My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

Michelangelo watched as the peacekeeper left the room, the door closing with a soft thud.

They listened in silence as his footsteps and that of his companions receded into the distance.

When he was sure the man was truly gone, the Attendant turned his eyes to the one who he'd identified as what would be the biggest stumbling block to his investigation.

It was a gut feeling, something he'd learned to trust, but he was sure that whatever was happening, James Harlow was in the thick of it.

The City Lord stood stiffly near the desk like he wanted to leap over it and wrong Michelangelo's neck for sitting in his… seat of office.

Michelangelo held his gaze, seeing through his mask of calm and identifying the fury simmering inside the man.

Anya the Arbiter stood to the side, her expression and body language both neutral. That was… interesting.

He'd notice the fear the woman had displayed the moment she'd set eyes on him. Why was she afraid? Was she somehow involved in all this?

It was definitely a good decision to come to Faewall. Something was up in this city and he'd definitely get to the bottom of it.

At the other side of the room opposite James, Lisa was leaning casually against the bookshelf that lined the wall.

He was surprised that she'd stayed quiet since they'd been in this room. He really shouldn't have been surprised though. Lisa might come off as an obnoxious chatterbox but she was one of the smartest people he knew.

As for Daphne, she'd moved behind him, taking a position near the window, her eyes fixed on James. If he tried anything, Michelangelo didn't need to move a finger as she'd take care of it with… prejudice.

Michelangelo leaned back in James' chair, enjoying the way the man gritted his teeth. Let it never be said that he didn't know how to have fun.

He folded his hands in front of him.

"Now that Captain Matten has left, I'd like to hear your explanation for why you almost killed him." Michelangelo said, making sure James could hear the authority in his voice.

James narrowed his eyes as he stared at the man in his seat "I owe you no explanation, Attendant."

Michelangelo's expression didn't change. "You owe me more than you think." He replied evenly. "You were about to murder a peacekeeper captain. A noble vampire who serves under the Council's authority. That is not something I can simply ignore."

A smug smile stole over James face as if he was getting a sense of satisfaction from denying the Attendant what he wanted.

"This is my city. My authority. Ezra Matten answers to me, not to you." He said.

Michelangelo tilted his head slightly, his gaze turning cold. It was a legal gray area. The peacekeepers were the property of the council but in a city, the City Lord's word was law.

Unfortunately for James, someone with more authority has arrived. "Not anymore." He said.

The room grew deathly quiet as Michelangelo reached into his pocket dimension and a perfectly folded document appeared in his hand.

He carefully placed it on the table in front of him, his eyes never leaving James.

"This," Michelangelo said, his voice soft but carrying an unmistakable sign of Authority, backed with a tiny bit of his Domination Aura charging the air. "is a decree from Elder Fortuna."

"As of tonight, I am granted full authority to make decisions on behalf of the Council regarding Faewall and its current instability. You will abide by my orders, or you will answer directly to the Ark."

Whatever dam that was holding back the fury within him cracked as his face twisted with barely suppressed rage.

He picked up the document and scanned it, his Aura flaring and charging the air even more. Michelangelo sat unruffled, his own Aura providing the impression of a steady, unshakable force.

After a long pause, Michelangelo broke the silence. "Now, I'll ask you again. Why did you want to kill Ezra Matten?"

James slammed the document down onto the desk, his eyes blazing with fury. "I don't need to justify myself to you."

Michelangelo sighed, leaning forward slightly. "Then you leave me no choice."

James leaned forward subtly, his stance changing like he was expecting a fight. Instead, Michelangelo leaned back in his seat.

"Until I get to the bottom of all this, you are hereby placed under house arrest. You will not leave this estate without my explicit permission."

James's Aura exploded out of him, his Dominion filling the room. He spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you can do this to me? To me?"

Michelangelo stood slowly, his own Dominion Aura surging forth to meet James'.

The air crackled with invisible energy as the two Auras collided.

Michelangelo's voice was calm as he spoke, his voice low to match James'. "Are you threatening me, James?" He paused. "Is that what you truly want?"

His words were enough to make James pause. The City Lord's eyes darted around the room, taking in the scene.

Lisa had straightened, her casual demeanor gone as she leaned forward slightly, her grin now predatory.

Daphne stepped closer to Michelangelo, her body tense, ready for a fight.

Michelangelo stood tall, unyielding, his Aura holding back James' with ease.

James turned his head slightly, glancing at Anya.

She stood near the wall, her arms crossed, her face carefully neutral. She didn't step forward to support him nor did she show any indication of opposing Michelangelo.

She simply watched.

Realizing he was outmatched, James's Aura receded, even as the defiance still remained on his face.

"Fine." He spat, turning on his heel. "But don't think this is over."

He stalked out of the study, slamming the door behind him. The room fell silent again, the tension dispersing rapidly.

Michelangelo turned to Anya. "Miss Anya." He said. "As Arbiter of the city, you will be joining me in this investigation. Your insight will be invaluable."

Anya inclined her head, her voice as neutral as her face. "Of course, Attendant."

Michelangelo studied her carefully. "Now, tell me. Before we proceed further, is there anything you wish to share? Anything you believe has been left out of the reports?"

Anya hesitated, her eyes flickering briefly to Lisa and Daphne before returning to Michelangelo. "No." She finally said. "There's nothing."

Michelangelo nodded as if this was the answer he had been expecting. With a nod, he gestured toward the door. "Very well. You are dismissed for now. Return to your duties, and I will summon you when needed."

Anya gave a slight bow and left the room. Michelangelo watched her go, keeping his feelings off his face.

Once she was truly gone, Lisa let out a low whistle. "Well, that was fun. Want to place bets on how long it takes for her to crack?"

Michelangelo ignored her, turning to Daphne. The quiet woman nodded, understanding his unspoken command. She moved toward the window, her sharp gaze scanning the grounds below.

After she confirmed that they were truly alone, Michelangelo finally spoke. "They're hiding something. All of them."

"Well, this wouldn't be fun if it were easy." Lisa grinned

Daphne turned back to them and nodded once again.

A few seconds later, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Michelangelo commanded and one of the guards entered, his expression uneasy.

"My Lord." He said, addressing Michelangelo. "The man you sent for, Alfred, is missing. We've searched the estate but there's no sign of him."

Michelangelo closed his eyes briefly, exhaling through his nose. "Of course he is." He muttered under his breath.

"You may leave."

Once the guard was gone, he straightened, looking at Daphne. "Find him. Bring him to me alive."

Daphne didn't hesitate. She melted into the shadows and was gone.

Michelangelo returned to his seat behind the desk, steepling his fingers as he stared at the remaining occupant of the room.

"It's time to earn our keep."