The throne room of Emperor Octavius Vamp was a spectacle of opulence and terror. A vast chamber with black marble walls, adorned with rich purple tapestries and embellished with ancient symbols. The vaulted ceiling, infinite and dark, seemed to merge with the shadows, as if even the sky could not escape its grasp. Massive chandeliers, suspended by heavy chains, cast a flickering light upon the assembly.
At the center of this majestic hall, upon a dais made of pure black marble, sat Emperor Octavius Vamp, an imposing figure whose aura exuded an unwavering authority. His long, black hair contrasted with his alabaster skin, and his eyes, a sanguine red, pierced the darkness. Clad in a dark armor inlaid with rubies, his face, though marked by age, retained an icy elegance, enhanced by his proud bearing and upright posture on the throne.
By his side, on a smaller yet equally impressive throne, stood Epsilone Vamp, his wife and empress. Her beauty was deadly, almost surreal. Her long red hair fell in cascades around her shoulders. Her perfectly symmetrical face exuded a chilling coldness, as if freezing the air around her. Her eyes, two obsidian stones, shone with a glacial gleam. She wore a black gown embroidered with silver threads.
Around the main throne, the seats of the kingdom's counselors and nobles were arranged in a circle. Among them, occupying a place of honor, sat Caesto, the Sage of the empire.
The Sage wore a wide black headband across his face, with an eye symbol engraved at its center, representing his supposed omniscience. The rest of his body was draped in a simple, almost outdated gray robe. His silence was oppressive, and despite his frail and bent appearance, one could sense a formidable presence within him, like a hidden blade beneath a veil of silk.
At the center of the room, drawing attention like a magnet, stood a man of imposing stature. He was tall, like the emperor, and his very presence seemed to chill the air around him. His short, black hair framed a hard and severe face, marked by strict discipline. His eyes, two black abysses, devoured everything they gazed upon.
A supernatural coldness emanated from him, chilling the blood of those who dared to meet his gaze. He was clad in a dark armor infused with eternal ice. A black ice that seemed to absorb all light. This man was Leviathan Vamp, the emperor's half-brother and a feared warrior throughout the empire and the upper plane.
Yet, even Leviathan was not the most terrifying figure in the room. In the shadows, concealed in one of the darkest corners, stood Alderbaran, Leviathan's twin sister.
Her face was rarely visible, hidden behind a veil of darkness. Only the glow of her eyes could be seen, two deep and menacing flames that sparkled in the darkness. She wore a black gown adorned with runic patterns. Her hair, as black as a starless night, gently waved around her, creating the illusion that even light dared not touch her.
Alderbaran was the embodiment of destruction, wielding a black flame capable of reducing everything to nothingness. Her presence inspired a deep unease. Even the emperor feared his own daughter. It was not her calm and silent demeanor that worried him, but rather the extent of her devastating capabilities. Only Leviathan seemed immune to the terror she evoked, as his DarkIce could restrain his sister's black flame.
The atmosphere was heavy and silent, filled with anticipation. The emperor had called for a meeting of the utmost importance on this day.
Suddenly, the grand doors burst open. Linfer entered, with a nonchalant stride, casually biting into a dark red apple. The juice ran down his lips, a vivid crimson, almost like blood, and he made no effort to wipe it away. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the room, and every eye turned towards him. His relaxed posture, almost insolent, contrasted sharply with the solemn atmosphere of the hall.
Emperor Octavius Vamp furrowed his brows as he watched Linfer approach in such a manner. This blatant disrespect ignited his inner rage, but he held back from speaking, waiting for Linfer to take his place.
The young prince was in no hurry. Taking another bite of his apple, he smiled at the empress, who blushed slightly in response to his piercing gaze. A scene that went unnoticed by the others.
"Linfer, show some restraint!" Leviathan said sternly, his glacial aura washing over Linfer.
Linfer knew he was despised for his debauched behavior, but he cared little for the opinions of others.
"Don't talk to me..." He replied, granting Leviathan no further attention.
It was not Leviathan who instilled fear in him, despite everyone's admiration for his half-brother. No, it was Alderbaran who haunted his nightmares. Every time he laid eyes on her, an uncontrollable shiver ran down his spine. Even Octavius feared her, and that was enough for Linfer to understand that this woman was not to be underestimated.
Finally reaching the throne, Linfer stopped, took one last bite of his apple, and carelessly tossed the core onto the floor, under the emperor's dark gaze.
"Linfer greets the Emperor of Infernos," he declared with a mocking smile, his voice drawn out in nonchalance.
Octavius Vamp, the feared emperor of all, gripped the armrest of his throne, his hand muscles tense with anger. He closed his eyes for a moment, attempting to control the rage that boiled within him, ready to explode at any moment.
"Where have you been, Linfer? We've been waiting for hours," he said in a low, icy voice.
Linfer shrugged indifferently. "Sorry, father. Who would've thought these girls would be so succulent... in both senses." He licked his lips, his canines still stained with blood, a provocative smile on his face.
The empress Epsilone's gaze darkened, but it was Octavius' face that twisted, his veins throbbing beneath his pale skin as fury rose within him.
"What a lack of respect!" hissed a counselor, his face red with anger. "To behave this way in front of His Majesty!"
A noble, seated near the throne, rose abruptly, his fists clenched. "How dare he defile this sacred hall with his vile words? It's a disgrace to the empire!"
Others began to whisper among themselves, their contempt and indignation palpable. "This boy is a blight on the empire! How does the emperor tolerate such insolence?" murmured another, casting dark looks in Linfer's direction.
"He's nothing but a debauchee! A spoiled child who thinks himself above all! "spat a counselor, striking the table in front of him. "He's not a prince, he's a disgrace!"
The room erupted into a cacophony of insults and reproaches, each noble trying to outdo the other in expressing their disgust. Some even suggested that Linfer be banished from the realm, or worse, severely punished for his insolence. Glares of fury were directed at the young prince, with murmurs and invectives flying from all sides.
"Let His Majesty punish him! He must pay for this affront!"