The night swallowed me as I fled deeper into the woods, my strength ebbing with each strained breath. The lycanthropes pursued relentlessly. They were monstrous creatures clad in armor from another world. My body, still adjusting to the curse that now defined me, began to falter. I would run no longer. If I were to fall, I would do so as a warrior. I prayed to the gods that Nezznar still be alive, that one Zarovich prince would still stand to lead our people. Little did I know how cruel irony came from that prayer, later. I fought them with all the fury I could muster. Each swing of my blade grew heavier, and the taste of blood on my lips did little to revive me. I sank my blade through the eye socket of the nearest beast. Despite their formidable appearance, they could be killed. Despite the thrill of this discovery, I could feel my strength draining away as the lycanthropes closed in. A claw raked across my side, and I staggered, driven to my knees. In desperation, I let out a guttural cry—a mix of pain and rage. How could this be the end? House Zarovich needed me. My family needed me. Nezznar, all alone, and that girl... Curiously, my final panicked thought was of Selûne, specifically the way the moon looked that night.

Then, from the edge of the woods, I heard voices—human voices. The Vistani emerged like shadows through the mist, drawn to my cries. Draped in vibrant, flowing garments, with dark, weathered features, they sprung into action, fighting the monsters. I will never forget their unquestioning and immediate resolve to assist a stranger. Together, we turned the tide, and the lycanthropes were vanquished. Exhausted, I collapsed. They carried me to their wagon where I met the rest of their clan. The Vistani did not recognize me as a prince, nor did they know I was a vampire. Grateful for their aid, I offered them a name: Ludwig. For now, my true identity would remain hidden, and they would remain my unwitting allies. The night was not yet done, as there were more surprises in store for this stranger in a strange land.