Vlad was taken aback by Mateo's clear intent to harm him.
His surprise at this development only lasted for a moment before he decided that he didn't care. This was everything that he could have possibly wanted.
A wide, villainous smile spread across his lips as he took excitable, heaving breaths.
When the lights had spontaneously gone out, panic set in among the partygoers. Many of the soldiers took up their arms and waved them about haphazardly.
Vlad had no interest in the panic within the hall. His eyes were solely focused on Mateo, as his body gradually became more and more obscured by shadow.
However, Vlad's sons were not so firm in their resolve.
His youngest, in particular, was quite shaken by Mateo's arrival and the subtle display of his power. "Father... is he really the first of us...?"
"Is that fear I hear in your voice, boy?" Vlad's eyes shone with a dangerous light.
