MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Chapter 426: The thread

The ornate iron gates of the Grand Manor creaked open, admitting the sleek black limousine that carried Duncan and his entourage. As the vehicle glided to a stop before the mansion's imposing facade, the moon was just beginning to lighten the dark sky. The vampires within stirred, their heightened senses alert to the darkness.

Duncan was the first to emerge, his movements fluid and purposeful. The events of the night had left him energized, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Elena followed, her face a careful mask of neutrality that belied the turmoil within. Damien exited next, his expression thoughtful as he mentally reviewed the night's proceedings.

Tessa was the last to leave the vehicle, her body coiled with tension, ready for any threat.

As they entered the manor, the grand foyer echoed with their footsteps. Duncan paused, inhaling deeply. "I smell... anticipation," he mused, a small smile playing on his lips. "And fear. How delightful."

The butler, a tall, gaunt vampire named Giles, materialized seemingly from thin air. He bowed low, his voice a respectful murmur. "My Lady, I've taken the liberty of preparing a late-night repast in the formal dining room. I trust this meets with your approval?"

Elena nodded, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Excellent, Giles. We have much to discuss, and sustenance will be welcome."

The group made their way to the dining room, a cavernous space dominated by a long table of polished ebony. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, their light reflecting off the gilt-edged mirrors that lined the walls.

Giles moved with preternatural grace, setting out fine bone china plates edged with gold. Crystal goblets were placed with precision, their facets catching the light. Silver cutlery, polished to a mirror shine, was arranged with meticulous care.

As the vampires took their seats, Giles began to bring out the dishes. First came a tureen of thick, crimson liquid, its rich aroma filling the air. "Ah," Duncan breathed, "O-negative. My favorite."

Next came platters of rare meats, their centers still pink and juicy. Bowls of exotic fruits, their flesh glistening in the candlelight, were interspersed among the savory dishes. A decanter of deep red wine was placed at the center of the table, its contents almost black in the dim light.

As Giles poured the wine, its bouquet mingling with the scent of blood and meat, Duncan raised his glass. "To the future of the vampire city," he intoned, his voice rich with satisfaction.

The others raised their glasses, though Elena's movement was a fraction slower than the rest. Duncan's eyes flickered to her, a hint of suspicion crossing his face before it was replaced by his usual mask of confidence.

As they began to eat, Duncan leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled before him. "Well," he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp, "shall we discuss the events of the day?"

Damien was the first to speak, his voice measured and thoughtful. "The Council's reaction was... mixed, my Lord. While we have significant support, there are still those who resist the idea of change."

Tessa snorted, tearing into a piece of rare venison with relish. "Resist is putting it mildly. Did you see Baron Gregor's face? I thought he was going to burst a blood vessel."

"Gregor has always been a hothead," Duncan mused, sipping his wine. "But he's not the real threat. Lady Gladys, on the other hand..." He trailed off, his gaze moving to Elena.

Elena met his eyes steadily, though her grip on her fork tightened imperceptibly. "My mother is a pragmatist," she said carefully. "She'll do what she believes is best for the vampire city."

"And what do you believe she thinks is best, my dear?" Duncan's voice was soft, almost gentle, but there was steel beneath the velvet.

Elena paused, choosing her words with care. "She... values stability. Change, especially rapid change, makes her uneasy. But she's not unreasonable. If she can be convinced that your leadership will benefit the city, she may come around."

Duncan nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Elena's face. "And you, Elena? What do you believe is best for the city?"

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Elena could feel Tessa's eyes boring into her, could sense Damien's careful attention. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I believe in your vision, my Lord," she said, her voice firm. "This city has stagnated for too long. We need your strength, your...

innovation to move forward."

Duncan's smile was slow and satisfied. "Well said, my dear. Your loyalty is... appreciated."

As the meal continued, they delved into strategy. Damien outlined the key players they would need to win over, while Tessa gleefully recounted the dirt she had gathered on various nobles. Elena contributed her knowledge of the city's political landscape, all the while acutely aware of Duncan's gaze upon her.

As the night deepened, Duncan rose. "Enough for now," he declared. "We've made good progress, but the real work begins tomorrow. Rest well, my friends. The future of this city hangs in the balance."

As they dispersed to their respective chambers, Elena feared that she was walking a tightrope. One misstep, she knew, could send her plummeting into an abyss from which there would be no return.

***

Across the city, in the opulent chambers of the Shelley's estate, Lady Gladys paced restlessly. Her golden gown from the evening's meeting lay discarded across a chaise lounge, replaced by a silk robe of deep emerald. Her hair, usually so perfectly coiffed, hung loose around her shoulders, a testament to her agitated state.

She moved to the window, peering out at the stars. The city spread out before her, its ancient spires and winding streets a familiar comfort. But now, that comfort felt threatened.

"Duncan," she murmured, the name tasting bitter on her tongue. She had heard the legends, of course. Every vampire knew the tale of their progenitor, the first of their kind. But to have him suddenly appear, to claim leadership after so long... it was unthinkable.

She turned from the window, her mind racing. If Duncan succeeded in his bid for power, what would become of her? She had worked for centuries to attain her position on the Council, had navigated the treacherous waters of vampire politics with skill and determination. Would all of that be swept away in an instant?

"I cannot allow it," she said aloud, her voice firm despite the fear that gnawed at her. "I cannot be cast aside, reduced to a mere... advisor."

But what could she do? Duncan's power was evident, his charisma undeniable. And he had allies, she knew. Powerful vampires who had thrown their support behind him, seduced by promises of a glorious future.

Her thoughts turned to Elena, and a fresh wave of emotion washed over her. Her daughter, her own flesh and blood, standing beside Duncan. The betrayal stung, a wound deeper than any physical injury.

"Should I speak with her?" Gladys wondered aloud, resuming her pacing. "Could she be made to see reason?"

The idea was tempting. Despite their estrangement, despite the years of silence and resentment, the bond between mother and daughter was not easily broken. Perhaps, if she could speak to Elena alone, away from Duncan's influence...

But no. The risk was too great. If Elena truly had thrown her lot in with Duncan, any attempt to sway her could backfire spectacularly. And if Duncan learned of such an attempt...

Gladys shuddered, remembering the raw power that had emanated from him during the meeting. No, direct confrontation was not the answer. She would need to be more subtle, more cunning.

She moved to her desk, pulling out a sheet of fine parchment and an elegant fountain pen. As she began to write, her brow furrowed in concentration, a plan slowly taking shape in her mind.

"If I cannot confront him directly," she murmured, "then I must undermine him. Sow doubt among his supporters, remind them of the stability we have enjoyed for centuries."

As the moon and stars bathed the dark sky in its pale light, Gladys continued to write. Names were listed, alliances considered and discarded, strategies outlined in her flowing script.

She paused, her pen hovering over the parchment. The path ahead was fraught with danger, she knew. One false move could spell her doom. But the alternative – to meekly accept Duncan's rule, to fade into obscurity – was unthinkable.

"So be it," she said, her voice filled with grim determination. "Let the game begin."

As she sealed the letter she had written, Gladys allowed herself a small, tight smile. Duncan may have made the first move, but she was far from defeated. She would not relinquish her power without a fight.

The chessboard was set, the pieces in motion. As Gladys prepared for bed, her mind still whirling with plans and counter-plans, she knew that the coming nights would determine not just her fate, but the fate of vampire-kind for centuries to come.

In the growing light of dawn, as vampires across the city settled into their slumber, two great powers prepared for battle. Duncan, the returned king, confident in his strength and the rightness of his cause. And Gladys, the embattled ruler of the vampire city, determined to preserve her position and the order she had helped to build.

Between them stood Elena, torn between loyalty to her sire and the pull of blood and memory. She lay in her bed in the Grand Manor, sleep eluding her.

In the shadows, unseen and unheard, ancient powers stirred, awakened by the return of the first vampire king and the chaos that followed in his wake.

The thread that holds the future of the entire vampire city grew ever more fragile, ready to snap at the slightest touch.