Power games and secret invitations

### Chapter 7: Power Games and Secret Invitations

After the fight between Carl and Lysandre, a heavy silence fell over the institute. The students, though impressed, no longer dared to openly discuss the confrontation. However, in the shadows, the **Four Stars** gathered to discuss recent events.

The grand hall was dimly lit. A massive table occupied the center, surrounded by seats where the Stars and their respective betas took their places.

**Fenrir Nightbane**, sitting at the head of the table, observed the others with imposing calm. Behind him, his beta remained silent. To his right, **Nymeria Moonveil**, the spectral wolf, scrutinized the room with a calculating gaze. **Darius Silverclaw**, on the other side of the table, swept the room with his piercing eyes. Finally, **Kael Bloodfang**, the prince of illusions, wore an elusive smile, relaxed despite the tense atmosphere.

Behind Nymeria, Lysandre stood with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but the humiliation of his defeat was evident in his eyes.

Fenrir broke the silence, his deep voice resonating in the hall.

— "This Carl Joeblack, whom we have all had the opportunity to observe, is a challenge… not to be underestimated."

His tone was firm, blending admiration with caution. His claws grazed the table, a revealing gesture of his restrained agitation.

Nymeria nodded and cast a piercing glance at Lysandre. She exhaled slowly.

Lysandre lowered his head.

Darius Silverclaw, ever calm, spoke in a cold voice:

— "A new creature… A vampire. And not just any vampire: a **patriarch**. I don't know what the Elders are planning, but the balance of the institute will be broken if we're not careful."

His eyes gleamed with interest.

— "We must approach him cautiously. Perhaps we can use him to our advantage, but if he is uncontrollable, he could destroy everything we have built."

Kael Bloodfang leaned forward, his fascinated gaze fixed on Fenrir.

— "He has this aura… He is like us. He has the ability to dominate and manipulate."

A fleeting, inscrutable smile graced his lips.

— "One thing is certain: if one of us manages to get close to him, the path to the throne will become much easier."

His words intensified the tension in the room. Everyone knew that the struggle to become the next Alpha King was merciless.

Lysandre, frustrated at being reduced to a mere discussion topic, sneered with irritation:

— "And what if we just let him disrupt the balance? It's not like he could be a real threat to us, is it?"

Fenrir's gaze locked onto him, radiating dominance. A subtle shift in his aura filled the room with an almost suffocating tension.

— "You're wrong, Lysandre. The greatest danger comes from those who **seem** to be under control. This Carl is a threat, yes… but he's also an opportunity."

A heavy silence followed. They all understood that this meeting was only the beginning of an uncertain period.

Finally, Nymeria broke the silence.

— "We'll keep an eye on him. We need to understand what he wants and what he's aiming for."

Everyone nodded in agreement. And with that, the meeting came to an end.

---

Later, Carl and Khan walked through the institute's corridors.

— "Have you chosen your courses?" Khan asked.

— "Yes, I'll be taking **magic** and **transmutation**. I'm pretty good at creating things," Carl replied.

— "The education system here is flexible. We have three mandatory subjects: **combat and strategy**, **magic and supernatural energy**, and **history and politics of the races**. But we manage our time as we see fit, as long as we submit our assignments on time," Khan explained.

Carl smirked.

— "Everything is designed to encourage alliances and power plays… This place is full of schemers."

They arrived at their dormitory. Dante was on the phone with Stephanie, while Ravyn was rummaging through a mailbox.

— "Carl, you've received several letters," Dante announced.

Carl took them and examined them.

- **First letter**: A deep purple envelope. An invitation to a party where all the influential families would be present.

- **Second letter**: A missive from the **Circle of Heirs**. "Carl Storm, we invite you to a private meeting in the Hall of Alliances at midnight. An alliance would be beneficial for us all."

- **Third letter**: A small scroll tied with a black cord, signed by **Selene Moonveil**, a member of the **Council of Elders**. "Lord Storm, your psychic powers intrigue me. Our mutual knowledge could prove profitable. Meet me at Tower F at dawn."

Carl smirked as he read the last invitation.

— "Interesting. Selene, huh? I have a feeling tomorrow will be quite enjoyable…" he mused, his smile turning almost predatory.

His gaze darkened. These invitations were as much opportunities as they were challenges.

It was time to play his cards right.