+ Catfights +

In the early afternoon, some of the women lounged, indulging in naps. Young slave girls, their fans adorned with peacock feathers, moved gracefully to disperse the oppressive humidity. An undercurrent of excitement had electrified the rest, their alert eyes darting, whispers floating across the harem's secluded garden as eunuchs massaged their muscles.

From the outside, their lives might seem the pinnacle of luxury. However, once the doors of the consortium closed, it became painfully clear that their freedom was nothing but an illusion. They might be draped in riches, but they were as much prisoners to the Vampire royalty as any servant. Regardless of their rank, they had but one purpose: to serve the King and his inner circle. Their existence was to tend to these whims, to offer themselves for pleasure, all the while trapped within this ornate prison's confines.

Luna worried she might end up just like them, constantly yearning for a brief escape from the consortium, if only to break the monotony of the endless hours. As Luna and Lady Clarence strolled through the chamber, many women shot stealthy glances her way, their eyes veiled with curiosity and maybe envy.

Suddenly, a voice rang out, "Well, well, well. Look who's graced us with her presence." A woman, radiating confidence, rose from a plush purple couch and approached, stopping them in their tracks. Lady Clarence halted, and Luna, seeking protection, stood close behind her. Both curtsied, Luna's a bit clumsier, her skirts almost tripping her up.

Luna discreetly examined the imposing woman. With plum lips, waist-length raven-black hair, and intense eyes, she was undoubtedly one of the harem's most captivating beauties. Her attire, barely-there silks, was explicitly designed to draw the male gaze. Luna felt a compulsion to avert her eyes, overwhelmed by the sight. Once this was over, she resolved to find something more modest to wear.

"You're a new face, Silver Hair. Your kind eludes me." The lady reached out, tugging Luna's hair with force, sending stinging tingles down her scalp. Luna clenched her fist, suppressing the urge to strike back, all the while mindful of Cederic's potential wrath if she caused a scene.

And she had no desire to end up a blood slave.

"What species might you be?" Now the women's gazes were fixed on Luna's unique silver hair, their intrigue evident in their lined eyes.

"Lady Catriona, there's no need to harass the newcomers," Lady Clarence said with a sharp edge, stepping protectively in front of Luna. Though the gesture was endearing, it also drew even more attention.

Lady Catriona smirked. "How brave of you, Lady Clarence, to show up at the scene of your latest misfortune. Do you not fear another attempt on your life?"

The women in the background seemed to come alive, sensing drama. Lady Catriona, enjoying the attention, continued her taunts. "This isn't your domain, were-leopard. This harem is a haven for every woman in the Consortium. If my presence offends, perhaps you should return to the forests and embrace the savage you truly are."

Laughter from Lady Catriona's supporters filled the room. Luna couldn't help but smile, even as Lady Catriona shot a venomous glare in her direction.

Lady Clarence, despite being human and often considered the weaker race, possessed a courage Luna deeply admired. Lady Catriona, hands perched on her hips, lifted her chin in disdain, looking down upon them.

"You may be a favored human of one of the Dukes, Lady Clarence, but that hardly offers you any standing against me, especially given my superior rank," she said dismissively.

"Do remember the perils of angering a High Consort. Today, I'm in a pleasant mood, so I'll overlook it."

Luna thought incredulously, If this is her 'pleasant mood', being arrogant and suddenly aggressive, what would a 'bad mood' look like?

Lady Clarence, voice heavy with exasperation, retorted, "You might act like royalty, Catriona, but let's not forget, you aren't even a Concubine."

Catriona's eyes glittered with menace. "Mark my words, human. Once I rise to the rank of Concubine and potentially even Empress, mere comas and stomach aches will be the least of your concerns. You'll find yourself languishing in dungeons, the company of rats your only solace." Her voice, though dripping with malevolence, remained clear in the echoing chamber. Drawing closer, she whispered chillingly, "And on a particularly charitable day, I might simply end your misery, displaying your lifeless body at the castle gates. Won't the sight of your spilled blood be a tantalizing treat for the vampires?"

"Threaten me again, and I'll reveal to Vali your transgressions!"

Lady Catriona smirked, leaning in, her voice dropping to a murmur meant only for Lady Clarence, "Why not resign from the Concubine contention? As a Consort, and a virgin, you qualify for the High Priestess rank. Attempt to touch the Delphi Staff during tonight's Blood Moon Ceremony. If you break the Vampire King's curse within a year, he will grant your every desire."

Luna's interest was piqued. The prospect of obtaining anything she desired was tempting. Wasn't that a way to achieve multiple goals with a single action?

Lady Clarence's expression remained skeptical. "You aim to remove competition by suggesting I step down, don't you? Fewer competitors surely enhance your chances at Empress." She accused sharply, "I'm certain you poisoned my drink during my preparations for tonight's event. Your beauty might eclipse mine, but underneath, you're just an insecure wretch."

With that, Lady Clarence deftly maneuvered past Lady Catriona, striding confidently across the chamber. But as she threw a backward glance, Lady Catriona transformed into a fierce snow leopard, lunging into attack.