Chapter 115
“Lord Rosenthal “the man seated on the chair greeted, a gentle yet unsettling smile curving his lips.
Thomas frowned as he tried to place the man’s fare. He was certain they had never met before. Yet the fact that this stranger had shipped past the heightened senses of the werewolves was cause for alarm.
“May I know who you are?” Thomas asked, his voice carefully measured..
“Come
inthe man said, dismissing the question with a wave of his hand. “Close the door.
- r. You wouldn’t want anyone else finding out who I am”
Thomas pursed his lips, his hesitation lingering for a moment. Then, with measured steps, he entered and shut the door behind him.
This man had evaded the werewolves patrolling the border and entered his home without triggering any alarm. This stranger was confident enough to come into his house knowing that he is currently surrounded by werewolves
It could only mean one of two things.
He was powerful.
Perhaps more powerful than Thomas himself. Or he was stupid,
Incredibly stupid.
Sadly. Thomas was leaning on the first one
“Good_“The man smiled. He gracefully got up and walked toward the bar inside the office, examining the variety of alcoholic beverages.
The man’s fingers glided over the rows of boules on the bar, pausing occasionally to read the engraved labels. He picked up a particularly ornate bottle, its glass etched with delicate vines and an unfamiliar crest. Holding it up to the firelight, he studied the way the liquid caught the glow.
“This, the man said, turning to face Thomas. “Is a 1798 Chateau de Lune. A rare vintage, produced in a small vineyard that no longer exists. The first version of what you now call Moon’s Embrace. He chuckled faintly as he examined the label. They refined the process, of course, over the centuries. But the original Irreplaceable, I didn’t think I would find one here”
Thomas’s eyes narrowed as he remained near the door, his posture tense. “I’m not familiar with that
it name. Moon’s Embrace?”
“Of course not” The man smirked as he placed the bottle back onto the bar with deliberate care. The modern version is still expensive, even for someone of your means. Hut this. He gestured toward the boule. “This is history. A relic from a time when craftsmanship mattered more than profit
He turned back to the bar, selecting another boule–this one simpler, with a faded label that seemed barely legible. “Here’s another,” he said, awirling the liquid within “A Sangre Noir. The original blend, from 1801 Do you know why it was so special?”
Thomas stiffened, but gave a curt nod for the man to continue. He had no intention of indulging this stranger’s monologue, but needed time to assess the stuation.
“The grapes were grown in soil enriched with volcanic ash, the man explained, pouring a small measure of the wine into a crystal glass. “The result! A depth of flavor unmatched even by today’s standards. They abandoned the practice after a series of unfortunate accidents. I’m surprised that the great Clan Leader of the Rosenthal Clan has these things.
seem to know a lot about them.
Thomas said.
“I saw them make it, he smiled T100, was a fond of wines since I was…
younger.”
Thomas swallowed. His words only confirmed to his initial suspicions. “Now, why would a vampire suddenly decide to visit my simple home?” he asked. Earlier, he had realized this person wasn’t a werewolf or a lycan. There were so many creatures in the supernatural world that it had taken him a moment to conclude he was dealing with a vampire.
The man raised the glass to his lips but didn’t drink, Instead, he turned to face Thomas fully, his smile never wavering. “Let’s just say I have a fondness for preserving things that olien forget. He gestured to the wine
his hand. “Like how you’re preserving the wine that was probably
gifted to you or your ancestors long ago.”
Thomas’s eyes licked to the man’s unlined face, then back to the wine. Something about his words felt deliberately layered, as though he were speaking in raddies. These were gifts from someone long dead,” Thomas said.
The vampire set the wineglass down and turned his attention to the bookshelf on the far side of the room. His fi the nearly arranged tours, pausing on one with a worn leather cover. He tilted his head as though reading the title amused him.
fingers brushed over the spines of “You didn’t answer any question, Thomas said, his voice Heady despite the tension in his posture. “What is a vampire doing here!*
The vampire chuckled softly anal turned, his hand resting on the bookshelf. “Why ask questions when you already know the answer, Lord Rosenthal?” he said, lus sunile sharpening as he met Thomas’s gaze.
1/2
2:46 PM
Chapter 115
Thomas swallowed, his jaw tightening. His earlier suspicions had solidified into certainty, but hearing the vampire acknowledge it sent a chill down his spine. Vampires were rare enough to encounter, but one who could slip, past the wards and werewolf patrols meant this one was no ordinary
bloodsucker.
The vampire stepped closer to the desk. his movements unhurried and fluid. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said, inclining his head ever so slightly. “Baron Lysander D’Arques. It is an honor to meet the current Clan Head of the Rosenthal Clan
Thomas froze, his breath hitching as his mind reeled. Vampires had a ranking system based on their lineage and strength. Normal vampires, often referred to as Fledglings, were at the bottom, bound to the commands of their creators. Above them were Thralls, stronger and more independent. often used as enforcers by their superiors. At the top were the Nobles, whose ranks mirrored human aristocracy: Barons, Viscounts, Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes. Each level signified not only political power but also a staggering increase in strength.
Barons, while the lowest noble rank, were still a force to be reckoned with. They were far beyond the capabilities of ordinary vampires, often rivaling or surpassing the strength of an Alpha werewolf. Thomas’s heart pounded as he realized the gravity of the situation. A Baron wasn’t someone to be trifled with
“You’re a Baron?” Thomas asked. He stepped closer to the desk, his instincts screaming at him to maintain control of the conversation. someone of your rank visit me?”
“Why
would
Lysander smiled as he lifted the glass of wine again. This time, he took a small sip, his expression momentarily distant, as though savoring a memory. “Shall we stop pretending this is your first time meeting a vampire?” he asked, smiling, “I know about the pact the Rosenthals made with the Lycan King and the Vampire King. There’s no need for you to pretend anymore.”
Lord Rosenthal didn’t answer. He narrowed his eyes. Only a few people knew about the pact. However, it was certain that it wasn’t something a lowly Baron would know
When he didn’t answer, the Baron stood. “I know you’ve been acting like a fool I know you’ve sent assassins after your daughter, and I know you’ve been failing
Lysander’s smile grew wider, his eyes glinting in the firelight as he continued. “I’ve come to discuss an opportunity. But before we get to that, I wanted to assess you personally. It’s one thing to hear stories, but meeting the man himself.” He gestured toward Thomas. “That is invaluable.”
“I don’t recall inviting you here,” Thomas said, his gaze narrowing. “And I don’t take kindly to unannounced visits.”
The vampire chuckled, the sound low and unsettling. “You may not have invited me, but circumstances have aligned in a way that demanded my presence. Rest assured. Lord Rosenthal, I am not here to harm you or your kin. He took another sip of the wine, then added, “Yer.”
“What kind of opportunity are you talking about!”
“One that could change the balance of power- He straightened, his gaze turning serious. “But first, I need to know if you’re willing to listen.”
-not just for your clan, but for every pack, every council, every kingdom in the supernatural world.”
Thomas remained silent as he considered his options. Refusing a noble vampire outright could have consequences far beyond his control, but agreeing without understanding the full scope of what was being offered was equally dangerous.
“I’m listening.” Thomas said finally. “For now”
Lysander’s grin returned, sharp and predatory, “Good,” he said. “Then let’s begin
