Page 147 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

The silence in the chamber grows lengthy and uncomfortable.

“We have no proof it was him,” Wesley finally says, his voice strained.

Nemarion sighs heavily. “We can’t exclude the possibility of the Nightwalker’s attack either.”

“One hundred and thirty-five deaths are far too many to do absolutely nothing.” Lady Eilidh shakes her head.

Their accusation does not sit well with me.

A cruel smirk curves Duvall’s lips. “I propose we lock him.”

He wants Svenn to be put in a cage?

“Let’s put it to a vote then,” Kharlis of Vorathil raises the motion.

All of them agree to imprison Svenn. Even Lord Wesley and Seneschal Kearne.

“It’s just a test,” Duvall says, staring into my eyes venomously. “If he is truly House Wiolant’s pet, it shouldn’t be a problem for him to be detained for let say… a week?”

I feel numb. It’s a good thing I’m sitting down, otherwise I would have crumbled.

Kharlis waves a hand to parchment in front of him. “I present to you the Aravill pen invented by our Tluryan elves. We used that to keep the lion shifter we captured from the fae border.”

“No,” Lord Wesley says firmly. “If we do this, my guards will watch him. You will have your proof then.”

“It’s a good enclosure. You can display him at the centre of town—”

“I do not tell you how to run your affairs. So do not tell me how to run mine,” Wesley cuts his suggestion short, warning him with a glance.

I fold my hands into my lap to hide my trembling fingers.

The council wraps up quickly after their decision to imprison Svenn. Lord Wesley and Aelfric are the last ones to leave.

There is sympathy in my knight’s eyes. He releases a measured breath. “The vampire will understand.”

“I’ll arrange for his accommodation to be as comfortable as possible,” Lord Wesley promises. “Take your time to break the news to him. Once you’re ready, send word to my guards and we’ll take him in.”

I linger in the room long after everyone has left. I guess I can’t blame the council members for their desperation. We have a killer in our midst. I stare at the map splayed on the table.

Something catches my eye instantly.

Shade was right.

Either the killer has a dual personality, or it’s two different individuals. If I exclude the trajectory of the Valorian’s death out of the picture… I’m starting to see the pattern now.

Dear gods.

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