"What are the Red Moon's plans?" I ask, retaking my seat on the bed.

Lore joins me. "As of right now, they're continuing to debate on the best route to take. Their current leader is named Ristain and he has only been in charge for about two decades, taking control after his predecessor's demise."

That predecessor must be the woman beheaded by Holland, a champion of the church, after he quelled a rebellion in the south. We were taught stories of that uprising, one where the Red Moon managed to overtake two southern states, destroying cathedrals, calling for vampires and dhampir to join the fight. They expected more to help, but too many feared the church and the Red Moon. Though we were taught that the kingdom was faithful and knew right from wrong, that the people chose the Holy Mother's guidance and withstood the assault.

That rebellion was a big blow to the Red Moon, who returned underground and were often blamed for uprisings, though not always proven to be a part of them. Seems Ristain has kept them on the downlow, likely regrouping and preparing for this. Whatever this may be.

"The Red Moon has been relatively quiet, causing havoc here or there to remind people that they were around, but nothing as boisterous as their previous attempts against the Holy Church," Lore continues.

"And why is that?"

"Because Ristain isn't a fool. He saw how they were overtaken, how they continue to be overtaken, and has made changes. The command has shifted almost completely, previous members replaced and those too violent for the cause let go."

Puzzled, I ask, "Is that not a risk; letting people leave the group with information that could ruin them?"

"Trust that enough has been changed that even if any dared to speak to the Holy Church, they wouldn't learn anything," Lore answers. "It's one of the reasons I chose to assist them. I had been asked before on numerous occasions, sometimes even threatened."

That doesn't surprise me. The Red Moon is desperate to overthrow the church and they were once so violent that they were more like a gang than a revolutionary group. Although the church has always called them terrorists.

"Those who did threaten me are no longer part of the movement. Safe houses have moved. Lines of communication have changed. Ristain has almost remade the Red Moon from the ground up. From the times I have spoken to them, they are more interested in revealing the Holy Church's atrocities rather than committing random acts of violence. However, that obviously isn't the case for everyone," he continues, falling silent for a moment. His gaze drifts to the door, as does mine. Footsteps approach.

"Your Grace," Draven calls, knocking on the door. "Breakfast is ready."

"Alright. We will be down momentarily," Lore says. Draven's footsteps continue down the hall. The soft yawns and giggles of the children overtake the halls as they're all woken up. We hear their small feet hurry across the floor. The chairlift on the stairs hums to life.

"We best join them," Lore says, standing.

"Before we do, what really changed your mind about the Red Moon?" I ask, bringing Lore's quiet gaze to me. "There had to be something that stood out to you, that made you see them as a viable option. I can't say that I see them as one, even when I know we need help, so tell me."

Lore offers his hand, guiding me up from the bed. He slips his fingers between mine, a warm touch that I hope to grow very accustomed to. Though I doubt I will ever tire of it.

"As you may have already guessed, I keep my eye on crime. Draven and I attend to more serious matters while Cyan often goes on appointments of his own. The last few years, we've noticed a drop in missing persons. While still concerning, it has become clear that someone else is paying attention and doing something about it," he explains.

"And that someone is the Red Moon? Were they not doing so before?"

Lore shakes his head. "Prior to Ristain, the leaders cared more about the destruction of the church that had condemned many of their members. They were primarily made up of vampires and dhampir. They didn't care about mortals, even if they were against the church. And yet they were cocky enough to think their rebellions would work as the mortals would come to their senses. I saw no point in dealing with those incapable of seeing such an obvious flaw."

"So the drop in missing persons has to do with Ristain. They're seeking out those who left the church and keeping them safe?"

"Yes, relocating them, giving them new identities so they may thrive in safety. While it has not solved the problem, it certainly helps and I find that means we have even more allies. We cannot stop the system unless we all band together. Does that ease your concerns?"

"Somewhat, yes," I admit around a nervous chuckle. "Everything continues to be overwhelming."

Lore nods, then tugs me towards the door. "Let us not think of this again today."

I don't know if I'm capable of that, at least until we reach breakfast where I learn that being around children does force my thoughts to cease. The children chatter over their food where I find myself mimicking what I saw Lore do around my initial arrival. Nalo almost drops his drink, a goblet filled with blood, on Reegan. I narrowly prevented the catastrophe only because I was wiping an honestly astounding wad of snot from Angel's nose after a huge sneeze. Lore smirks across the table, inspecting the wheels on Isabella's chair because they were squeaking. As chaotic as the morning is, having to eat with one hand clinging to Oliver who has decided my lap is a better seat than his chair then being surprised by Darika requesting that I teach her some self defense, I love every moment of it. The thought of this being continued tomorrow, the day after, a month from now, and years from now has me smiling.

After breakfast, Lore heads to his office and the children follow Arline to the schoolhouse. I inspect the halls, searching for Draven to inform him that I spoke with Lore. That's when I spot the butler and Cyan standing awfully close to one another in the backyard. Draven gently takes Cyan's hand, linking their fingers for a brief moment.

My jaw drops.

Blushing, Cyan says something, then hurries to his workshop. Draven watches him go donning a soft smile that I've never seen on him. And that smile is gone when he turns to find me standing in the backdoor way to the house.

"I didn't want to interrupt," I say, trying to bite back a grin that I know I'm failing at based on Draven's deep scowl.

"So you spied on us instead," he snarls, brushing past me, making sure to bump our shoulders.

"I wasn't spying. You both were out in the open for all to see." I follow Draven, who takes quick steps in a poor attempt to escape me. "When did this happen?"

"What?"

"You and Cyan."

"What about us?"

I roll my eyes. "I saw you holding his hand. An advancement in the relationship has been made."

Draven stops, almost forcing me to run into him. I pivot around him, planting my feet firmly as if I think he'll shove me aside.

"That is none of your concern," he says, resting his hands behind his back. "Are you here to annoy me or do you need something?"

"I was hoping we could speak in private," I answer, deciding to bother Cyan about this later. He's easier to pry answers from.

Catching my drift, Draven heads for the library where he shuts and locks the door. I double check no one is around then take a seat on the couch with Draven on the chair across from me.

"I spoke with Lore this morning after our talk," I explain. "I told him I would stay under a few conditions."

That piques Draven's interest based on his curious gaze.

"What happened the other evening will not happen again. I can't handle partaking in that, though I will fight against the Holy Church when the time comes. Also, in the future, he will discuss with me what he intends to do, so we may spare those he may not have."

Draven relaxes in the chair, as if somehow has taken half a century worth of worry from his shoulders. I suppose I have. "Good," he says, nodding, eyes closed in ease. "I am... grateful that you've decided to stay."

"I still think Cyan should be informed of all this," I say, not missing the immediate clenching of Draven's hands against the arms of the chair. "When he discovers the truth, which we all know he will eventually, it will harm your finally budding relationship."

Draven squirms.

"Protecting him is a sweet thought, but also insulting because Cyan is capable of protecting himself and he will want to protect you too."

"I know."

Rising, I risk patting Dravens' shoulder. When he makes no move to rip my arm off, which he would have failed at but that doesn't mean I want to witness an attempt, I offer a smile and say, "Make sure to think this through."

Then I leave, only to make a beeline for Cyan's workshop. I fling open the doors, discovering the mad scientist at the front of the cathedral surrounded by beakers containing bubbling liquids of varying colors. One he grasps in a gloved hand while the other hand grasps an unknown mineral. Regardless of the questionable chemical he has, I shout, "Congratulations!"

"On what?" Cyan asks, skeptically. He drops the rock in the beaker that glows and shakes.

"Your official dating status with Draven, of course!"

Cyan's cheeks take on a festering red color, as does the cathedral when he catches it ablaze in a poor attempt to burn me to a crisp.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

Seren has learned a bit about the new leader of the Red Moon, Ristain. Lore thinks they have a better shot now. Is it a good idea to work with them? And Seren has seen Draven and Cyan together lol Will Draven talk to Cyan about everything that's going on?