The question came from deeper within the Moonshade group this time, not from hesitation alone, but from something that had been quietly building as they listened, as they watched, as they tried to understand the weight behind every word spoken by the elders of this unfamiliar world.
One of them stepped forward, his brows drawn together, his voice carrying a mix of confusion and unease.
"My Lord… why go this far for us?"
He hesitated for a moment, then continued, unable to hold it back any longer.
"Everything you have said… the structure, the oath, the effort to integrate us… it all sounds like something more than simple order."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"It sounds like… desperation."
The word lingered in the air, heavy and direct, and for a brief moment, the surrounding vampires stiffened, as if unsure how Achilor would respond to such a blunt observation.
But Achilor did not react with anger.
He did not deny it.
Instead, he slowly nodded.
