As the moon cast a soft glow through the heavy velvet curtains, the grand bedchamber was adorned with opulent furnishings befitting the wealth of the Salvatore family.

Dorian straightened his posture and spoke in a voice that held a mixture of arrogance and determination. "Don't expect me to love you," he declared, his words cutting through the silence. "I will provide for you, but I refuse to father you any children or cease my vices. Is that clear?"