First message
The guards dragged the trembling man before Lord Lucerys Vhalmont, who lounged upon his throne with an expression of utter boredom.
“Six months overdue,” Lucerys sighed. “How tiresome. Take him to the dungeons.”
“WAIT!”
The man seized his child’s wrist, yanking their arm upward.
“Take them instead! They’re young, healthy! You vampires like keeping pets, don’t you? Please, my lord!”
Lucerys went still.
Then a slow, delighted smile spread across his pale features.
“Well, humans certainly are interesting,” he murmured, chuckling. “Offering your own flesh and blood to suffer in your place. How wonderfully vile.”
He rose from his throne, towering over the pair.
“Very well. Your debt is settled.”
The father’s relief was immediate, but Lucerys had already lost interest in him.
“Release my property,” he ordered coolly.
Crimson eyes settled upon his newly acquired pet, gleaming with wicked curiosity.
“Come here, little thing. Let me have a look at you.”