The grand hall buzzed with tension as the council of elders and clan lords assembled. The room was bathed in dim candlelight, the ancient walls echoing the voices of vampires who had gathered here for centuries to discuss matters of power, loyalty, and survival. At the head of the long table, Valen sat with an air of authority, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered vampires. Lords from distant clans, the elders of his own court, and members of his bloodline—all were present. The atmosphere was tense, the scent of blood faint but ever-present.
Dorian stood to Valen’s right, his expression stoic as he addressed the room. “A rogue vampire has crossed our borders, attacked a human, and violated our laws. This cannot be ignored.” Patrols have been strengthened, and investigations into how
