The vampire gasped, eyes bulging as he realized Cruxius was after the emblem.
But his words died in his throat. A sudden, suffocating presence descended on the hallway, sharp enough to suppress their very bloodline. Cold sweat beaded on the vampire's forehead as he submissively lowered his gaze.
The Queen was watching.
They could feel her gaze pinning them down. They clamped their mouths shut, forced to endure the humiliation as Cruxius took what he wanted.
He pulled out two intricately carved emblems. Each was shaped like a blooming rose bathed in moonlight—heavy, ornate tokens of high authority.
'She might be interested now.'
Cruxius noted the rigid tension in their bodies. They knew she was watching, which meant she saw exactly what he was doing. He had her attention. It was the sole reason he had provoked them in the first place.
These emblems were master keys. They granted access to any restricted wing in the mansion.
Including the Queen's personal chamber.
