Chapter 45: The Hall of Ascendency

“I must admit, Master Edwards, I never would have imagined two humans could cause as much anger and frustration as you and Miss Holland have,” Arcturus drove his fist into Thane’s ribcage, causing the Ambassador to cough both spittle and blood.

Lord Varujan stared at his knuckles, opening and closing his fist in confusion. He snapped the fingers of his other hand and nodded at Thane. “Check his ribs.”

The elderly woman from earlier rushed over to her Lord, bowed, and then ran her hands along the side of Thane’s bruised abdomen. “Bruised, but not broken.”

Arcturus beckoned for her to stand in front of him.

She did so without hesitation.

Without warning, the vampire Lord hit the woman in the side of the face, causing her head to turn until it cracked, at the same time knocking her jaw loose. Blood pooled around her head the moment she crumpled to the floor.

Thane closed his eyes and bowed his head. “Why did you do that?” he asked. “She did nothing wrong.”