MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

"And through blood and sweat, I restored order, stamping my authority as the new and undisputed leader of my household."

Her eyes flashed with a fierce intensity as she continued, "But I soon realized that I hadn't changed anything. The main cause of the demise of so many Draconis was still alive and thriving." Dravena's words were punctuated by a sense of frustration and anger.

"Now, I have a debt to pay," she stated, her voice tinged with resolve. "A debt that can only be repaid through justice and retribution." Dravena's gaze hardened as she spoke, her determination unwavering.

The high lord's voice cut through the tense atmosphere of the chamber, his tone laced with skepticism. "And what, may I ask, do you mean by justice and retribution?" he inquired, his gaze fixed firmly on Dravena.

Dravena's eyes narrowed as she regarded the high lord, her expression one of barely concealed irritation. "You question me?" she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I speak the truth, and you would do well to heed my words."

With a confident smirk, Dravena continued, her voice commanding attention. "The ritual of eternal slumber, much like the initiation, is a sacred tradition among our kind," she explained. "But it also bears resemblance to the ritual of awakening."

As the realization dawned on those present, a collective gasp echoed through the chamber. The implications of Dravena's words sent shivers down their spines. Was she suggesting the unthinkable – that she intended to awaken a slumbering lord?

"Since my predecessor's unjust demise, I see no wrong in seeking justice for him," she declared boldly. "And what better way to do so than by delivering retribution to those who stood by and allowed his death to pass without consequence."

Her eyes flashed with intensity as she outlined her plan. "Each of you willingly donated your blood, granting me access to the tombs of your respective families," she explained. "I will venture into each tomb, awaken the slumbering lords within, and deliver upon them the fate they have long escaped."

A cold silence descended upon the chamber as Dravena's words sank in. "But I will not stop there," she continued, her voice ringing with determination. "I will hunt down every noble and pureblood vampire in this city, sparing none until only the Draconis remain – the true and noble family worthy of ruling over our kind."

However, her words were met with a different reaction than she had intended. Damien's laughter soon echoed through the chamber, filled with disbelief and scorn. "Dravena, you truly are as delusional as ever," he remarked, shaking his head in disbelief. "Did you honestly think that such a reckless and foolish plan could ever succeed?"

He stepped forward, his gaze piercing as he continued, "You underestimate the strength and unity of the other lords present here today. Even if they hadn't donated their blood, they would never stand idly by and allow you to carry out such madness."

"And as for me," he added, his tone firm, "I will not let you tarnish this momentous occasion with your delusions of grandeur. My initiation will proceed as planned, with or without your interference."

Dravena's chuckle echoed through the chamber, her amusement evident in the glint of her eyes. "Ah, Damien, ever the wise fool," she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I am well aware of the challenges ahead," Dravena continued, her tone growing more serious. "But make no mistake, the Draconis are no strangers to adversity. We thrive in the face of war and cunning is our birthright."

She leaned in closer to Damien, her smirk widening. "As for being prepared, let's just say I've been biding my time, gathering my resources. And now, I am more than ready."

Damien scoffed in response, his skepticism evident. "And what makes you think you stand a chance against me and all the other lords?" he challenged.

Dravena's smirk only grew wider. "Oh, Damien, you underestimate me," she replied cryptically. "Perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to trust those around you. After all, enemies can be found in the most unexpected places."

As Dravena's words reverberated through the chamber, Damien pivoted to assess the situation. His keen gaze noted the shift among the five high lords, two opposing three. Lord Marlowe mirrored Damien's confusion, his expression a mirror of the prince's tumultuous thoughts.

Were some of the high lords complicit in Dravena's scheme?

The nobles from the Von Nat and Vardanian households shared in the shock, their disbelief palpable as they witnessed the unfolding events.

Dravena's chuckle cut through the tension, her tone dripping with smugness as she addressed the stunned assembly. "Surprised, are we?" she taunted, her smirk widening. "But I'm not finished yet."

A hush fell over the chamber at her command, and Damien, Marlowe, Rose, and the two nobles exchanged apprehensive glances, uncertainty knitting their brows.

Dravena's mockery continued, her words laced with venom as she revealed the extent of her machinations. "If you had any sense, you'd know my plans are already in motion," she declared, her voice carrying a chilling certainty.

"All the noble houses, except the Draconis, are under attack," she announced.

Gasps and murmurs erupted among the gathered nobles, their faces contorted with fear and disbelief. Panic spread like wildfire, fear gripping each heart present.

The two nobles from the Von Nat and Vardanian households recoiled in horror, their instinct urging flight. But their escape was thwarted as four figures, clad in knight armor, barred their path.

Damien's blood ran cold as he beheld their eyes, black voids devoid of humanity.

"They're here. The outsiders are here!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with dread.

"They're here. The outsiders are here!" Damien's voice quivered with dread as he uttered the ominous words.

Turning to Rose, he noticed her cryptic gesture, her hand clasping her abdomen in a protective manner. Concern etched across her features, her worry not only for herself but also for her unborn child evident.

Knowing the weight of their blood contract, Damien knew he was bound to protect Rose at all costs—now, more than ever, with the safety of her child hanging in the balance as well.

But the realization that they faced Dhampirs, natural enemies of vampires, sent a shiver down his spine. It was a threat unlike any other, one that stirred ancient fears and forebodings of an imminent conflict.