NIKOLAI'S POV
I gathered my family around the long table, the weight of our concerns heavy in the air like a thick fog. We were there to discuss what Elijah and Camille had unearthed during their covert observation of Artem, Tristan, and Vladik, who had recently met with Thaddeus.
Seated at the table were all three of my children: Eleonora, Dorian, and Elijah. There were also Ysobel and Thomas, Eleonora’s steadfast partner. Camille had also joined us.
Our discussion began with the looming threat of Thaddeus Crowley's orchestrated election to usurp our family's position. While we still believed we held the confidence of the majority, a deep unease settled over us. We all understood that Thaddeus was not one to play fair; his ambitions often veered into treachery. There was a huge conce
