Thalric limped into the Vampire King’s throne room, his wounds poorly bandaged and his pride battered. The dark halls of the fortress seemed to mock him with their cold silence. He hated returning empty-handed, but the battle with Cassian had left him no choice. For the first time in his life, he’d felt genuine fear.
The memory of Cassian’s claws ripping through his defenses sent a shiver down his spine. The Alpha’s raw strength had been overwhelming, and Thalric had barely escaped with his life.
As he approached the King’s throne, he was met with a sneer from Lady Variss. The Poisoned Shadow leaned casually against a pillar, her lithe form shrouded in darkness.
“You failed. Again,” she drawled, her voice dripping with derision.
Thalric’s crimson eyes flared, his fangs bared. “Keep talking, Variss. Your shadows won’t save you when it’s your turn.”
She smirked, twirling one of her poisoned daggers between her fingers. “Oh, don’t worry. I won’t need saving. Unlike you.”
“Enough.” The King’s voice cut through their bickering like a blade. The generals fell silent as he rose from his throne, his crimson eyes glinting with disdain. “Thalric, you disappoint me.”
Thalric lowered his gaze, his fists clenched. “The werewolves are stronger than we anticipated. Cassian—”
“Cassian is a brute,” the King interrupted, his tone sharp. “Strength without cunning is meaningless. You should have outwitted him.”
Thalric flinched, his shame palpable. “I underestimated him. It won’t happen again.”
The King’s gaze shifted to the map spread across the table before him. “The werewolves are fracturing,” he said, his voice calm but laced with malice. “The Mating Mark will divide them further. Strike again, and this time, do not return unless you bring me results.”
Variss smirked, her gaze flicking to Thalric. “Careful, darling. Next time, failure might cost you more than your pride.”
Thalric glared at her but said nothing. He turned and left the throne room, his mind already racing with plans. Cassian had humiliated him, but it wouldn’t happen again. The next time they met, the Alpha wouldn’t walk away.