Lucian stood at the grand window of his estate, the pale moonlight casting a silver glow over his tall silhouette. Behind him, in the center of the hall, the sound of sparring fledglings echoed—flesh colliding with flesh, grunts of effort reverberating through the space as they clashed. Two young vampires, brought up from the underground chambers for Lucian’s inspection, fought with vicious intent.

Malric, a broad-shouldered vampire, stood nearby, waiting patiently for Lucian's verdict.

Lucian’s gaze wandered out over the sprawling grounds, though his attention was not on the scene before him. Normally, he would have found pleasure in observing the brutal training of his underlings, but tonight, his thoughts were elsewhere. His mind drifted to Theo, his useful little tool.

“They need more training,” Lucian said finally, his voice smooth but edged with disinterest. “Push them harder. Those who break can be discarded.”

“Yes, Master,” Malric responded swiftly. He turned to the fledglings, who had paused mid-fight at Lucian’s command. “You two, that's enough.”

The fledglings bowed low to Lucian and followed Malric out without uttering a word, leaving the hall quiet once more.

Alone with his thoughts, Lucian’s mind lingered on Theo. Word had reached him of Theo’s recent activities, yet no report had come directly from him. Arthur’s old protégé was becoming far too comfortable skirting the edges of his duties, forgetting his place. That would not be tolerated.

A soft creak broke the stillness as the door opened. Celeste entered with her usual silent grace, crossing the room to bow her head slightly in deference.

“Master,” she murmured, her voice soft, yet filled with an underlying strength.

Lucian didn’t immediately turn to face her. His eyes remained on the moonlit grounds. “Report,” he commanded.

“The council is divided on what to do about the artifact,” Celeste began, her voice steady. “For now, they are following Arthur’s lead.”

“Have they made any progress in their search?” Lucian asked, still gazing out the window.

“I don’t believe so,” Celeste replied, a touch of satisfaction creeping into her voice. “It seems they are preoccupied with other matters.”

“Good,” Lucian said, finally turning to face her, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. “And Theo?”

Celeste’s expression shifted slightly, though her deference remained. “He went to visit Arthur. I tailed him last night to the estate. They spoke for some time.”

Lucian’s lips curled ever so slightly. “Do you know what they discussed?”

Celeste shook her head, her posture unwavering. “No, Master. But I sensed no immediate threat.”

Lucian’s lips tightened. “Arthur’s influence lingers, even after all this time. He thinks he can draw Theo away from me, but Arthur has always been a fool.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Celeste remained silent, her eyes carefully trained on Lucian. She knew all too well that he did not take kindly to unpleasant news, and this certainly qualified. Still, despite Theo’s recent transgressions, Lucian saw his value. It wasn’t time to end him—yet. But the time was approaching when Theo would need to be reminded of his place, and brought back under control.

Before Lucian could continue, the door opened again, and another figure stepped into the room.

The female vampire was striking in appearance. Her long dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her pale face and piercing eyes that glinted in the dim light of the room. Her features were delicate yet sharp, a blend of beauty and coldness that marked her as one of their kind. There was a quiet defiance in the way she held herself, though her eyes betrayed a deep, simmering anger and helplessness.

Lucian’s gaze shifted to her, his prized possession. his face seemed to light up with a sinister smile. “Isabell,” he purred. “How good of you to join us.”

She stopped a few feet away, her head slightly bowed but her eyes locked on his, a fire burning in their depths. “You summoned me.”

Lucian’s eyes darkened as he looked her over. Her neck still bore the faint bruises from their last encounter. Every time she defied him, he punished her, and every time he punished her, he reminded Theo who held the leash.

“Isabell,” Lucian said, his voice low and almost affectionate. He moved toward her, circling slowly as though inspecting his property. “You look... tired. Has the weight of your brother’s rebellion begun to wear on you?”

Her jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Her dark eyes, so much like Theo’s, flickered with suppressed rage. Lucian reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek, his touch cold and possessive. Isabell flinched, though she tried to hide it. Lucian’s smile deepened. She could never quite keep the disgust from her eyes when he touched her, and that was precisely why he did it.

“You’ve been obedient lately,” he continued, his fingers trailing down to her neck, pressing lightly against the bruises he had left there. “But you know what happens if your brother disobeys me, don’t you?”

Isabell’s fists clenched at her sides, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, Master.”

“Good,” Lucian purred, his thumb pressing slightly harder into the bruise, causing her to wince. “I want you to remember that.”

He stepped back, satisfied with the small amount of pain he had inflicted. Isabell’s suffering was a tool, a means to control Theo, but it was also something Lucian enjoyed. Her silent endurance, the way she tried to shield her brother from the worst of it—he found it all terribly amusing.

“She hates you,” Celeste remarked from the corner, her tone filled with malicious glee.

Lucian laughed softly. “Of course she does. But hatred isn’t enough to break the bond. She can’t touch me, no matter how much she despises me. Isn’t that right, my sweet?”

Isabell’s silence was her only answer. His smile widened, eyes gleaming with a cruel satisfaction. She could despise him all she wanted in her mind, but her body still belonged to him, bound by his will. And what a lovely thing it was.

“Isabell,” he said softly, a command masked in velvet. “Fetch me dinner and leave them in my chamber.”

She nodded stiffly, moving toward the door without a word.

“And, darling…” His voice stopped her in her tracks, her hand freezing on the doorknob.

Lucian’s gaze lingered, savoring the control he had over her. “Wait for me there, too won’t you?” his voice a blend of command and mock affection.

For the briefest moment, Isabell’s entire body tensed, but she said nothing, her movements carefully measured as she opened the door and stepped out, leaving Lucian alone with Celeste.

“What do you want to do about Theo?” Celeste’s voice broke the silence, measured and attentive.

Lucian’s smile disappeared. “Theo believes he can act beyond my reach. He forgets what’s truly at stake. We’ll need to remind him.”

Celeste inclined her head slightly. “What are your orders?”

“Follow him closely,” Lucian instructed, his voice like ice. “And when the moment is right—bring him to me.”