As Lucian lay on the roof, lost in his thoughts, a scrawny bat with a ragged wing and a missing ear flitted into his view. With a soft rustle, Lucian’s bodyguard, Boris, perched beside him, his feathered form becoming a shadow against the pale moonlight.

"Running from your responsibilities is not solving them, young prince," Boris remarked, his voice a mix of concern and frustration.

Lucian sat up slowly, his disinterest evident as he turned his gaze away from his bodyguard. "You’re not my father, Boris. I don’t need you looking after me," he retorted, frustration bubbling beneath his facade.

"Your father did want you to be safe," Boris continued, his tone firm yet sympathetic. "He wanted you to avoid entanglements that might bring discord to our house—a Wolfbane, no less. And not to mention—" Boris hesitated slightly, the weight of the unspoken words lingering in the cool night air. "A male."

Lucian bristled at the comment, a surge of indignation pushing through him. But before he could voice his protest, Boris pressed on, his gaze unwavering. "But that’s not the point— the vampire conclave wants to see you."

The mention of the conclave caused Lucian's heart to sink. He could already feel the suffocating expectations that came with their summons. Lucian’s mind raced through the implications of their request. The conclave was not just a gathering; it was a council of the most powerful vampires, each with their own agendas. Being called upon could bring scrutiny, especially with his recent actions.

"Fine, I’ll go," Lucian muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought of facing the conclave twisted his stomach in knots, yet he knew avoiding it would come with its own consequences. The fear of what they might demand loomed over him like a storm cloud, but he had to assert some control over his life.

"Are you sure, young prince?" Boris questioned, his tone softening. "You don’t have to face them alone. I can accompany you."

"I'll handle it," Lucian asserted, determination edging into his voice. "I need to face this on my own." He took a deep breath, staring out over the valley that surrounded Bloodhaven, gathering his thoughts and emotions.

As he gathered himself, he felt the glint of the ring Rylan had given him, nestled beneath his cloak. "Is there anything else I should prepare for?" Lucian asked, casting a glance back at Boris.

Boris's eyes held a weight of knowledge that Lucian could sense. "They may challenge your choices, but remember, young prince, you have the strength of your lineage behind you. Your father believed in you—so do I."

Lucian nodded, summoning a spark of resolve. He needed to embrace who he was, not just for himself but for Rylan and Celeste too. Rising to his feet, he stared resolutely ahead, determination settling in his chest. “Let’s get this over with,” he said, wiping the remnants of doubt from his mind.

As they prepared to take off, Boris landed on a nearby ledge, his eyes scanning the horizon. "And once we’re done, you should seek out Rylan," he advised quietly. "It’s time to reconcile with your heart and your duties."

Lucian allowed a fleeting smile at the thought of Rylan, warmth flooding through him before the weight of reality pressed down again. “I will.”

With that, the two took to the night sky, the castle fading into the dark below as they embarked toward the unknown—a journey filled with challenges from the vampire conclave, questions of identity, and the hope of rekindling a connection with Rylan that felt like a distant dream.