The weekend.
Asher's house vibrated with unusual energy.
In the living room, the girls' laughter burst forth, between thrown cushions, shared snacks and too-loud confidences. Diana was laughing out loud, Marlie was trying to explain something by acting out a dramatic scene, while Alix and Kira were bickering over a blanket.
But in the kitchen...
The atmosphere was completely different.
The boys were gathered around the work surface, as if in a conclave. Low voices, serious looks. Even Bryan, usually incapable of remaining serious for more than thirty seconds, had his arms crossed and his jaw clenched.
"It's confirmed," Asher said, his voice calm but tense.
— Tomorrow, she plans to accuse Alastor before the Council.
A heavy silence fell.
"There's really no way to change her mind?" Bryan asked.
Eiden shook his head slowly.
— I doubt it. Morena is not...peaceful.
He glanced briefly at the absent Kira.
— Unlike some.
Just then, the kitchen door opened.
— Hey guys! Miria said cheerfully.
—We've been waiting for you for a century. What else are you plotting?
The boys jumped almost in unison.
- Nothing ! they said in unison, much too quickly.
Miria narrowed her eyes.
— Okay.
She crossed her arms.
—Either you speak... or I use the strong approach.
A general burst of laughter broke out — except from Miria and Asher.
Bryan, still laughing, tried to lighten the mood:
—Hey Miria, you may come from a powerful line of witches, but I remind you that I am a vampire.
He puffed out his chest.
—And not just any one. The prince.
"I confirm," Eiden added, nodding.
Asher then placed his hands on the counter.
—If I were you...
He looked up, icy.
— I would be wary of her.
Silence fell instantly.
Bryan swallowed.
— Ah… yes… ok…
Miria slowly turned towards him.
His eyes, their usual purple, became deep purple, almost luminescent.
Bryan felt an overwhelming pressure invade his mind.
—Stop—STOP!
He caught himself at the table, breathing short.
— Stop! Stop! I'm going to say everything!
The others remained frozen, shocked.
Miria smiled. A dangerous smile.
- SO ?
— Please… said Bryan, livid.
— Tell her what she wants to know... I value my life...
Eiden hesitated, then sighed.
— Morena was raped by Alastor.
— She wants to bring him to justice.
- What ?! whispered Miria.
- When ?
"We don't know," Asher replied.
— But they got along badly... and Alastor satisfied his fantasy.
He paused.
— He always loved Morena.
Miria clenched her fists.
— Because raping someone is love now?
"In his own way…yes," Gale said bitterly.
"I see Klaus isn't the only one," Miria said.
Gale and Axel froze.
"Wait…" Axel said slowly.
— Do you know what Klaus tried to do to Isabella?
"Yes," Miria replied dryly.
— But that's not the point.
A heavy silence settled.
Then Miria raised her head.
— I have an idea.
Everyone turned towards her.
"Asher, do you remember the three favors I asked you?
- Yes.
—You gave me two. Miria replied.
— The third… you said "when the time comes". Asher added.
Miria looked him straight in the eyes.
— Well, the time has come.
—I want you to dethrone Morena.
The shock was total.
- What ?!
Asher sat up abruptly.
— Miria, do you hear what you are saying?
"Very well," she replied calmly.
—If I was old enough, I would go up there myself.
— But I don't have it.
— And according to the lineage... the throne goes to you before her.
—But that's not fair! Asher protested.
— Morena led for years!
"And we have evidence to discredit her," Miria replied.
— Moreover, she is only third in the order of succession.
"Wow…" Bryan whispered.
Asher wanted to speak, but Miria raised her voice.
- No.
Absolute silence fell.
— If Morena accuses Alastor, war is assured.
— King Astarion will never let his son be punished without retaliation.
—And if we refuse to punish Morena...
She took a deep breath.
—It will be a declaration of war.
— A war from which Fishlegs will profit.
A long silence followed.
"I agree with Miria," Bryan said finally.
"Me too," Axel added.
"Same," said Eiden.
"Same," Gale confirmed.
Everyone turned to Asher.
He closed his eyes.
— Okay...
—But after that… what's the plan?