collar.
• William Akerman: You!

• As soon as the silver blade touches his flesh, I hear a sizzling sound. A burnt smell quickly replaces the stench of decay.
• William Akerman: Urgh...

• He lets out a suppressed scream from his inhuman throat. I use all my strength to hold the blade firmly against his skin.
• You: I did a pretty good job tonight playing the role of Desdemona, didn't I, Irad the Elder?

• You: But I'm sorry. I'm no Desdemona. I, like my mother, am Othello.

If you chose "No way!" in 3-3 or "Would you do it?" in 3-9

• Vincent Savile: Duck, Caroline!

• William Akerman: !

• You: Ah!

• I duck without hesitation as a chill wind brushes past my cheeks.
• The crows' sharp cries, along with inhuman roars and the sounds of teeth gnashing ring in my ears.
• I don't dare to even imagine who's biting whom.
• My trembling fingers graze against the dagger I hid in my cloak.
• I grit my teeth and finally yank it out.
• You: (But what's going on outside the carriage? Should I take the risk?)

Leave with the dagger

• You: (I can't keep hiding forever and leave Vincent to face danger alone!)

• The cold gem on the dagger urges me forward silently. I take another deep breath, pointing the dagger outward, and dash out.
• You: (Papa, Mama—bless me!)

• It feels like my parents are right by my side.
• For I rushed out at precisely the right moment.
• William Akerman: Urgh...

• A small cut grazes my cheek and a drop of blood oozes out.
• And the temptation of this blood momentarily distracts the Elder.
• As soon as the silver blade touches his flesh, I hear a sizzling sound. A burnt smell quickly replaces the stench of decay.
• He lets out a suppressed scream from his inhuman throat. I use all my strength to hold the blade firmly against his skin.
• You: I did a pretty good job tonight playing the role of Desdemona, didn't I, Irad the Elder?

• You: But I'm sorry. I'm no Desdemona. I, like my mother, am Othello.

Keep hiding in the carriage

• You: (P...perhaps it would be safer to wait...)

• The hand that's clutched around the dagger is still trembling. I start to hyperventilate, anxiously listening for any movement outside the carriage.
• But the sounds of fighting have vanished.
• I don't hear the crows or any screams. Only an eerie silence remains.
• You: (Did... Vincent win?)

• I can no longer hold myself back and cautiously stick my head out to see what's happened...
• Jesse Lindvall: No!

• Jesse Lindvall: No, no... Caroline, why, why, why—!

• You: Uh, ah...

• You: Jesse...?

• He embraces me intimately, his lips and teeth touching my skin.
• Something touches my cheek. I look up to see Irad smiling as he tastes my blood on his finger.
• Jesse Lindvall: I can't control... I can't control myself...

• I hear his sobbing and uncontrollable gulping, and I really wish I could stroke his hair and tell him it's not his fault...
• It's mine. I've failed.
• As my consciousness dims, I catch a glimpse of Vincent from the corner of my eye. He's lying motionless in a nearby pond.
• His body is in pieces... like a dismembered doll.
• You: ...Vincent...

• And then, I fall into an eternal slumber.

• And so ends Caroline Rayes' life as a human girl.
• Her determination was commendable, her emotions pitiable, but she couldn't defy fate.
• Her body is now mine, and her soul is my thrall.
• And lo, I shall rise, and reclaim mine rightful place.

What determines your dagger's power is not its sharpness, but your courage and determination.
Even Vincent can't handle two vampires at the same time.
Ending [Descendants of Cain]