Bound By The Midnight

ot's

Obedienc

istence. They define who I am,

windows. The mansion is silent, yet I can feel the pulse of 150,000 souls beyon

rule. He takes what is his and des

onized steps, their heads bowed, their hands folded in front of them. Their breat

repared,one of them whispers,

cool marble floor. Ten maids rush to their stations, one draping a robe over my shoulders,

od lingers in the

o maids step aside, revealing a golde

lo

oice murmurs as a crystal

to my lips. Perfection. The warmth spreads through me, fueling the stre

seeps into my pores, rejuvenating me in a way no mortal co

of my enemies, I think o

the world outside is a

, built from the bones of my ancestors. Torches burn agai

step outside,

ourtyard, a massive open space where the strongest warrior

mpires boun

heir heads. None dare

My presence alone commands their submission. I don't need to shout

My empire is built on fear and obedience, and as long

ot given. It is

he traitors"

heir arms bound in silver chains. They tremble, their bo

"! one of them cries,

watching him st

my polished black shoes touch the ground, t

my fingers, forcing him to look at me.

deadly soft. "Did you show

emble. He ha

e swift motion, I sink m

Within seconds, I drain him dry, h

my lips as his corpse crumbles to the groun

ce carries like thunder. Loyalty is not an option. It is a duty

, lower this time. Fe

uninterested. Kill the rest, I say, f

ollow me, but I

es not mou

& The Weig

ity. My generals wait for me in the Throne Roo

bsidian, embedded with bloodstones.

esting my elbow a

udience, one of my generals begins. They

cli

have sent a message,

cli

gue vampires challenging your

, my eyes gleam

eral he

them?

y voice a whisper of deadly

s he nods. "It wil

Go

e settles over them like a dark shadow

Elliot

ared ruler i

will ne