Part 66 S2: The Calm Before the Storm

Tittle : Bloodlines of Betrayal S2 - Celestia's Ascension

Written By : Reviline James Wang

Genre : Paranormal Romance | Alpha Werewolf | Billionaire | Vampire | Family Drama | Rumors | Mafia

thrilling saga of Bloodlines of Betrayal: Celestia's Ascension:

Part 45: The Gathering Storm

The atmosphere in the Moonviel estate had shifted completely. Gone was the easy camaraderie of the morning; the air now buzzed with the urgency of impending doom. Celestia's mind was a whirlwind, her thoughts swirling around Lucian's ominous words. She had no illusions about the power behind his warnings she knew, all too well, that the forces vying for control of her throne were not just a myth or exaggeration. They were real, and they were coming.

But how real? And how far would they go?

"Alright," Celestia began, her voice cutting through the silence of the room. "We've heard Lucian's warning. It's time to get to work."

Draven leaned forward, his eyes intense as they met hers. "I don't like the idea of being blindsided by these 'ancient forces.' We can't just let them get the jump on us."

Lyra, ever the pragmatist, twirled a pen between her fingers, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, but what exactly are we supposed to do? We can't just start swinging at shadows. We need information-intel on who exactly these forces are. Who's behind them?"

Lucian, who had remained eerily silent since his dramatic entrance, finally spoke again, his tone cold and steady. "Information is key, yes. But sometimes the best way to gather intel is to make your enemies come to you."

Celestia eyed him warily, skeptical of his methods. "And what exactly are you suggesting?"

Lucian's lips curled into a slight smile, but it wasn't reassuring-it was more like the smile of someone who knew exactly how to manipulate a situation to their advantage. "You let them think they have the upper hand. You make your throne appear vulnerable. Then, you wait."

Dante, who had been quiet until now, let out a snort. "You're telling us to play a game of 'bait the monster'? That's your grand plan?"

"I'm not suggesting it, Dante," Lucian replied coolly, "I'm telling you it's the only way you'll have the element of surprise. Sometimes the best strategy is to hide in plain sight."

"Hide in plain sight?" Lyra scoffed. "That sounds more like hiding like a coward. What's the point in showing them a vulnerable front?"

Celestia rubbed her temples, feeling a headache beginning to form. She had always hated the politics of this. A fight for power was messy, ugly, and complicated. But the throne was hers, and if Lucian's warnings were true, the stakes had never been higher.

"We'll play along," Celestia said after a long pause, her voice firm and resolute. "But we need to move fast. We can't afford to waste time on empty games. Our enemies will not wait for us to figure things out."

She turned her attention to Lucian. "Do you know who these forces are? Who's pulling the strings?"

Lucian's eyes gleamed. "I have my suspicions. But it's not about what I know-it's about what they'll do when they realize you've figured it out. They'll strike at your weakest points. It's only a matter of time."

Lyra, ever the optimist (or perhaps just a little too eager to shift the mood), piped up, "Well, at least we'll know where they're aiming when they try to make their move. You know, just a little heads-up would be nice. A warning."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Do you think they're going to send a letter? A nice little invitation to let us know when the battle starts?"

"No, but it would be nice," Lyra muttered, crossing her arms. "A little decorum would be appreciated."

"Focus," Draven said sternly, looking between Celestia and Lucian. "We need to talk strategy. How are we going to get these enemies to show themselves? What's the play?"

Lucian looked at them all, his gaze unyielding. "You have to make a move that will shake them-one they won't be able to ignore. Show that you're willing to sacrifice something important, something valuable. Let them think you're vulnerable. You'll attract their attention. But be prepared-because once they know you're not as weak as they think, they will come at you with everything."

Celestia exhaled slowly. "It's not just about strength, then. It's about perception."

Lucian nodded. "Precisely."

"So, what? We throw a big party and invite the enemies?" Lyra asked, only half-joking. "Maybe they'll all show up for cake and tea. Sounds like a plan."

"It's not a party, Lyra," Draven shot back, a grin tugging at his lips despite himself. "It's a trap. But I have to admit, I like the idea of cake."

"There will be no cake," Celestia said firmly, though a smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Not unless it's laced with something that knocks them out cold."

"Now we're talking," Lyra grinned. "I'll get the recipe."

They all shared a light laugh, but Celestia's mind remained on the task at hand. Even though her team could joke about the absurdities of their situation, the reality was much more serious. There was no time to waste.

"All right, here's what we'll do," Celestia said, her tone shifting back to business. "We'll make a public show of vulnerability. A grand gesture. But we need to make sure it's something that will pull in the right people. Something so important that if they strike, it will rattle them."

"You mean something like a public declaration of intent to abdicate?" Lucian suggested, his eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities. "That would get them talking."

"I'm not abdicating," Celestia said, her voice firm. "But something like that could work. A statement that makes it seem like I'm stepping down, a vulnerable move. We'll stir up the waters and see who bites."

Draven, ever the strategist, leaned in, his eyes scanning the room. "We need to make sure the right people are watching. It's not just about making a statement-it's about making them think you're weak enough to strike, but strong enough to fight back."

Lyra tilted her head. "So we're pretending to be weak?"

"For now," Celestia replied. "It's the only way to get them to show themselves. If we go on the offensive without knowing who we're up against, we could make things worse."

Lucian gave a sharp nod, approving of Celestia's plan. "Then I'll be your shadow. I'll make sure everything goes according to plan."

"Fine," Celestia said, feeling the weight of the decision settling in her chest. "Let's make them think they have the upper hand."

Later that evening, the Moonviel estate was filled with an air of controlled chaos. Celestia's team was already preparing for the upcoming public event-a staged vulnerability that would draw out their enemies. Lucian had given them instructions to act like they were losing their grip on the throne, and the stage was set for them to make their move.

But as they worked to prepare, Celestia couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was already on the horizon. They had set the bait. Now all they had to do was wait and see who would take the bait first.

And when the storm hit, would they be ready?

The next few days were a blur of activity at the Moonviel estate. Celestia kept a stern focus on preparations for the public event that would signal their vulnerability. The idea was simple, but execution was far more complex. She had to appear weak, but not foolish. Vulnerable, but not defeated. And all the while, she couldn't let her enemies know that they were walking right into a carefully laid trap.

Draven had worked tirelessly on the logistics. Lyra, as always, had her fingers in everything from wardrobe choices to what would be served at the event. They'd even hired a few skilled illusionists to ensure that Celestia's appearance would be convincing. It had to look like she was stepping away from her throne, leaving her power up for grabs. But Celestia was determined to play her part, even if it didn't sit right with her.

Lucian had been a constant presence, overseeing everything from the shadows, giving occasional input but remaining as enigmatic as always. He wasn't one to offer much in the way of emotional support, but Celestia had long since accepted that this was his way. She could trust him to execute the plan, but her trust in him beyond that was a work in progress.

The day of the event arrived with an unusual stillness. A silence seemed to descend upon the estate. Staff scurried in the background, ensuring everything was in place, while Celestia stood at the forefront, her mind racing despite her calm exterior. She was ready, but the gnawing uncertainty that came with such a dangerous plan refused to leave her.

Draven entered her private chamber, his face a mixture of determination and excitement. "Everything's set. The media is ready, the crowd is anticipating your announcement. It's showtime, Celestia."

Celestia nodded, her thoughts momentarily drifting to what Lucian had said"They'll come when they think they've won."

A soft chuckle from the doorway broke her concentration. Lyra leaned against the frame, a grin tugging at her lips. "You know, for someone about to publicly throw away their entire future, you look pretty damn good. You should really consider this a regular hobby."

Celestia couldn't help but smile. "Glad you approve. Though I think I'm more nervous than I let on."

Lyra pushed herself off the doorframe and sauntered toward her, giving Celestia a quick once-over. "You'll do great. You're Queen material, remember? Nothing to worry about."

The words were meant to reassure, but Celestia couldn't help the twinge of doubt that crept into her chest. She knew this was a gamble a dangerous one that could either secure her throne or lose it all.

"Let's get this over with," Celestia said, her voice steady, though her nerves threatened to break through.

They made their way to the grand hall, where the event would take place. The room was filled with reporters, influencers, and various members of the supernatural elite-those who had gathered to witness Celestia's supposed abdication. Whispers floated in the air, the tension palpable as the crowd anticipated what Celestia would say.

She stood before them, every inch of her royal persona on display. The hall fell silent as she began her speech, her voice carrying through the room like a queen who was no longer afraid of the consequences.

"Esteemed guests," Celestia began, her tone measured but heavy with the weight of what she was about to announce. "For years, I have held the responsibility of leading our people. But recently, I have come to realize that I am no longer the ruler you need."

Gasps filled the room. Celestia's eyes swept over the crowd, noting the various reactions

some looked intrigued, others confused, but a few, especially those from rival factions, looked like sharks scenting blood in the water. They were already making their move, mentally preparing to pounce on the weakness they thought they saw.

"I believe it is time for a new leader to take the throne," she continued. "One who can carry our people into a new era of strength and prosperity. And so, I have made the difficult decision to step down."

The murmurs grew louder. A few members of the press fumbled with their cameras, capturing the moment for posterity. Lucian stood at the back, watching with an unreadable expression, while Draven remained by Celestia's side, his gaze sharp, never leaving her.

But then, just as the room began to buzz with speculation, the unexpected happened.

"Wait."

The voice was low, but it cut through the noise like a knife. Celestia turned to see who had spoken. To her surprise, it was none other than Dante, the mafia boss who had become an ally in the fight for her throne.

"What do you mean, step down?" Dante asked, his voice laced with incredulity. "You think these people deserve a leader who gives up without a fight? You think we'll just let you throw everything away for some drama?"

Celestia blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. "Dante this is not a decision I made lightly."

"Well, it better not be," Dante snapped. "Because if you think you're stepping aside and handing over the throne like it's some kind of 'peace offering,' you've got another thing coming. You're not doing this alone, and you're not giving up without a damn fight."

There was an awkward silence as the entire room absorbed Dante's words. The shock of the moment was palpable, and for a few seconds, it felt like the very air in the room had frozen. But Dante, ever the showman, was not finished.

"Don't let these vultures see you crumble," he added, gesturing to the members of the press and the other guests. "You have strength in you, Celestia. I've seen it. And I'm not going to sit by and watch you make the biggest mistake of your life."

The crowd shifted uneasily. It was clear that Dante had thrown a wrench into Celestia's plan. But was it a good thing or a bad thing? The uncertainty lingered in her mind as she looked at him.

"I… I'm not stepping down, Dante," she finally said, her voice firmer now, her resolve starting to solidify. "But if these people want to test my strength, then they'll see it firsthand. I will not let them take what is mine without a fight."

The room erupted into chaos. Some cheered, others were stunned into silence, but Celestia stood there, her heart pounding, as she realized that her plan had shifted unexpectedly. And that, perhaps, was just the beginning of a new chapter in the battle for her throne.

As the whispers of the crowd filled the air, Celestia made a silent promise to herself. She wouldn't just fight for her throne-she would fight to protect everything she had worked for.

And she would make her enemies regret ever thinking she was weak.