etched before her like a grand ballroom. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, depicting scenes of ancient battles and

nd mythical creatures. A magnificent mural adorned the domed ceiling, depicting the night sky filled with stars and constellations. In the lower area of the estate, peo

elvet couches and intricately designed coffee tables. Beyond it, she noticed an extensive library with shelves that reached to

doors, hinting at the importance of the room beyond. Isabella's heart quickened as she realized that she stood at the threshol

t. Poised as he sat, looking as if he anticipated a painter to happen by to capture his perfection. His attire was a deep crimson robe that seemed to shimmer with an sort of darker undertone and sheen. Golden e

the immense energy emanating from him. She could see it. Hear it as the air around him practically hummed w

es of existence, holding the weight of countless experiences and memories. Despite the gravity of his presence, there was also a glimmer of curiosity in

and replied, "You make it sound ho

her with a knowing intensity. "If not for that then who is she, and

monitoring her before. As he continued he got to the events of the Gala, and how he saw her there

she confirmed that several rogues had been infiltrating. Then I confirmed our

d, “Of course, they were not rogues, no one believes that anymo

” Alexei

ered her a brief smile, "Your poor guest has heard enough about dirty hous

no idea that it was going to become a bloodbath. He then displayed a tablet to the elder vampire, showcasing the fight she had with James just earlier. attack. As he spoke, Isab

he turned his attention back to the tablet, his vo

he finally interjected, “Mister Volkov, I want to learn all I can about vampires. I

courageous. The delight escaped in a short laugh, “Huh.” The patriarch glanced at Alex

sitation. Alexe

was a glint of curiosity in his eyes as he added, "But remember, that also means you are loyal to the House of Domovoi. You will be p

od. Vladimir then pat the seat next to him. Isabella inched her way there, before sitting right beside t

he opportunity to state, “Father, if I may,

e mass induction, and then put an estimated number, “Two thousand

e, the trees, that wasn't the forest, that wa

e room. It grew cold, and icy. The air was still. There was a clacking from a distance they moved forward until Isabella could identify what it

ut Isabella knew that somehow they were in tune with one another's thinking. After the long glances an

you're talking about, but ten thousand people is a lot. Ten tho

eady. I told you I would train you to kill every vampire. So, to do tha

gave her more information, very purposefully to see what she would do, "You see, long ago all the vampires agreed to make exactly one hundred and twenty thousa

of hunters and vampires with the intention of seeking revenge for her brother and making a difference, bu

rocess the information. "Alexi you said i

e agreed-upon limit and have been creating more vampires, amassing considerable numbers. We have h

s. They then claim their operatives are rogues, vampires that have not been disowned and left a househo

sregard for the agreement and the potential consequences of unchec

ntain a balance between the vampire houses. But power often begets a hunger for more power, and some houses sou

to comprehend the scale of the situ

train you to kill vampires. And in the mean time." He glanced at his father, "I want her to have access to our files. I promised to

o Vlad. He watched her with interest and asked instead, "Tell me

" She corr

bella swallowed and stood her ground watching the cold calculated monster in front of her. One of the six strongest in the world. Th

of Domovoi?” Vladimir inquired watching her face clos

appoint, “I refuse t

everything. Vladimir shook his head, entertained, “No. No lit

t means you will be gr

this information, the access to the files, could you make me a blood promise that you will not

ise was, but she was also unnerved by the sudden appearance of co

ed, “So until you can understand what this means it may be easier for you to consider yourself my investment.” This upset her, being ma

g woman he set the box in front of her. Inside a dagger revealed itself as he slid back the lid. He waited for her to take it

and forth between the two. He said nothing. Isabella then lowered her han

of the House of Domovoi willingly.” He added, And that you will not hunt the people who killed your friend until

rned her attention back to Vladmir Volkov. "I swear by my blood that I enter the pact as a member of the Domovi house willingly. I swear

od fell onto its gleaming surface, a faint glow emanated from the etchings along the blade. The blade

aid solemnly. "Remember, this oath is binding and unbreakable. It will serve

ked up at Vladmir, her gaze unwavering. "Thank you," she said, unsure what to feel or say. In the last three hours she ha

," he replied, his ice-blue eyes softening slightly. "I think

moment. She had felt the promise as if it sealed against something inside of herself. In

reement," he said, and Isabella nodded in acknowledgment. He then slid the box into her hands,

he House of Strix." He glanced at Isabe

oser to her. A sigh as she stood, "Of course. I'll go find th

i. Isabell retreated from them both, standing, realizing she was meant to go. So she nodded to the pair and turned, feeling she would have to find her way out of t

u back." Moni

all the other hunters will be there." The doors closed and Monique punched in the appropriate floor and gathered the box from the human’s han

and lowered her voice again,

, more sincere, "Thank you", as