"Did she at least give a reason for her refusal?"
The third Grand Elder stepped forward.
Dorian.
Unlike most vampires with porcelain-white skin, Dorian's complexion was bronzed. His eyes were completely abyssal black, with no visible separation between iris and pupil.
It gave him a striking, almost unsettling appearance. He was also the largest among them, his broad frame towering even over the other elders.
Lucius looked at him steadily.
Of all the elders present, Dorian was the closest to him. They had known each other for centuries. Their fathers had been close, and that bond had carried forward into their generation.
Lucius brought a hand to the bridge of his nose and rubbed it lightly.
"No," he said simply. "She gave no reason."
He paused briefly.
"All she said was that if she were to choose a mate, it would be on her own terms."
Dorian nodded slowly.
"That does sound like her."
There was no surprise in his tone.
