Legacy of the Lycan pharaoh

The morning sun rose over Valkarya, casting its golden rays over the kingdom. Knight sat at the head of the long oak table in the great hall, flanked by his closest advisors: Darius, Kieran, his third-in-command, and Orin, the Delta. The hall, with its towering stone walls and high windows, was a symbol of Valkarya's strength. Yet today, it felt heavy with anticipation.

The vampire delegation from Drakos had arrived. Their leader, Aldric, was a tall figure with silver hair that shimmered in the light, his crimson eyes gleaming with a predatory gleam. He was flanked by two others—vampires whose movements were too fluid, too graceful to be human. They seemed to glide across the floor, their presence unnerving in its quiet intensity.

Aldric bowed slightly before Knight, his voice smooth and calculated. "King Knight, I am Aldric, emissary of King Viktor of Drakos. We come with an offer of alliance."

Knight's eyes narrowed as he studied the vampire. He had dealt with the vampire kingdom before, and he knew that any proposal from Drakos came with a price. They had their own interests, their own agenda, and they would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.

"An alliance?" Knight repeated, his voice guarded. "What makes you think we would be interested in such a proposal?"

Aldric's lips curled into a faint smile. "The tides are shifting, Your Majesty. Zarros is growing more dangerous with every passing day, and your kingdom is no longer as invulnerable as it once was. Drakos and Valkarya share a common enemy. With our combined strength, we can stand against Zarros and ensure the survival of our realms."

Knight leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the table. He had heard these words before, many times, from many different kingdoms. Alliances, pacts—each one promised safety, but often came with hidden costs. Trust was not something easily earned, not when one had seen the betrayal of his own blood.

"And what does Drakos seek in return for this 'alliance'?" Knight asked, his gaze cold.

Aldric's smile didn't falter. "We seek safe passage through your lands and access to the ancient archives beneath your fortress."

At the mention of the archives, Knight's stomach tightened. The archives were sacred—filled with centuries of Lycan knowledge, history, and magic. They were not to be shared with anyone, especially not the vampires of Drakos. Knight's father had been adamant about keeping them hidden, ensuring they would never fall into the wrong hands.

"That is non-negotiable," Knight said firmly, his voice cutting through the air like steel. "The archives are off-limits."

Aldric's expression remained unfazed. "Understandable. Perhaps there is room for negotiation on other terms."

Before Knight could respond, the doors of the great hall burst open, and a scout rushed in, his face pale with urgency.

"Your Majesty!" the scout gasped. "Zarros's forces have breached our southern border. There's been an attack."

Knight's eyes flashed with fury. The vampires had arrived at a crucial time, and Zarros had seized the opportunity to strike. He stood, his gaze never leaving Aldric. "Darius, Kieran, gather the warriors. Orin, protect the civilians. We fight."

The vampire emissary's gaze flickered with something like respect, but there was no sign of fear in his eyes. "I will join you in the defense of Valkarya, King Knight. If you wish to prove the sincerity of your proposal, allow us to stand beside you in battle."

Knight didn't trust Aldric, but he knew the vampire's presence could be useful in this moment of crisis. "Very well," he said, his voice firm. "But if you betray us, you will regret it."