My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything - Chapter 135

Chapter 135: The First Opponent
Ezra, Olivia, and Gen walked up the stairs with little fanfare, their entrance calculated to blend into the luxurious ambiance.

They smiled, joining the stream of elegantly dressed vampires making their way inside.

Inside, the main hall was a spectacle of grandeur. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the assembled guests, and the air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The decor, a tasteful blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury, provided the perfect backdrop for the city’s elite covens.

Ezra led the way, his eyes scanning the room for potential allies and threats. Olivia stayed close, ready to introduce him to key figures, while Gen observed the crowd, her senses attuned to any sign of the Maguire Coven or other dangers.

Powerful vampires from various covens mingled, their conversations a murmur of intrigue and power. Ezra could feel the weight of the occasion, the importance of each interaction they would have. He exchanged a glance with Olivia, a silent affirmation of their shared resolve.

Olivia took the lead, guiding them gracefully through the crowd, introducing them to key figures, and engaging in strategic conversations.

Gen’s knowledge of the covens’ histories and alliances proved invaluable, allowing them to navigate the complex web of relationships with ease. Red’s insights into the current sentiments helped them identify potential allies and avoid potential pitfalls.

Ezra observed, participating when necessary, but mostly ensuring that their strategy was being executed flawlessly. He could see the interest they were generating, the way others were beginning to take notice of their presence and their potential.

The first blow of the night began as the conversations around them gradually fell into a hushed murmur. Most eyes turned to them, curiosity and tension palpable in the air. Ezra felt a prickling sensation at the back of his neck, a premonition of something significant about to unfold.

A deep, commanding voice sounded from behind them. “Ezra Matten. How fortuitous to see you here.”

They turned to see Count Solomon standing before them, his presence radiating power and authority. His regal bearing and piercing gaze silenced the room further.

His golden hair shone under the lights, making him look like his sigil, a golden lion. He wore a beautifully decorated cloak of golden thread over his dark suit. His piercing red eyes which had a golden cross set within it, pinned them in place, like a mouse in front of a rat.

The vampires Ezra and Olivia had been conversing with discreetly melted into the crowd, leaving them standing alone against the imposing figure of the count. Ezra couldn’t blame them. Even he would do the same in their place.

Internally, Ezra marveled at how Solomon had approached them unnoticed. The man was as eye-catching as one could be and yet, they never noticed his presence till he got so close.

Fuck. Ezra cursed within the privacy of his mind. This was going to be a disaster. He could tell. Meeting Solomon in full view of everyone was far from ideal. It was a public stage, and Solomon thrived in such environments.

Ezra inclined his head respectfully. “Count Solomon, it’s an honor.”

Solomon’s eyes bore into him, a flicker of contempt and curiosity dancing within them. “So, you’re the one who killed my right hand man, Malachi,” he remarked, his tone cold and accusatory.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of Solomon’s words pressing down on everyone present. Ezra met his gaze steadily, feeling Olivia’s presence beside him, a silent source of strength.

“Malachi’s actions left us no choice, Count Solomon.” Ezra responded evenly, his voice carrying just enough deference to respect the count’s status without appearing weak. “It was a matter of survival and I believe that every vampire has a right to defend himself.”

Solomon’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Survival, you say? Such a convenient justification for murder, don’t you think? Killing a man who just wanted a conversation.”

Ezra could feel the scrutiny of the gathered vampires, each one waiting to see how this confrontation would unfold. He knew that any sign of weakness now could undermine everything they had worked for.

“I do not believe that a giant sword is usually used to engage in cordial conversation. Malachi was a formidable adversary,” Ezra continued, choosing his words carefully. “But his actions were a threat to our coven’s safety. We acted in self-defense.”

Solomon’s gaze shifted to Olivia, his expression inscrutable. “And you, Miss Wild? Do you share this sentiment?”

Olivia’s eyes remained steady, her voice unwavering. “I do, Count Solomon. We had no desire for conflict, but we will defend ourselves when necessary.”

For a moment, the tension in the air was almost unbearable. Then, Solomon’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Very well. But understand this, Ezra Matten.” He projected his voice, so that the other vampires in the room could hear him. “All actions have consequences. You’ve made powerful enemies. You had better be careful how you step.”

Ezra knew what was happening. A count declaring enmity with the Matten Coven, no one would want anything to do with them. Not in a million years. Solomon had made his declaration. There was only one way to answer.

Ezra inclined his head again, accepting the implicit threat. “We are aware, Count Solomon. We do not take our responsibilities lightly.”

As the tension between Ezra and Count Solomon reached its peak, another presence made itself known.

Count Griffin, resplendent in a dark, tailored suit that accentuated his commanding aura, approached with a confident stride. The air around him seemed to crackle with authority.

“Ah, Solomon,” Griffin’s voice cut through the low murmur of the crowd, “I see you’ve found Ezra and Olivia. Quite the gathering tonight, isn’t it?”

Solomon’s gaze shifted to Griffin, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “Griffin, always a pleasure. Though I must say, the company here has taken a rather unexpected turn.”

Griffin smiled, a sharp glint in his eyes. And with that, Ezra knew that whatever hope he had of controlling the narrative had scattered in the metaphorical wind.