The torches flickered wildly, as if whispering secrets in the cold night air. The Midnight Council had disbanded, but the weight of their decision still lingered. Somewhere in the depths of Blackthorn Keep, a traitor lurked, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

  Vespera, Yuvan, and Keven stood in the grand hall, their gazes locked in silent understanding.

  "We cannot trust anyone," Yuvan muttered, his voice edged with suspicion.

  Keven crossed his arms. "Then we start from within. Every vampire sworn to the Bloodmoon’s promise must be questioned."

  Vespera’s mind raced. Someone had betrayed them, but who? And why? Her crimson eyes flickered as she glanced toward the ancient tapestry that hung on the wall—a depiction of the first vampires who made the Bloodmoon Oath centuries ago. History had a way of repeating itself.

  "We need to move carefully," she said. "If we accuse the wrong person, we might expose our own weaknesses."

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  Yuvan scoffed. "And if we do nothing, the traitor will strike first."

  A sudden sound echoed through the hall—a distant crash from the eastern wing.

  Keven reacted instantly, vanishing into the shadows. Yuvan drew his blade, while Vespera focused, summoning the dark energy within her veins. Her fingers pulsed with power, ready to strike.

  They moved swiftly through the corridors, the air growing colder with every step. The scent of blood filled the air, leading them to a shattered window. A body lay on the floor, lifeless—one of their own, a loyal guard of the Midnight Council.

  Vespera knelt beside him, running her fingers over his neck. The wound was deep, but what unsettled her was the way the blood had been drained. Not a single drop remained.

  "A vampire did this," she whispered.

  Yuvan clenched his jaw. "Not just any vampire—someone who wanted to send a message."

  Keven studied the scene carefully. "This wasn’t an act of hunger. This was execution."

  A piece of parchment lay near the body, sealed with wax. Vespera picked it up, breaking the seal. The words written inside sent a chill down her spine.

  'The Bloodmoon’s Promise is broken. You will fall next.'

  The three of them exchanged glances. The traitor was close, watching their every move. The hunt had begun.

  What did you think? ?? Did you suspect who might be behind the betrayal? Or are the shadows too thick to see through just yet?

  Until the Bloodmoon rises again ????

  — Nyx Bloodthorn