It was Halloween in the misty kingdom of Rado, and the Robinblood Castle was ablaze with its festive splendour. Kasdar, the 16-year-old son of Kalaxyjja and Vampire King Kayada, was preparing for his first Halloween feast.

It was Halloween in the misty kingdom of Rado, and the Robinblood Castle was ablaze with its festive splendour. Kasdar, the 16-year-old son of Kalaxyjja and Vampire King Kayada, was preparing for his first Halloween feast. Kalaxyjja helped him put on his black silk kimono and secure his katana. "Always remember who you are, my son," she whispered to him lovingly. Kasdar was mute from birth and had never set foot in the human world. But on this Halloween evening he was supposed to take part in the celebrations in the Vampire Kingdom for the first time. His bright eyes beamed with excitement as he walked through the magnificently decorated hallways of the castle. The other vampires watched him curiously, some with admiration, others with skepticism. The vampires had prepared a big party in the castle courtyard, with games, dances and delicious food. The air was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and spicy blood wine. Candles sparkled everywhere, creating a mystical atmosphere, which was enhanced by the thick fog that crawled over the ground, enveloping everything in a mysterious aura. The festivities began with a parade through the castle, led by Kayada himself. Kasdar followed his mother through the crowd, his eyes curiously taking in the surroundings. The other vampires looked at him with mixed emotions. Some were fascinated by his appearance, while others viewed him suspiciously.—Jenifer Schindovski