‎"Sebastian, pass on my command to the entirety of the Dark Realm," the King declared, his voice carrying impossible authority. "And none shall violate it—not even in their dreams."‎‎Sweat trickled down many faces while others swallowed hard, their expressions stiff with fear and disbelief.‎‎King Alucard's crimson eyes swept across the royal hall one final time.‎‎"I bid you all a good night."‎‎Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the towering doors.‎‎Everyone lowered their heads respectfully.‎‎Including me.‎‎Sarabi rose immediately and followed behind him with calm elegance. Brienna moved after her in silence.‎‎Gara exchanged a proud smile with her son before stepping closely behind the Second Queen.‎‎The giant doors groaned as they slowly sealed shut behind them.‎‎Silence lingered.‎‎Then—‎‎"What did you do, halfbreed?"‎‎Bron's voice cut through the hall like a blade.‎‎He crossed the distance in five sharp steps, his towering frame st

‎"Seriously, Mother, you could have said something earlier," I complained, standing beside her on the grand balcony. "Here I was, getting all pumped up to cause a little chaos." ‎‎Gara threw her head back and laughed loudly, the sound rich and unrestrained. She tapped her right hand gently against my left shoulder, her touch surprisingly soft for someone of her formidable strength. ‎‎"Relax, Richard, dear," she said, wiping tiny tears of from the mirth corners of her eyes with the back of her left hand. "It was urgent. I had to send her back to the clan immediately to deliver a message to my father."‎‎"Your father?" I echoed, genuinely surprised. This was the first time I'd heard anything about him. I quickly searched through the fragmented memories of this body, but found nothing. No recollections, no whispers, no hints of a living grandfather. ‎‎"Oh. This is the first time I'm telling you about this, isn't it?" Gara recalled with a thoughtful nod. ‎‎The morning breeze swep