Bloodlines of Betrayal-Chapter 36: part S2: Black Lotus

Tittle : Bloodlines of Betrayal S2 - Celestia's Ascension

Written By : Reviline James Wang

Genre : Paranormal Romance | Alpha Werewolf | Billionaire | Vampire | Family Drama | Rumors | Mafia

Part 16: Shadows of Deception

The celebration at the Tensai-kai headquarters carried on late into the night. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the low murmur of conversation filled the air, but Leo wasn't in the mood to revel in their so-called victory. He leaned against the railing on the rooftop, looking out at the city skyline, his mind racing.

Hiroshi's words lingered in his mind like an unshakable shadow.

"In the end, you and I both know this won't be about alliances anymore."

Leo exhaled sharply, watching his breath curl into the cold night air. He had been in the underworld long enough to know when he was being played. And right now? He had the sinking feeling that the Shirogane Syndicate had just put them in the middle of something far bigger than a simple turf war.

A door creaked open behind him, and he tensed for half a second before recognizing the familiar stride.

Dante.

"You're missing the party," Dante said, walking up beside him, beer bottle in hand. "You should be celebrating. We pulled off something big tonight."

Leo glanced at him, unimpressed. "We pulled off something stupid tonight."

Dante's smirk faltered slightly. "You're still doubting the alliance."

"Yeah, and you should too," Leo said. "Hiroshi's playing a game, and we don't even know the damn rules. The Ryuugawa Clan was a problem, sure. But why did Shirogane want them gone so bad? What aren't they telling us?"

Dante exhaled, taking a sip of his drink before answering. "That's the thing about deals with the devil, Leo. You don't always get to know the fine print."

Leo scoffed. "That's comforting."

Before Dante could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and his smirk returned, though this one was more calculating.

"Looks like we're about to get some answers," Dante muttered, showing Leo the message.

Meet me at the Black Lotus. Alone.

- Hiroshi

Leo's stomach twisted. Alone? Yeah, right.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Dante downed the last of his drink and patted Leo's shoulder. "Guess you're coming with me after all."

The Black Lotus

The Black Lotus was one of the most exclusive underground clubs in the city, a place where power was exchanged over expensive liquor and whispered conversations. Owned by the Shirogane Syndicate, it was neutral ground

at least in theory.

Leo and Dante entered through the back entrance, escorted by two silent, suit-clad men who led them to a private lounge. The moment the doors shut behind them, Hiroshi was already pouring himself a drink, his expression unreadable.

"You came," Hiroshi mused, setting the glass down. "And you brought company."

Dante smirked, taking a seat. "You expected me to come alone?"

Hiroshi chuckled. "Fair enough."

Leo, however, wasn't in the mood for small talk. "Cut the bullshit. What's the real reason you wanted Ryuugawa wiped out?"

Hiroshi studied him for a moment before taking a slow sip of his drink. "Because they were dealing with something they shouldn't have been."

Dante leaned forward. "And that is?"

Hiroshi swirled his drink, watching the amber liquid move. "A new player. Someone outside the traditional syndicates." His gaze flicked up to meet theirs. "Someone who doesn't belong in our world."

Leo felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. "You mean-"

"Yes." Hiroshi set his glass down with a quiet clink. "The supernatural."

Silence stretched between them. Dante, always the skeptic, scoffed. "You're joking."

Hiroshi didn't blink. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Leo clenched his jaw. He didn't believe in fairy tales, but he had seen enough in his time to know that sometimes, the impossible wasn't as far-fetched as it seemed.

"Who are they?" he asked, his voice low.

Hiroshi exhaled, his expression darkening. "A clan of vampires."

Dante let out a short laugh, but it lacked humor. "You've got to be kidding me."

Hiroshi leaned forward, his voice dropping into something almost conspiratorial. "You ever wonder why the Ryuugawa Clan was suddenly gaining so much power? Why their weapons supply seemed endless?"

Leo exchanged a look with Dante. He had wondered that.

"They weren't just running a trade network," Hiroshi continued. "They were selling something else. Blood. And in return, they were getting supernatural weapons-ones that could rip through flesh like paper, ones designed to kill us."

Leo's grip tightened. "And you think we can handle this?"

Hiroshi smirked, but there was no amusement in it. "I think we don't have a choice."

Dante let out a slow breath. "So what now?"

Hiroshi's eyes gleamed in the dim light. "Now? We prepare for war."

.