The dining room doors burst open without announcement or ceremony.

  Archduke Dante and Archduchess Seraphina stood in the doorway, their travel attire suggesting urgent journeys from their respective territories. Both froze in perfect synchronization, their expressions shifting from diplomatic preparation to utter shock as they registered the scene before them: Lucius, the Vampire King, casually consuming roasted meat and vegetables.

  Their stunned silence sted only moments before being overshadowed by an even more dramatic entrance.

  Valerian appeared behind them, physically dragging a barely conscious vampire noble by the colr. The military precision of his movements contrasted with the obvious rough handling his captive had endured. Lord Darius—Nova's former owner—hung limply in Valerian's grip, his aristocratic clothing torn and bloodied, his typically immacute appearance shattered beyond recognition.

  Valerian's expression showed nothing but efficiency and brotherly loyalty as he met Lucius's gaze across the room. He had taken immediate action without being directly asked, the perfect execution of unspoken understanding between siblings.

  The dining room had become a tableau of simultaneous revetions:

  Lucius eating actual food—contradicting the most fundamental understanding of vampire nature.

  Three Archdukes responding personally to Lucius's rage—demonstrating unprecedented loyalty and concern at the highest levels of vampire governance.

  Nova's former owner brought to face judgment—promising consequences that would reshape understanding of status and protection in vampire society.

  Nova's expression shifted instantly from enjoyment of his meal to shock at seeing Lord Darius. His hand froze halfway to his mouth, a piece of bread forgotten as he stared at the vampire who had controlled his existence for two centuries.

  The gathering of all Archdukes without formal summons, responding to emotional rather than political imperatives, fundamentally altered vampire governance dynamics in ways no official procmation could match.

  No one spoke. No one needed to. The visual evidence provided all necessary information about the complete transformation of vampire society unfolding before their eyes.