The council chamber of the vampire castle was bathed in solemn darkness.
The dark marble walls seemed to listen to every breath.
Alastor entered first, his jaw clenched.
Bryan followed him, silent, visibly uncomfortable.
"I don't see why he's here," Alastor said with annoyance.
This kind of discussion should have been kept private.
Before he goes any further—
— SHUT UP.
King Astarion's voice sounded like thunder.
The ground vibrated.
The air compressed under an overwhelming aura.
Even the torches flickered.
Everyone jumped.
Everyone… except Bryan, too surprised to react.
Alastor felt his blood run cold.
"Tell me," Astarion continued in an icy voice, "
What did I do to deserve a son like that?
Where did I fail in your education?
He stood up slowly.
— Attack on Miria.
Complicity with Morena.
Dangerous relationship with the werewolf king's sister.
Multiple connections between species, in total disregard of our laws…
A heavy silence fell.
Then the king's voice became even sharper.
—And as if that wasn't enough…
the rape of Morena.
Alastor lowered his head, unable to meet her gaze.
—As a father, you disappoint me.
But as king... I will be impartial.
He turned to Bryan.
— From this day forward, Alastor retains his title of prince.
But he is no longer heir.
The title now goes to Bryan.
—Wha—WHAT?!
But father! Bryan is in a relationship with another species!
Astarion gave an amused smile.
- Exactly.
Since you, I authorize you to marry Morena – as compensation and to appease the council of sorcerers –
so I allow all my sons to love whoever they want.
He looked around the room.
—An objection?
No one dared to speak.
- Alright.
The king stood up and left the room without a backward glance.
---
Meanwhile… at Katrina's
Katrina was pacing back and forth in her living room.
His mind was spinning.
Miria and Asher… close… accomplices.
Their violent argument.
Then that night with Klaus… burning… disturbing.
- Shit…
She grabbed her phone, hesitated… then called.
— Asher.
Come to my house.
I have something important to tell you.
Without waiting for a response, she hung up.