LUCIAN
Lucian and Miguel walked into the castle, weary from their long night. As they parted ways, Miguel nodded. "Get some rest Luke. Try not to think about her"
"I will," Lucian smiled as he replied. "You too, brother."
Lucian instructed the servants, "Prepare a bath and lay out fresh clothes in my chambers." He then made his way to his mother's chambers, where Queen Myrrh sat reading and having a feet massage.
"Love of my life, I've come again to steal you from your husband," Lucian said, his voice filled with affection.
Myrrh's laughter filled the room. "Always a charmer, Lucian. Leave us, Ella. My son wishes to pamper me."
The servant curtsied and departed, closing the doors behind her.
Lucian took over, gently massaging his mother's feet. "How was your day, Mother?"
"Quiet, thank the gods," Myrrh replied. "Are you okay, you look tired."
"Just the investigation," Lucian said.
Myrrh's expression turned serious. "Your father is concerned as well."
"Where is he now?"
"He's in his office, as always," Myrrh replied. "The Alpha's throne is a hard job."
Lucian snorted. "I'll rest a bit before seeing him."
Myrrh's gaze followed him, her voice tinged with sadness. "You know he's your father, Luke."
Lucian stood, making his way to the door. "Yes, but he's also my king. Goodnight mum."
Lucian strode down the castle's corridors. He walked to his chambers, the soft carpet muffling his footsteps. He pushed open the door, welcoming the silence within.
He took off his worn clothes, his shirt falling to the floor to reveal the strong contours of his back and shoulders. His dark hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
As he turned to face the bathroom, candlelight danced across his chest, illuminating the tattoo below his heart.
He stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping his tired muscles. His eyes closed, and his dark lashes kissed his cheeks.
His chest rose and fell with each breath and his thoughts drifted to her, the heat that spread through him had nothing to do with the water.
Lucian's hands rested on the edge of the tub, his fingers tracing imaginary lines. His mind wandered to his father.
He submerged himself, letting the water wash over his head.
A knock at the door broke the spell. Lucian's eyes snapped open, "If you don't value your life, knock again," he growled.
The knock came again, hesitant this time.
Before Lucian could respond, the door creaked open, and Miguel stepped in, "Sorry, Luke."
Lucian's glare softened at the familiar voice. "Miguel, do you miss you that much?"
Miguel chuckled. "I didn't know the kingdom's most feared warrior needed beauty sleep and spar treatments. "
Lucian smiled wryly. "Even warriors need rest Miguel."
Miguel snorted. "Next thing you know, you'll be asking for scented candles and fluffy pillows. "
Lucian emerged from the bathroom, water dripping from his chiseled physique.
Miguel's eyes flicked away, respecting his brother's privacy.
"Father's requested your presence," Miguel said.
Lucian snorted, grabbing a towel to dry off. "The almighty Alpha King humbly requests my presence, no doubt."
Miguel chuckled. "He almost included flowers in the invitation, but thought that might be overkill."
Lucian stepped into his dresser, selecting the clothes that were laid out for him. A plain white shirt and black shorts. His muscles rippled beneath the fabric as he dressed.
Miguel called out, "Do you have the report ready Luke?"
Lucian's response was filled with hesitation, "Yes."
Miguel raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Really?"
Lucian's voice echoed from the dresser, "Mostly."
Miguel chuckled. "That's reassuring."
He rolled his eyes and nodded as he fell into step beside Miguel, his long strides matching his brother's. "Let's get this over with."
CARMILLA
"The guards won't catch me. There's no evidence."
Alya's expression turned stern. "Isn't a dead body enough evidence?"
She shrugged, nonchalant. "They can't link it to me."
Alya's voice held a warning. "But you have to be more careful, Carmilla. You can't keep pushing your luck."
"Luck has nothing to do with it, Alya. I'm calculated, always one step ahead."
Alya's concern deepened. "You need to be extra cautious. The guards are searching for any lead."
Carmilla's smile faltered for an instant before she regained her composure. "I'll be fine. I always am."
Alya's gaze lingered on Carmilla's face, searching for any sign of vulnerability. "Carmilla, one mistake and everything falls apart."
Carmilla's smile returned, "I don't make mistakes, Alya. I plan, I execute, I disappear."
Alya's eyes narrowed. "You're taking a huge risk. The guards are relentless."
Carmilla's expression turned icy. "Alya, you can't catch a vampire unless we want to be caught."
Alya's voice dropped to a whisper. "Be careful, Carmilla. You're playing with fire."
"Fire is my game, and I always win."
Alya frowned, "You're not invincible, Carmilla. The King's Zeta will show up soon if there are more... incidents."
Carmilla raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm surprised he hasn't shown up yet. I expected him to be more... eager."
Alya's expression turned grave. "You don't understand what you're up against. The Zeta is ruthless, unstoppable. He won't rest until he's caught you."
Her grip on Carmilla's arm tightened. "This isn't a game. The Zeta won't play by the rules. He'll do whatever it takes to bring you down."
Carmilla's laughed. "I'm shaking in my boots, Alya."
"You're not taking this seriously, are you?" Alya sighed.
Carmilla's smile grew wider. "Oh, I'm taking it very seriously, Alya. That's why I'm not worried."
LUCIAN
Lucian tried to maintain calmness as he knocked on the door of his father's office. The familiar bark of "Come in" echoed from within.
Lucian and Miguel exchanged a brief glance before entering. The servants shut the door behind them, leaving the three alone.
Alpha Thane, sat behind his massive desk, his piercing gaze fixed on Lucian. "So, talk to me boys."
Lucian took a deep breath, relaying the details of the latest body. "I've confirmed it's a vampire attack."
Alpha Thane's expression darkened. "What's the next course of action? And why haven't you caught this vampire yet?"
Lucian fought to maintain his composure, biting the insides of his cheeks. "Finding a vampire's victim is the easy part..."
Miguel continued, finishing the sentence, "but finding the vampire is the hard part."
Alpha Thane slammed his fist on the desk. "I don't care if it's easy or hard. It's Lucian job as the Zeta to find and eliminate all non-wolf species."
Lucian's mask of control slipped. "And it's a job that I have perfected over the years, Your Highness. So don't sit there and talk like I'm incompetent at this job. I'm damn good at what I do."
Alpha Thane's face reddened as he stood up, his voice thundering. "Lucian, I am your Alpha, I am your king. You will lower your voice and your eyes when you speak to me!"
Lucian's anger flared, but he struggled to calm himself. His words came out measured, through clenched teeth. "You are my father, but you always seem to forget that."
He stood up, his movements deliberate, and bowed his head slightly. "With your permission, I'll take my leave." "I will find your vampire. You don't have to worry."
Alpha Thane's voice cut through the air, "Lucian."
Lucian's steps faltered, his back still to his father. The tension in his shoulders screamed defiance.
Alpha Thane's tone turned icy. "You will not walk out while I am talking to you, Zeta. Remember your place."
Lucian's anger simmered, years of resentment boiling over. He spun around, eyes blazing. "My place, Father? You've made it crystal clear my entire life. I'm just a tool, a means to an end. Nothing more."
Miguel jumped up, desperation creeping into his voice. "Luke, relax. Dad, please..."
But Lucian's pain and frustration poured out, unstoppable. "No, Miguel! You've always been the favored son, the one who gets away with everything. But I'm the one who bleeds for this kingdom, who sacrifices everything!"
Alpha Thane's face darkened,"Enough! Don't let emotions cloud your judgment, Lucian. You may leave."
Lucian's laughter echoed through the room, bitter and cold. "Emotions? You have no idea what emotions are, Father. You've never felt anything but power and control."
Miguel's eyes pleaded with Lucian to stop, until he finally turned and walked out.
In the corridors, Lucian's fury exploded. He slammed his fist into the wall, the sound echoing through the castle.
Miguel caught up, "Lucian, that's enough!"
Lucian said. "You don't understand, Miguel. You never have. Go back to Father, to the life he's crafted for you. Leave me to my duties and my demons."