[-In the Dungeons of King Lionel-]

A raging fury was evident from King Lionel.

​​

On his grasp was Antoin's life.

Choking him against the wall.

Tightening his grip over Antoin's neck.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!!!" Petro feared for Antoin's life.

"PLEASE! Have mercy on Antoin's life." Petro further begged to their king.

But the vampire king was too furious to listen anybody.

"WASN'T I CLEAR WITH MY COMMAND?!?!"

"NO VISITATIONS TO TRAITORS LIKE HER!"

"ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE IS WHAT I ASK FROM ALL OF YOU!"

"WAS THAT TOO DIFFICULT TO COMPLY?!?!"

King Lionel's voice echoed the entire dungeon.

Letting other vampires and captives discern the current tension between King Lionel and his closest henchmen.

"ARE YOU AN ENEMY OF MINE AS WELL??"

Such fury and rage were apparent on their king.

Knowing that he was being disobeyed by his closest subordinates was something infuriated King Lionel.

Petro feared for the worst.

He kneeled begging for King Lionel's mercy.

Struggling to breathe, Antoin was prepared to lose his own life.

There was no signs or hints of regret in his eyes.

Which provoked the king of vampires to hurt Antoin further.

And tightened his grip on Antoin's neck.

His claws were out.

Dug deep on Antoin's flesh.

Blood dripping from his skin.

Flowing down to his shoulder blades.

Petro became desperate in saving Antoin's life.

Aside from Ingrid, Petro was Antoin's most trusted one and confidante.

"GRAND ELDER AMELIA is planning to seek refuge to the hunters! In breaking an irrefutable deal of information about your safe houses and fortresses." Petro divulged some of the things he knew.

Shared to him by Antoin.

Immediately, King Lionel's attention was diverted to Petro.

Loosening his grip on Antoin's neck.

"WHAT ELSE YOU KNOW?"

"Spare Antoin's life and I will disclose everything … your Highness …" Petro's desperate attempt.

"YOU DARE TO NEGOTIATE WITH ME? YOU FOOL!!!"

"Forgive me, your Highness! But I refuse to live without Antoin!" Petro cried in desperation.

For the first time, the ice cold exterior of Petro crumbled in front of King Lionel.

Realizing the closeness of his two henchmen.

Weighing the things he could gain in sparing Antoin's life.

(1) Additional information and plans about his aunt, Amelia.

(2) Reassuring Petro's loyalty. Because if he kills Antoin, Petro may betray him as well.

Losing another vital member of his Legion of Vampires would be crucial in his war against the Second Supreme Ruler.

(3) Having Antoin alive will allow him to keep his defenses intact.

(4) Avoiding the hassle of reformation of the ranks of his henchmen.

Highest ranks of his henchmen was being part of the most elite group of vampires.

-HARBINGERS OF DEATH-

"Once you … disobey my orders again. I will kill Ingrid on the spot. Understood?" King Lionel's last warning to Antoin.

After releasing his tight grip on Antoin's neck, King Lionel informed Petro to prepare.

"Tomorrow, lead the other henchmen in the mission to intercept with Amelia's intention to strike a deal with the hunters." King Lionel instructed Petro.

He continued with his serious tone, "At the same time, I have something more important to deal with. So … Antoin, you will be going with me."

"Now … Petro … what else do you know?" King Lionel demanded answers and more information from Petro.

Antoin looked at Petro with the pangs of Petro's sudden desperation.

Petro had an apologetic look on his eyes as he glanced at Antoin.

But it was something he had to do.

For Antoin's own sake and survival.

"The Grand Elder has spies amongst the henchmen …" Petro began revealing one significant information after another.

…

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On the other hand …

[-In the Royal Court-]

Laura started to plot another scheme against the royal family.

Gathering her own forces and allies.

Putting pressures to the Alpha King about explaining to everyone regarding the appearance of Alpha Berrick and the sudden encounter of Prince Alarick which was connected to the abduction of Georgie.

In reality, she only wanted to frame the rogue brothers for the assassination of the Alpha King and divert the attention to the rogue werewolves.

Where conflict may spark between the wolf packs and the rogue werewolves.

Since Selene was proved to be safe and in good hands, King Alcyd had to control the commotion and mess plotted by Laura.

Together with her supporters and allies, they began to put pressures on the Alpha King and exaggerate the situation which can actually be tamed if only Laura had not caused such problem.

"Where is the prime minister? Why isn't he around?"

"I heard rogue werewolves caused his serious injury and the attempts on the Alpha King's life."

"Of course he would not admit to it because he is the current rogue king!"

"This is absurd! Beyond atrocious! How dare these filthy rogues?"

"Ingrates!"

"No wonder the faction of King Alcyd's wife are demanding for guarantee of an heir to the throne."

"That's right! There should be an official heir to the throne and an official queen of our Alpha King."

"And the former Alpha of the Silver Aurora Pack has declared dissatisfaction towards the reign of the Alpha King."

"Declaring the current throne and all related to the former Alpha King as poisons of our kingdom."

"Shhh! Do not utter such controversial issue. The royal guards might hear you and remember they are still the strongest and have largest army amongst the wolf packs. Plus, they have loyal allies on their side."

"Pft! I don't care!"

Members of the royal court and other Alphas were discussing amongst themselves.

While waiting for the arrival of the Alpha King and the royal council of werewolves.

Then suddenly, the doors opened and their Alpha King entered with his retinue.

His loyal allies acknowledged his presence and showed their respect to him.

Unlike the others, his staunch opposition and faction of Laura.

They remained standing.

Showing their support for Laura and Alpha Alister of Jade Pack.

Disrespecting the Alpha King and declaring their true loyalty.

Something that the Alpha King must act upon.

Or else things may be too late and the control within the royal court may shift away from the royal family.

Which they cannot afford at this time of war against the Legion of Vampires.

…

…

>>

…

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