Lord Kaelric and his wife, Lady Mavara, sat together in the grand sitting room of their estate. The firelight flickered across the dark stone walls, casting restless shadows that moved like whispers. The warmth of the flames couldn't melt the cold tension thick in the air — the kind only legacy and disappointment could bring.
They had summoned their children.
Maevor and Vaelira entered quietly. Maevor held himself with his usual confidence, but Vaelira's steps were hesitant. She kept her gaze low, her red hair falling like a curtain to hide the guilt already settling on her face.
Lord Kaelric didn't bother with greetings.
He leaned forward, eyes locked on his son with cold precision. "What is your relationship with that human girl?"
Maevor frowned, caught off guard. "Father… what are you talking about?"
"Don't act clever with me," Kaelric snapped. "Vaelira has already told us everything."
Maevor's head whipped toward his sister, his expression darkening. "You snitched?"
Vaelira flinched. "It's not like that. You didn't exactly hide it well. We all saw the way you looked at her. And when Father asked me directly... I didn't want to lie."
"You always do this," Maevor muttered, jaw tightening. "Always running to them."
"That's enough," Lady Mavara cut in, rising from her seat. Her long gown whispered across the stone floor as she stepped forward, voice sharp with command. "Do not blame your sister. The real problem here is you — a noble vampire, heir to our name, lowering yourself to mingle with food stock."
"She's not food stock," Maevor growled. "Solana is—"
"What is she then?" Kaelric interrupted, his tone like frost. "A servant? A toy? A meal?" He narrowed his eyes. "You are the heir of House Kaelric. You were not born to disgrace us by chasing after a mortal."
"She's not filthy," Maevor said under his breath, eyes fixed on the floor.
"You will stay away from her," Kaelric said flatly. "The Queen is already watching us closely. If she hears of this, we lose everything."
"Father—"
"No buts," Kaelric barked. "I will not repeat myself. It ends now."
Lady Mavara stepped closer, her tone softening. She reached out, gently cupping her son's cheek. "You're too important for this. Handsome, powerful, desired. You don't need to stain yourself for a human girl. There are dozens of noble vampire women who would kill to stand by your side."
Maevor looked at her, a quiet storm behind his eyes. But he didn't argue. He just gave a stiff nod.
"I'll be going now," he said quietly, turning toward the door.
Vaelira rushed after him. "Maevor… wait!"
But he didn't stop.
---
Elsewhere, deep inside the quiet halls of the royal palace, Seraphina lay sprawled across her bed, eyes tracing the intricate carvings on the ceiling above. Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting her room in a cold, silver glow.
At the edge of the bed, Lyriana sat cross-legged, violet eyes alight with curiosity.
"Do you think Prince Damier will actually go through with marrying Ravena?" she asked.
Seraphina turned her head slowly. "I don't know. Maybe. Have you seen the way he treats her?"
Lyriana raised a brow. "You mean how he lets her parade around the palace like she owns it?"
"Exactly," Seraphina murmured. "He gave her private quarters. Guards. Personal space. He's never done that for anyone."
Lyriana leaned back, thoughtful. "You really think she's cursed?"
"She doesn't feel like the others," Seraphina whispered. "There's something off about her energy. Not just human. Not even just witch."
"My mother said she might be a witch," Lyriana replied. "But… it doesn't feel right. The power around her—it's older. Wilder."
Seraphina nodded. "My mother said something similar. But even the witches of the old realm didn't carry that kind of aura."
Silence fell over them for a moment.
Lyriana broke it with a smirk. "Well, whatever she is, it's clear Damier's enchanted. And the Queen Mother? She wants that wedding like her life depends on it."
Seraphina frowned. "I've never understood that. She's always hated Damier. She's tried to keep him in the shadows his entire life."
"Because she's scared of him," Lyriana said simply. "She knows what he could become. The High Elders favor him. If he rises, she falls."
"But Damier doesn't even want the throne."
Lyriana's voice lowered. "Exactly. And that's why he'd be the best king."
Their eyes met, a quiet understanding passing between them.
"This is going to be one hell of a show," Lyriana said with a grin.
Seraphina smiled faintly — but her heart felt heavy.
Because deep down, she knew.
This was only the beginning.