The Eclipsed Bloom

Walking behind Zara, Seris led her into Lilith’s office and, without hesitation, took the seat behind the desk—one clearly meant for authority.

Zara, already seated in a guest chair, watched her with a questioning gaze. Seris cleared her throat and leaned forward, resting her arms on the desk as she fixed Zara with a steady look.

"Zara, you are now the Marquis of House Progenitor," she began, her voice calm and composed. "At this moment, only Lucien and the queens outrank you."

Zara’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Mother," she said, her brow furrowed, "forgive my confusion, but aren’t there several titles above Marquis? How can only the king and queens be above me?"

Seris smiled faintly, a flicker of warmth in her eyes at the word mother. She gave a small nod. "Yes, there are higher titles. However, they aren’t simply granted—they are earned. Those ranks are reserved for Progenitor bloodline members who’ve lived beyond their first millennium."

Zara nodded in quiet understanding. But Seris’s expression grew more serious as she continued.

"Now, as a Marquis, you’re expected to serve on the frontlines. You don’t yet have your legion, but you may borrow your wife’s—if she permits you."

Zara’s expression darkened, her brows knitting together.

"Mother, since we’re speaking of the frontlines, I have a question."

Seris inclined her head, signaling her to continue.

"If all the dhampirs are at the frontlines," Zara asked slowly, "then how is it possible they’ve been appearing deep inside our territory?"