————-flashback 24hrs before the ball————-
The cavernous vampire stronghold pulsed with an unnatural chill, its obsidian walls absorbing the faint crimson light from sputtering torches. In the throne room, the shadowed figure leaned forward, his red eyes gleaming like fresh-spilled blood. Alpha Harlan knelt before him, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. “My lord, we may lack direct access to the royal pack, but that doesn’t mean we’re blind. The alpha king’s secrets won’t stay hidden forever. He’ll confide in his closest allies first, and none are closer than Alpha Rupert of the Crescent Moon Pack.”
Cassian’s high-pitched laugh echoed, sharp as a blade. “Go on, Harlan. Your excuses grow tiresome, but perhaps this plan will redeem you.”
Harlan swallowed, rising slightly. “T
