As a mere mortal, I had never witnessed such a scene before. When two armies clash, it's inevitable that the innocent get caught in the crossfire. Nervously searching for Dene, who was disguised as Winans, I found him already standing behind me, his fangs and crimson eyes even more terrifying than the others. I gasped in panic, stumbling back a step, only to accidentally step on my skirt. Just as I was about to fall, a cold gust of wind swept by, and I felt my body being caught. Regaining my composure, I realized it was Lionel's wings.
I really am unlucky, causing trouble for him at such a critical moment! There was no time to savor the warmth of this intimate contact. I quickly steadied myself, offering an awkward, silent smile, and carefully stroked the feathers on his large wing. In truth, the baron didn't even glance back at me, still locked in a bloodthirsty standoff with Rui Jones.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Winans approaching. I quickly raised my hand in a stop gesture, signaling him not to come closer. Winans chuckled helplessly, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes as if to reassure me not to fear him. I glared at him, growing more suspicious—was he really Dene? If he were Dene, he would have retracted his red eyes and fangs by now! Could I have mistaken him for someone else?
In the silence, a series of orderly footsteps echoed outside the hall. Soon, Lisa rushed in with two rows of bodyguards, surrounding everyone in the grand banquet hall, which suddenly felt cramped.
Rui Jones sneered disdainfully at Lionel, "Have the baron's lackeys been unleashed? Hmph… If Father finds out how disrespectfully you've treated me, he'll surely lock you up again. Don't forget, no matter how strong you are, you can't surpass me. I am Father's most favored son!"
Lionel ignored his provocation, simply warning, "Rui Jones, don't get too arrogant! If you don't leave now, I'll drain the blood from your body. Everyone here could use a bit of the prince's pure blood to enhance their strength!"
As soon as Lionel finished speaking, a chorus of greedy responses erupted around us, "Hiss… Ha…" The eerie sighs sounded like a horde of ghosts emerging—and indeed, it was a horde of ghosts! Elders, district leaders, dukes, counts… all dressed in splendid attire but with menacing, grotesque expressions, they advanced step by step. Though their predatory gazes were fixed on Rui Jones, I couldn't help but tremble.
It was then I realized that even with high status, without support, it's meaningless. Lionel's influence as a baron clearly surpassed Rui Jones', and they seemed confident that Lionel could defeat Rui Jones. Otherwise, they would have already switched sides!
Rui Jones nervously glanced around and barked, "How dare you! Stay where you are!" But no one listened. They were like arrows drawn taut, ready to be unleashed at any moment.
"You think having the ring gives you confidence? A baron will always be just a baron, hmph!" He took a step back, waving his hand at his entourage, and they all vanished.
Only then did Lionel's wings slowly lower, folding neatly against his elegant back before disappearing. His strong, smooth back stood like a mountain before me, exuding an imposing aura. I could clearly sense him using his strength to mask the frustration and anger in his heart. Just as I was about to step forward to comfort him, he suddenly roared, "Lisa, take the bodyguards away!"
Though he was shouting at Lisa, I keenly sensed that he was rejecting my sympathy. This tough baron didn't like being pitied or sympathized with, nor did he need a mere mortal like me to step in and fight his battles.
"But, sir… what if…" Lisa's voice trembled, her concern stemming from the fear that more dangerous individuals might appear.
Lionel raised his head high. As he turned, his fangs retracted, and the crimson hue in his eyes faded, leaving behind a pair of dazzling blue eyes. Yet, he didn't spare a glance at me, who was worried for him. Instead, he glared darkly at Lisa. Though he didn't say a word, his noble, domineering presence left everyone holding their breath.
Lisa hastily led the bodyguards away, and everyone else retracted their fangs and red eyes, watching him respectfully. He narrowed his eyes, lazily scanning the room as if suspecting there might still be scheming individuals among us. His expression softened, "Everyone, continue enjoying yourselves. Don't be too reserved—have fun!" With that, he gestured to the band.
As the music started, he patted my shoulder and said coolly, "Margie, chat with Elder Henry for a bit. I'll be back shortly." After instructing the waiters to clean up the broken bottles and glasses at the bar, he strode out of the hall.
Since he didn't need my sympathy, why should I cling to him and risk annoying him? He must be preparing for defense—Prince Rui Jones clearly wouldn't let this go. However, being surrounded by a group of unfamiliar vampires was unsettling.
I glanced down at the ring on my finger. It must symbolize some unimaginable power and status, given how much importance the queen and prince placed on it.
Winans handed me a glass of wine, and Henry approached, "Margie, let me introduce you to some friends. Lionel's influence within the clan far surpasses his title as a baron. The elders of various clans hold him in high regard. It's just that some individuals always like to stir up trouble. Today's incident was merely a coincidence."
I had fully witnessed his influence, but… the word "coincidence" was hard to accept. For both the queen and the prince to appear in succession—what a coincidence indeed!
I lowered my voice and asked, "Are Rui Jones and Lionel brothers? Why does he have a similar ring on his hand?" If, as Bevis said, the ring merely symbolizes status and power, then the baron's and prince's rings should have different designs, right? Looking at the ring on Henry's finger, it was simply bat-shaped, with minimal embellishments.