Title: "Eternal Blood: The Last Vampire"
Chapter 3: Summoning the Elders
"Summon the Elders," Arthur's voice echoed through the grand hall, smooth yet carrying the weight of centuries. "It seems they've forgotten who their master is."
The room fell silent. The polished marble floors reflected the glow of the desert sun streaming through the high windows. Outside, Dubai's skyline stood proud and futuristic—a stark contrast to the ancient presence now commanding the room.
Selena, his daughter, leaned casually against a pillar, arms crossed, a playful smirk curling her lips. Her raven-black hair shimmered like silk, and her eyes—sharp, calculating, inherited from her father—glinted with amusement.
"They always forget," she teased. "Humans, even those we've gifted power, have such fragile memories."
Daniel, tall and broad-shouldered, the spitting image of Arthur in his youth, stepped forward. His expression was serious, his green eyes glowing faintly with the mark of their lineage.
"They've grown complacent," Daniel stated. "The world moves fast now. Technology, money, influence—it makes them arrogant."
Arthur chuckled softly, the sound ancient, carrying the chill of forgotten tombs and the heat of countless battles.
"Arrogance is a dangerous thing for those who owe their eternity to me," Arthur mused, adjusting the cuff of his tailored black suit. "It seems they need a reminder."
A young servant approached, bowing deeply. His voice quivered with nervous respect. "The Elders will be assembled within the hour, my Lord."
Arthur's golden eyes locked onto the trembling servant, softening for a brief moment. "Good. And remember, child, fear serves its purpose, but respect builds empires."
The servant nodded and scurried away.
Selena approached her father, looping an arm through his. "You don't really want a throne, do you?" she whispered, eyes mischievous. "All you ever wanted was to live."
Arthur smiled, memories flashing through his mind like lightning—centuries of wars, empires rising and falling, fleeting moments of peace under starlit skies.
"A throne? No," Arthur confirmed. "I simply want to walk through history. To live what was denied to me the first time."
Daniel chuckled, crossing his arms. "And yet, history never lets you walk quietly."
Arthur shrugged with a smirk. "Perhaps it's in my nature to shape it."
An hour later, the grand hall was filled. The Elders, descendants of his first servants, lined the room. They bore wealth, power, influence—but beneath the tailored suits and polished exteriors, Arthur sensed weakness creeping in.
"My Lord," an Elder began, bowing with a forced smile. "It is good to see you awake once more."
Arthur's gaze swept the room. He saw ambition, hidden doubts, and subtle defiance.
"Is it?" Arthur's voice cut through the pleasantries like a blade. "Because it seems some of you have mistaken your borrowed power for independence."
Murmurs rippled among them.
"Decades of peace have made you forgetful," Arthur continued. "You stand here because I allowed it. Your empires thrive because I built the foundation."
An older Elder, grey-haired with eyes dulled by time, stepped forward. "With respect, Master, the world is different now. Influence is earned through corporations, not conquests. Bloodlines mean less than bank accounts."
Selena snorted, unimpressed. "Money? Influence? Those are tools, not power."
Daniel stepped beside his sister. "You sit comfortably, forgetting who forged the path you're walking on."
Arthur raised a hand, silencing them. His expression softened, though his presence filled the hall like a storm about to break.
"I do not demand your fear," Arthur said. "But loyalty is not optional. If you've forgotten why your families endure, I will remind you."
From beneath his suit sleeve, his hand shimmered, veins glowing faint crimson—a subtle show of power. Ancient. Absolute.
"You drank my blood," Arthur continued. "Your ancestors pledged eternal service. I offer freedom within loyalty, but betrayal... betrayal I do not tolerate."
Tension thickened the air. The Elders exchanged nervous glances.
"I am not here to claim a throne," Arthur concluded, voice softer but no less commanding. "I only wish to exist, to witness history. But if my existence is threatened, know this—empires crumble, and so will yours."
The Elders bowed, deeper this time, silence heavy with understanding.
Selena smirked. "That went well."
Daniel chuckled. "Reminders are necessary."
Arthur's golden gaze swept over his children, pride and ancient sorrow mingling. "And so history marches on."
(To be continued...)