My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

"I think you misunderstand me, Akiko." Fortuna said conversationally, a smirk on her face. "You didn't think I was just here to demand, did you?" She chuckled.

"I'm not just here to see the Matten Coven handed back to the Society but to also offer an opportunity for the Monarchy to benefit from this."

Akiko's face remained neutral, but they all noticed the faintest twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips.

"Do you want more land?" Fortuna asked, her voice growing more persuasive. "The Society is willing to redraw its borders."

"The western territories are fertile, rich in resources, and perfect for expansion." She continued, gesturing vaguely to the west as she spoke. "Imagine the benefits to your economy and your people."

Akiko raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her silence prompting Fortuna to continue.

"Or maybe you want access to the Society's archives." Fortuna offered. "Centuries of accumulated knowledge and secrets. Things the Monarchy itself doesn't even know about the progenitor."

"I'm sure the Monarchy's scholars would appreciate the chance to delve into our collections. Isn't it said that knowledge is power?"

Itachi, seated beside Fortuna, remained stoic, his eyes flicking between the two women, watching the exchange closely.

"Would you like exclusive trade routes? Or should we share technology? The Society has recently had a few breakthroughs in our research into vitality-based systems that could revolutionize the way our cities operate. Think of what you could achieve."

She then leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Or, maybe…" She paused for effect, her eyes shining. "You want the death of a particular Elder."

Itachi's head snapped to her in shock. "Elder Fortuna! That's—"

Fortuna silenced him with a wave of her hand. "Relax, Itachi. The Matten coven is worth it. After all, sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

The room fell silent, all eyes on Akiko.

Akiko just stared at Fortuna in amusement before a sudden laugh escaped her lips. "Ha!"

Everyone paused, with different expressions on their faces. Fortuna was calm, Itachi was confused while Ezra had a small smile on his face.

He'd managed to guess correctly.

Akiko's laughter continued and the other three vampires waited patiently until she finally composed herself, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Oh, Fortuna." She said, her voice dripping with mock affection. "These offers of yours are almost enough to tempt me to consider it. Almost."

Fortuna's expression morphed from calm to amusement. "Almost?" She chuckled.

Akiko leaned forward, her expression growing serious. "All these enticing offers only serve to reinforce one thing."

"It seems that Ezra Matten is far more valuable to the Monarchy than even I realized."

"Your desperation only motivates us further to keep him where he belongs. With us."

Fortuna's smile thinned, but she said nothing, her fingers drumming lightly against the table.

"The Monarchy's decision is final." Akiko continued with authority. "Ezra Matten is a prince of the Nightmare Court, and we do not abandon our own."

"However," she added, raising a hand to forestall any interruption, "as a gesture of goodwill, I am willing to provide information that may reassure the Society."

Fortuna tilted her head in curiosity. "I'm listening."

"First, let's address the elephant in the room." Akiko's gaze shifted from Fortuna to Itachi and back again. "We all know that Ezra did not kill James Harlow or Attendant Michelangelo. The Society can drop the pretense. Ezra committed no crime in Faewall."

Fortuna chuckled in response, making no move to deny or refute the accusation.

"Second," Akiko continued, "the changes to the world in the past six months were not caused by Ezra. Every information I give you is verified by the Omnia relic."

"The event at Fewall was the result of an explosion involving a progenitor's relic. In fact, two relics were present on that day, and their interaction created the shockwave that altered the world. Do with this information whatever you want."

Fortuna's smile faded slightly, her expression growing thoughtful. Itachi glanced at her, his face carefully neutral.

"Finally, Ezra's wife, Olivia, conceived with the aid of a mutant's power. If the Society wishes to explore the possibility of vampire children, they should consider embracing the mutant population instead of attempting to curb it."

"I am offering this information in good faith. If the Society does not cease and desist from chasing Ezra, we would be forced to take action."

The room was silent for a long moment as Fortuna stared at Akiko. Finally, she leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And what if you're lying?"

Akiko's expression darkened, her voice turning icy. "What reason would I have to lie, Fortuna? The Monarchy does not need to fabricate truths to protect what is ours."

"No offense meant, Princess." Fortuna raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Consider it… due diligence."

Akiko stared at Fortuna for a few seconds before she inclined her head slightly.

Fortuna's smirk finally returned. "Very well." She nodded. "The Society will cease its attempts to acquire Ezra Matten. For now."

"A wise decision." Akiko returned the nod.

The negotiations ended with a polite exchange of farewells.

Akiko and Ezra escorted Fortuna and Itachi to the entrance hall, where they exchanged final courtesies before the Society's delegation departed.

As the doors closed behind them, Akiko turned to Ezra, her expression softening slightly.

"You handled yourself well, brother." She said with a smile. "Your trials are at an end. Prepare yourself. We'll be leaving the Crossroads soon."

Ezra nodded. "Understood."

Akiko turned and went her way, leaving Ezra to make his way back to the suite.

His boots echoed the quiet corridors as he walked and just as he approached the final stretch leading to his door, a sudden chill appeared in the air.

He stopped in his tracks, his blindfolded face tilting slightly as his Aura extended outward.

The temperature dropped sharply, frost beginning to creep along the walls. The air grew heavy, oppressive, and Ezra Aura ransacked every corner nearby as a strange energy descended upon the hallway.

There was nothing!

Then from the bend at the end of the corridor, a hand appeared, pale and frostbitten, gripping the wall with unnatural strength.

The sound of cracking ice filled the air as the frost continued to spread.
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Ezra tensed as a whisper filled the frigid air.

"Ezra."