My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything - Chapter 130

Parking Lot Rendezvous
Ezra stepped into the elevator on the rooftop, the cool night air of the city still clinging to his skin. As the doors slid shut, he exhaled, running a hand through his tousled hair. The elevator hummed softly as it descended, the city lights flickering past through the glass walls. Each floor felt like an eternity, his thoughts racing about the night’s events and what came after.

When the elevator finally reached the ground floor, He stepped out and made his way to the parking area. The dim, flickering lights cast long shadows, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. As he rounded the corner to where he had parked his car, he froze.

Leaning casually against his vehicle was the Arbiter, in her human disguise, emanating an aura of unyielding authority.

The Arbiter’s presence was an unexpected and unwelcome surprise. Dressed in a stylish dark cloak, with a hood that obscured most of her face, the Arbiter radiated an aura of quiet menace. Her red eyes, the only visible part of her face, gleamed with a cold intensity under the sparse lighting.

Ezra’s vitality surged within him, but he forced himself to remain composed. He approached cautiously, every step measured. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, ma’am.” He said, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.

The Arbiter’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. “We need to talk, Ezra Matten.” She replied, her voice a soft yet commanding whisper that brooked no argument. Her eyes bore into Ezra’s as she spoke, her voice sharp and unyielding. “Explain yourself.”

Ezra took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. The weight of the night’s events pressed heavily on his shoulders. “Everything was possible because of an organization calling themselves the Silent Hand,” he began, his tone measured but urgent.

“They had been quietly amassing assets in Ascendant Capital, moving pieces behind the scenes. Their influence had been growing, and they had been conspiring with the late Macmillan. The plan was to place themselves under the control of the coming Count, securing their position before anyone could react.”

The Arbiter’s gaze remained fixed on him, her silence prompting him to continue.

“With Macmillan dead, they want their assets back. They executed their plan by manipulating the authorities to attack Ascendant Capital. Under the guise of legal action, they aimed to reclaim their assets.”

“They stole vital evidence from me and handed it over to the authorities. There was no way out and amidst the chaos, Griffin saw an opportunity. He stepped in, claiming it was to protect his investments, but in reality, it was a move to consolidate power and push back against the Silent Hand’s influence.”

Ezra paused, watching for any reaction from the Arbiter, but her expression remained inscrutable. He pressed on, knowing he had to make her understand the gravity of the situation. “Griffin’s actions were something I couldn’t stop but they’ve drawn the attention of the City Lord.”

The Arbiter’s eyes narrowed slightly, the only indication that she was processing his words. Ezra continued, his voice growing firmer. “All this happened because there was nothing I could do to stop it.”

For a long moment, the Arbiter was silent, her gaze piercing. Finally, she straightened, her presence commanding. “Very well, Ezra Matten. However, the time has come for you to make your choice. Will you stand with Griffin or would you abandon him?”

Ezra stood, frozen in shock at the choices before him. The weight of the Arbiter’s question pressed upon him like a vice. Abandon Griffin, or stand with him. The choice was easy but he now knew that every action had a consequence.

He couldn’t afford to leave Griffin with the way things was. But now, faced with the Arbiter’s offer, Ezra found himself torn.

On one hand, standing with Griffin meant that he had stability and could hide under the banner of the count. On the other hand, leaving Griffin meant being free of the oppressive weight of his mounting debt to the count.

His mind raced with calculations, weighing the risks and rewards with the precision of a seasoned strategist. If he abandoned Griffin, could he live free without retaliation from the count? Could he afford to sever ties with someone who could crush him without trying?

As seconds stretched into eternity, Ezra felt the weight of responsibility settle heavy on his shoulders.

“How about this?” The Arbiter’s words reached his ear, jarring him out of his contemplations. “If you can halt all developments of your partnership with TransitLink,” she intoned, her gaze piercing yet unreadable, “then I shall send an ally to aid you.”

“Wha?” Ezra could only mumble in incomprehension.

“Take care, Ezra Matten. Choose well.” She turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing around the parking lot.

Ezra stood for a moment, his mind creating and discarding strategies. An ally would be invaluable. However, what he needed was protection. Anything to help against Griffin himself.

He couldn’t move against the count without that. However, sometimes, all that was needed was a leap of faith.

He had to discuss this with his wives. The decision will after all, affect them too. With a glance around to check for any other surprises, he stepped into his car and took off.

**********

Yuri discarded her cloak as she walked out of Ezra’s line of sight. Her steps were sure as she retraced the path to her car.

Griffin was stepping past his bounds.

First City had only one Ascension well and whoever controlled it, controlled the city’s rate of ascension in the city.

Southside was the holy grail of First City. Itachi would have never given any one count if the elders had not pressured him.

Her hands tightened into fists beside her. This was not what she thought it would be. It was just like the elders to give such a gift. A golden apple. A poisoned golden Apple.

She sighed as she opened the door to her car and slipped inside. She should be enjoying her days and presiding over the occasional case, not scheming like a cutthroat.

First City had a way of destroying carefully laid plans.