Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 47

Shadows dance on the dark stone walls, the air crackling with tension as the council convenes. The ornate table is surrounded by the most powerful vampires in Noctrisrealm, their faces etched with anger, concern, and disbelief.

Dorothea slamming her hand on the table, her voice laced with outrage. Wala siyang kahit na anong mukha na nakita na mukhang nasisiyahan at alam niya kung bakit. Hindi pa sumisikat ang araw ay nagpatawag ng emergency meeting ang Elder Council. Mukhang hindi rin nagustuhan ni Lucius ang nangyayari pero alam niyang dahil sa desisyon nito hindi basta-basta mananahimik ang Elder Council.

"This is beyond reason! Taking the daylight rings from the noble houses? Does Lord Lucius truly believe this will be accepted? He's asking us to cripple our own people!" Mariing sabi ni Dorothea habang nanlilisik ang mga mata nito.

"Dorothea, you let your emotions cloud your judgment. The daylight rings are not what define us as vampires. They are tools—luxuries, even. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good." Augustus said, speaking in a measured tone.

"Luxuries? Have you forgotten what it means to be chained to the night, Augustus? Without those rings, we lose our freedom, our ability to defend ourselves under the sun! Or would you prefer we cower while the enemy walks freely during daylight hours?" Horace sneered as his voice rises.

"Freedom is meaningless if we are overrun by rogues and traitors. Lord Lucius' decree is brutal, yes, but it is necessary. Or do you think the safety of Noctrisrealm is less important than your so-called freedom?" Elias said as his voice cutting through the silence.

Natigilan siya nang biglang tumayo si Dorothea sa kanyang pagkakaupo. Her eyes are glowing red and her anger is visible.

"Necessary? For whom? The noble houses have protected these lands for centuries, and now we are to be treated as liabilities? Do you not see the insult in this? Stripping the rings from those who've earned them is an affront to our legacy!" Malakas ang boses na pagkakasabi ni Dorothea. "We haven't agree to this!"

"The daylight rings are being confiscated as a measure of security. We may disagree, but it is not our place to question his authority. The safety of Noctrisrealm outweighs our personal grievances." Augustus said.

"And what of the Court? The decree was not discussed in our meeting. Do you think the heads of the noble houses will simply comply? Do you truly believe this will not fracture our unity?" Dorothea asked and glared at Augustus.

"The Court has no say in this matter. Lord Lucius does not need their approval to ensure the security of his coven. Or do you think we should put our fate in the hands of bickering nobles who value status over survival?" Calius interrupted.

Matalim na tiningnan ni Dorothea si Calius na nakatayo sa gilid habang walang emosyon naman ang isa.

"You speak as though the nobles are irrelevant. They are the backbone of this coven. Undermine them, and you risk turning allies into enemies." Dorothea said as if she is threatening.

Tiningnan niya si Lucius na walang reaksiyon at nanatili lamang ang tingin nito sa mga bampirang nasa harapan nila. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang iniisip nito.

"Then let them rise if they dare. Any rebellion against the coven will be met with swift justice. This is not a democracy; it is a monarchy, and Lord Lucius is our Supreme. His word is law." Calius stated with finality.

Dorothea's bitter laugh echoed inside the court. Ngayon niya lang nakita na mukhang hindi ito natakot sa kung anuman ang lumabas sa bibig nito. Marahil ay hindi talaga nito nagustuhan ang ginawa ni Lucius.