The palace corridors, though majestically glowing under the silver-tinted torchlight, felt quieter now, as if even the night itself was listening. Dareth walked ahead, his arm occasionally brushing against Elara's, who moved beside him in silence, her steps growing steadier with every pace. Behind them followed Kael, Selene, and Thyra - the three confidants could all sense that something had shifted in the balance of power. Elara was no longer just an assistant, no longer merely the King of Vampires' ward. The blood bond had tied them beyond any boundary.
Upon returning to the royal quarters, Dareth gave a signal: the doors shut, the servants withdrew. Silence swallowed the walls, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth.
"You may ask now," Dareth said, his voice calm
