14 + Death Wish +

Fei held Luna's hand firmly as he led her towards the banquet table.

Cederic trailed closely behind, eventually intervening to release her from the warlock's grasp.

Her Amazonian peer, seated next to a werewolf, observed the scene with an intrigued gleam in her eyes.

Murmurs filled the room, accompanied by soft, alluring chuckles and the clinking of glasses.

Cederic's gaze bore into Luna, challenging her. Impulsively, she decided to accept his silent dare.

To her astonishment, she observed vampires mingling casually with harem girls, their gathering reminiscent of a cocktail party.

They showed restraint, she noted, not immediately going for the jugular.

She glanced around, the room bathed in dim light, her gaze settling on guests lounging on couches, wine goblets in hand. The atmosphere was thick with hedonistic indulgence.

Among the guests, non-vampires mingled, conversing and flirting with the vampire elites. The men were impeccably dressed, the tailored suits revealing well-defined physiques, while harem girls wore nearly transparent silks primarily in red, black, and gold, occasionally accented by bold streaks of white.

Upon her entry, conversations momentarily ceased, before a collective gasp filled the space.

A vampire approached her, offering a glass filled with a suspiciously red liquid. Luna doubted it was wine.

"Hello, my lady," he greeted her in a rich baritone. However, it was his potent scent that truly ensnared her—deep and intoxicating.

A feeling of unease settled in Luna's gut, warning her of the potential danger he presented. Before he could touch her, she instinctively stepped back, inadvertently pressing against another's warmth.

"My name is Jon," the vampire introduced himself with a charismatic smile. His aura was intensely erotic.

"It's nice to meet you," Luna replied, her voice a whisper, "but you seem...threatening."

She hadn't intended for it to come out quite that way, but his intoxicating scent affected her judgment.

His gaze lowered to where she now held a knife threateningly. "Who allowed you to carry a weapon, female?"

His overpowering scent began to fade.

"I'd reconsider that threat, Consort. I am the King's trusted advisor."

As discreetly as possible, Luna concealed the blade beneath her flowing skirts, but Jon noted her hurried movements, a smirk playing on his lips.

Cederic intervened, wrapping an arm protectively around her. "This is the newly-appointed High Priestess, Jon, and officially, Hecate's chosen. She's not just any consort; she's here under the guidance of the elder."

Jon's eyebrow arched with interest. "Intriguing."

"You'd do well to remember she's under my protection," Cederic retorted.

Challengingly, Jon responded, "Perhaps if she were free to choose, she'd prefer someone...more substantial in all areas."

Luna interjected, her voice firm, "Perhaps you'd like to keep your bravado in check tonight, Jon. Insulting Cederic, a general, and I, new High Priestess, isn't in your best interests."

Jon laughed, clearly amused. "As you wish, High Priestess."

He cast her a final, lingering glance, his scent enveloping her once more before he distanced himself, drawing Luna's attention with him.

As he retreated, the allure of his scent diminished, leaving Luna with a mixture of relief and unease. What might have transpired had Cederic not intervened?

Cederic's voice broke through her reverie. "Mind your words, My Lady. Others might not be as forgiving. I won't always be here to intervene."

"I'm aware, Sire. Just...gauging the situation," Luna responded, her gaze following Jon as he approached a petite blonde, his possessive touch unmistakable.

Cederic chuckled, "Testing the limits with vampires? It seems you have quite the adventurous spirit."