The grand hall of Ravenor's castle stood in eerie silence. Tongues itched with unsaid words but no one dared speak as they gathered around the heavy oak table. At its head sat Ravenor, his tall, imposing figure a silhouette against the weak glow. His pitch-black eyes, glowing faintly with crimson as he looked over his most trusted men, reflected the simmering rage behind his calm demeanor.
Valtor stood to his right, his arms crossed, the faint furrow of his brow the only sign of unease. Beside him were two others, powerful vampires in their own right, though they paled in comparison to Ravenor. Then, there was the other guest, a being far more dangerous—a shadow among the shadows. Seated casually, with a cruel smile playing at her lips, was Velene, a sorceress known for her treachery, who held sway over many dark secrets of the ancient world. She was an old friend. Her eyes glittered with amusement, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on the arm of her chair.
