Lucian was finishing a discussion with two members of his inner circle when his phone vibrated.
The timing alone told him the call mattered.
He picked it up without looking at the number.
"Speak."
Arden Vale's voice came through the line, steady but lower than usual.
"Lucian, we have a problem."
Lucian remained seated.
"Explain."
"There was an attack."
That word shifted the conversation in the room immediately. The two vampires across from Lucian stopped speaking and watched him.
Lucian's voice did not change.
"Where."
"One of the south district locations."
Lucian already understood which one Arden meant. The place was not large, but it was reliable. A quiet location used by several members of his network when they needed privacy.
"Who was there."
"Three of ours," Arden said.
Lucian waited.
Arden continued.
"They're dead."
Lucian absorbed that information without visible reaction.
"How recent."
"Less than twenty minutes ago," Arden replied.
