Lucian's commanding voice cut through the chatter of the celebration, causing a hush to fall over the gathered vampires. All eyes turned to him, curiosity and respect evident in their gazes.
"My friends," Lucian began, his tone both warm and authoritative. "I have a few words to share with you all."
The crowd shifted, their attention fully focused on their leader. Samantha felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness as she stood beside Marcus, wondering what Lucian would say.
"First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight," Lucian continued, his voice resonating with sincerity. "It is a testament to our strength and unity as a coven that we can come together in celebration, even in the face of looming challenges."
His gaze swept across the gathering, making eye contact with various members of the coven. When his eyes met Samantha's, she felt a surge of pride and belonging.
