"This court will now hear opening arguments," Lucius continued, without pause after his decration of the formal hearing. "As the one who has raised concerns about the hybrid's status, Archduke Orlov may present first."

  There was no intermission, no dismissal—the proceedings were beginning immediately. The assembled nobility adjusted their postures subtly, preparing for what promised to be a historic debate.

  Orlov rose with practiced grace, his aristocratic bearing evident in every movement as he approached the designated speaking position. His formal attire emphasized his ancient bloodline through subtle symbolic elements that only the oldest vampires would recognize.

  "Your Grace," he began, addressing Lucius with perfect formality, "esteemed nobles of our society, I present before this court a matter that strikes at the very foundation of our established order."

  His voice carried effortlessly throughout the hall, the result of decades of aristocratic training.

  "The separation of species is not merely a social preference but the natural order that emerged from the transformation of our world. Vampires rule. Pets are ornaments, resources provide nourishment. These boundaries maintain the stability that has allowed vampire society to flourish over the decades."

  He gestured toward Kieran without directly looking at him, a deliberate insult in vampire etiquette.

  "The being before us represents a fundamental viotion of these natural boundaries. Neither vampire nor wereanimal, but an unnatural hybrid of both, its mere existence challenges the cssifications upon which our entire society is built."

  Murmurs of agreement rippled through sections of the assembly, particurly from the older noble houses.

  "If such a hybrid is granted recognition under vampire w, what precedent does this establish? Will we next be asked to recognize vampire-human hybrids? Will the very distinctions between species dissolve into meaningless categorization?"

  Orlov allowed the uncomfortable question to linger before continuing.

  "Furthermore, the inherent instability of mixed blood presents genuine dangers to vampire society. Wereanimal votility combined with vampire strength creates an unpredictable entity whose nature cannot be reliably contained by existing protocols."

  He turned toward Lucius, his expression solemn.

  "I therefore respectfully petition this court to cssify this hybrid as an abomination outside protected categories, subject to appropriate containment and study to ensure the safety of our established order."

  The formal nguage barely disguised the severe implications—Orlov was essentially requesting Kieran be treated as a dangerous anomaly rather than a person with rights.

  "Baron Cassian has served vampire society with distinction, and his genetic contribution to this hybrid is not in question. However, his judgment in creating such a being—and worse, presenting it within vampire society—represents a concerning pse that this court must address decisively."

  With a formal bow toward Lucius, Orlov concluded his initial presentation and returned to his seat, his expression betraying satisfaction at the impact of his words. The murmurs throughout the hall suggested his arguments had resonated with many of the attending nobles.

  Lucius's expression remained unreadable as he turned toward Cassian. "Baron Cassian Bckwood, you may present your response."

  Cassian rose with military precision rather than aristocratic flourish. His formal attire, while impeccable, cked the ostentatious elements favored by nobles like Orlov, reflecting his rise through service rather than bloodline.

  "Your Grace," he began, his voice calm and measured, "I stand before this court not merely as a Baron defending his position, but as a father advocating for his son's rightful pce in our society."

  The direct acknowledgment of paternal retionship caused another ripple of reaction among the nobles. Where Orlov had used clinical terminology, Cassian deliberately emphasized the familial connection.

  "The Code of Blood Rights, established in the fifteenth year after the outbreak and formalized under your own authority, clearly states that 'offspring of noble blood carry the rights and protections of their progenitor's status,'" Cassian quoted with precise accuracy. "No provision within this code excludes offspring based on maternal heritage."

  He turned slightly, addressing the broader assembly rather than only Lucius.

  "My son possesses vampire blood—my blood. He requires blood consumption for sustenance. He possesses enhanced strength, speed, and senses consistent with vampire physiology. He demonstrates the intelligence and self-control that distinguishes vampires from lesser beings."

  Cassian's tactical approach was evident—emphasizing every aspect of Kieran that aligned with vampire nature while avoiding direct mention of his wereanimal traits.

  "Furthermore, I would note that our legal frameworks were established to provide order, not to anticipate every possible circumstance. The absence of specific provisions regarding hybrid offspring does not constitute prohibition—rather, it requires us to apply existing principles to new situations."

  His voice remained steady, but those who knew him well might detect the subtle intensity beneath his measured delivery.

  "When applying these principles, the evidence is clear. Kieran exhibits the defining characteristics that our ws use to distinguish vampires from other beings. His partial wereanimal heritage changes his appearance and provides additional abilities, but it does not negate his fundamental vampire nature."

  Cassian turned back to Lucius, his posture reflecting the military discipline that had earned him his position.

  "I respectfully submit that existing vampire w provides clear guidance in this matter. My son carries my blood, dispys vampire traits, and conducts himself with the dignity expected of vampire society. These facts, not theoretical concerns about categorical boundaries, should determine his legal status."

  As Cassian returned to his position, the contrast between the two arguments hung in the air. Orlov had appealed to traditional hierarchies and fears of instability, while Cassian had focused on legal precedent and observable qualities.

  Lucius remained silent for several moments, his ancient eyes unreadable as he considered both positions. When he finally spoke, his voice carried the weight of centuries.

  "The arguments presented raise significant questions about the very nature of our cssifications," he observed. "Before making any determination, I wish to explore the subject's vampire qualities more thoroughly."

  He turned his penetrating gaze directly toward Kieran. "Does the hybrid require blood consumption?"

  "Yes, Your Grace," Cassian answered promptly. "Regur blood consumption is necessary for his sustenance and strength, consistent with vampire physiology."

  "And his reaction to daylight?" Lucius continued, his focus unwavering.

  "He experiences discomfort and weakness during daylight hours, though the effect is somewhat moderated compared to pure vampires," Cassian replied honestly, calcuting that partial vulnerability would still support vampire cssification more than none.

  "What of intelligence and control?" Lucius pressed. "Vampire society values these traits above all others."

  Cassian nodded. "Kieran dispys the rational thought and emotional discipline characteristic of vampire nature. His academic achievements and conduct have been exempry."

  Throughout this exchange, Kieran maintained perfect composure, allowing his father to speak for him as protocol dictated while demonstrating through his demeanor the very control being discussed.

  "These are significant considerations," Lucius acknowledged after several more questions exploring Kieran's vampire traits. "The question before this court is not whether hybrid beings should exist—they already do. Rather, we must determine whether vampire qualities can exist sufficiently within a hybrid nature to warrant protection under vampire w."

  He surveyed the assembly once more before continuing. "This matter requires thorough investigation beyond verbal arguments. I therefore decre a comprehensive examination of the hybrid's nature to be conducted by court-appointed experts. Their findings will inform my final ruling."

  Murmurs spread through the assembly at this announcement. Such examinations were rare and typically reserved for matters of considerable importance to vampire society.

  "The examination will begin tomorrow at sunset and continue as long as necessary. All interested parties may submit questions for consideration, but the actual procedures will be conducted by neutral specialists under my direct authority."

  With that pronouncement, Lucius rose from his seat. "This court is adjourned until the examination is complete."

  As the assembly began to disperse, Kieran maintained his composure despite the weight of what had just transpired. The clinical examination that awaited him would determine not just his personal fate, but potentially the future of any other hybrids that might someday exist.