Warlock Ch 243. I Look Like
"There," he said, smirking at his reflection. "Now I look like ."
A knock at the door broke his thoughts. Evelyn and Cassius were waiting outside, already dressed and ready. When Damian opened the door, his gaze imdiately landed on Evelyn, and he froze for a mont.
Evelyn's outfit was stunning—a dark, flowing gown that hugged her figure elegantly without being over-the-top. The neckline was modest but accentuated with intricate silver embroidery that caught the light as she moved. Her hair was styled simply, with a few loose strands framing her face. She looked… beautiful.
"You clean up well," Damian said, his voice light but sincere.
Evelyn blushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."
Cassius, who had been standing off to the side in a sharp, minimalist suit, smirked. "Can we save the complints for later? We've got a vampire soirée to crash."
Damian rolled his eyes. "Relax, Cas. We're not crashing. We're invited."
"Still feels like crashing," Cassius muttered, adjusting his tie.
The walk to the ballroom was quiet. When they arrived, Damian's first thought was that the event was far grander than he had expected. The ballroom was massive, with high vaulted ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast shimring light over the room. Guests were already mingling, their elegant attire and composed deanors making it clear that this was a gathering of the elite.
Damian couldn't help but feel out of place. Most of the attendees were vampires, their pale, flawless complexions and sharp features giving them a weird elegance. Scattered among them were representatives from other tribes—werewolves, fae, and even a few humans—but they were clearly outnumbered. It was obvious this was a vampire-dominated event, and Damian couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Evelyn leaned in closer to him, her voice low. "Rember, if this goes bad, we run. Those noble vampires probably don't like us."
"Got it," Damian said, his tone equally quiet. "Let's just get through this without starting a fight."
Cassius, who was already scanning the room with his usual stoic expression, snorted softly. "A room full of people who either hate us or want us dead. What could go wrong?"
Damian smirked. "Don't jinx it."
The three of them moved cautiously through the crowd, doing their best to blend in. They accepted drinks from passing waitstaff—Damian had no idea what was in his glass, but it tasted vaguely of berries and sothing tallic—and made polite conversation with the few guests who approached them.
It didn't take long for Damian to spot a few familiar faces. So of the senators were present, their cold gazes scanning the room like predators. He recognized one of them, an older man with silver hair tied neatly at the nape of his neck. Senator Ralvek. The man had been vocal about his hatred to Kaelan.
"Great," Damian muttered, taking another sip of his drink. "Ralvek's here. This just keeps getting better."
Evelyn followed his gaze, her lips tightening. "Just avoid him. No need to provoke anyone."
"Don't worry, I'm not in the mood for small talk," Damian said dryly.
Cassius, standing nearby with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? You've got a talent for pissing people off without even trying."
Damian smirked. "It's a gift."
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sound of a bell chiming silenced the room. All eyes turned to the grand staircase at the far end of the ballroom, where Victoria appeared, flanked by two attendants. She was a vision in crimson, her gown flowing like liquid fire as she descended the steps.
The room seed to hold its breath as she reached the floor, her gaze sweeping over the gathered guests. When her eyes landed on Damian, she gave him the faintest of nods before addressing the room.
"Thank you all for coming," Victoria said, her voice carrying effortlessly through the space. "This evening is not just any celebration," Victoria continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Tonight marks the fiftieth anniversary of my husband's passing. Every year, I host this event to honor his mory, to remind us all of what was lost and what we must continue to protect."
Damian stiffened slightly, keeping his expression neutral. 'So that's why this event is so grand,' he thought. 'She has been planning this for a long ti.'
Victoria's lips curved into a faint smile. "However, this year's celebration is different. This year, we do not only mourn. We also celebrate a victory hard-earned."
There was a ripple of murmurs among the crowd, the vampires exchanging subtle glances. Even Cassius raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward Damian. "Hard-earned? She makes it sound like she did all the work," he muttered.
"Shh," Damian replied, though he shared the sentint.
Victoria raised her hand, silencing the murmurs. "Just yesterday, we defeated a great threat. My forr general, Varak, and his rogue forces have been eliminated. Their betrayal has been punished, and order has been restored."
The crowd clapped politely, though there was a certain tension in the air. Victoria's expression darkened slightly as she continued. "But that victory did not co without treachery. One I trusted dearly—Seraphis, the leader of my troops—turned against . He betrayed my trust. He tried to kill ."
Gasps rippled through the room, though so faces betrayed little surprise. It was clear not everyone was shocked by the revelation.
Victoria's smile returned, sharper this ti. "So… I killed him." She said it like it was nothing, like she had rely swatted a fly. The applause that followed was hesitant but respectful, and Damian noticed a few senators exchanging wary glances.
"But," Victoria said, her voice lifting with a note of triumph, "this victory was not mine alone. I could not have achieved it without the intervention of three brave individuals who stepped forward when I needed them most."
Damian felt the weight of her words settle on his shoulders as she turned her gaze toward him. "Damian, Evelyn, Cassius—please, co forward."
Cassius let out a low whistle. "Well, this is it. Ti to shine."
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