Chapter 9 Lucien's fingers clenched with sudden force, shattering the crystal goblet in his hand. His voice was low and strained. "The blood moon hasn't risen yet. The seventh day isn't over. Celeste hasn't fully awakened… it's too soon to judge her." But even as he spoke, the words rang hollow. Even he didn't sound convinced. The nobles were wavering, unsure-until Lilith stepped forward with tears glittering in her eyes. "My lord… it's obvious. Celeste is already a Feral. You know it as well as I do." "She bit me. Forced your hand to turn me. And now she's gorged herself on your blood like some starving mongrel. Keeping her here isn't just shameful-it's dangerous." "None of us would feel safe feeding or resting in this manor, knowing she's loose. One slip… and we'd be dead." The moment her voice fell silent, the rest of the vampires surged behind her, their voices rising in one accusatory tide. "You are the pureblood prince-you must put our honor and laws above your personal emotions!" "The hierarchy must be preserved! If others follow your example, the entire bloodline order will collapse!" "We beg you, sire. Before all who stand here tonight-put this creature down." Lucien trembled from head to toe. His eyes found me, wide with despair and silent pleading. "Celeste… please. Wake up." But no matter how he called, I remained unmoved, curled in the corner, warily watching the vampires. Then, one of the noble vampires stepped forward. "If the prince won't act, I'll take the burden myself for him." He raised a hand. A cold green flame crackled into existence in his palm. The kind of powerful force that would reduce anything it touched to ash. Just as he was about to hurl the fireball at me, a blood moon rose outside the tall windows, casting its eerie glow over the hall. And with it came a thick, choking fog-spilling into the manor like a tidal wave of shadow. A crushing pressure swept through the room. All the noble vampires trembled with fear, some even falling to their knees. Even Lucien and several nobles staggered back, spine bent under the invisible powerful force. At that moment, a scorching heat ignited from within me, surging upward like wildfire. And alongside it-something ancient awakened. The power of the Progenitor, stirring in my blood. The red haze that had clouded my vision for days suddenly cleared, and everything returned to how it once was. As the chaos faded and silence returned, Lilith pointed at me, her voice shrill with panic. "What are you?! You were transformed by a Feral-how are your eyes human again?!" Chapter 9 11.11% Even Lucien, prince of the bloodline, had never seen anything like it. His brow furrowed, lips parted in disbelief. "This… this can't be…" Before he could finish, Lilith screamed. "I get it now! She was bitten seven days ago and had already been transformed into a Feral. But the prince, out of mercy, kept feeding her pureblood for days and gave her the Embrace!" "But now look what that mercy has created-a mutated monster. If she stays, we're all doomed!" The nobles turned to Lucien, eyes sharp with judgment, waiting for his decision. Lilith's voice rose again, frantic. "She looks like a Feral, but now she has the prince's power inside her. If we don't kill her now, she'll devour us all!" "The more vampires she consumes, the stronger she'll get. Even you, my lord… even you won't be able to stop her! She'll tear this court apart!" 41 114 Title: "Twists of Fate: Embracing Family Ties with Three Powerful Brothers" Author: CrushReel Genre: Billionaire, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Office, Drama Status: ongoing Embarking on the path to marriage, she faced a sudden heartbreak as her fiancé called it quits. Amidst the shattered dreams, a surprising revelation awaited at her engagement celebration. Three influential brothers unveiled her true identity as their long-lost sister, reshaping her world in unexpected ways. Navigating through the complexities of newfound family connections and the opulence of their high-stakes world, she grapples with the essence of wealth beyond material possessions. As bonds of blood intertwine with the allure of power and love, she finds herself at a crossroads where loyalty, ambition, and affection collide in a captivating dance of emotions. Set against the backdrop of ambition-driven CEOs and the tender nuances of modern romance, this tale weaves together themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the intricate dynamics of office politics. With each chapter unraveling layers of secrets and desires, readers are drawn into a narrative that blends drama with heartfelt moments of connection. Distinguished by its blend of sweet romance and compelling drama, "Twists of Fate" offers a unique perspective on love, ambition, and the transformative power of family ties. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a captivating journey through the intertwined lives of three powerful brothers and the sister they never knew they had.