#Chapter 223: Preparing for Peace

The room was functional and plainly arranged, with no microphones or press in sight. A long oak table, faintly scented with polish, stretched between two rows of mismatched chairs pulled from various offices. Some were padded, others worn and bare, but all showed signs of regular use. They served their purpose, and every seat was filled. The vampires had arrived early. Some wore formal robes stitched with clan symbols, while others dressed in practical clothing that reflected years of resilience and caution. Their faces were serious, alert without being hostile. Across from them sat a mix of wolf leaders. Uniformed officials occupied seats beside civilian council members, some with dirt still on their boots, others with fresh bandages wrapped over healing skin. The room held a quiet strain, a sense of watching and waiting that settled behind every still glance. When I entered, the room quieted further. Heads turned. Every eye found me. They weren’t waiting for theatrics or author