An Announcement

All eyes danced around the Alpha's son as he walked away from the table and began heading down stage. They were totally confused and curious to know what he had in mind. 

"What is he doing?" Masha's brother scoffed to her hearing. 

But Masha could not give an answer to him. She wondered if he was trying to stop the execution or something akin. But, why should he care? From the story she's heard so far, he hated vampires a lot. So, why would he want to stop the execution of vampires that attempted to kill his father? Or could the rumours about him not be completely true?

Even Vader had a displeased look on his scary face. He had his eyes on the Alpha's son as he walked toward the stage, wearing that unreadable expression. Surely, Vader would never allow him stop the execution - not without a fight. But he still needed to confirm what he had in mind. 

The faces of the prisoners lit with hope as they looked up to who might be their saviour. The suspense in the air had multiplied. And when Czar finally stood before Vader who had questioning eyes, he reached out for his sword and took it out of his hand. 

Gasps rushed through the crowd and even Vader was beginning to lose his cool as he wondered why the Alpha's son had to snatch his sword from him. But, just when he thought of attacking him, he heard the strange words from his lips:

"I will do it".

A stunned silence hit the crowd; eyes dilated in shock and the expectations that had been running through the minds of everyone suddenly dropped. 

In silence and disbelief, they watched Czar stand behind the first prisoners, positioned the sword on his throat and cut through within the twinkle of an eye. 

It was done so fast, no blink of emotion, even Vader who was known as an assassin, was surprised. Never had he seen a man kill another in such hurry and without remorse. 

Masha's breath was suspended as she watched the sight. Her eyes were big and shining so bright like a lamplight as the sight looked unbelievable to her. He was not trying to stop the execution, but wanted to do it himself? 

Her heart beat rapidly when he budged forward to stand behind the second prisoner. Of course, if the prisoners had their way, they'd try to struggle and fight. But the vervain on their ropes made them weak. 

Czar stood behind the prisoner and positioned the sword on his neck. It baffled Masha how cold his eyes were. They held no emotion - none at all - but there was something else in his eyes. She could not tell if she was mistaken, but she noticed pleasure. Yes, there was pleasure in his eyes. And it turned into a mystery for Masha. Never has she seen a man not flinch while taking the life of another. And never has she seen a man take so much pleasure in the process. 

Czar slit the prisoner's neck with the sword and watched him drop dead to the ground. Masha let out a startled breath and clenched the sides of her dress. The sight was becoming unbearable for her. 

He went to the third prisoner and in less than three seconds, had him dropping to the ground - dead. The sword was already dripping with blood, and to the greater awe of everyone, he rubbed it on his arms.

The people mumbled and crumpled their faces st the strange sight. Who kills another and rubs the blood on his arms? 

But Czar seemed to enjoy as he did it. And not sparing a glance at anyone, he threw the sword to the ground and walked away. 

"Now, it is confirmed. He truly hates vampires", Masha's brother said in a disgusted whisper, but Masha had become too traumatized to speak. 

The last time she had watched a person getting killed was six years ago during the war, she had nearly forgotten what it felt like. So, re-watching it that very moment did nothing but rattle her. 

She had her gaze pinned to the floor beneath her where she took in several deep breaths. She couldn't look up even when she knew when the Alpha's son returned to his seat. Hearing his footsteps alone suddenly made her heart beat faster and her throat constrict. 

Some of the vampires were beginning to get drawn to the spilled blood of the prisoners. Thus, Vader and his men needed to clear them off. 

In no time, it was done and some dancers were called on stage to relieve the nervous moment. 

********************

AN HOUR LATER

********************

It had been a very long time. A lot of activities had been performed. Food and drinks had been served and with majority of the people eating, the tension had completely died down. Perhaps. 

They were already having a good time and thinking the rest of the party would be just for eating and drinking alone. Of course, there was so much to feast on. But, Lord Galadriel proved them wrong when he stood up and signaled the drummers to stop. 

The moment the drums went off and silence restored to the crowd, their attention was driven to Lord Galadriel who was still on his feet with a cup of wine in his hand.

Masha was munching on some meat and wondered what her father had to say. Probably a goodwill speech to the people before the party would come to an end - she concluded. 

She paid less attention to him as he began his speech. 

"Greetings to everyone of you present" he was audible enough and with how cheerful his tone sounded, it was easy for everyone to hear him. 

"My beloved people of the Night Nations Coven and to every esteem member of the Wolf Pack. I know my coordinators already addressed and welcomed you, but I want to do it specially. I want to specifically thank you for making this day a reality. To be honest, I did not expect such turn up and support. You may not know it, but your presence today means the world to me..."

While he spoke, Masha noticed one of their servants had spilled drink on one of the other Alphas. The servant caught her breath in a gasp as she made to wipe it off. 

"I am so sorry, Alpha...", she whispered softly. 

"Have you gone blind, you fool? Or have you no use for your eyes?" The Alpha grunted in a muffled and guttural voice. 

The harsh words hit the servant, but she tried to get over it in a split second. 

"I...I sincerely apologize. It was an accident", she bowed and tried wiping it off with a napkin. But the Alpha was not so kind. 

"Get your flimsy hands off me", he cursed. "I wonder if this is how you vampires behave". He seemed so pained and bittered. 

"Hector" Another Alpha next to him suddenly called and nudged him, signalling him to stop. 

Thankfully, the horrible drama could not be noticed by others. The only ones that witnessed were those on the high table - including Lord Galadriel. But he did not want to consider that a distraction, so he continued talking like he could not hear them. 

Shamefully, the servant picked up her tray and left, while the angry Alpha remained there with the stain on his dress. He was actually putting on a big coat and looked so scary - his face appeared mean and bittered. Obviously, he was among those that did not like the collaboration but had no choice since their Supreme King had approved. 

The Supreme King, of course, had noticed the drama but decided not to comment so he wouldn't attract attention. But from the look on his face, it was obvious he was not pleased. 

"This Collaboration," Lord Galadriel was still speaking "...marks the beginning of our new friendship. Henceforth, the wolves and Night Nation's Coven will shed no more blood. We have become brothers, family. In peace, we shall live as one, visit and do business together. Now, I know it is a pity that not all vampires are participating in the collaboration, but we believe strongly that very soon, they shall see reasons to join us. But today", he paused and drank all of the wine in his cup, then poured out more from a jar. 

"we shall be celebrating this new relationship. Night Nations Coven, I want to assure you all that there is nothing to be afraid of. We and the Wolves are now one. We can live together. And to prove this to everyone of you, The Supreme Alpha King and I came up with a decision", He paused again and glanced at the King with a smile before turning back to the crowd.

"In order to prove to you that we can co-exist - and not just to prove but to make an example of it- the Supreme King and I came up with a decision - one that is meant to be a happy surprise for everyone", he deliberately paused to watch the curiosity that had grown on the people's face. A surprise announcement? They never saw it coming.

Lord Galadriel continued: "The Supreme King and I have decided that my daughter will get married to his son. Hence, she will become the first vampire to begin living with them".