The dim glow of candles illuminated the vast expanse of the throne room as Alaric sat in his seat of power, his eyes gleaming with quiet intensity. The air was thick with a sense of anticipation, the looming conflict between the vampire houses and the werewolf families growing ever closer. Alaric's thoughts drifted, calculating the next step in his carefully orchestrated plan.
Gilbert stood at his side, waiting patiently for orders, as he always did. His years of loyalty to Alaric had made him the most trusted servant, privy to all of his master's strategies. Alaric's mind was never idle, and tonight was no exception.
"Gilbert," Alaric's voice cut through the silence like a blade. His tone was calm, but there was an underlying sharpness to it. "Is there anything suspicious with the Hargrove family?"
