Chapter 32: Enthrall

Victor hauled the body of the impostor into the kitchen, the heavy door swinging shut behind him with a metallic clang. Lucien, Nyssa, and Elise were already waiting, the remnants of tonight's service cleared away to make room for this grisly examination. The body was splayed on the counter, and Victor's usually composed face was taut with tension.

Lucien stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the lifeless form. "A dhampir," he muttered, his voice tinged with both surprise and recognition. "They're rare. Their blood can make full vampires stronger."

Victor nodded, his gaze fixed on the body. "I found no clues on him. Whoever he was, he was a pro."

Elise's eyes flickered with interest, her fingers tracing the outline of her glass. "A dhampir, you say? Interesting. I thought the vampires would've learned by now."

"What can I say, Elise, some of us can't help themselves I suppose." Lucien replied with a shrug.