King Lucien stepped out of his chambers, his aura cold and commanding, his black cloak falling neatly into place as the guards along the corridor straightened.
The castle was already stirring, though the upper halls remained quiet and controlled.
Halfway down the corridor, a familiar presence approached.
Alaric walked with steady confidence, his dark armor marked with the royal crest. His ash-blond hair was tied back, his expression calm but alert. He had served Lucien for over two hundred years through border wars, failed uprisings, and the execution of three false kings. He was not easily shaken.
"My king," Alaric said, bowing. "I have returned from the northern territories, as ordered."
Lucien stopped. "Report."
"A rogue faction is forming and growing stronger," Alaric said. "Vampires who have abandoned the crown. They've been gathering followers and arming themselves. Worse they are attacking human settlements without restraint."
Lucien's eyes darkened slightly. "How many?"
"Several dozen confirmed," Alaric replied. "Possibly more. They are recruiting aggressively. Promising power, freedom from law, and blood without limits."
"Idiots," Lucien face remaining expressionless as making it hard to read him. They mistake cruelty for strength, he said.
Alaric continued as they walked. "Villages have been wiped out. Survivors spread panic. The humans believe the crown has sanctioned the attacks."
Lucien's pace did not change. "Then we make it clear that we have not."
They passed servants who pressed themselves against the walls, heads bowed, shivering with fear. None dared to listen.
"These rogues threaten more than humans," Alaric added. "If they continue, they invite war. Other kingdoms will respond."
"I am aware," Lucien said. "That is why they must be crushed before they grow bold."
The two large doors opened as they entered the throne room. Nobles and council members were already gathering, their voices low with speculation.
Lucien ascended the steps without pause, taking his seat upon the black throne. Alaric stood at his right, silent and watchful.
Lucien raised a hand. The room fell quiet.
"There are reports of vampires acting without my command," he said evenly. "Let me be clear. Any vampire who slaughters humans without restraint is an enemy of the crown."
Murmurs rippled through the court.
"These rogues weaken our control and endanger our borders," Lucien continued. "They invite retaliation. They invite war."
Lord Varek stepped forward. "Your Majesty, some believe the humans deserve it. Fear keeps them obedient."
Lucien's gaze cut to him. "Fear controlled is useful. Fear unleashed is chaos."
Silence followed.
I will not allow reckless bloodshed to undo centuries of order, Lucien said. "Track these rogues. Cut off their supply lines. Capture their leaders."
"And the humans?" Lady Morwen asked.
"Protect those under our domain," Lucien replied. "Their lives are resources. Waste weakens the kingdom."
Alaric inclined his head. "The guard will mobilize at once."
Lucien's eyes swept the room. "Any vampire aiding these rogues will share their fate."
No one spoke.
From his place beside the throne, Alaric understood the truth behind the king's claim. Lucien did not tolerate disorder especially from his own kind.
A war was forming in the shadows.
And the king intended to end it before it reached his gates.