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"First, we must determine if this bullet can pierce enchanted armor," Victor proposed. "We need to assess the level of damage it can inflict and whether the danger extends to the Knights of Aegis." He fell silent, deep in thought.

"Bring an enchanted armor used by the Knights of Aegis," Father instructed, and Eldon promptly left the room, returning moments later.

We continued discussing potential countermeasures while a guard entered and placed the armor on a dummy in the center of the hall. "Let's see the results," Father said as Captain Viser stepped forward and bowed low.

"If it pleases your majesty, allow this humble knight to be of service," Viser said, awaiting permission.

Father responded with a subtle wave of his hand.

Viser retrieved the gun, aimed it at the dummy, and pulled the trigger.

A resounding bang echoed through the chamber, the sound almost tangible in the charged atmosphere.

Vampires, with their heightened senses, could clearly follow the bullet's trajectory, a brilliant golden streak cutting through the air.

The bullet struck the armor, and a ripple of silver essence spread across its surface.

The power concentrated at the point of impact, meeting the golden energy head-on.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, the bullet began draining the essence from the armor, its once-bright silver glow dimming visibly.

Cracks radiated from the collision point like a spider's web, spreading across the armor.

Eventually, the bullet's golden brilliance faded, and it fell to the floor, inert, just as the armor's luster diminished to the point that it could no longer repair the cracks.

"The armor wouldn't withstand two bullets. Even one is enough to strip it of its enchantment and render it ordinary," Victor observed grimly.

"The bullet appears to carry an enchantment of its own," I said, examining the fragments on the floor.

"Its power drains essence from contact, and the golden glow seems to be a peculiar manifestation of that energy.

" As I spoke, the bullet disintegrated into nothingness, leaving behind only questions.

"The golden hue is a hallmark of that entity's influence," another elder explained. "Those touched by it exhibit mutations—like the golden eye of the prisoner we saw earlier."

"Then why is it difficult to identify them?" I asked, puzzled. Golden mutations seemed hard to miss.

Victor answered, "The mutations only manifest visibly when they use their corrupted powers. And not all mutations are apparent to the naked eye."

"For now, the bullets can't penetrate enchanted armor," I noted. "We simply need to increase the armor's essence capacity and add an enchantment that can repel bullets upon contact, minimizing the time they have to drain essence."

Victor nodded in agreement. "A sound suggestion, your highness. However, the logistical challenges remain. The Knights of Bastion number 300,000. Replacing their armor will demand enormous resources, time, and budget. Then there's the matter of upgrading the armor of the Knights of Aegis as well."

Elder Gunnar Blackwood, his imposing frame seated near Victor, spoke up. "The House of Blackwood has always managed the military's budget. But this operation will undoubtedly strain our coffers," he said with a note of reluctance, though it was clear he had no alternative solution.

"House Rylan oversees enchantments," Kai Rylan added, Kai Rylan said as he looked at me.

But there wasn't any disappointment or disapproval in his eyes looking closely the blackish white orbs reminded one of certain ageless looking man probably testament to their relation.

. "It seems we will need to redouble our efforts this time. "

"House Blackwood will present the total budget for approval by tomorrow," Father decreed, fixing the burly elder with an authoritative gaze. Though physically imposing, Blackwood still paled in comparison to father's towering presence imposing figure.

"Let us adjourn," Father announced. "We have a solution to work toward." As one, the gathered nobles stood and bowed.

"As you command," they intoned in unison.

Father and Mother rose, leaving the hall with regal grace. "Farewell, your majesties," the assembly echoed. Elara and I followed shortly after.

"Farewell, your highnesses," the voices trailed behind us as we exited.

Walking down the corridor with Elara, I glanced at her. "I should head to training now," she said softly. I leaned in, brushing a light kiss on her lips before she turned and disappeared down the hallway. I continued to my room.

Once there, I refreshed myself and changed into my training attire. Feeling more focused, I ascended to the second floor and stopped in front of a pair of white double doors. Knocking firmly on the door.

Who is it." came the chocolaty voice to which I replied. "It is me. Prince Caelan." there was no sound from the door.

A moment of silence passed before the door creaked open, revealing a figure with rich, dark, chocolate-toned skin. Her deep black eyes shone with a mixture of fear and reverence.

"Apologies for the delay, my prince," she said, bowing slightly. I let my gaze linger for a moment, taking in her simple T-shirt and shorts, which clung to her frame in a way that made her appear both disarmingly casual and effortlessly seductive.

"No trouble," I replied smoothly. "Is Lucian here?"

"He's in the shower," she said, her gaze dropping to avoid mine. There was a flicker of hesitation in her voice, but her deference was unmistakable.

"Will you leave me waiting at the door?" I teased, a faint smirk curving my lips.

Her eyes widened slightly as she stepped back in a flustered motion. "Of course not, please come inside, my prince. He'll be out shortly."

"You're fun to tease," I said, stepping into the room and letting the warm, inviting scent of dark chocolate envelop me.

It was intoxicating, stirring something within me.

The room was meticulously tidy, with everything in its place, nothing like the mess one would expect from two long separated lovers meeting after a long time would make. .

I settled onto a plush sofa near the bed and patted the seat beside me. "Come, sit with me," I said, my voice low and coaxing. "We have time to get to know each other before Lucian comes out."

"Get to know me?" she asked softly, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

"Of course," I replied. "You're the mysterious woman Lucian speaks so highly of. Surely, you don't expect me to remain in the dark."

Her cheeks darkened with a faint blush, the red hue accentuating her deep brown complexion. She hesitated for a moment before I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto hers.

"Don't make me repeat myself," I murmured, my voice firm yet laced with command.

Her breath hitched, and with an almost imperceptible nod, she stepped closer, her gaze never leaving mine.