"Correct," Dante said, his tone was measured. "Once the Council formally acknowledges us and it's entered into the official record, our bond becomes part of the established power structure. They can't challenge or dissolve it without proof of fraud or coercion, which they won't find because it doesn't exist."
Lilian absorbed that slowly.
"And more importantly, once registered, no one can attempt to reposition you," Lucien added, his voice lowered slightly, taking on an edge that made the hair on Lilian's arms stand up.
She turned to him, unease settling in her chest. "Reposition? What does that mean?"
"It means," Lucien said, choosing his words carefully, "that without official registration, other vampires, especially the ambitious ones with territorial interests, could approach you. They might suggest you'd be safer, better protected, and more properly honored if you aligned yourself with a single established house instead with..."
He gestured lightly between the three of them.
