Beatrice's protective behavior deeply moved Lyle, but was now really the time? The fanaticism in the surrounding vampires' eyes faded away, and Beatrice's actions seemed like a bloody whip cracking their faces. The vampires were restless, preparing to swarm and tear both Lyle and Beatrice apart; they only needed an order.
Applause, the sole clapping sound, emerged in the stiff atmosphere. Duke Delaries lightly tapped his palms together, a pleasant and indulgent smile on his handsome face as he looked at Beatrice as if she were an active and adorable child.
