Chapter 11

The study was bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun, casting long shadows across the room. Lucius sat behind his grand desk, his fingers idly tracing the polished surface as he stared out the window. The palace grounds sprawled below, and a sense of unease hung in the air. Thane entered the room, his footsteps nearly silent on the plush carpet. He cleared his throat, breaking Lucius's reverie. "Your friends are still here." Lucius's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense. "I expected as much." Thane took a step closer, his voice low and soothing. "What do you intend to do about them?" Lucius's fingers tapped restlessly on the desk. "For now, we'll observe them closely, Vincent especially. I want to know their true intentions. If they pose any threat, we'll handle it accordingly." Thane nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What about the child? The curse needs to be transferred to new blood soon or else-" Lucius's sharp gaze halted Thane's words. Th