Chapter 31: Chapter 31 - The Name They Spoke
The grand hall of the castle was alive with the murmur of voices, the rustle of heavy silks, and the clink of glasses. The air was thick with tension, masked by the false pleasantries and sharp smiles exchanged among the vampires of the court.
Eira followed just a step behind Caius as they entered the hall, the weight of the room's gaze falling on them immediately. She felt it like a physical force—eyes that lingered too long, whispers that barely bothered to soften.
She adjusted her posture, straightening her spine as her heels clicked against the polished stone floor. If they wanted to stare, she would give them something to look at.
Caius walked ahead of her, his golden eyes sharp and unreadable. He moved with his usual commanding presence, his every step calculated, his every glance a warning. Yet Eira could sense the tension in him, the way his jaw clenched just a fraction tighter than usual.
The court parted as they approached, the gathered nobles bowing their heads slightly, though their murmurs continued.
"Did you hear?" one voice drifted toward her.
"…a human bride. What a risk…"
"…weakened since she arrived…"
Eira's fists clenched at her sides, but she forced herself to keep her expression neutral. She was learning quickly that showing weakness in this crowd was like bleeding in a sea of sharks.
They reached the raised dais at the head of the hall, where two ornate chairs stood like thrones. Caius sat first, his movements deliberate as he draped one arm over the side of his chair. Eira followed, settling into the seat beside him.
The murmurs quieted slightly, but the tension remained, a palpable force that pressed down on her like a weight.
A tall, dark-haired noble stepped forward, his expression sharp and calculating. He bowed deeply before addressing Caius.
"Lord Draven," he said, his voice smooth. "A most striking entrance, as always."
Caius regarded him coolly. "Tiberius," he said, his tone flat. "I trust the evening finds you well."
Tiberius's lips curved into a thin smile. "Of course, my lord. Though I must admit, the court has been most curious about your… new priorities."
Eira stiffened, the subtle barb clear in his tone. Caius's golden eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, his silence a warning in itself.
Tiberius pressed on, his smile widening as he glanced toward Eira. "It is rare, after all, for a ruler to make such… personal investments. Especially when such investments appear to have… shifted your focus."
The air in the hall seemed to grow colder.
Eira felt her pulse quicken, the tension in her chest rising as Tiberius's words hung in the air. She could see the way the other nobles leaned in, eager for the confrontation they sensed brewing.
Caius's voice was low when he finally spoke, but it carried the weight of steel. "Be careful, Tiberius," he said, his tone razor-sharp. "You're treading dangerously close to disrespect."
Tiberius inclined his head, though his smile didn't waver. "Of course, my lord. I merely meant to express the court's… admiration for your dedication."
Before Caius could respond, another voice cut through the tension, smooth and deliberate.
"Callista would have appreciated such dedication, I'm sure."
The name hit the room like a thunderclap.
The murmurs stopped entirely, the court falling into an uneasy silence as all eyes turned to Caius.
Eira felt her stomach twist, her breath catching as she glanced at him. His expression remained carefully neutral, but she could see the crack forming beneath the surface—the way his fingers curled tightly around the armrest of his chair, the faint flicker of something dangerous in his eyes.
The noble who had spoken—a slender woman with icy blue eyes and a knowing smile—stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate.
"Forgive me," she said, her tone dripping with false contrition. "I only meant to honor her memory. After all, Callista was such a… pivotal figure in the court, wasn't she?"
Eira's pulse pounded in her ears as she watched Caius. His jaw tightened, the golden glow in his eyes darkening into something almost predatory.
"You mistake your place in this court." He spoke slowly, deliberately.
Selene's smile didn't falter. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, my lord. I simply thought it worth mentioning how… different things have become. It's hard not to compare the past to the present, especially when the contrasts are so… striking."
The words were barely out of her mouth before Caius moved.
In a blur of speed, he was out of his chair and standing before her. The force of his presence made Selene's smile falter for the first time.
Caius grabbed her by the throat, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. The court gasped as her feet dangled, her hands clawing at his grip.
"Enough," Caius said, his voice cold and deadly.
Selene's eyes widened, the icy blue darkening with panic as his fingers tightened around her neck.
The silence in the hall was deafening, the gathered nobles frozen as they watched their lord's fury unfold.
"Let me make myself clear," Caius continued, his voice low but resonant. "The name Callista will never be spoken in my presence again. Not in whispers. Not in veiled jabs. Not at all."
Selene's lips parted in a rasping attempt at speech, but Caius ignored her. His golden eyes swept across the room, daring anyone to defy him.
"This court thrives on discipline," he said, his tone like ice. "Do not make me remind you of what happens when it is lost."
The warning hung in the air, thick and oppressive.
With a flick of his wrist, Caius released Selene, letting her crumple to the ground. She gasped, clutching her throat as she scrambled back, her previously perfect composure shattered.
Caius didn't spare her another glance. He turned sharply and strode toward the exit, his coat sweeping behind him like a shadow.
Eira hesitated for only a moment before rising from her seat. She cast a quick glance at the trembling Selene, then followed Caius without a word.
The whispers resumed the moment the doors closed behind them, but Eira didn't care. Her focus was entirely on the man walking ahead of her, his anger radiating off him in waves.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
JadedButCute
JadedButCute Heya! Well, that escalated quickly, didn’t it? Honestly, I’m still catching my breath. Caius really said, enough is enough, and the court? Shaking. Selene? Gasping. Me? Stress-eating snacks while writing this chapter.
This one was all about power moves and vulnerability clashing in a room full of petty, calculating nobles. And can we talk about Eira? She’s holding her own in this den of snakes, even while the court does its best to test her limits. (Let’s hear it for subtle strength!)
What did you all think of Caius’s “I’m done playing” moment? Intimidating or justified? Or maybe a little bit of both? Let me know your favorite part—or which noble you think deserves a taste of Caius’s wrath next. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! See you in the next chapter!
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