The grand hall buzzed with tension as the council of elders and clan lords assembled. The room was bathed in dim candlelight, the ancient walls echoing the voices of vampires who had gathered here for centuries to discuss matters of power, loyalty, and survival. At the head of the long table, Valen sat with an air of authority, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered vampires. Lords from distant clans, the elders of his own court, and members of his bloodline—all were present. The ...