With a protective hand on Lilith's stomach, a pleasing smile plays on Kian's face. His wife is expecting, she is carrying the joy of their connection. The younger Vatore giggles, finding comfort in her husband's touch and leaning onto his shoulders, they are welcoming a child together.

The news of her pregnancy is still hidden in private, in the safety of the Vatore estate. While Caleb has encouraged his sister to spread the news, she still finds it unnerving to let everyone know, especially the alliance who still view Kian as a tainted vampire. Even when they are united under the same banner, her fear doesn't ease away. The thought of their child being subjected to prejudice just because they are the descendant of Vladislaus Straud is unsettling.

However, that is not the only problem Lilith is unable to solve. Kian, while spending time with his wife, recalls the fight between him and Victor. That man is now confined in a cell underneath the Vatore estate. Despite the evil deeds attributed to Victor, Kian finds himself pondering a different question - what if Victor were to turn a new leaf?

Victor of House Straud, the name that strikes fear in the citizens of Forgotten Hollow, a formidable vampire whose loyalty lies only for the insurrection of House Straud, driven by a desire to restore the once mighty house to its former glory. The loyalists of Vladislaus Straud have dissolved after the success of Primrose's rescue mission, leaving him as a lone figure.

But Victor still seals his lips tight…

If it were not for Lilian and her clever approach, House Vatore would never be able to pry any information from that man. This begs the question, who does Victor pledge his loyalty to?

It can't be House Bloodhaven as he already gives them a hint as to where the Glimmerbrook students are hidden. Certainly not House Straud if the loyalists are no longer pledged their allegiance to Vladislaus Straud. Then who is Victor working for…?

"Kian, is something wrong?" caressing his cheek, Lilith leans in "You look troubled…"

"Lilith, I…"

For a moment, the blond vampire considers biting his tongue. Kian doesn't want to bother his wife with his pondering thoughts, but…

"I'm thinking about Victor…"

Lilith's brown orbs soften as she holds a steady gaze at her husband. The dilemma evident on his face is whether to punish or grant that man an amnesty. The history between Kian and Victor goes back to the day of their youth when they were still members of House Straud.

They were raised together like blood brothers, with Kian as the son of Vladislaus Straud while Victor was adopted by him. The bonds forged in their upbringing have left a deep imprint on their relationship.

Then the war happened and people changed - Kian changed. He sought salvation, a means to clear his sin as the child of Vladislaus Straud. Witnessing the evil deeds of his father left a foul taste in Kian's mind, he struggled to understand why inflicting pain on others was a celebrated thing. The prey that fell into the hands of House Straud met a horrific demise, shredded into pieces as their blood was fed to the vampires, and Kian could not look or even listen to the appalling screams of the victims.

So he chose to run away, to abandon his name and adopt the name of House Straud's enemy.

"Victor has always called me weak…" Kian sighs "Maybe I really am a weak vampire…"

House Straud fell out of grace and Kian's betrayal, as Victor described, had led the man down the path of darkness and despair. His loyalty to the ideals of Vladislaus Struad turned into something twisted. The betrayal and the bitterness changed him. Victor of House Straud, with his cunningness and guileful way of navigating the complexity of Forgotten Hollow, could become a strong and formidable ally. Yet he chose to walk on a darker path, a thin line between sanity and madness…

Lilith caresses his face, pulling him closer as she rests his head on her chest, stroking his golden locks, an action that reminds him of his mother…

"There there, it's okay. Strength takes many forms, Kian…" placing a kiss on his hair, the younger Vatore continues "Yours lies in the decision to embrace the compassion and mercy within you. It takes great strength to break away from the shadows of the past, as you did."

Wrapping his arms around her body, he sighs. Is it really strength or is he just simply choosing to turn away from the haunting calls of his heritage?

"You've chosen a different way, a way that leads to redemption and a future unburdened by the sins of the past." her delicate fingers continue to play with his hair "No matter what people say about you, Kian, I always know you have the strength to push through…"

Lilith is not a woman with many words, but when she speaks, it always comes from the heart. Kian nods, appreciating her unwavering support.

"About Victor…"

As if she already knows what he is contemplating in his mind, the younger Vatore gives him a firm nod, raising his head to meet her warm gaze.

"Whatever you choose, Kian, know that I always have your back."

Tightening his grip, a sigh of relief escapes Kian, feeling thankful for the love and understanding Lilith is giving him.

"Recruiting Victor?"

Caleb raises a brow at Kian's proposition. It is not an everyday thing for the young lord to express his annoyance at a suggestion, let alone his brother-in-law's proposal. Kian shudders at the cold gaze he is receiving, it is clear that Caleb is not amused. Butler Richard clears his throat, despite the composed look, he is not entertained by the idea of letting Victor join House Vatore.

"Master Kian, I should remind you that House Vatore is not a charitable organization. We do not welcome those who want to harm us."

The blond vampire stands stiffly on the spot, the complexities on his face are visible.

"Kian, I appreciate that you want to help a friend of yours, but I'm afraid I can't accept that proposition." the young lord narrows his eyes dangerously "He laid his hands on Primrose. I do not condone anyone who put her in harm's way."

The room is enveloped in a tense atmosphere as Caleb's stern words linger. Kian, understanding the gravity of his proposal, looks conflicted. He is aware of the severity of Victor's actions, especially regarding Primrose'-s safety, but…

"I understand the history between you and Victor, but I can not turn a blind eye to his atrocious deeds." setting his teacup down with a loud clank, his silver eyes bore into Kian's lilac ones "Do not bring this up again."

The room remains silent for a moment, allowing the weight of the decision to settle. Caleb is not compromising Primrose's safety for the sake of recruiting a formidable vampire like Victor and he makes sure everyone knows where his allegiance lies. His beloved's well-being is the most important.

Butler Richard stands by his side, nodding his head firmly. He too, finds Victor to be an eyesore that needs to be eliminated from the game at all costs. Caleb has pardoned the vampire from his death sentence, giving he has provided clues to the whereabouts of the students of Glimmerbrook. However, that doesn't mean Victor is leaving that jail cell anytime soon. The wise advisor mentally sighs, finding his lord's decision to be too generous for a manipulative vampire like Victor, but he digresses.

Marlin, having heard the conversation, casts his gaze between Caleb and Kian as he contemplates the blond vampire's proposal. Despite knowing Victor's deeds and the pain he inflicted on Primrose, his student, the fire mage still believes there is something to gain if House Vatore recruits that cunning vampire.

"I actually agree with Kian on this matter," observing Caleb's annoyance, he continues "Victor's cunningness and his knowledge of House Bloodhaven will prove to be a good tool in our arsenals."

"Marlin, he hurt Primrose. You saw what happened, how could you even think of bringing that man to our side?" the young lord retorts, his anger rising at the mention of Primrose's pain.

"The more cards we have in our hands, the better, Caleb." the fire mage sighs "You don't want to make an enemy out of someone like him."

The Head of House Vatore clicks his tongue, scoffing at Marlin's stand. He never understands the fire mage and what he is scheming in his mind. The tension in the room lingers, the weight of the decision pressing on everyone present. Kian, caught between loyalty to an old friend and acknowledging the harm caused, looked torn. Butler Richard, ever the pragmatic advisor, observed the dynamics silently, ready to support Caleb's decision.

"Victor is not to be trusted. His loyalty is questionable, and I will not compromise Primrose's safety for strategic gains."

"And her safety must be ensured in the long run, Caleb. It is not a momentary thing."

Caleb slightly flinches at the fire mage's reason, narrowing his eyes as Marlin continues.

"Seraphina Bloodhaven already sees Primrose as an adversary, it is not a wise idea for her to make an enemy out of Victor." his strategic thinking begins to resonate with the young lord "The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Caleb. And you have seen how that scenario plays out for her…"

A warning…

His grip on the armrest tightens as he recalls the torment his beloved endured when she was kidnapped by Victor. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Caleb exhales, considering Marlin's advice. He knows that the fire mage is worried about his student too, and Primrose's safety is indeed a long run process.

"Fine, I will consider his proposition. But do be wary, I will not hesitate to end his life should he choose to hurt Primrose again." turning to his brother-in-law, the young lord continues "I will leave this task to you, Kian."

"Understood, Brother. I will make sure he knows his choice."

Victor leans back, wearing a contemplating smile when a familiar face stands in front of him. The wretched son of Vladislaus Straud is here for a visit…

"Honor to meet you, my lord…" he trails off, locking those lilac eyes onto his blue ones "What brings you here to this humble cell of mine?"

"Victor…" Kian looks at him, narrowing his brows as he speaks "I see that you have given us the clue to the missing students' whereabouts."

Scoffing, he waves his hands, trivializing his assistant as nothing more than fulfilling his wager. Accepting Kian's gratitude is the last thing he wants to do.

"House Vatore has a proposal for you, Victor…" choosing his words carefully, the blond vampire continues "A means to clear your crime against the Lady of House Vatore."

"Ah…the princess, you say?" a dangerous glint shines in his blue eyes "Such a delicate flower, perhaps too delicate, if I may say."

Kian knits his brows at the subtle insult, had it not been for Victor to bind Primrose's wrist and lock away her magic, she would not be that vulnerable under the hands of House Bloodhaven. Shaking his head lightly, this is not the reason for him to be here…

"Whatever you say, Victor. Primrose is one of us, she is far more capable than meets the eyes." there is a subtle expression of determination, an acknowledgment of Primrose's ability "However, that is not the topic of today's discussion."

Steering back to the main agenda, Kian opens up about his proposition, how he wants Victor to pledge his allegiance to House Vatore.

"Allegiance? Don't make me laugh…" Victor scoffs "Your lord is one gullible fool to think he can recruit me into his House."

"It is not a matter of choice, Victor. You have nowhere to go or hide. It is Caleb's generosity that you still keep your life right now." the blond states firmly "The alliance wants you to disappear, but we value your skills. There are only two choices, Victor – joining House Vatore or rotten in this cell for the rest of eternity."

Victor leans back, seemingly unfazed by the ultimatum, his cryptic smile lingering. His blue eyes, sharp and calculating, lock onto Kian's lilac ones, an unspoken tension fills the air.

"Oh, how amusing…" he chuckles, his voice lacing with mockery "Generosity, you say? I never thought the day would come when a Vatore would offer mercy to someone like me."

Standing from his seat, the man circles closer to Kian. Even with the protective cell standing between them, the blond vampire knows Victor is not someone whom he should underestimate. That dangerous glint in his eyes, the sinister smirk that always plays on his lips, what is he scheming now?

"But allow me to give you my answer. I don't bow to anyone's whims, especially not your noble brother-in-law's." waving his hand as he downplays the consequence of his answer "Be it rotten in the cell or they slay me, I would rather burn myself alive than bow down to Caleb Vatore."

Kian takes in a deep breath, knowing very well that it is not an easy task to persuade Victor. However, if there is any way he can do to save his friend from the inevitable end, he will do it. Nodding to himself, the blond vampire leaves, starting his mission to bring Victor on his side once again.

The days pass and each attempt by Kian to persuade Victor is met with resistance and defiance. The atmosphere in the cell remains charged, the tension palpable. On one occasion, Kian returns with a threat, revealing that Victor is just a pawn in the grand scheme of the Bloodhaven family. However, the vampire remains indifferent, as if such revelations are inconsequential to him.

The following day, Kian decides to open up about the memories they shared, about the times when they were comrades in House Straud. To his dismay, Victor spats out a bitter truth - Kian was the one who chose to leave House Straud instead of standing by their side. Undeterred, Kian makes another attempt. This time, he expresses his desire to fight alongside Victor once again, to be comrades like they were in the past. However, Victor scoffs at the notion, belittling Kian's strength and labeling him as too weak to slay the one he called friends.

The verbal sparring continues, each conversation leaving Kian more frustrated and Victor seemingly unaffected as the tension within the confines of the jail cell remains undissolved.

Each day passing by fuels his determination and frustration at his friend's stubbornness. He can't fathom the reason why Victor stands his ground when his life is hanging on a thread, as if the man doesn't care if House Vatore decides to strike him down. A lone soldier on the battlefield of political turmoil yet that man remains absolute, refusing to join House Vatore or even consider staying under their protection.

"Goodness, that is a loud sigh…"

A voice pulls him out of his train of thought as Kian raises his head, meeting Lilian's warm brown eyes.

"Something on your mind?" her voice is a mixture of playfulness and concern.

"L-Lilian… what are you doing here?"

She explains that Caleb has asked her to accompany Primrose while he still has meetings with the alliances about their next move. While her calendar is filled with patients' appointments, she still makes time to visit her best friend and check up on Lilith as the news of her pregnancy reaches the brunette. However, that loud and exaggerated sigh of Kian prompts her curiosity.

"Just dealing with a stubborn acquaintance," Kian replies, trying to downplay the complexity of the situation.

"Victor, I assume?" Lilian raises an eyebrow, her curiosity evident.

"Yes, Victor. It's proving to be quite a challenge to get him on our side. I've tried threats, reminders of our shared past, even expressing a desire to fight alongside him again. Nothing seems to break through."

Humming to herself, she listens attentively to Kian's ongoing complaints of his many failed attempts, pointing out that Victor is a man who enjoys playing games. The blond vampire agrees, stating how his efforts were in vain and the vampire seems to entertain the sight of his failures.

Looking at the depressed vampire by her side, the brunette contemplates the idea of offering her help. Despite being a human with no supernatural power, she knows that she has captured a certain vampire's attention with her façade as a witty chess player. Maybe a few more rounds and subtle jabbing might work.

But…

Staring at her palm, she recalls the kiss she received from Victor. A gentleman-like behavior that she finds odd and out-of-character for someone who looks down on humans like him.

"Lilian, what do you think I should do?"

The challenge of persuading Victor seems to weigh heavily on Kian's shoulders. As the verbal sparring with Victor continues, Lilian contemplates a different approach, acknowledging Victor's penchant for games.

"W-well…" she stumbles on her words, unsure if she should offer her service as a chess player or not "I think you should have a different approach? He is a cunning person, I don't think sentimental talk will persuade him…"

"Approach?"

Lilian is right when she says sentimental talk is not a good strategy, but what else can he do?

"But, why do you want to recruit him?"

Kian sighs again, expressing his desire to bring Victor into the light. The path he walks on is filled with manipulation and blood, as Victor's friend, Kian can not stand idling while his brother continues to descend like that. He has made a mistake in the past by leaving the vampire to deal with the aftermath of their fallen House and he wishes to make amends for his past actions by giving Victor a chance to turn a new leaf.

"However, he continues to turn down my offer. I truly don't understand why he is fixated on this game that he is playing. It's like he doesn't care about his life anymore…"

The defeated look on Kian's face is palpable as he grows more frustrated at many failed attempts.

"Besides, Marlin stated that House Vatore would be benefiting from him if he was on our side. But…"

Resting on her palm, Lilian acknowledges his insight. She too would feel safe if Victor is an ally instead of an enemy.

"How about a two-front battle, Kian?" looking at the vampire, she presents her proposal "You and me, both attacking him at the same time?"

"A-attacking? What do you mean?"

"Well, considering his cunning nature, a game sounds more promising, don't you think?" Lilian's eyes gleam with enthusiasm "If he loses fair and square, he might accept your proposition to join House Vatore. I say you attack him with words while I gamble with him."

Kian raises a brow at how absurd her idea is, what does she mean by gambling with Victor?

"Lilian, are you sure about this?"

Kian is standing in front of the gate to the jail cells underneath the Vatore estate, he looks at Lilian who is wearing a mischievous grin on her face, too excited for this rather sensitive matter.

"Think about it, Kian. A well-played game might appeal to his intellect. It's a way to get through to him without resorting to force or coercion." she giggles "Besides, I assume that he is quite bitter about losing to me two times, a mere human."

Her playfulness is evident in her words as the blond vampire sighs, raising a brow amusingly at her antic. For some reason, he feels like he is dealing with a young, mischievous sibling rather than an esteemed doctor at San Myshuno's Hospital. Her expression today is completely different than the last time she was here when Lilian asked to interrogate Victor about the missing students of Glimmerbrook, cold and cunning.

Maybe she truly knows how to deal with Victor after all…

"Alright, Lilian. Let's give it a try." Kian finally agrees, a spark of hope flickering in his lilac eyes.

Just like last time, the brunette requests him to stay outside, to preserve the enigma atmosphere between her and Victor.

Her footsteps echo in the jail cells, prompting his ears to perk up, Victor, who is lounging on the bed, rises up. His heightened senses immediately pick up the familiar sense as his smirk grows wider. Finally, a formidable opponent…

When Lilian reaches his cell, she uses the key to open it and steps in, the chessboard is is her hand, waiting to be displayed. The man opens his eyes, locking their gaze in an intense stare, excitement rushing through his body when he sees the young woman in front of him, still wearing a nonchalant smile on her face.

"Hello again, Lilian…" his voice drops to a sultry note as he addresses her appearance "It has been quite a while since we last saw each other. I miss my lady…"

"Hello, Victor. Enjoying your time in this tiny cell?" smiling, she sets the board on the table "Maybe a different environment will suit your taste, if I may say…"

"And what may that particular environment be, my dear?"

Her soft giggle echoes in the stale walls, prompting Victor to walk forward and make himself comfortable on the seat. But instead of answering his question, she looks at the board in front of her and then back at him.

"You wouldn't mind offering your company in this game, would you?" each word that rolls off her tongue is sickenly sweet, another façade that he is eager to peel away "Unless you find this human girl to be too troublesome for your taste…"

"Troublesome, my dear? I would never think that…" leaning forward, his breath grazes her skin as he speaks "After all, there are many things I would like to know about you."

"Goodness, I'm flattered…" a knowing smile etches her face "Another price, yeah? Let's get to know each other very well, Victor."

A low chuckle escapes his lips as he straightens his posture, eyeing the chess pieces, the excitement on his face is evident.

"My pleasure, Lilian…" touching the chessman, he looks at her "Let's get to know each other very well…"