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I slide my hand up her warm thigh suggestively. "I was made to dominate, baby. In all aspects of my life." I punctuate this with a low, seductive chuckle.

Dani smiles brightly in response. I keep my focus on the road as we speed closer to the citadel, though my senses are hyper-attuned to her.

We drive silently for some time before reaching our destination deep in the Oregon forest. Dani takes in the sprawling complex of stone buildings tucked away from the world by looming redwoods and ancient magic.

The ancient building looms before us, silhouetted against the moonlit sky. Weathered stones stand sentinel, having witnessed centuries of history. Strange energy thrums in the heavy air.

The crunch of gravel announces the arrival of another car. Erik, Adrian, and Lucian step out and stride toward us. Erik’s eyes lock onto mine, revealing an understanding of the seriousness of this situation. The three men appear resolute but also anxious, their faces marked with gravity.

Lucian shatters the tense silence with his signature biting wit. "Time to roll out the plush Dani carpet and really dazzle those fossilized windbags on the council! We'll serve up Azrael's all-you-can-eat blood buffet and freaky soul smoothies—it should be a real shit show. Maybe we can even get front-row seats to watch those ancient dickbags piss themselves in fear when they see what that black hole-looking motherfucker's been up to with Moldy Voldy."

Lucian's vulgar tirade hangs in the air before Danica arches an eyebrow. "Wow, Lucy, you kiss your mother with that potty mouth?"

Lucian looks momentarily shocked, then breaks into a lusty grin. "Mmm, I'll kiss you with this mouth..." he purrs with a lewd wink.

I tense up, hands clenching. But Danica laughs breezily at his crudeness.

"In your dreams, big boy."

As Lucian continues his vulgar flirting, I resist the urge to throttle him.

But she handles him perfectly, rebuffing his advances without encouragement. Lucian seems even more turned on by her indifference. Danica rolls her eyes and turns away, unfazed.

As Adrian hurriedly heads off to research, towering spires draw our gaze upward. The stronghold blots out the night sky, entire wings disappearing into shadow. Strange gargoyles perch along the parapets, twisted stone sentinels keeping vigil over unwanted guests.

I glance at Dani to gauge her reaction. She takes in each imposing detail, eyes wide with awe and apprehension. This entire world is still so new and frighteningly unknown to her. I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Our footsteps echo inside the cavernous foyer, banners bearing the council's crest draping the soaring walls. We pass artifacts of vampiric history that make Dani's delicate fingers tremble in my grasp. Strange magic seems to thrum just out of perception.

Dani's face is pale but resolute as we proceed through the labyrinth corridors. I can feel the heavy weight of responsibility bowing on my shoulders. Mortemis's sinister plans must be stopped, though the path ahead is unclear.

Danica

81

The majestic council chambers inspire awe as we enter. Dark wood walls have witnessed endless monumental supernatural deliberations over countless centuries. Strange shapes seem to writhe just out of sight in the flickering torchlight.

The elders file in slowly, stately robes whispering across the stone floor. Their passing shadows briefly engulf us in darkness before they take seats at the massive circular table, its polished mahogany surface reflecting the congregation.

Stern faces survey us critically, shadowed eyes piercing as if peering directly into my soul. Unease twists my insides under the combined weight of their ancient gaze. These are beings who decide the fates of immortals.

We gather around the table beneath opulent iron chandeliers. Their candle flames dance hypnotically, illuminating the room's imposing grandeur.

Lucian clears his throat, donning an expression of grave nobility tinged with his signature sardonic humor. “My liege council,” he drawls with a hint of sarcasm. “I have called you all together today to present the undeniable evidence that our nemesis, Azrael, has stooped to sinister, underhanded tactics and seen fit to conduct his illegal dark blood dealings.”

He places a stack of documents on the table before them, their crisp corners rustling as they are laid out for review. As each page reveals more damning information, the room is filled with murmurs of disbelief and rage.

Rhyland adds his grave assessment. His voice tinged with urgency. “Furthermore, we have reason to believe Azrael is in league with Moretemis, seeking power and a foothold in our realm.”

The council members squirm in their seats, exchanging uneasy looks. One man catches the eye of another, and a tacit understanding passes between them. They know what's at stake—the tension is so thick you could cut it with a butter knife.

The woman queries, “What evidence do you have linking Azrael to Moretemis?”

Rhyland speaks up, his voice slightly trembling. “Eva, the truth is now evident. Azrael invaded Dani and me at her home with his minions of shadows, and he managed to manipulate our minds with his dark sorcery. That can only mean one thing, I'm certain of it. Azrael's underground tunnels are somehow transporting humans to Moretemis. We need to figure out how he connects with him.”

Eva inquires, “You’ve witnessed these captives yourself?”

Lucian replies, “In the flesh.”