Pyris sat back in his chair, letting out a slow breath as the weight of the call settled over him. The faint glow from the screen in front of him still buzzed with the energy of the Emperor's presence, a force that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
He had won the first battle, securing Dracula's tentative agreement, but now came the real work—delivering on his promises. There was no turning back now.
Esmeralda, still leaning against the doorframe, crossed her arms and grinned. "Uncle Dracula, huh? You sounded like you were right at home, calling him that."
Pyris smirked, shaking his head. "I grew up with it. Addressing him like that makes it easier to forget he's one of the most dangerous beings in existence, in the mortal realm at least."
