Chapter 124 Round Table



Inside Evangeline Mansion, the grandeur of the room matched the significance of the gathering. The air was thick with an aura of power and authority as the high-ranking vampires took their seats around an enormous round table, carefully chosen to symbolize equality and unity among the eight individuals present.

Looking closely ,each member of this elite assembly carried a unique aura, a reflection of their own powerful force they represented. Their presence alone was a statement of authority, a gathering of the most influential figures within the family

"Why do you think Evangeline summoned us?" questioned by an old man in his 60's, his tone carrying a weight of seriousness. Despite his gray hair common for an aging vampire, the respect bestowed upon him was undeniable. As one of the oldest vampires present, his words held a certain weight .

The response came swiftly from another male member, his voice laced with a touch of familiarity that only those closest to Benedict could dare to use.

"Let's wait for Evangeline to arrive," he said, his words devoid of honorifics, a sign of their intimate connection and trusted roles within her inner circle.

"To be frank, I find her decisions rather impulsive. Our family has been faltering, weakening. Perhaps it's time for us to appoint a temporary leader while she is in her weakened state." Benedict continue to voice out his concern. 

Silence hung heavy in the room as all eyes turned towards him. His words were a direct challenge to Evangeline's authority, an affront to the very foundation she had built as their leader.

Yet, in their hearts, they couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in his words. The family had suffered, weakened by the passage of time and the hidden struggles Evangeline faced. It was a delicate balance between loyalty and the need for stability, and the weight of their loyalty hung in the air.

Creak!

The room fell silent as the door swung open, revealing Evangeline being gently pushed in a wheelchair by a very handsome man. All eyes in the room fixated on the pair, their gazes a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

The tales of Vincent's impressive exploits in Puerto Rico had reached their ears, whispers of his ability to effortlessly stop the clash between two formidable organizations. But for this group of powerful and prideful individuals, mere gossips held little weight. They demanded proof before accepting him .

Evangeline, her presence commanding and enigmatic, surveyed the room with a serene expression. She knew the doubts that swirled within the hearts of her fellow vampires, their skepticism born from a combination of arrogance and the need to protect their own authority.

Nevertheless, they still keep their opinions to themselves.

The room was filled with the sound of chairs scraping against the floor as the high-ranking vampires rose from their seats in unison. They turned their attention towards Evangeline, their leader.

"We welcome the Matriarch " they greeted in unison. 

Evangeline simply nodded, her presence exuding authority and grace. Her white, cascading hair framed a face that bore the wisdom and weight of millenniums of experience. 

"You can take your sit now" her commanding presence softened as she gestured towards the seats. She spoke in a refined manner befitting the members of the round table who hailed from ancient times.

"I appreciate your presence here today," she began, her voice carrying an air of command that held everyone's attention. "I understand that you are all busy, and yet you have made the effort to be here. It is a testament to your commitment to the family, and for that, I am grateful."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in, and then continued,

"I sense that there are questions lingering within this room," she spoke, her voice carrying a soothing tone. "I encourage each of you to speak your mind freely. This is a space for open discussion and clarity. Do not hesitate to share your thoughts or seek clarification on any matter."

Benedict seeing an opportunity cleared his throat, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern.

"Evangeline, our family is losing its edge. We've grown weaker over time, and your secrecy is breeding doubt among us. Meanwhile, other organizations are gaining power by pushing boundaries, conducting daring experiments, while we've remained stagnant for centuries."

His words hung in the air, a stark reflection of the growing unease within the room.

Evangeline's expression remained composed, though a flicker of understanding danced in her eyes.

"I understand that my actions over the past centuries may have appeared random, causing doubt and concern among you. However, I assure you, everything is going according to plan," she proclaimed, her tone resolute.

The council members exchanged glances, they all have different opinion on this matter. 

But Benedict was not done yet.

"But we need some answers. Don't you trust us?" his voice carried a hint of cunningness as he challenged Evangeline's fate on them.

It was a deliberate assault on her familial bonds, as he cunningly placed her in a difficult position. But Evangeline was not an easy target.

"I understand your desire for the truth," she replied, her voice composed yet laced with a subtle warning. "Trust is a delicate thread that binds us, especially after the countless years of service you have dedicated to me. But we all should know our limits," 

"I..." Benedict shut his mouth and sat quietly, but his expression still revealed his lingering doubts and skepticism. 

The room fell into a momentary silence as all eyes focused on her next words.

"I understand that you all desire for reassurance and transparency," Evangeline spoke, her voice resonating with a calm confidence. "While I may not be able to divulge the details of my plan, I have someone here who can provide you with the assurance you seek—Vincent."

Her voice rang out with a declaration that caught the council off guard. Her finger pointed directly at Vincent, the room's attention shifting to him in a collective moment of surprise. 

"Me?" Vincent muttered quietly to himself, his mind racing to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. However, his outward demeanor remained unfazed, projecting an air of confidence .

The high-ranking vampires however exchanged bewildered glances, a mixture of skepticism and amusement flickering in their eyes. They had expected a grand plan, something that could rival the trump cards wielded by other organizations. Vincent, while undoubtedly formidable, was still very lacking in comparison. 

Just as they were about to express their thoughts, they were abruptly silenced by the emergence of yet another shocking revelation.

"In fact," she added, her voice cutting through the stunned silence, "Vincent will assume the role of our new leader, effective immediately."

Gasps filled the room as the gravity of her words sank in. The council members exchanged bewildered glances, their minds struggling to comprehend the magnitude of this revelation.

Benedict's annoyance was the strongest as he clicked his tongue in the midst of the unfolding scene. For thousands of years, he had served Evangeline with unwavering loyalty, and now, his feelings of discontent began to seep through the cracks of his composed facade.

His eyes narrowed, reflecting a mix of frustration and wounded pride. He had expected his thousands of years of service to be recognized, his experience and strategic prowess to be valued. The unexpected selection of Vincent, someone they barely know ,as the new leader stung, leaving him with a bitter taste of rejection.

However, he was no stranger to the game of politics and power. He knew better than to openly display his dissatisfaction. Instead, he chose to retreat into silence, his thoughts swirling with a concoction of disappointment and resentment.

"You will regret this, Evangeline," he seethed, his voice barely above a whisper. The weight of Evangeline's decision bore heavily on his shoulders, threatening to consume him with a storm of emotions.