Night - Royal Pace, Lucius's Central Kingdom, Year 950

  The Royal Guard Captain Severin approached the King's private study with his nightly security report, finding Lucius standing by the tall windows overlooking the eastern territories, his silhouette stark against the moonlight.

  "Your Majesty, the night patrol reports are complete. All territories remain secure," Severin announced with a crisp bow.

  Lucius turned from the window, his expression unreadable. "Captain, I have new instructions for the border patrols."

  "Of course, Your Majesty."

  "If a patrol makes contact with a strange group of humans, bring them discreetly to the east wing chambers."

  Severin's practiced composure faltered for a moment. "Humans, Your Majesty?"

  The captain's confusion was understandable. Wild humans had not been encountered in centuries. Every human in vampire society was meticulously documented in blood farm registries. The very concept of unregistered humans wandering free was nearly incomprehensible.

  "Ensure they are brought with minimal attention," Lucius continued, offering no expnation for the improbable order.

  "When should we anticipate such an encounter, Your Majesty?" Severin asked carefully.

  Lucius merely turned his gaze back to the window. "The order stands, Captain."

  The captain hesitated, uncertainty evident despite his training. "Should we increase patrol frequency in that sector?"

  "That won't be necessary," Lucius replied, his tone discouraging further questions. "Standard patrols will suffice."

  "As you command, Your Majesty." Severin bowed again and departed, his mind filled with unanswered questions about the King's unusual instructions.

  After the captain left, Lucius dismissed his remaining attendants with a subtle gesture. When the heavy doors closed, he stood alone at the window, the weight of centuries evident in his posture.

  "Should I get my heart broken?" he whispered to the empty room. "Or keep waiting?"

  He closed his eyes, centuries of memory weighing upon him. In the silence of his chambers, he made his decision.

  "Prepare the chambers," he said quietly.

  A servant waiting in the antechamber heard the command and departed immediately to carry out the order, never questioning how the King had known he was there or why such preparations were suddenly necessary.

  Within hours, the east wing chambers were being prepared according to the King's instructions. Staff exchanged puzzled gnces as they worked, but none dared question the purpose.

  That night, Lucius stood alone at his window, watching the eastern horizon. His expression revealed nothing of his inner thoughts as he contempted what approached—and what it would cost him. He had waited centuries for this moment, knowing it would bring both fulfillment and pain.

  The border patrol would soon encounter something they believed impossible—a group of humans who had somehow survived beyond vampire control, though none could imagine how. Another piece of Lucius's ancient pn would move into pce, though even he could not fully prepare for what would follow.