The towering castle stood majestically against the horizon, encircled by endless manor grounds.

As Sisha walked down the long corridor lined with crimson carpets, guards on either side and passing Blood Clan members bowed slightly to the silver-haired girl, travel-worn and weary.

Reaching the grand hall at the corridor’s end, a guard pushed the heavy doors open for her.

The twin doors swung inward slowly, revealing the hall’s opulent interior.

Golden chandeliers bathed the space in warm light; glittering crystal adorned walls and ceiling. Attendees glittered in finery—men in evening suits, women in elegant gowns—chatting amiably.

All eyes turned toward Sisha as she entered.

“Isn’t this our little sister? Back already from your mission?” A mature woman in a purple bodycon dress approached, plucking a glass of crimson liquid from a servant’s tray.

Sisha glanced around. Her dusty attire clashed sharply with the hall’s splendor.

“How dare I compete with Elder Sister Macy for a drink?” Sisha gently pushed the offered blood away, lifting her chin slightly. Her pale, flawless neck arched like a proud swan’s.

“What nonsense. Do you think I’m some child squabbling over snacks?” Macy’s expression tightened.

Sisha was gifted, yes—but her pride grated on Macy. And Sisha held Macy in equal disdain.

As the eldest princess, Macy enjoyed every privilege within the castle’s sheltered walls, never venturing out—unlike Sisha, who, despite her potent royal bloodline, served as an assassin.

Macy had always claimed the finest resources. Now, with the Vampire Empress preparing to abdicate, she stood among the top contenders.

Naturally, their meetings were never pleasant.

“Must sisters greet each other like this?” A noble youth stepped between them with a placating smile.

“Ask my *ever-so-capable* little sister,” Macy retorted with a cold snort.

“I merely learned from you, Elder Sister,” Sisha shot back, unyielding.

“Now, now—Macy, as the elder, yield a little?” The youth kept smiling, gently guiding Macy aside.

“Duke Kristin, growing bold lately? So openly favoring my sister?” Macy muttered, displeased.

“You bicker the moment you meet. I bear the burden for family harmony,” Kristin chuckled.

“Hmph. Don’t play dumb. The Empress has already promised Sisha to you.”

“Ah, the secret’s out,” Kristin laughed, scratching his head sheepishly.

“Cut the act. I know your smiling-tiger nature,” Macy said coldly.

“The strong compete for the throne. The weak marry to secure alliances,” Kristin replied, smile fading, eyes narrowing.

“Then hurry. Since the Empress wills it and you’ve been drooling over her—spare me seeing her here again.”

“‘Drooling’? I admire Sisha deeply. But no rush. Look—she’s still in the dark,” Kristin said, glancing at her.

Sisha stood arms crossed against a pillar, silent, distant, lost in thought.

“Hmph. You just lust after her body. Secure her quickly—move too slow, and she’ll catch on.”

“Of course. Thank you for your concern, Elder Sister,” Kristin smiled.

A hush fell over the hall. A figure emerged from the inner chamber.

Flanked by Blood Clan guards and attendants, a still-elegant woman ascended the steps and settled onto the throne.

Crow’s feet traced her eyes; her silver hair looked brittle. A soft cough escaped as she sat.

She was the Blood Clan’s supreme ruler—the Vampire Empress—soon to abdicate due to illness.

Sisha stepped forward and knelt on one knee before the throne.

“This gathering also honors Sisha’s return,” the Empress said, gaze sweeping the crowd, then resting on the girl. “You’ve toiled hard. Name your reward.”

“Your Majesty, I seek no reward,” Sisha lifted her head, meeting the Empress’s eyes. “I only wish to compete for the throne.”

Silence swallowed the hall.

Throne contenders required proven strength. Though gifted, Sisha was young—her power seemingly insufficient beside her elder sisters.

“I possess the strength to defeat them,” Sisha stated calmly.

“What strength could *you* have?” Macy scoffed.

“Elder Sister hides in this sunless castle, sipping finest blood, indulging without trial—*she* may be the weakest,” Sisha replied with a faint smile.

“A trip to the human world made you this arrogant? You’ve never seen our bloodline’s true power,” Macy sneered.

“Then duel me.” Sisha’s crimson eyes locked onto Macy’s. Her fingers lightly gripped the longsword at her waist; her face remained serene.

“*You* challenge *me*? Sisha, are you joking?” Macy laughed.

Before her mission, Sisha had barely reached the Fifth Tier. Macy stood at the Seventh Tier—defeat was unthinkable.

“Sisha, no need to overreach. Just apologize,” Kristin interjected hastily.

“Kristin. Remove yourself.” Sisha’s crimson eyes chilled him. “I’ll not have you meddling in my affairs.”

…

Kristin fell silent.

He knew Sisha’s pride—haughty, dismissive. But this? This stung.

*How dare she? Soon my fiancée, yet treating me like this?*

Their union was an open secret in the Blood Clan. He’d quietly boasted of it. Now—where was his dignity?

*That bitch. Once I pin you to the bed, we’ll see how long that defiant mouth holds out.*

A strange glint flickered in Kristin’s eyes as he watched her.