Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Before coming to this event, Aldus gave me information on some people, but most of the files were without photos, so I needed to hear a name in order to make a connection.

Aldus led the way among the crowd and exchanged nods before we were stopped by one older man who greeted Aldus with a small bow.

"Lord Aldus…"

I noticed several medals of different shapes attached to the left lapel of his suit and I assumed that he is someone of high status.

"Obedras, it's been a long time…", Aldus greeted back and he immediately switched to introductions. "You know my sister, Calista… and this is my daughter, Seraphina…"

The man frowned slightly when Aldus addressed him by his name, but he swallowed his grievances and greeted me and Calista politely.

We didn't stick longer than exchanging pleasantries with Obedras before moving on.

After two more people, Killian approached us. We spoke for a few minutes, and then he and Calista separated from us.

I feared that Aldus will leave me as well. If he does that, I was not sure what I would do other than find a corner and pretend I don't exist.

Luckily, Aldus continued moving through the crowd with me holding onto his arm, and he didn't seem to have any intention to stop with introductions.

I observed how everyone greeted Aldus with respect. It confirmed what I knew, his status is high among creatures.

They all looked human, other than some having strange eye colors or shapes. Two people had their pupils as a vertical slit, and one woman had her pupil shaped like a rectangle. I tried not to stare. Several people had small horns protruding from their heads, and I saw a group whose skin shimmered in teal.

A man who introduced himself as Gilbert moved his head and when his bangs shifted, I saw a third eye in the middle of his forehead!

All people here were of high standing, which meant that they can transform into a humanoid form either by their ability, or potion, or an item that grants shapeshifting, but not everyone's transformation was perfect.

I was silently playing a game that I named, 'guess the creature'. It kept me busy while people indulged in chatting with Aldus.

The blinding lightning shoot through space, just under the ceiling, and I reflexively stepped close to Aldus and clutched his arm.

Why is there a storm? It was sunny when we arrived! And this storm seems to be inside!

"Always making a flashy entrance…", I heard a disapproving grumble of a person who was behind me.

"Graike Fulgur, the Lord of Lightning!", the man at the door announced loudly and my eyes widened in horror.

It's the marriage-crazed dragon!

I tried to calm myself down. There are so many people that he will probably not notice me. Also, it's more than two years since we met last time. He forgot about the whole ride-the-dragon-and-get-married incident. Right? RIGHT!?

"Are you alright?", Aldus asked me in a low voice.

I forced a smile. "Yes, yes. I was just surprised by the lightning, that's it."

One tall brunette approached us with a slender man by her side. Their red eyes were a giveaway of vampire origins. Purebloods.

'Are all vampires beautiful?', I wondered while looking at the couple.

The man was handsome, but my eyes were drawn to the woman. Everything about her was perfect.

"Aldus…", the woman spoke first.

I was surprised that she called him by his name. So far, everyone addressed him as Lord or Master. That told me they are either close or she has a high status. Probably both.

The woman had a tight smile on her face and her eyes rested on me for a second before her attention returned to Aldus.

"Elena…", Aldus greeted back, his voice warmer than with anyone else we met so far.

Aldus turned to me. "Serina, this is councilwoman Elena. Elena, this is my daughter, Seraphina."

Her eyes flickered with something unfathomable. "I didn't know you had a daughter."

She turned toward me and nodded without offering a hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, Seraphina."

I nodded back. "The pleasure is mine, councilwoman Elena."

I remembered from the files I read that councilwoman Elena has her position because Aldus refused to be part of the Council.

"This is Bertram, my date for tonight.", Elena finally introduced the man who was standing by her side.

He smiled awkwardly while shaking my hand, and I was not sure if he was uncomfortable that she called him her date, or because she specified that it was only for tonight. Well, that was oddly specific.

"I heard of Bertram.", Aldus said with a small smile at the corner of his lips, and I swear that Elena blushed while avoiding his gaze.

"It's an honor, Lord Aldus…", Bertram said with glee while bowing, but Aldus was totally focused on Elena.

My sixth sense was tingling. Is there something between Aldus and Elena? There must be some story that was not part of the files I read.

Well, they are both high-ranking vampires and they definitely know each other for a long time. Maybe I'm overthinking.

I'm aware that Aldus is not a monk, but that doesn't mean he sleeps with every attractive woman.

"Princess…", a familiar deep voice came from my right and my head snapped to greet the handsome werewolf who was only one step away from me.

"Laz!", I called louder than intended, but I was excited when I saw a familiar face.

Lazarus smiled warmly and greeted Aldus, Elena, and Bertram before turning to me.

"Can I interest you in a walk before dinner?", he paused and glanced at Aldus. "I promise to bring her back on time and I will not leave her side."

Aldus rolled his eyes. "Dinner is in fifteen minutes and it's up to Serina if she wants to join you."

I wanted to observe Aldus and Elena as the mood between them was ambiguous, but Lazarus offered me a way out and for a moment I forgot that Aldus told me how this is a good chance for him to introduce me as his daughter.

I looked at Aldus apologetically. "I will see you for dinner…"

Lazarus grinned and offered me his arm, half bent at the elbow. I linked my arm with his and let him lead the way. I didn't care where he is taking me as I wanted to escape the stifling atmosphere and a fifteen minutes-long break sounded heavenly.

"You are beautiful tonight, princess…", he complimented me as we made our way out onto a large terrace.

"And you are handsome.", I returned the compliment.

Lazarus's numerous visits washed away the initial bad impression, and we became good friends. I'm relaxed around him. I noticed that there are only a few people on the terrace and the crisp air felt good.

I glanced at his sharp dark blue suit. "You should dress up more often."

Lazarus put his index finger under the collar of his shirt like he is trying to stretch the fabric. "This is suffocating."

He made a silly face, and I stifled a giggle. Well, he is a werewolf and probably prefers something looser. Or just naked.

I tried not to think of naked Lazarus, but the image of him from nearly three years ago is still fresh in my memory, and Calista's insistence that I describe certain parts of his body made me think of it. Damn!

A sweet and citrusy scent drifted our way with the fresh mountain breeze, and I realized that we are descending into a garden.

It was close to sunset and the shadows were getting longer, but it all added to the mystery of the massive garden that was full of roses, and I saw shapes made out of clematis, irises, columbine, and several other plants I didn't recognize.

The path made out of flat rocks had benches on the side, and there were bushes and trees, and I wondered how come I didn't see this from the helicopter when we arrived.

"How are you holding?", Lazarus asked me.

I pursed my lips while thinking about how to answer this. "Let's say that I'm glad I'm out of there."

Lazarus chuckled. "Many of those people just found out that Aldus has a daughter. He is a big deal and that makes you a big deal."

I let out a long exhale. "I've got that part. I feel like this is a circus and I'm the main attraction."

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