Chapter 183: Deadline

Griffin was quiet as he rode the elevator up to the City Lord's penthouse. This time, X didn't come up with him as it was a summons of all counts in the city and not a personal summon.

The elevator dinged softly and the door opened. He adjusted the modulator at his throat and stepped out, projecting his usual state of lazy amusement.

The entrance hall of Itachi's penthouse was as beautiful as ever, displaying his wealth. Griffin didn't stand like an idiot looking around. He had already seen it all before.

Instead, he walked forward towards the tall, narrow floor to ceiling windows where Count Solomon was already waiting.

Solomon, who was as usual, cheating with an almost undetectable film of Aura, radiated authority and danger. He stood with his golden mane of hair cascading over his shoulders and with his piercing eyes, greeted Griffin with a nod.

The air around him was heavy with authority and command, yet he offered Griffin a warm, almost genuine smile. "Griffin, always fashionably late," Solomon spoke, his voice smooth and regal.

Griffin chuckled, his mechanical voice scratchy yet filled with amusement. "Solomon, punctual as ever. I hope you haven't been bored without my charming company."

Solomon chuckled, the sound echoing slightly in the hall. "The anticipation of your arrival is entertainment enough."

"Thank you for the compliment." Griffin inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement as he smiled. "Besides, if I'm late, what does that make the others?"

As if on cue, the atmosphere in the air shifted as someone entered the hall. They turned to see the Arbiter, Yuri, walk in, the air growing thick and heavy.

Her hair shifted colors like a chameleon, its ethereal glow unmistakable. She had no reason to hide her unique features as a vampire here like she would in public.

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." Solomon spoke, his voice low.

Yuri entered with measured steps, her gaze sweeping over the two counts. "Good evening, gentlemen," she greeted.

Griffin sneered, unable to hide his disdain. "Ah, Yuri. Always a pleasure to see you." He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Yuri's eyes narrowed, but she maintained her composure. "Griffin. I see that your charm is still as subtle as ever." She replied coolly.

"Isn't this a summon for counts?" Griffin tilted his head in mock curiosity. "And last time I checked, you weren't a count."

"I guess you'll have to ask Itachi yourself." Yuri smiled. "He'll give you the answers you seek."

Griffin hummed as Solomon stood by his side, watching them in amusement, his eyes twinkling. Sёarch* The NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Tell me, Yuri," Griffin taunted, "how does it feel to be the Council's lapdog?"

Yuri's expression remained impassive as she answered. "It feels like wielding power that you can only dream of, Griffin."

Solomon chuckled at Yuri's retort, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Griffin, you should know better than to challenge Yuri in a battle of wits." He said, a smirk playing on his lips. "It doesn't end well for all involved."

Before Griffin could respond, another vampire stepped in.

Standing at seven feet tall, the giant was wearing a suit which did nothing to hide his bulging muscles. Every movement he made gave off a sense of controlled power.

Despite his size, he moved with surprising agility and grace, a predator in his prime. As he got closer, his eyes swept over all present. A smile ghosted over his face as his hand came up to sweep his shoulder length blonde hair out of his eyes.

"I see the party started without me." He rumbled, his deep voice sending vibrations through the air.

"Hardly." Yuri smiled. "I definitely won't call this a party. Not with the current…" She gave Griffin and Solomon a disdainful glance, "company."

At that moment, the double doors at the end of the hall swung open with a resounding thud. The City Lord, Itachi Yaiba, entered, his presence as mesmerizing and terrifying as always.

His unearthly red eyes glowed with an intensity that seemed to burn into one's soul. He was wearing a dark robe that blended in with his scale covered hands.

His aura filled the room and everyone in there knew it wasn't even a conscious action. The gathered counts all bowed their heads in deference.

"My Lord." They all echoed.

"You're all present." Itachi's gaze swept over the assembled vampires, his expression inscrutable. "Good."

No one spoke, waiting on him. Itachi walked to the windows, his arms crossed behind his back. He stood, watching the city he presided over. His gaze shifted southward.

"In a month's time," he announced, his voice low and compelling, "the new count will assume office in Southside."

At his words, Griffin exchanged a glance with Solomon. Both of them understood what this meant.

Beside them, Yuri's expression remained neutral, but her eyes flickered with a hint of satisfaction. Her lips curved into a slight smile. "As you will it, my lord."

Itachi turned his head slightly, his eyes finding her. "As I will it? No. The council forced my hand and that will not happen again." He turned back to stare at the view.

"All this for a small well." He said to himself but everyone in the room heard his words.

Itachi turned, his gaze lingered on each of them before he turned away and swept out of the room, his presence leaving a lingering sense of power.

As the doors closed behind him, the tension in the room slowly eased.

"Well, that was quite the announcement," Solomon remarked, his tone staying light.

They all now had thirty days to complete whatever plans they had for Southside. Beside Solomon, Griffin nodded, his eyes still fixed on the doors. "Indeed."

Yuri smirked at the three men in the room, inclining her head slightly. "Until then, gentlemen."

With that, she turned and left the hall.

"I can practically hear the cogs turning in the heads of you two." Vladimir rumbled as he turned to his companions. "Whatever it is, you're planning, don't."

After saying his piece, he left just as abruptly as he had appeared.

Griffin and Solomon exchanged a final glance before following suit, each lost in their own plans.