In the Shadow of Power

Alaric moved through the dim corridors of the mansion, his presence as cold and relentless as the night itself. The mansion was vast, its walls lined with ancient paintings, relics of a forgotten age, and guarded by silent vampire servants who bowed as he passed. Behind him, Gilbert followed closely, dragging Duncan Macallister, whose eyes remained locked on Alaric, a mixture of defiance and fear swirling within them.

They were heading deeper into the mansion, to a place where few were allowed. This secluded area was a sanctum, reserved only for Alaric and his most trusted companion, Gilbert. The walls here were darker, and the atmosphere heavy with old power. The further they went, the more isolated they became, the sounds of the outside world fading until only their footsteps echoed in the still air.