MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

With a frustrated shake of his head, Damien turned around to continue their walk, his long strides matching the urgency in his steps. Rose followed closely behind, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched Damien's tense demeanor. Despite his irritation, Damien couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of his mind.

He didn't want to admit it, but Rose's words were spot on. He wasn't afraid per se. No, he was worried about how much more pretending he had to do in front of the high lords that would be in attendance. 'Pfft.. afraid? I'm Damien Durello.

Fear is something that doesn't exist in my dictionary!' he declared in his head.

As they walked along the stony path in silence, Rose couldn't help but pout about her question not being answered. However, she could see that Damien was no longer in the mood for her taunts, so she resigned herself to walking quietly behind him as they made their way to their destination.

As they approached a large structure up ahead, Rose muttered to herself, "The tombs of all the former lords?" She could see the imposing structure looming in their view, its grandeur a stark reminder of the history and legacy of the vampire lords who had come before them.

As they arrived at the large stone raised structure, Damien and Rose were greeted by the imposing sight of the tomb entrance. Flanking the entrance were two knights dressed in striking red and black armor, their presence adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

Damien eyed the knights with a mixture of apprehension and disdain. He knew they were there to ensure security, but their presence only served as a reminder of the power dynamics at play within the vampire hierarchy.

Rose observed the knights with a calm demeanor, her gaze flickering between them and the entrance of the tomb. Despite the tension in the air, she remained composed, her mind focused on the task at hand.

With a subtle nod to the knights, Damien gestured for Rose to follow him as they approached the entrance of the tomb. As they stepped inside, the cool darkness enveloped them, casting shadows across the ancient stone walls.

As they walked through the tomb tunnel, Rose's eyes scanned the symbols etched into the ancient stone walls. Each symbol held a weight of history and significance, representing the noble families that had once ruled over the vampire realm.

Subtle light filtered through the darkness, illuminating the symbols and casting eerie shadows across the tunnel. Rose's footsteps echoed softly as she moved forward, her senses heightened by the solemn atmosphere.

She recognized the familiar crests of the noble houses, each one a testament to their lineage and power. From the intricate design of the Shelly crest to the imposing emblem of the Durello house, the symbols spoke volumes about the families they represented.

As they passed by each tunnel entrance, Rose couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the ancestors entombed within. The air was thick with history, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being surrounded by the ghosts of the past.

As they made their way through the labyrinthine tunnels, Damien and Rose eventually emerged into a large circular chamber. The scene was already set, with Lord Marlowe and Lady Dravena standing at the center, flanked by the five high lords.

Damien, sensing the gravity of the moment, reached for Rose's hand, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by her. She couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at his sudden attempt at unity. After all, their relationship was nothing more than a façade, a charade they maintained for the sake of appearances.

Suppressing her irritation, Rose followed Damien to the center of the chamber, where a raised platform held a golden cup. Intricate rune markings adorned the floor, pulsating with ancient power.

One of the high lords stepped forward, his voice echoing in the chamber as he addressed Damien with solemnity.

"Damien Durello, scion of the Durello house and lord of your bloodline. You are well aware of the significance of this gathering," he began, his words carrying the weight of centuries of tradition. The other elders nodded in agreement, their expressions grave.

The high lord continued, his voice resonating with authority, "Damien Durello, you have displayed unwavering commitment and unparalleled resilience in the face of adversity. It is with great honor and solemnity that the council extends to you an invitation to join our ranks, to stand among the foremost decision-makers and guardians of our kind."

The gravity of his words hung in the air, a testament to the significance of the moment. Damien's expression remained composed, but inwardly, he felt a surge of pride at the acknowledgment of his accomplishments.

Rose watched from beside him, her features carefully neutral. Despite her personal feelings towards Damien, she couldn't deny the weight of the moment. This was a pivotal juncture in their world, one that would shape the future of their race.

As the high lord finished speaking, the other elders stepped forward, their expressions solemn yet approving. They awaited Damien's response, knowing that his decision would reverberate throughout the vampire hierarchy.

As Damien stood before the council members, their words washed over him like a solemn melody, each syllable carrying the weight of centuries-old tradition.

"We gather here in this sacred chamber, where the echoes of our ancestors still linger," one of the council members intoned, his voice resonating in the dimly lit space. "It is a place of initiation, where past leaders have been tested and proven worthy of their mantle. It is also as you all may know, the final resting place for all leaders who wish to have their final and eternal slumber,"

Damien listened attentively as they spoke of the chamber's significance, nodding in acknowledgment of the solemnity of the occasion.

"It is here, in this very chamber, that your initiation shall take place," another council member continued, his words punctuated by the solemn hush of the chamber. "And it is here that you shall join the ranks of the council, becoming a steward of our kind."

With a deep sigh and a nod of approval from his fellow council members, the speaker urged Damien to step forward.

Damien released Rose's hand, his expression betraying none of the tumultuous emotions swirling within him. With measured steps, he approached the platform where the golden cup awaited him, its gleaming surface enticingly beautiful.