Mert-ka Gamal, a young woman of twenty-five, was once the jewel of her brothel in the bustling city of Alexandria before the Ottoman conquest. Her beauty was legendary, with dark, kohl-lined eyes that seemed to pierce the soul, and raven-black hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her skin, kissed by the Egyptian sun, bore the delicate tattoos of ancient symbols, a testament to her heritage. Mert-ka's attire was both alluring and practical, often donning sheer silks that shimmered in the candlelight, paired with a leather belt where she kept her tools of the trade and later, her vampire hunting gear. Her transformation into a vampire by a Setite, a follower of the serpent god Set, marked the beginning of her dark journey. Her Sire, a vampire of little consequence within the city, failed to elevate his status, much to Mert-ka's chagrin. In a bold move, she attempted to murder him, a plan that left him fatally wounded but alive, driving her to seek new allies. Now, she is accompanied by a mysterious Witch of Echidna named Serket, who has been teaching her the dark arts of Setite Sorcery. Serket, with her serpentine eyes and a voice that hisses like a snake, has become both mentor and confidante. Additionally, Mert-ka has bribed two of her Sire's guards, Anubis and Horus, who now serve her loyally, drawn by her charisma and promises of power. Mert-ka's ultimate goal is to ascend in the vampire hierarchy, seeking to overthrow those who underestimate her. However, her path is fraught with challenges, as her Sire's lingering influence and the city's political machinations threaten her every move. Yet, her cunning and the loyalty of her new companions give her hope. Her journey is one of power, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance, set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change. Mert-ka's unique quirk is her habit of humming ancient Egyptian melodies when deep in thought, a haunting reminder of her past life.

Serket, the Witch of Echidna, is an enigmatic figure whose age is indeterminate, her appearance ageless, with skin that seems to shimmer with scales under certain lights. Her eyes, a piercing yellow, are often hidden behind a veil of dark hair that flows like water. She dresses in robes that mimic the patterns of snakes, her movements fluid and mesmerizing. Serket's motivation is to see the ancient rites of Echidna flourish once more, and she sees potential in Mert-ka to help achieve this. Her conflict lies in balancing her teachings with Mert-ka's ambitions, as their goals sometimes diverge. Serket's quirk is her habit of speaking in riddles, a trait that both frustrates and intrigues those around her.

Anubis, one of the bribed guards, is a tall, imposing figure with a shaved head and a scar that runs down his left cheek, a reminder of his past battles. His attire consists of the traditional guard uniform, now adorned with symbols of his newfound allegiance to Mert-ka. Anubis seeks to escape the shadow of his former master and find a new purpose under Mert-ka's leadership. His conflict is internal, torn between loyalty to his new mistress and the fear of retribution from his old master. Anubis's quirk is his tendency to sharpen his sword obsessively, a ritual that calms his nerves.

Horus, the other guard, is younger and more idealistic than Anubis, with a boyish charm and a quick smile. His uniform, like Anubis's, bears the marks of their new allegiance. Horus's motivation is to prove himself worthy of Mert-ka's trust, seeing her as a means to rise above his station. His conflict arises from his naivety, which often puts him at odds with the more experienced Anubis. Horus's quirk is his habit of whistling a cheerful tune, a stark contrast to the dark world they inhabit.