Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Deep within the capital, hidden far beneath its glittering skyline, a grand banquet unfolded.

At first glance, it was a gathering of the elite.

Men in tailored suits.
Women draped in flowing ballgowns.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the hall in warm, golden light, reflecting across polished marble floors.
Soft music drifted through the air.
Laughter followed.

Elegant. Refined.

Perfect.

And yet— Something was wrong.

The champagne shimmered a little too darkly beneath the light.
The scent in the air—sweet perfume layered over something richer... metallic.

And the dishes lining the long banquet tables—

Beautifully plated.

Exquisite.

The Zenips had changed.

Gone were the days of open slaughter. No more reckless hunts painting the streets in red. No more demands for human sacrifice from every city.

Now— They dined with elegance.

Like civilized monsters.

Tonight, however, refinement was not the reason for their gathering.

It was fear.

A single name moved through the hall in hushed whispers—

Damian Duke.

The fallen king of the Zenips.
An immortal who had once conquered worlds.
A monster feared... even by monsters.

He had vanished centuries ago—after the death of his human wife.

And now—

He had returned.

Worse—

He had chosen the human side.

A ripple of unease spread through the hall.

"Has the king gone soft?"
"Or is this another one of his games?"

"It doesn't matter," one voice muttered darkly. "He is still the strongest among us."

That truth settled heavily over the gathering.

Damian could not be controlled.
Could not be overpowered.

But—

He was no longer untouchable.

"He has a weakness," an elder said.

A pause.

"His family."

Silence followed.

"If we find even one of his children..." the speaker continued, lips curling into a slow smile,
"...we can control him."

"Or better," another added softly,
"We make him king again."

The conqueror who once brought entire worlds to their knees.

The discussion shifted, sharper now—more urgent.

"The Amerina branch has fallen," one Zenip reported. "Captured by the wolves."

"Ashel Dom has secured the space rift inside the Capital Zoo."

"And Silver Island..." another added, irritation clear in their voice,
"...is now under the Wolves' protection."