Penrose seized my hand and pulled me sharply to the side of the room. Several nobles scurried out, eager to avoid being caught in the crossfire of a duel between two of the most formidable vampires in existence.
"If the Lord Protector challenges me, I will accept," Vikram declared with a sinister grin, his voice dripping with malice. "And after I win, I’ll take your marked one, break her utterly, and drain every last drop of her blood." He licked his lips slowly, savoring the words as if already tasting his victory.
Hadrian’s teeth clenched, the fury in his expression turning molten. His deadly claws emerged, and the infernal fire blazing in his eyes promised nothing short of annihilation for his enemy.
"What is the meaning of this?!" The Princess's voice, sharp and furious, sliced thro
