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The crimson moon hung low in the sky, casting a muted red glow over the Sanctum. Inside the ancient chamber of obsidian and bone, Selena sat at the head of a massive round table, her presence commanding yet unfamiliar. It was her first council — and every gaze in the room was sharp, questioning, and watchful.
Alaïra stood behind her, stoic and alert. Tovian and Nyra flanked the right side of the chamber, each dressed in formal battle robes. Zack, though hesitant, took his place behind Selena's left — the position of a Bloodbound.
Seven council members entered the room, robed in cloaks stitched with their clan emblems. Each one old, powerful, and etched with centuries of secrets.
The air thickened with tension.
Elder Caelum, the first to speak, tilted his head with a slight smirk.
"So this is the girl who inherited Lysandra's blood."
Selena didn't flinch. "Her blood, and more."
A few murmurs broke among the council, but they stilled when she rose to her feet. Her voice rang across the chamber — clear, cold, and unafraid.
"You've ruled in secrecy, bound by a pact forged in fear. But the Vault revealed everything. The lies. The betrayals. The truth of who my mother was... and what you did to her."
A councilwoman, Elder Myrene, narrowed her glowing eyes. "Careful, child. Words like that have consequences."
"So does silence," Selena replied.
Zack glanced at her, uneasy — but also proud.
Then came the blow that changed the atmosphere completely.
"You fear me," Selena said calmly. "Because I'm not just a descendant. I'm the embodiment of something ancient. I am the First Queen's heir."
The council erupted. Raised voices. Shocked snarls. Some stood. Some laughed in disbelief.
Elder Caelum slammed his palm on the table. "Blasphemy. The First Queen's bloodline was lost ages ago!"
Selena moved closer, her hand lifting. From her palm glowed the ancient mark that had awakened after the Vault: a coiled serpent biting its tail, surrounded by ethereal vines.
It shimmered with a faint silver hue — proof no council elder could forge.
Silence. Absolute and heavy.
Then, Myrene whispered, "She bears the Mark of Origin..."
For a moment, everyone was still.
"You cannot hide behind fear anymore," Selena said. "I'm not asking for your loyalty. I'm claiming it. Because I will not let the cycle repeat itself. Not with KLADE rising."
The mention of his name silenced all remaining doubt. Even Caelum leaned back with a furrowed brow.
"Klade," Tovian said, stepping forward. "We believe he's building an army. Something twisted. Not just vampires. Not just werewolves."
Alaïra added, "He's fusing bloodlines. Warping what should not be touched."
Selena's eyes locked with each elder.
"And if we don't unite now, you won't have a throne to sit on, a clan to lead, or a bloodline to protect."
There was a moment of still silence. No defiance. Just reflection.
Elder Caelum finally spoke. "Then let the Council of Blood serve its true purpose... and prepare for war."
Selena sat again. This time, not as a girl. Not as a frightened orphan.
But as a queen.
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