King Lucien stood by the desk in his study, the low fire casting shadows across the blackwood shelves. Scrolls lay open before him, their seals broken, their contents troubling.
Alaric stood opposite the desk, hands clasped behind his back. He had served the crown for centuries, yet the tension in the room told him this matter was no ordinary report.
"The rogues are moving faster than expected," Alaric said. "They've begun organizing, not just attacking. Humans are disappearing, not just dying."
Lucien's expression hardened. "They are building something."
"Yes," Alaric replied. "And if they succeed, they won't stop at villages."
Lucien turned slowly, his crimson gaze sharp. "Then we will not wait for them to come to us."
Silence settled between them—heavy, deliberate.
"Double the patrols," Lucien said. "Quietly. I want eyes everywhere."
Alaric inclined his head. "And the servants?"
Lucien paused. "Watch them. Information travels through shadows long before it reaches the throne."
Alaric understood.
The study returned to stillness, but the tension remained—because war rarely announced itself.
It crept in, unnoticed.
A soft knock cut through the silence.
Rowan, the royal butler, entered without haste. Tall and gaunt, with silver hair pulled neatly back, he moved with the quiet authority of someone who had outlived kings. His pale eyes missed nothing.
"My king," Rowan said, bowing low as he trembled slightly.
"Your aunt arrived with her two children they awaits in the dining chamber."
Lucien did not look away from Alaric. "Delay her."
Rowan inclined his head. "She insists."
Tell her I would join her shortly. Yes my king ,
The butler bowed and left the study room.
Lucien exhaled slowly. "Then the meeting ends here."
Alaric stepped back. "We will continue this soon.
The king stepped out of his study room heading for the dinning chambers, with a smile on his sinfully handsome face.
A smile that can kill slowly without flattering his fangs showing, let's see what they have up their sleeves this time, Lucien said fully aware of their schemes as nothing gets past him
The doors to the dining chamber opened his gaze shifting to see his Aunt Lady Valeria first,draped in deep crimson silk, her presence commanding and deliberate. She was older than Lucien by centuries, her beauty sharp rather than soft, her smile calculated. At her side walked her son, Darius, tall and composed, his expression respectful but distant.
Behind them was Selene her youngest daughter, She was striking pale skin, dark hair flowing freely, red eyes too bright with expectation. Her gaze locked onto Lucien immediately, lingering longer than was appropriate.
"My dear nephew," Lady Valeria said warmly. You grow colder every century, she said staring at Lucien.
Lucien inclined his head. "Aunt."
Lady Valeria continued, was around the neighborhood for a tea party thought it wise to come visit you, she spoke with a smile worn as a mask to over her schemes deceive others but not Lucien.
Lucien eyes narrowed slightly seeing through her lies, very thoughtful good to know that your visit will be a short one.
Walking past her.
Lady Valeria's lips tightened,
The long dining table was arranged with strict royal order.
At the head sat King Lucien, his chair slightly elevated, carved with the crest of Noxferra. To his immediate right was Prince Kael, relaxed in posture but alert in expression, his presence balancing the king's cold authority.
Across from them sat Lady Valeria, positioned with deliberate importance, her seat aligned almost evenly with Lucien'san honor reserved only for blood relatives of the crown. She sat straight-backed, composed, her gaze sharp as she surveyed the room.
To Lady Valeria's right sat her son, Darius, quiet and reserved, his movements controlled and respectful. To her left sat Selene, placed close enough to Lucien's line of sight to ensure she would not be ignored. She leaned slightly forward, every motion calculated, her attention fixed on the king.
Lucien sensing her gaze ignored never once looked at her.
The remaining seats along the table were left for visiting nobles and advisors, forming a clear hierarchy that no one questioned.