The Crimson Dilemma
The grand hall of the Mooncrest Castle, Kingdom of Elcaron. Golden chandeliers swing softly above as an eerie silence wraps the hall like a warning. The throne sits tall—but the man on it looks weighed down.
King Aurelius slumps on the throne, rubbing his temple, eyes shadowed with days of sleepless worry.
King Aurelius
This can’t go on... the bloodshed... it’s endless.
A soft gust of wind flutters the dark blue velvet curtains as his advisor, Lord Cassian, strides in, papers in hand, and an expression carved from worry.
Lord Cassian
Your Majesty, two more villages along the eastern border were attacked last night. Not a single soul left... only drained bodies.
Aurelius grips the armrest of his throne so tight, the veins on his hand pop.
King Aurelius
Vampires. Again. No warnings. No mercy.
King Aurelius
(pauses, voice drops)
What kind of ruler am I if I can’t protect my people?
Lord Cassian
Your Majesty, the vampire covens have declared they no longer recognize the Treaty of Sable Vale. To them... humans are cattle again.
Aurelius stands, his dark cape swirling like a storm cloud.
They want blood. Humans want power. Wolves... the Fey... even the witches keep to themselves. The balance is broken. Chaos breeds deeper than I feared.
Outside the castle, the kingdom looks peaceful—but smoke still rises faintly in the horizon. The sky is tinged with red, as if stained by blood. Citizens whisper in alleys. Priests light candles. Children no longer sing.
A hidden tavern in the vampire-claimed lands. A vampire with crimson eyes leans over a map, lips curved in a smirk.
？？？
Elcaron will fall. The king still believes in peace... poor little dreamer.
Aurelius, now standing before a window, watching the sun dip behind black hills.
King Aurelius
There was once peace... before ambition poisoned hearts. Now, even the gods stay silent. (Thinking)
He turns suddenly as if a thought strikes him.
King Aurelius
Summon the Council.
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