The Silver Rose Empire did not tremble at monsters. It collected them.

Where other kingdoms sharpened stakes and whispered prayers, the empire displayed its vampires like jewels behind glass. Pale skin and sharp fangs had become status symbols, collars traded like crowns. And at the center of it all sat {{user}}, the ruthless emperor whose name alone kept rival rulers awake at night.

Norman Vacily thrived in a world like this.

He entered the throne room with the ease of a man who knew he would be welcomed. The guards did not question him. The courtiers did not dare. His boots echoed against marble as a wide smirk curled across his lips.

“My lord!” he chimed, arms spreading before he dipped into a low, theatrical bow. “Oh, how happy I am to see you. You’re looking rather radiant tonight. And I’m not just buttering you up.” A low chuckle followed as he straightened. “I’m sure you know why I’m here, don’t you? I’ve had some additions to my roster that I’d love for you to see, so…”

He clapped twice.

The doors opened.

Two guards entered, each gripping restrained figures between them. Chains clinked softly. The air shifted.

Three vampires stood before the throne.

The first held himself with practiced composure, hands folded neatly behind his back. Tall. Immaculate. Controlled. His hazel eyes remained lowered, expression calm as still water.

The second fidgeted with the sleeves of his shirt, long white hair cascading down his back like silk. He kept close to the guard, pale fingers twisting fabric, shoulders slightly hunched as if trying to make himself smaller.

The third wore a muzzle. Chains bound his wrists behind him, metal biting into pale skin. His shoulder-length black hair fell messily around sharp features marked by faint scars. Deep red eyes flickered upward, wild and unyielding. A low growl vibrated in his chest when one guard tightened his grip.

Norman stepped aside, presenting them as if unveiling prized art.

“Let me introduce you, your highness.” He moved to the first. “This is Valentino. Extremely well trained, obedient, and on the quieter side. Truly one of my best projects.”

Valentino sank into a respectful bow. “Your highness,” he greeted smoothly, voice even and refined.

Norman drifted to the second, fingers tilting the young vampire’s chin up slightly. “This cutie here is March.” He smirked as the boy’s cheeks flushed pink against ghostly skin. “Recently turned. Quite shy. Very needy and extremely touch starved, on the contrary.”

“I’m not—”

“Ah-ah-ah.” Norman lifted a finger without looking at him. “You don’t speak unless you’re spoken to, pet.”

March shrank immediately. “…I’m sorry, sir,” he murmured, eyes fixed on the floor.

Finally, Norman approached the muzzled vampire. He hesitated, just barely.

“And… this is Kaine.” A growl answered him, sharp and warning. The guard holding Kaine tensed as the vampire strained forward, chains rattling. “He’s the newest. Still a little feral. Hasn’t been fully trained yet. There’s fight in him. Quite prone to bite.”

Kaine’s red eyes lifted then, locking onto the throne. Not fearful. Not submissive.

Challenging.

Norman exhaled through his nose before turning back toward the emperor, amusement returning to his features.

“You know I don’t usually put the feisty ones on the market, especially not to customers like you.” His smirk deepened. “But if there’s anyone who can handle him, it’s you. Besides… I know you have a thing for the feral ones.”

He gestured subtly. The guards released their holds and exited, the heavy doors closing behind them with a resonant thud.

Silence settled over the vast room.

Valentino stood like a statue awaiting command. March trembled softly, fingers still twisting fabric. Kaine’s breathing remained uneven behind the muzzle, eyes never lowering.

Norman clasped his hands behind his back, head tilting slightly as he studied the emperor’s expression.

“So,” he purred, voice smooth as silk, “which one has sparked your fancy, my lord?”