The Dread of Damned

The next morning, a sharp knock echoed through my chamber door.

"Your Highness, Vicaris is here to greet you," Lucian announced the moment I opened my eyes. The swirling channels of essence surrounding me gradually dissipated, retreating like mist as the first rays of sunlight seeped through the windows.

I gestured for him to enter before heading to the washroom to freshen up. When I returned, he was standing patiently, waiting in silence.

Without another word, we left the room and made our way toward the guest quarters, where Vicaris awaited.

"You asked me to spare him?" I inquired as we walked, my voice laced with mild curiosity. Lucian's request had caught me off guard. He harbored an undeniable hatred for anyone carrying the blood of Gunnar Blackwood. That much had always been clear.

"I'm glad you considered it," he replied evenly.

Well, I couldn't very well keep ordering him around while also bedding his woman without at least pretending to value his opinions. That must have been what he was thinking, at least.

Not that I particularly cared. I could have done whatever I pleased, but the truth was that Vicaris had proven himself useful during our last meeting. Keeping him alive was a calculated decision. And by making it seem as if I spared him solely at Lucian's request, I subtly reinforced his loyalty.

A win-win situation. Another asset under my control, another loose end tied up. And if Vicaris ever entertained thoughts of vengeance, he would soon learn just how futile it was to challenge the future ruler of House Aestherisin.

Yet, something told me he wasn't the type. He lacked the cunning—or the recklessness—necessary to strike against me. Especially after witnessing firsthand the corruption that had consumed House Blackwood. His disdain for the Damned only cemented that.

We arrived at the guest quarters. Lucian pushed open the door, and I stepped inside.

Vicaris was seated on the sofa but immediately rose, bowing deeply the moment his gaze met mine.

I walked to the large sofa across from him and sank into it, making myself comfortable.

"Why are you here?" I asked casually.

"I wished to express my gratitude to Your Highness." His voice was steady, composed.

"Done. Now what?" I studied his greyish eyes, searching for ulterior motives.

"I also wish to pledge my loyalty and serve Your Highness from this day forward."

I said nothing, merely watching him, waiting.

"I have no home anymore," he continued, his tone unwavering. "My only purpose is to eradicate the Damned, and I believe that can only be accomplished under your rule. You've proven that in these past few days, especially now that you are the Second Moon's successor. That is why I wish to follow you."

He glanced toward Lucian before adding, "My only remaining family member already serves you. It makes no sense for me not to do the same."

Lucian had briefed me about him when pleading for his life. Vicaris was straightforward, a hard worker, and, most importantly, a man who respected strength. That was why he had always admired Lucian, despite his exile.

So far, his personality aligned with what I had been told.

"Do you not wish to claim leadership over House Blackwood?" I asked.
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"I have no interest in politics," he declared. That much was true—after all, he had volunteered to serve at the borders rather than entangle himself in noble affairs.

"And if I order you to take that position?"

He hesitated. Just for a fraction of a second. Then, with unwavering resolve, he bowed once more.

"If that is how Your Highness envisions my service, I will obey without question."

Kai Rylan held too much sway in the Council at the moment, and I despised giving power to those I couldn't control. That was not how I did things.

Zephyr Rylan, on the other hand, was firmly on my side. He commanded absolute authority over House Rylan but had deliberately distanced himself from matters that did not concern the Grand House as a whole.

Kai, however, was unpredictable. Even with Zephyr's backing, he remained an element of uncertainty—especially now, with the increasing number of individuals falling victim to infection.

If I placed Vicaris in the Council, those who resented House Rylan's overwhelming dominance would undoubtedly rally behind him. And while it would appear to create two major factions within the Elder's Council, the reality was different. Both factions would ultimately serve me.

And should Kai Rylan ever entertain foolish ambitions, I would have a failsafe in place to eliminate him without throwing the Council into chaos.

With or without Kai, I would retain absolute control.

Furthermore, Vicaris had a strong sense of duty. I had reviewed his military records—he took responsibility for those under his command. With so many noble houses aligning with him, he would not risk defying me and dragging his followers into a bloodbath.

In one move, I could secure both Vicaris and Kai Rylan's obedience while ensuring my iron grip over the Council remained unchallenged.

"Very well," I said finally. "In the upcoming meeting, you will take the position of House Blackwood's head in the Council."

"I will do my utmost to serve you," he answered without hesitation.

"Many will seek you out after the announcement. Do not refuse them if they wish to align with you. However, do not make it obvious that you serve me should anyone suggest otherwise," I instructed.

"Understood."

"Report to Lucian weekly. I expect updates on every House under your influence and immediate reports on anything suspicious."

I rose to my feet, fixing him with a pointed stare.

"Do not disappoint me like your father did," I warned before turning toward the door.

The past few days had been... frustrating. It was time to relieve some tension. A slow smile curled my lips as I abruptly glanced at Lucian.

"Is everything ready with her?" I asked, my voice dipping into something darker, something laced with hunger.

"Yes, Your Highness," he replied smoothly, without so much as a flinch.

My smile widened.