_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" style="border:0px solid">The night was well advanced when Nathaniel reached his decision. Despite his pride demanding he handle the threat alone, practicality won out—Lord Aleksander's resources far exceeded what a single contestant could counter.

  "I need you to accompany me," Nathaniel told Tomas, who had remained hidden in his chambers. "Your testimony will be necessary."

  The servant nodded, clearly uncomfortable but resolute.

  Together they navigated the still-bustling tournament grounds toward the administrative pavilion. Vampires moved about in their nocturnal activities, paying little attention to another contestant and servant.

  When they reached the administrative pavilion, Nathaniel approached the duty officer with straightforward purpose.

  "Lord Nathaniel Hargrove. I require an immediate audience regarding a security threat to the tournament."

  The officer's expression shifted subtly. "The nature of this threat, my lord?"

  "A pnned abduction of a contestant," Nathaniel stated simply.

  Without further questions, they were escorted to a private chamber where Commander Soren, head of tournament security, received them. Her insignia marked her as one of Lucius's elite security forces.

  "Expin," she commanded.

  Tomas stepped forward at Nathaniel's nod and reted everything he had overheard about Lord Aleksander's plot—the drugged blood goblet at the reception, the waiting carriage, and the forced marriage arrangement with the Volkov heir.

  Commander Soren listened without interruption, then dismissed Tomas to another room.

  Alone with Nathaniel, her manner changed. "It seems, Lord Hargrove, that some find your... performance in this tournament concerning."

  "My performance has been nothing but honorable," Nathaniel responded carefully.

  "Indeed. And Archduke Lucius values exceptional performances, regardless of a contestant's background—or presentation." Her emphasis on the st word was subtle but unmistakable.

  She presented Nathaniel with a sealed document bearing Lucius's crest. "These instructions will ensure tonight's reception proceeds without incident. Follow them precisely."

  The document contained simple directives: attend the reception as normal, pretend to drink but don't consume the blood, retire to quarters at a specific time, and wait in a designated hiding spot.

  "What of Tomas?" Nathaniel asked. "My brother will know he betrayed him."

  "Your servant will remain under our protection until matters conclude."

  The pre-assessment reception unfolded with all the formal elegance vampire society demanded. Crystal goblets filled with blood circuted on silver trays, each supposedly customized to the recipient's preferences.

  Nathaniel accepted his with proper aristocratic grace, noting Lord Aleksander watching from across the room, surrounded by his entourage of House Hargrove guards. Following instructions, Nathaniel brought the goblet to his lips without actually drinking, while maintaining casual conversation with nearby contestants.

  Throughout the reception, Lucius's security personnel moved through the gathering with such natural precision that their presence was barely noticeable. The tournament appeared to be proceeding with perfect normalcy.

  As the night progressed, Nathaniel departed exactly when instructed—neither hurrying nor dawdling, giving no indication of awareness of any plot.

  Inside his quarters, he quickly arranged his bed to appear occupied, then concealed himself in the alcove indicated in Lucius's instructions. The waiting seemed interminable, though barely an hour passed before his door silently opened.

  Two of his brother's personal guards entered, moving with practiced stealth toward the bed where they believed an unconscious Nathaniel would be lying. Their confusion at finding only pillows was brief—and the st emotion they dispyed before Lucius's forces emerged from hidden positions throughout the room.

  The capture happened with such swift efficiency that the intruders had no opportunity to resist. No weapons were drawn, no blood spilled—just precise, overwhelming force that subdued both men in seconds.

  Commander Soren entered st, surveying the captured guards with cool professionalism.

  "House Hargrove insignias," she noted aloud. "How unfortunate that unauthorized personnel attempted to enter a contestant's quarters. A clear viotion of tournament security protocols."

  The intruders were removed so efficiently that within minutes, no evidence of their presence remained save a slightly disturbed rug quickly straightened by a waiting servant.

  "You may emerge, Lord Hargrove," Commander Soren called.

  Nathaniel stepped from his hiding pce. "What happens now?"

  "These individuals will be removed from tournament grounds," she replied matter-of-factly. "Tomorrow, Archduke Lucius will announce that security personnel intercepted unauthorized access to a contestant's quarters. No specific mention of House Hargrove, no public embarrassment—but a clear message nonetheless."

  "And my brother?"

  "Lord Aleksander will undoubtedly deny any knowledge of his guards' actions. The Archduke will graciously accept this denial while suggesting Lord Aleksander might be more comfortable observing the remainder of the tournament from a distance." Her smile held no warmth. "His departure will appear entirely unreted to tonight's incident."

  The political calcution was masterful—no direct accusation, yet a clear demonstration that interference would not be tolerated regardless of the perpetrator's standing.

  "I am in the Archduke's debt," Nathaniel acknowledged.

  Commander Soren shook her head. "His Grace simply ensures the tournament's integrity. All contestants receive equal protection." She paused at the door. "Though the Archduke does take particur interest in those who demonstrate exceptional qualities—whatever form they may take."

  After she departed, Nathaniel contempted the night's events. The immediate threat had been neutralized with impressive efficiency. More unsettling was the growing certainty that Lucius knew more about him than he revealed—possibly even his true identity.

  Yet instead of exposure, the Archduke had offered protection.

  As the night deepened toward dawn, Nathaniel prepared for rest with one certainty: he had gained the attention of the most powerful pyer in vampire politics. Whether that attention would prove beneficial or dangerous remained to be seen.