POV: Haruki
"Duchess Vordenburg, any new information regarding the conflict?" asked Queen Carmilla with icy courtesy.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Since both Casmir Vladi and Miralda Drachenthal were taken captive by Eric Manthar while returning from a gathering twelve days ago, the situation has escalated on all fronts, I am afraid," began Duchess Ysoria, her voice soft and clinical. "Due to House Manthar's action, both Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal took great offence and have called their banners to regain their honor. According to my spies, Lord Eric acted as his elder brother commanded. He took his captives to House Manthar's territory, and my spies informed me he sent both Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal a message stating he took them as hostages," Ysoria explained evenly, as was her habit as Minister of Information and Security.
The royal council now consisted of only five people, excluding both Queen Carmilla and King Tepes. Seven seats remained conspicuously vacant, as House Manthar, Vladi, and Drachenthal had all fled from the capital. Normally, twelve voices filled the chamber, dominated by those same three houses. Their absence was louder than any proclamation.
My plan had gone mostly smoothly. Eric was supposed to take only Casmir and keep House Vladi out of the conflict, while Manthar dealt with Drachenthal. Instead, he grew bold – or perhaps stupid – and seized Miralda as well. Brilliant in hindsight. He also carried off Liliane, likely believing she was unsafe in the capital, and no doubt also imagining she might serve as a threat against King Tepes himself, as she is his daughter.
"On what grounds did he imprison members of two ducal houses?" asked King Vladi with a neutral voice.
"He accuses both Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal of the crime of treason and murdering his uncle, the late Lord Severin," said Ysoria calmly.
Both houses had erupted in fury at the insult, though only one of them acted. Duchess Drachenthal restrained herself for fear of her daughter's life, but Duke Vladi had no such reservations.
"Both houses were enraged by this accusation and his arrogance in believing he can simply imprison their children on a whim and insult them without evidence. However, Duchess Drachenthal has refrained from any retaliation. The same cannot be said of Duke Vladi. He marshaled his army and attacked House Manthar, meeting Lord Alaric in the field. Thus far, there have been three battles, all won by Duke Alaric. Despite his inferior numbers, he continues to rout the Vladi forces. It would seem Duke Alaric is a genius commander," Ysoria concluded.
I listened without reaction. Amusing, really; Eric and Alaric thought that by taking Casmir hostage, Duke Vladi would hesitate to act. Instead, the Duke ranked his pride above his son's life. Meanwhile, Duchess Drachenthal proved the opposite. That much was predictable. But Alaric's victories were another matter. To beat an older, more experienced commander with twice his number, it was no small feat.
Not that any of this was new. The monarchs had been informed of these same developments repeatedly, yet they listened each time as though the act itself might alter reality. The truth was simple: they feared acting. Any move risked alienating the three great houses, yet to do nothing risked seeming weak. So they pretended information was action.
"Currently they are regrouping and waiting for their next battle. It is mainly a conflict between House Vladi and Manthar, with House Drachenthal restrained only because Alaric holds her daughter," Ysoria concluded.
"Sires, what are your commands?" asked Marius Tepes, his voice rising with agitation. "It is clear they have broken your orders to keep peace between all vampire houses. We must unite to deal with the pest who dares attack us and keep our race safe. Yet House Vladi, Manthar, and Drachenthal openly ignore your commands. This is rebellion."
"The way I see it, it is mainly the fault of House Manthar, who provoked both Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal. Furthermore, it is unfair to place Lady Drachenthal with the others, as she has not broken the monarch's peace despite the insult she suffered. It seems only the nobility of the Tepes faction do not care about unity," said Duchess Auvray, never missing the chance to strike at the Tepes faction.
"You know damn well the only reason Lady Drachenthal has not acted is because her daughter is a hostage," countered a minor noble of the Tepes faction, one of the few present in a chamber usually dominated by greater nobility.
"So is Lord Vladi's son, yet here we are," answered Duchess Auvray.
"Peace, peace. My lords and lady, it is unseemly for the royal council to quarrel. We need unity in times such as this. No need to point hands at Tepes faction or Carmilla faction. We should concern ourselves only with the wellbeing of the vampire race," Queen Carmilla said sternly.
"Yet the royal families cannot simply watch as their vassals fight. We must do something," pressed Marius, ever the hothead.
Did I smile too broadly? I suppose I must have, given the look he shot me.
"Did I say something funny, Lord Dorian? You have been silent as ever. Care to share what you find funny?" asked Marius, irritated.
I smiled at him, pleasantly enough.
"Your Majesty, my lords, my lady," I began, keeping my voice smooth, deliberate. "The conflict between Houses Vladi, Manthar, and Drachenthal is an inter-house matter. It does not concern the Crown, nor does it threaten the stability of the realm at present. The royal family need only interfere if these dukedoms go too far, in which case their overreach would justify intervention. Until then, it is beneath the notice of the monarchs to involve themselves in what is, in essence, a quarrel of pride. Let them exhaust one another, and when the time comes, should it come, the Crown will act with full authority, unsullied by premature entanglement."
I leaned back, folding my hands neatly before me. "In this way, Your Majesties lose nothing. The dukes shoulder the costs of their folly. And when they seek arbitration, they will come not as equals, but as supplicants. The dignity of the Crown remains intact, untarnished by the rashness of lesser houses."
Queen Carmilla's lips curved, ever so slightly. King Tepes's gaze flickered toward me, pleased at the reprieve my words had offered.
"Lord Dorian speaks wisely," Queen Carmilla said quickly, eager to seize the phrasing. "It is beneath us to be drawn into such matters. We will observe, and act only if necessary."
"Just so," agreed King Tepes, with a faint note of relief. "The throne is not to be made a party in every petty feud. Our concern is the realm entire, not the pride of ducal houses."
Marius looked ready to protest, but swallowed his words when he saw the monarchs settle into their decision. Duchess Auvray's smile was sharp, but she too held her tongue.
And so, with a few sentences, I had granted the monarchs what they so desperately needed: a way to do nothing while appearing deliberate.
Not bad for Dorian Thornevald, I suppose.
After that it was merely the discussion of inane matters. When the council was dismissed, I quickly took my leave. I walked to my chamber. The current situation is not ideal. While the three ducal houses are occupied with each other, I have been trying to make it more chaotic. I had originally fabricated the marriage alliance between House Vladi and Drachenthal to manipulate House Manthar, but there is still not enough chaos to use as a ladder. I am getting information on House Manthar from Liliane discreetly, and on House Drachenthal from Elmenhilde. So I roughly know what their plans are. It amused me, imagining I know more about the situation than the supposed royal mistress of spies and security.
—-----------------------------------------------
I entered my chamber and sealed it with wards, ensuring no eyes could pry nor footsteps intrude. Silence followed, broken only by the rhythm of the piano as I set my fingers to the keys. The melody was not mere indulgence, it was a summon. For two minutes I played, until a presence slipped into the room. I continued playing.
"I have been awaiting your call, Lord Dorian," said a petite girl. Elmenhilde.
"Elme, I am glad you came. And drop the lord part, we are closer than that," I said, smiling pleasantly.
She blushed at that, then puffed her cheeks in a huff, as if to mask it. Adorable. Always so transparent with her emotions.
"You always play the piano or the harp when I come to you," Elmenhilde said, deliberately changing the subject.
"Do you not like that?" I asked curiously, slowing my fingers on the keys.
"I don't mind it. I just never understood why it is so special," she admitted.
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent," I said calmly.
"Perhaps it is not just for me," she replied. "Because I prefer a more direct and clear method of communication."
"You break my heart, Elme. I play music every time you visit me to impress you, yet all my effort seems for naught," I said with exaggerated sadness.
"No, no, Lord Dorian. I like seeing you play even though I don't understand it," she said shyly.
I chuckled at her earnest expression. "One of these days, I will make you appreciate my music. And then promise me you will simply call me by my name."
She hesitated, then smiled shyly. "I promise, my lord," she said.
I rose from the piano bench and moved to the couch. I motioned for her to sit near me, and she obeyed. I caressed her hair lightly.
"How have you been? It is not easy gaining freedom after being stripped of your free will for so long," I said softly.
"I am fine. Or at least I try to be," she answered.
"Such wounds don't heal easily. Just remember you can come to me anytime you need help in any way. If you want someone to vent to, to tell your stories, or simply talk, you can count on me," I said.
"I know, my lord. If it weren't for you, I would still be a slave to a twisted man. If you had not freed me, who knows what would have happened to me," she said earnestly. "You have done so much for me, more than I can ever repay. I want to at least do something myself. I don't want to give up." Her voice hardened with determination.
"You are brave, my dear. But just remember, asking for help is not giving up. It is refusing to give up," I said, repeating Lavinia's words to me.
She nodded softly.
"So, how is the situation with Lady Drachenthal?" I asked, turning to business.
"I actually came to inform you of a new development," Elmenhilde said. I listened attentively. "Lady Drachenthal is preparing a secret group of elite warriors to infiltrate House Manthar and rescue her daughter."
Now that was interesting.
"Is that so? Very well. I want you to volunteer for this mission," I said calmly.
She looked surprised. "I am afraid I don't understand, my lord. Isn't it better for them to fail?"
"For a short-term gain, yes. However, we need House Drachenthal to enter the conflict. The reason she does not is because her daughter is a hostage," I said. "So we give her daughter back, and by then she will be free to retaliate as she wills. Have you looked into what I told you?"
"Yes, my lord. I subtly probed Lady Drachenthal about a possible marriage alliance between House Drachenthal and Vladi. She seemed to consider it a good thing, but fears the monarchs' reaction. She said the monarchs would likely see it as a super-duchy bloc meant to undermine them," Elmenhilde reported.
"Naturally. But what if there are no royals to speak of?" I said with a subtle smile.
"What do you mean, my lord?" Elmenhilde asked uneasily.
"House Vladi and House Drachenthal are the most powerful beneath the royals. A union of them would be too dangerous. The royals would do anything to stop it. Lady Drachenthal is rightfully afraid. But what if the royals could not afford to act?" I asked.
"That would require a power bloc capable of challenging royal authority," she said slowly.
"Exactly," I answered. "Let us say two more ducal houses join the alliance of those two. What do you think would happen?" I asked, smiling faintly.
"They would be a sufficient power bloc. But which house would join their cause?" she asked.
"You are going to join them," I said calmly.
She stared at me in shock. "I don't understand, my lord. I thought you wanted them to lose."
"Oh, they are going to lose. Let me explain the details to you."
And I did. I laid out the conspiracy in full. By the time I was finished, Elmenhilde was too stunned to speak.
Afterward, I sat at my desk and began writing letters. One to Delilah, and others to several key figures. I considered writing to Lady Vauclair, but discarded the thought. She was not a schemer or an opportunist. She was the opposite of her daughter, honorable and honest. Which made her unfit for my plans. And besides, her close friendship and alliance with Lady Drachenthal made betrayal unlikely. Better to make use of my ambitious fiancée.
This plan would need to be executed carefully, quietly.
I sealed the letters and sent them by bat courier.
A knock came at my door. "Enter," I said.
It was Selvara, my sister.
"Good evening, my lord. I have come with the week's reports," she said, carrying multiple folders.
"Please, take a seat, sister," I said.
She sat before me and began informing me of the week's matters. Nothing required my input. I listened silently. Truth be told, the original Dorian had been a fool; abusing Selvara and Vaelith instead of making use of their competence. Especially Selvara. It was no exaggeration to say she was doing everything for me.
After her report, she looked at me with a careful smile. "Is everything all right, my lord? You seem restless."
"Oh, do I?" I chuckled lightly. "It is nothing to worry about. I mean to have a party, but there is no cake."
"Cake?" She blinked in confusion. "Perhaps if you tell me of your party, Vaelith and I could organize it. And the cake as well, if you wish, sire."
I chuckled again. "Oh, it is a special kind of party. And the cake must be special as well. It will be a surprise."
At once, I saw the look return to Selvara's eyes, the look of dread. I realized then: whenever Dorian prepared a surprise, it had always ended with Selvara and Vaelith suffering. I could almost see her thoughts racing, gears turning frantically to find a way to minimize whatever damage she thought was coming.
Abruptly, she stood. Then, with a nervous smile, she lowered herself to her knees, her noble gown brushing the floor. She crawled toward me on all fours like a dog. Reaching me, she lifted her gaze, wearing a practiced, seductive smile.
"Well… while we wait for your special cake, permit me to please you. An appetizer, if you will," she said softly. Her hands reached for my trousers, and she undid them with practiced ease. She stroked me gently, then took me into her mouth, moving with careful rhythm.
I had done my best these past months to treat both sisters with courtesy. Yet they still expected me to revert to Dorian's cruelty at any moment. And so Selvara had leapt instinctively to the only method she knew to appease me, to shield herself from pain.
Their trauma would take time to heal.
——————————-
Two weeks later, I read a letter from Elmenhilde again. Both Casmir Vladi and Miralda Drachenthal had been rescued safely. The operation was successful. I smiled at that. Perfect.
Naturally, most of the males of House Manthar were at war, so they left only two people in their castle to keep watch over their hostages and guard their territory in case of attack. One was the youngest brother of Lord Alaric, and the other was Liliane, whom Alaric meant to marry himself after the war. I contacted Liliane and informed her of the operation. She helped provide information and secret aid, ensuring the plan went smoothly.
So many amusing things have happened since.
A knock came at my door as I drank wine in celebration. My sister entered, this time Vaelith. She bowed.
"My lord, there has been a direct summon for the Royal Council by the King and Queen. You are also requested to be there," she said nervously.
I stood up. "Very well. It seems it is time to face the music," I said, making my way to the council chamber.
I entered. It seemed I was the last to arrive. More had been invited to this council: the princes and princesses of both royal families were present.
"We have a great issue, my lord. Lady Vordenburg, if you would," said Queen Carmilla neutrally.
Lady Vordenburg began to speak, nervous as ever. "Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal have declared rebellion against the royal house," she stammered.
A shocked gasp echoed through the chamber.
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Princess Sorina with an outraged shout.
"After both Lord Casmir and Lady Miralda were rescued, it seems both House Vladi and Drachenthal agreed to an alliance," Lady Vordenburg began to explain.
"We know that already. They joined hands and defeated Duke Alaric once in battle, and his brothers twice in another. His brothers were taken hostage, and that coward Alaric sued for peace. They were supposed to meet for a Parley. Get to the point," said Princess Isolde, impatient.
"I was getting to that, my princess," said Lady Vordenburg nervously.
She does have the tendency to begin by repeating information everyone already knows and only then proceed to the new part. I find it amusing, though the princesses do not seem to share that view.
"The parley happened three days ago. The usual agreements were established, such as no attacking or use of force during. But…" said Lady Vordenburg.
"But what?" said Marius.
"Duke Alaric and his brothers, along with their retinue, were killed during the parley," said Lady Vordenburg.
Everyone was stunned, shocked.
"They broke diplomatic immunity during a parley just like that," wondered Princess Anca, whose presence at the council is rare, out loud.
"Yes, they did. But not only that. Both House Vladi and House Drachenthal stormed the territory of House Manthar and killed every member of House Manthar, save Lady Liliane, who surrendered. They have taken her as their guest," said Vordenburg.
Guest is a polite term for hostage.
"Good riddance, I say," spoke Marius Tepes. "One less traitor to deal with."
"Perhaps, my prince, but I am afraid there is bad news," said Vordenburg.
"More bad news?" he asked angrily.
Lady Vordenburg nodded sadly. "I am afraid so. You see, after the victory of House Vladi and Drachenthal, many houses jumped to their ship."
"Who joined them?" asked Anca softly.
"Ducal House of Vauclair, Ducal House of Karnstein, and Ducal House of Valmorra," she listed, much to the dismay of everyone in the room.
I looked at the King and Queen and saw their frustration. They were clenching their fists, and I cannot blame them. Another civil war is the last thing vampires need, what with being isolated from the outside world and likely under threat by multiple Satan-class entities, chief amongst them the Hero Faction.
"Those bastards, how dare they," shouted Sorina.
"Have they then officially declared rebellion against the true rulers?" asked Anca softly. She seems level-headed. I suppose centuries of being treated as a second-class citizen due to her gender made her patient.
"Not officially, but they have made their intention clear enough," said King Tepes. "So many ducal houses intermarry, wiping out entire lineages without our leave. And now the marriage between the heir of House Vladi and the heiress of House Drachenthal, without an invitation to either of the royal houses. What else would you call that but rebellion?" he said rhetorically.
"Furthermore, we have sent various orders to Houses Vladi, Drachenthal, Karnstein, Vauclair, and Valmorra. They did not even deign to answer us, much less follow our commands," said Queen Carmilla with barely restrained anger.
"Perhaps there is a way to settle this without bloodshed. We can offer them pardon if they swear loyalty to us, and after that we can marry their members with ours, tying them closer to the new dynasty of the dual monarchs," said Vera Carmilla, daughter of the Queen, speaking for the first time.
"Pardon?" asked King Tepes, voice dangerously low. "They have my daughter, using her to threaten me. They killed my most trusted advisor and destroyed an entire house, my greatest supporters. All for the sake of their greed," he said with cold fury.
"I apologize, Your Majesty, if I caused any offence," began Vera again.
"No, Princess Vera, the time for negotiation is over. Bloodshed is unavoidable. It is us or them. Unless you have an agenda in this as well," he threatened.
"What are you implying of my house, King Tepes? I suggest you choose your words carefully," warned Queen Carmilla.
"Oh, I imply nothing. Yet do you not find it strange that suddenly three duchesses from your faction rebel, while my most trusted ally and his house are put to the sword?" answered the King.
"We have nothing to do with this, King Tepes. We have as much to lose as you," began Queen Carmilla.
"Father, perhaps we should calm down. Any infighting on our side benefits those traitors," spoke Anca Tepes.
"The princess speaks wisely. Let us not rush to point our fingers. We must stay united. It is clear they planned this betrayal long in advance; otherwise they could not have schemed Lord Severin's death and used it to their advantage. They are after your thrones. By fighting each other, you make it easier for them," I spoke for the first time.
"So the great Dorian Thornevald has decided to grace us with his voice," said Marius Tepes sarcastically. "You urged us to ignore them back when we could have forced them to submit. Instead, you delayed. A fat lot of good your advice did us," he scoffed.
I did not deign to answer, which seemed to infuriate him further.
"Now that I think about it, you are betrothed to Lady Delilah Vauclair, who has rebelled against us. Your advice then seemed to grant them great advantage. Who is to say you are on our side, as you claim? Have you already betrayed me, your king? What do you say to that?" sneered Marius Tepes, heir of King Tepes.
"Well, I would correct you on one point, at least. You are no king of mine," I said calmly.
There were gasps at that.
"No," he said, "and I will not be the king of anyone, thanks to your fiancée." Fury rose in his chest.
"You should be careful with such statements. They tend to lower morale among your soldiers," I said calmly.
"Is that a threat?" he asked, trying to appear menacing.
"An advice. I will not lecture you on the difference," I replied, still calm. "You seem to forget that House Manthar was a great friend to my house. Lord Severin raised my father as though he were his own son. He was like a grandfather to me. His nephews, who were slain treacherously by those honorless bastards, were like brothers to me. So I advise you to watch your accusations and know your friends from your enemies," I said.
Everyone seemed tense, terrified to meet my eyes.
"And he was like a father to me as well, and your father my great friend," spoke the King. "My son is irrational with anger, Lord Dorian. He meant no offence," he said, likely an apology or what passes for one among the proud vampire nobility.
"None taken," I said. "For I understand fury like no other. Those treasonous heathens will pay for their insolence. Of that, I assure you," I said, addressing Marius this time.
"You have a plan?" asked Queen Carmilla.
"Yes, Your Majesty. If you would hear me, I would present the plan to you and His Majesty, King Tepes, privately," I said with a tone that accepted no argument.
The others eyed me warily.
"You have heard Lord Dorian. We will hear him out. The council for today is adjourned," said the King.
All the occupants of the room, save the King, the Queen, and I, left the council chamber.
"Are we secure enough to speak?" I asked.
The monarchs looked at each other, then nodded. Both stood. The Queen chanted, as did the King, and cast their privacy seals. Then the Queen summoned a wine bottle and poured a glass for me, one for the King, and one for herself. I drank. Like all vampire drinks, it was blood of some form.
"It is angel blood, corrupted so that it loses its holy element that may harm us," said the Queen.
I thanked her for the honor.
"Now then, you may speak freely, Duke Dorian," said King Tepes.
I grinned at them and presented my plan. By the end, they were looking at me as though I were a heaven-sent messenger, meant to guide them through this great predicament.
We discussed the details of the plan for hours, and I left the room having been granted the position of Chief Advisor and Minister of the Court as well as commander of the royal army.
————————————————
POV: Liliane Manthar
The hall is loud, though not with joy. Nobles laugh too sharply, their eyes sliding across one another's shoulders in search of insult and advantage. The bride sits stiffly, her smile a rehearsed mask, while her groom already has blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. This is what passes for celebration among us; an arrangement, a display, another stone laid upon the crumbling palace of our decadence.
I am a guest here only because of my name, though in truth I am their hostage. And yet, amusingly, they treat me as royalty still, as though silks and courtesies could disguise chains.
I do not care much for their wedding. My thoughts are elsewhere, and always with him.
I am a dreamer. Perhaps that is all I am. I know so little of what others call real life that I cannot help reliving such moments as these in my dreams, moments not of feasts or ceremonies, but of words, of glances, of the small mercies that Dorian has given me. They are rare, fragile things, and I hoard them like treasure. I tell myself I shall dream about him tonight, and tomorrow, and perhaps for the rest of my life. In two minutes he gave me more happiness than years of this court have ever offered.
He will not fail me. He cannot. He is everything the nobility pretends to be, but is not.
When he speaks my name, Liliane, it feels like something remembered, as though I had always been waiting for it. A melody of great sweetness, half-forgotten, returning to me at last. It is a sound that makes me believe in reconciliation, not with the world, but with myself. As though all my doubts had been mistaken, and all my life I had only been waiting for that single moment of recognition.
The music here is harsh, pompous, without grace. But in my mind I hear the words he once gave me: The world will be saved and remade by the dreamers, Liliane.
Yes. That is the truth of it. For all their armies and banners, these dukes and duchesses will leave nothing behind but ruins. It is the dreamers who will remake the world. He is one, and I–I am glad to follow.
I am one of the searchers. I have always known it. There are more of us than anyone suspects. We are not unhappy, though neither are we content. We walk beaches and forests in our imaginations, seeking beauty where others see only power. We are drawn to rivers and oceans, to mountains and deserts, to places that speak of freedom and mystery. Our sadness is not our weakness. It is as much a part of us as our laughter, and perhaps it is even greater joy to share it with one we love.
I never shared that with my husband. I killed him, in the end. Old fool. A relic of ancient hubris, who thought a girl's body meant her mind could be owned. His death meant nothing to me but a door opening. I walked through, and on the other side I found Dorian.
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. We want to live in a love that does not bind but liberates, that does not demand proof or competition but simply accepts. Dorian offers me that. He does not cage me. He sees me. He believes I am more than a hostage, more than a pawn.
So I sit here at my captors' wedding, and I wait. Perhaps for rescue, perhaps for fate, perhaps only for the next time I hear his voice. I am patient. A dreamer must be.
And I remember what he once whispered, words I carry with me always: We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
Yes. That is what I am. A dreamer, a lover, and his.
The wedding goes as well as such things ever can, considering civil war brews like storm clouds outside these walls. I pity the bride. She wears her gown stiffly, like a shroud, smiling for her house while her eyes betray the knowledge of what she is: an offering, not a woman. I know too well how that feels. I had once been given to a man ten times my age. But unlike her, I found love. I found Dorian. And I killed for him without hesitation.
The vows are spoken. Blood is exchanged, as is our custom, the mingling of lineages upon the tongue. They bow to the applause, the feast roars, and everyone pretends joy. I sit quietly, waiting. I think of Dorian. What is he doing now? Planning, no doubt, weaving patterns these lumbering dukes could never see. I never fear, not even when they tell me I am a hostage. Perhaps he will not come for me instantly, but I am patient. I can wait.
War will follow this marriage. That much is plain. Both Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal mean to overthrow King Tepes and Queen Carmilla. They would kill my father. Let them try. Alaric nearly defeated them both, and Dorian is greater and cleverer still. He will come, and when he does, all their intrigues will burn away like mist at dawn.
The music grows louder. The dancing quickens. Laughter rings out, shrill and false. Then–
A single clap.
It cuts through the noise, sharp, deliberate. I hear it as though it were meant for me. Another clap. Then another. The music falters, the dancing slows, until all that remains in the hall is the rhythm of those measured hands.
A whistle follows. Low, haunting, almost melodic. The hall stills. Every head turns toward the sound, unease rippling through silks and jewels.
Then the crows come.
A torrent bursts through the high windows, a black storm with eyes of blood. They circle the chandeliers, fill the rafters, and descend toward the dais in a whirling mass. The air reeks of iron and feathers. They gather, clinging to one another, wings folding into limbs, beaks dissolving into a face I know better than my own reflection.
My breath catches. Could it be?
Yes. Him.
The silhouette resolves into the form of a man: tall, severe, with raven-dark hair and attire as noble as any king of old. My beloved. My Dorian.
He claps once more, and the sound echoes as though the hall itself obeys him. "You all deserve applause for your performance," he says, his voice like a beautiful instrument. "But every performance must end." He raises his hands with the poise of a conductor before his orchestra. "And it's time to end this murmured farce."
And then the slaughter begins.
Duchess Elmenhilde is first. She tears the heart from the bride's chest with her bare hand, crimson spilling across the white gown like paint upon canvas. The hall erupts. Guests scream. Steel rings out.
"Slay the usurpers! For the true king and queen!" Elmenhilde cries.
I laugh. Oh, how I laugh. This is Dorian's symphony, and I will play my part. Casmir Vladi, my supposed husband-to-be, stands dumbstruck beside me. I turn to him sweetly, then tear his face apart with my nails, savoring his shock. My hand slides into his chest, closes around his heart. I wrench it free and cast it to the floor, his body collapsing in silence.
"Traitors, attack!" bellows Duke Vladi. Duchess Drachenthal shouts the same, voices cracking with fury and terror.
But betrayal blooms like fire. Duchess Vauclair rises, but her own daughter, Delilah, seizes her by the hair and with a scream of delight hacks her head from her shoulders. Blood fountains across the long tables, staining roasted meats and chalices of wine.
The hall is madness. Guests, nearly two hundred of them, turn on one another. Servants join the slaughter, some bearing the sigil of Karnstein, others of Vauclair. They fall upon the Vladi and Drachenthal retainers with merciless precision.
The great doors burst open, and more soldiers flood in: banners of the Crown, of Karnstein, of Vauclair. They butcher the remaining Vladi and Drachenthal knights where they stand.
It is not a battle. It is execution.
The irony is exquisite. Duke Vladi and Duchess Drachenthal once murdered Alaric Manthar under truce flag, spitting on tradition. And now, here, under the sacred rites of marriage, they are slaughtered like cattle.
I laugh until my sides ache.
"Thornevald! You bastard!" Duke Vladi roars. He lunges, faster than most eyes can follow, straight at Dorian.
How dare he.
I am on him before he reaches his mark, my body moving at its limit. His focus is too narrow; he never sees me coming. My fangs sink into his throat, tearing deep. He screams, thrashing, but I drink greedily, his strength flowing into me in hot waves. I wrench his head from his body with one sharp twist, holding it aloft before casting it to the stones. One of the greatest vampires of this age, ended like nothing.
His blood covers my face, soaks my gown, drips from my chin. I am beautiful in it. Beautiful for him.
I turn to Dorian. He has not faltered, not once, still moving his hands with serene elegance, conducting this orchestra of death. I do not interrupt him. I only watch. He is everything. The world dissolves around him: screams, steel, fire, blood and all I see is his focus, his artistry.
I kill any fool who dares approach him, laughing as I tear them apart.
And then, at last, his performance ends. Silence falls where once there had been chaos. Bodies litter the hall, heads severed, entrails spread like garlands, goblets overturned and filled with gore instead of wine.
Dorian lowers his hands. He opens his eyes. He gazes upon the ruin he has made.
He smiles, and in that moment I think of the seventh day, when even God Himself beheld His creation and found it good. Such is the quiet certainty in his face, the restfulness of a world completed. And I, foolish, yearning thing that I am, can almost believe that smile is the end of my own creation too.
AN: New chapter is up! A lot happens in this one, and we're getting close to the end of the vampire arc, probably just two or three more chapters to go. I think it's run long enough, and after that we'll return to the rest of the world. But before that, a few important events need to unfold, and I think you'll find them surprising.
Also, a quick question: are there any characters you'd like to see more of in the future? Any favorites you'd like me to focus on?