Vein and Virtue

"Let it be known: Henceforth, no vampire shall slay a human for any reason lest they lose their unnatural life. Only when a human raises a deadly hand against vampiric kind may their own life be forfeit"
- Lex Hemata (Code I)

From the obsidian towers of Xarrowmere, the vampires rule with aristocratic power. Humans exist beneath them, confined to shadowed wards but sanctified as necessary sustenance. The new vitalist tradition.

Seraphina, a nightbourne vampire was born into this tradition. She lived among the humans with near perfect restraint, especially around her closet friend. Asa, now a man, Sera had known from childhood. She was content to know only him until his life expired. Now, with the Sovereign in Xarrowmere having slain a human, his life is forfeit and his nightbourne heirs must take on the mantle and choose a nightbourne bride.

Luckily the choice is easy, there is only one.

Elevated in status and delivered to court under her mother's calculating gaze, she is meant to secure alliances, command admiration, and solidify her family's place among the elite. Instead, she finds herself at the center of a court teeming with rivalry between devourists and vitals. The disgraced sovereign awaits execution. The future of the empire rests in uncertain hands. And Elias, the eldest heir, watches her with an intensity that feels less like admiration and more predatory interest. And Elliot, the youngest...he barely watches at all.