MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Chapter 343: Daylight nightmare

A heavy silence fell over the group as they digested this information. The woods loomed ever closer, a dark line on the horizon that seemed to grow more menacing with each step their horses took.

As they approached the forest's edge, Blake felt a mix of determination and fear coursing through him. They had left the vampire city behind, embarking on a quest that would challenge them in ways they couldn't yet imagine. But with Rose's life hanging in the balance, there was no turning back now.

"Whatever happens," Blake said, his voice steady as he addressed his companions, "we face it together. For Rose."

Blake sat atop his horse, his eyes scanning the dense foliage before them. The forest loomed dark and forbidding, its ancient trees seeming to whisper secrets to one another in the gentle late noon breeze.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its harsh rays beat down upon the group. One by one, Reggie, Randall, and Dumphries pulled up their hoods, shielding their sensitive vampire skin from the burning light.

They had kept every other part of their body covered from the get go except their heads but now the sun ray was getting too intense for even them to endure. Staying too long in it could mean they were risking getting weak and possibly passing out before the unthinkable occurred.Blake, however, remained uncovered, seemingly unbothered by the sun's intensity.

Dumphries couldn't help but notice this stark difference. His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Blake, questions forming in his mind. But he held his tongue, deciding against voicing his curiosity. Instead, his thoughts wandered to other peculiarities he'd noticed about Blake.

There was something... different about him. His scent was slightly off from what Dumphries had come to expect from vampires. And his aura... it didn't quite match that of a typical vampire either. These discrepancies stirred a sense of unease in Dumphries, a lingering distrust that he couldn't shake.

As Dumphries observed Blake from the corner of his eye, his mind raced with questions. 'Do Reggie and Randall feel the same suspicion I do about Blake? Or is this something they're already aware of?'

His gaze flickered between his companions, searching for any sign of shared unease or knowing glances. But Reggie and Randall seemed focused on the path ahead, their expressions betraying nothing but determination for the task at hand.

'Are they truly oblivious or are they in on some secret?' Dumphries wondered. 'Am I the only one who's noticed how different he is? His scent, his aura... it's all slightly off.'

The lack of reaction from the others only deepened Dumphries' uncertainty. 'Perhaps they know something I don't. Or maybe they're just better at hiding their suspicions.'

As they continued their journey into the forest's depths, Dumphries resolved to stay alert. 'I'll need to watch not just for dangers in the shadows, but for any clues about Blake and the others' relationship with him. There's more going on here than meets the eye.'

Yet, as he watched Blake in front of their group heading towards the forest, determination etched on his face, Dumphries felt a grudging respect. Whatever Blake's true nature might be, he had come all this way to help search for a cure for Rose. For now, that was enough for Dumphries to tolerate his presence.

As they approached the forest's threshold, Dumphries pushed his doubts aside. They had a mission to focus on, and Rose's life hung in the balance. Whatever secrets Blake might be hiding, they would have to wait. The dark woods beckoned, promising danger and perhaps salvation, and together they rode forward into its shadowy embrace.

"Are you certain this is the way to the moonflower grove?" Blake asked, unable to keep the doubt from his voice.

Dumpheries nodded, his features set with determination. "As certain as one can be about such things," he replied. "The Whispering Woods are known for their shifting paths and hidden glades. We must trust in the old maps and our instincts."

Reggie urged his horse forward, coming to stand beside Blake. "We've faced worse odds before," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "We'll find those flowers, no matter what this forest throws at us."

With a collective deep breath, the group spurred their horses onward, plunging into the shadowy embrace of the woods. The moment they passed beneath the canopy of leaves, the world seemed to change. The air grew thick and heavy, filled with the scent of damp earth and ancient bark. Shafts of sunlight pierced through gaps in the foliage, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor.

As they rode deeper into the woods, Blake couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every rustle of leaves, every snapping twig, set his nerves on edge. He found himself constantly scanning their surroundings, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Does anyone else feel like we're not alone?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Randall nodded grimly. "These woods are old," he said. "Who knows what kind of creatures call this place home?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a bone-chilling howl echoed through the trees. The horses whinnied in fear, stamping their hooves nervously.

"What was that?" Blake asked, his heart racing.

Dumpheries' face had gone even paler than usual. "Shadow wolves," he said. "But... not like any I've ever encountered. There's something unnatural about that sound."

Another howl rang out, closer this time. Then another, and another, until the air was filled with erie cries.

"We need to move," Reggie said urgently. "Now!"

They spurred their horses into a gallop, branches whipping past their faces as they raced through the underbrush. The howls grew louder, seeming to come from all directions at once.

Suddenly, a massive shape burst from the foliage ahead of them. It was like the size of a rhinoceros except it was not one. It was a wolf, but unlike any they had ever seen. Its fur was a deep, unnatural black that seemed to absorb the light around it. Its eyes glowed with an eerie red light, and its teeth gleamed wickedly in the dim forest light.

Blake's horse reared in terror, nearly throwing him from the saddle. He clung on desperately, drawing his sword with his free hand.

"Keep moving!" Dumpheries shouted. "We can't fight them all!"

More of the monstrous wolves appeared, snapping at their horses' heels. Blake swung his sword, catching one across the muzzle. It yelped in pain, falling back momentarily before rejoining the chase with renewed fury.

They rode hard, branches scratching their faces and tearing at their clothes. The wolves kept pace, their otherworldly howls filling the air with a sense of impending doom.

Just when it seemed they couldn't go on any longer, the trees ahead suddenly parted, revealing a small clearing bathed in ethereal moonlight. In the center stood a circle of standing stones, ancient and moss-covered.

"The grove!" Dumpheries cried out. "Quickly, into the circle!"

They urged their exhausted horses forward, practically flying over the ground.