The grand hall of the Vampire Council was suffused with dark, flickering candlelight, shadows crawling along the obsidian walls like living things. At the center, Dracula sat imposingly upon his throne, unmoving, his presence alone enough to silence the room. The lords of the vampire world stood before him in a rigid semicircle, their expressions grim, calculating.
A heavy pause settled before one of them stepped forward.
"Your son is of age Supreme Sire," Lord Zur declared, his voice echoing through the hall, sharp and unyielding. "The time has come for him to take a mate and fulfill his duty to our kind."
Dracula's silver eyes narrowed, glinting under the torchlight. "But you know his mate is human right???
That is forbidden. You cannot allow it."
Dracula's gaze was unflinching. "My mate was human, yes. And I chose this path. You will not stop my son from claiming what is his."
The council murmured in disapproval.
"Either he marries a vampire, or he will not be crowned King of the Vampires," Lord Zimri declared, voice sharp. Dracula's teeth clenched. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"Every word, Supreme Sire," Lady Korra interrupted, her tone icy. "We have agreed that your son is to be betrothed to my daughter, Nessa."
Dracula's eyes rolled, a flicker of disdain crossing his features. He had always known Kora's ambition would reach this far. "You have no other choice but to accept her as your daughter-in-law, Supreme Sire," she pressed, unrelenting.
Lord Cozbi spoke cautiously. "It is not within my power to decide for your son, Supreme Sire. But we all know he grew up among humans… which is your fault."
"Ah, give me a break!" Dracula snapped, voice echoing across the hall. "I had to protect him from you people! Do you think I wasn't aware of your plan to kill him years ago?"
The council froze, exchanging shocked glances. Gaps of disbelief widened among them they had not expected Dracula to know about the plot to eliminate Damien as a child.
Lord Jamin stammered, "Y-you knew…?"
Dracula leaned forward, his aura suffocating. "I am the most powerful vampire alive. Do not mistake my patience for ignorance."
"Kora, I want to see your daughter."
Without waiting for an answer, he strode out, leaving the council speechless.
**********WINTERCREST**********
Her long, dark hair danced in the wind as she wielded her sword with lethal grace. Her navy plate shirt hugged her strong frame, sleeves rolled up to reveal tensed, sculpted arms. She was in her brother's britches which enabled eacy strike calculative and each dodge flawless.
"Is that all you've got?" she called, smirking as she deflected another blow. "Come on ten more soldiers! Let's see what you'll got."
The soldiers surged toward her, circling like wolves, but she met each attack head-on, eyes narrowed, movements fluid and commanding.
A deep, familiar voice echoed from behind her. "I came back to draw your blood."
Hailey spun, a grin forming as her eyes fell on Loki. "You're just in time for my performance. Care to join?"
"Of course," he said, and a guard handed him his sword. The clashing of metal rang through the training grounds as they struck and parried. Sparks flew with each collision.
"I hate you, Loki!" Hailey yelled, lunging forward. "And I hate you too, Hailey," he shot back, meeting her strike with equal force.
"Your Highness," a soldier interrupted, bowing. "The Queen requests both of you in the throne room."
"Okay," Loki replied.
Another soldier escorted them as Hailey elbowed Loki playfully before hugging him.
"I love you, brother," she whispered.
"I love you too," he replied, taking her hand.
They entered the throne room. King Robert froze mid-sentence, eyes widening.
He turned to Queen Candice.
"What do you think you're wearing, Hailey? "Are you blind?" Hailey smirked. "I'm in Loki's training clothes, Mother. It's too early for your nagging."
Loki's lips twitched into a lazy grin. He folded his arms, clearly enjoying himself. "I did tell her they suited her," he said mildly. "Much better than those stiff gowns you like to force on her."
Candice shot him a sharp look."Loki, do not encourage her." He lifted his hands in mock surrender, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I'm not encouraging anything. I'm simply appreciating good taste."
Hailey glanced at him, smirking wider, while Candice pinched the bridge of her nose in clear frustration. "Trust me mother If I had known all these old men would be here, I would have worn a dress," she added, rolling her eyes.
"Mind your tongue, Hayley!" Candice barked.
"Oh, mother, give me a break!" Hailey snapped. "Father, why were we called here anyway?"
"There is a proposal for you," Robert answered.Hailey groaned. "I knew it. I'm out. Bye, everyone!"