Bowen looked at his brothers, Gerard, Pristine, and Dominic as they sat down together to discuss their territory. Although they were not his biological brothers, their bond was deeper. Bowen was their sire, the one who had bestowed upon them the dark gift of vampirism, granting them immortality and a vision. Together, they sought for a place where their kind could exist without fear of the relentless hunters who saw them as nothing more than beasts to be eradicated. Despite being apex predators, the world was unforgiving, and Bowen was determined to change that.
Bowen's dark hair fell in waves around his pale, angular face, his maroon eyes gleaming with intensity.
"Gerard, what are the updates on the lands?" Bowen's voice was a smooth baritone, commanding attention.
Gerard leaned forward. Tall and broad-shouldered, with a mane of silver hair that cascaded to his shoulders, His eyes, a piercing red. "We have conquered most of the lands," Gerard reported, his voice steady and confident. "Only the Perest Kingdom remains."
Bowen frowned, his brows knitting together in contemplation. "Why haven't I heard of that kingdom before?"
Dominic, sitting beside Gerard, crossed his arms over his chest. With his raven-black hair and red eyes, he was the epitome of deadly elegance. He was also the most outspoken of the group, never one to shy away from voicing his thoughts.
"It is somewhat farthest from our territory," Dominic replied, his tone laced with a hint of frustration.
Bowen snorted a trace of amusement in his eyes. "Distance is not a limitation for our kind."
"Exactly what I told the fool," Dominic muttered, earning a chuckle from Pristine.
Pristine's long, platinum blonde hair contrasted sharply with his alabaster skin, and his eyes, a striking red.
Gerard glared at Dominic, his red eyes sharp with frustration. "It is a closed-off kingdom, inhabited by fairies and a few humans who are permitted to dwell there."
Dominic's eyes narrowed in return.
Bowen arched an eyebrow, "Fairies? We've dealt with worse. Fairies won't be an issue."
Pristine, seated at the edge of the long table, interjected softly yet firmly, "If we are fighting against fairies, we need to know more about their defenses."
Bowen, leaning back in his high-backed chair, waved a dismissive hand. "Blah! What can they do against us? They are just... Fairies."
Pristine's eyes flashed with mild annoyance at Bowen's nonchalant words. "We have never had a chance to fight against a fairy kingdom. We need to know their strengths and weaknesses. Just because we are vampires doesn't mean we cannot be captured or killed. And from our intel, they are not friendly to vampires."
Gerard scoffed, his tone laden with irony. "Who is ever friendly to vampires?"
Bowen leaned forward, his maroon eyes gleaming with the light of the fire. "On that note, who will go on the survey mission? Because I am not," he said, casting a meaningful look at his brothers.
The silence that followed was heavy with thinking. They knew that sending ordinary spies would be futile. The fairies were known for their enchantments and keen senses. No one could be trusted to do a thorough job like Bowen and his brothers.
Pristine broke the silence, his voice measured. "Bowen should go. My abilities with diplomacy and magic will not give us an edge in understanding their defenses."
Bowen raised an eyebrow. "Me? I am not going, no one can convince me otherwise."
Pristine shook his head, his long platinum hair shimmering in the candlelight. "You know that is not my area of specialty but yours, Bowen."
Bowen's eyes narrowed, his frustration barely contained. "I went on the survey mission last time. Someone else should volunteer."
He cast his gaze around the room, meeting each brother's eyes in turn. Gerard's eyes remained steady but resolute, Pristine's eyes glinted with determination, and Dominic's gaze held a hint of mischief. Yet, none of them spoke up.
The silence stretched on.
Pristine finally broke the silence, his voice calm but firm. "I can destroy a kingdom with fire, but no one is as skilled as you in deception."
Gerard crossed his arms, his silver hair catching the firelight. "You know I can cause thunder and lightning. I am not suited for this mission."
Dominic leaned back, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Sorry, big brother. I am the water guy. I can uproot the entire kingdom with a flood, but when it comes to blending in, we all know you are the man for it."
Bowen sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Blending in is not as hard as you think."
Dominic's smile widened. "That is why you have to go, you are the shapeshifter among us. You are the one capable of this mission."
Bowen sighed, his maroon eyes filled with resignation, he knew if he didn't do it, these idiots he calls brother would never step up, 'The price of being a leader!'
"I am spying on the land for one day. After that, we are taking the land by force." Bowen voiced.
Dominic started clapping his hands slowly, a grin spreading across his face. "A round of applause for Master Bowen."
Bowen shot him a glare that could freeze fire. "Are we clear on that?"
Dominic's smile didn't falter. "Your plan works for me."
Gerard shrugged, his eyes calm. "It is a good one, I must say."
Pristine's eyes met Bowen's. "I'm on board with it."
With a decisive push, Bowen moved his chair backward and stood up, his movements fluid and purposeful.
"Where are you going?" Dominic asked, mischief glinting in his eyes.
Bowen's expression hardened. "None of your business."
Dominic wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "You're going to meet Meriona, aren't you?"
Bowen's jaw tightened. "Why ask when you know where I'm going?"
Dominic's grin widened. "Are you visiting only Meriona? Aren't Penny and Jordia welcome to the party?"
"There is no party and mind your business," Bowen retorted, turning sharply on his heel.
Dominic's laughter echoed behind him as he walked out of the room.