Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 1: New Moon - Meeting -

The opening sequence sets a gothic stage with a crimson moon, hinting at ancient secrets and dangerous powers. Quick, intense cuts introduce the enigmatic male characters, their eyes glowing with unnatural light, juxtaposed with the seemingly innocent Sooha, her own eyes briefly mirroring theirs. The images are a flash of promise, showing moments of playful camaraderie alongside chilling glimpses of violence and transformation. This prologue establishes a world where light and shadow dance on the edge of revelation.

The scene opens with Jino, Kaan, Rusel, and Tahel gathered around a game board, plotting a nightball strategy with competitive spirit. Tahel, however, is clearly elsewhere, his mind drifting, causing exasperation among his friends. He deflects their concerns with vague excuses, his blushes giving away his distraction. His friends notice his unusual behavior, sensing something deeper than mere fatigue.

The arrival of a party invitation from the Decelis Academy prompts Jino to question its pug-adorned design, which Kaan dismisses as provocation. The boys initially express disinterest in attending a rival's birthday, but Tahel's surprise at their reluctance exposes his own secret desire to go. Jino deduces that the lunar eclipse is affecting Tahel, leading him to "crack" for a human. This revelation solidifies Tahel's silent affections.

At Vanfield House, the boys discuss the party invitation, revealing that Sooha specifically asked for the Decelis students to be invited. Solon expresses his frustration, lamenting that Sooha's presence forces them to interact with the very humans who harbor prejudice against them. The conversation escalates into a heated argument, with Jino and Noa jokingly suggesting Solon be sacrificed, revealing their deep-seated fears and anxieties about human perception. Rusel intercedes, emphasizing the need to keep their true nature hidden from Sooha.

Sooha finds Solon and offers a heartfelt apology for her earlier outburst in the library, acknowledging her loss of composure. Solon, with a gentle smile, reassures her that her feelings are understandable given her experiences. He then formally hands her the invitation, explaining that the party isn't a typical birthday but a celebration of all seven of them. He reveals it marks the anniversary of their escape from Vanfield.

A harrowing flashback unfolds, showing the seven young boys fleeing through a dark forest, their faces etched with fear. A kind girl offers them shelter in a barn, promising not to reveal their presence. However, their hunger quickly leads them to devour chickens, revealing their true, monstrous forms with glowing red eyes. Hunters swiftly appear, armed with rifles, their words echoing with intent to "exterminate" the vampires, forcing the terrified boys to flee once more. Solon concludes, with a heavy heart, that they can only trust each other in such a hostile world.

In a parallel narrative, another group of characters, presumably werewolves led by Man, discuss the disappearance of their kin and rumors of vampires in the area. Rusel shares his concern, noting strange vampire attacks and the fact that his brothers are missing. A shocking flashback shows Solon undergoing a partial transformation, his eyes glowing and a tribal pattern appearing on his face, followed by Rusel's own hand transforming into a claw. The boys admit they are confused about their identities, some of them being both vampire and werewolf.

Back at Vanfield House, festive decorations adorn the scene, with balloons and lights hinting at a joyful celebration. The boys are busy preparing food, a chaotic but endearing display of teamwork. Disaster strikes when a cake is ruined, leading to panicked discussions about making another. Despite the setbacks, they manage to produce a lavish spread of roasted turkey, ramen, and various other dishes, transforming the manor into a vibrant party venue.

Sooha arrives, walking cheerfully up the path to the grand Vanfield House, her shopping bag in hand. She is greeted warmly by Jino and Tahel, who eagerly welcome her to the party. Sooha marvels at the beautiful manor and its lush garden, leading to a playful exchange where Jino takes exaggerated credit for everything. Solon steps in to clarify that the manor is an inheritance from someone who helped them after they left the orphanage, a somber note amidst the festivity. He offers Sooha a tour.