While Kieran endured the clinical scrutiny of court scientists, vampire nobility throughout Lucius's domain engaged in their own form of examination. The unprecedented nature of the hearing had transformed what began as a territorial dispute into a referendum on vampire society itself, with nobles clustering into distinct factions as they awaited the examination results.

  In the Northern Gallery of Lucius's court—a space specifically designed for aristocratic discourse during formal proceedings—Archduke Orlov held court among his traditionalist allies. The gallery's ancient architecture, with its vaulted ceilings and historical tapestries depicting early vampire conquests, provided the perfect backdrop for those advocating preservation of established order.

  "The danger extends far beyond this single aberration," Orlov pronounced to the assembled nobles, his aristocratic bearing commanding their attention. "Today we debate cssifying a wereanimal-vampire hybrid. Tomorrow, what? Human-vampire crossbreeds? Resource-noble retionships? The very foundation of our society rests on clear boundaries between species."

  Countess Veronique, whose territory bordered Cassian's nds, nodded her emphatic agreement. "Precisely. Our entire social order depends upon maintaining these distinctions. Resources provide nourishment. Pets serve as decorative companions. Vampires rule. Any blurring of these categories threatens the stability we've maintained since Subject 23's transformation reshaped the world."

  The gathering of traditionalists included some of vampire society's oldest and most established bloodlines. Their formal attire, featuring subtle symbolic elements dating back to the first decades after the outbreak, decred their commitment to ancestral customs more clearly than any verbal procmation.

  "The scientific examination is an unnecessary indulgence," Duke Hargrove added, his tone suggesting the entire proceeding offended his sensibilities. "The hybrid's mere existence viotes natural w. The only appropriate response is immediate termination of the aberration and censure of those responsible for its creation."

  Several nobles murmured agreement, their expressions revealing a visceral disgust that transcended political calcution. For them, Kieran represented not merely a cssification challenge but a fundamental offense against the natural order they had established.

  "Baron Cassian's military service to vampire society is not in question," Orlov conceded with careful diplomacy. "However, his... retionship with a wereanimal pet exceeded acceptable boundaries. Such behavior cannot be sanctioned regardless of his previous contributions."

  The implicit suggestion—that Cassian might be spared severe consequences if he accepted Kieran's cssification as an aberration—revealed the political maneuvering beneath their principled objections. Even the most tradition-bound aristocrats recognized the value of appearing reasonable in Lucius's court.

  Across the gallery, deliberately positioned at a respectful distance from Orlov's faction, Count Sebastian hosted a gathering of more moderate nobles. Their conversation, while equally focused on the hybrid question, took a markedly different tone.

  "The examination results will determine appropriate cssification," the Count observed, his measured voice contrasting with the traditionalists' emotional certainty. "If the hybrid demonstrates sufficient vampire characteristics, precedent suggests legal recognition with appropriate limitations."

  Countess Mathilda, an intelligence specialist known for her network of informants, nodded thoughtfully. "My sources indicate the initial results show remarkable control and intelligence. If confirmed, this suggests vampire traits may predominate despite the mixed heritage."

  Baron Thorne, whose progressive tendencies were tolerated due to his ancient bloodline, leaned forward with uncharacteristic animation. "Then the logical conclusion would be recognition as a vampire of common status, with special monitoring provisions to address any unique risks."

  The moderate faction, smaller than the traditionalists but with significant territorial influence, approached the matter with pragmatic calcution rather than ideological certainty. Their formal attire featured more contemporary styling, indicating openness to gradual evolution within vampire society's established framework.

  "Resources remain resources," Count Sebastian emphasized, ensuring none confused moderation with radical change. "The hierarchy remains intact. We merely suggest that cssification should follow evidence rather than preconception."

  Viscountess Elena, whose territories bordered Cassian's northern nds, added a practical consideration. "Establishing reasonable cssification for this single case prevents unnecessary disruption. Baron Cassian's territory provides significant economic contribution through resource management and border security. Destabilizing his position serves no strategic purpose."

  This perspective—evaluating the hybrid question through the lens of practical governance rather than abstract principle—characterized the moderate faction's approach. They sought compromise that would maintain social order while accommodating the unprecedented situation.

  "Reasonable restrictions would be appropriate," Baron Thorne acknowledged. "Perhaps registration requirements, monitoring protocols, or prohibitions on further hybrid creation. But extermination without evidence of danger seems... excessive."

  The moderates' willingness to consider cssification options besides "aberration" represented a significant departure from traditional vampire governance. Yet their proposed limitations revealed they shared the traditionalists' fundamental concern with maintaining established hierarchy—they merely disagreed about how rigidly it must be enforced.

  In the farthest corner of the gallery, barely noticeable amid the rger factions, a small group of progressive nobles gathered in what almost appeared to be a casual conversation. Their positioning—seemingly peripheral yet with clear sightlines to both other groups—was as deliberate as their understated approach to the controversial topic.

  "This case merely brings to light what has always been true," Viscount Gabriel observed quietly, his modified clerical attire marking him as unconventional even among progressives. "Our cssification system is a construct of convenience, not an immutable natural w."

  Viscount Henri, a military veteran who had served with Cassian, nodded agreement. "The hybrid's performance in examination demonstrates the limitations of our categories. If a being with wereanimal heritage can dispy vampire intelligence and control, perhaps our understanding requires revision."

  Count Dominic Ashcroft, whose territory y beyond Lucius's direct domain, had traveled specifically for this hearing. His presence among the progressives was notable; his reformed blood farm practices had earned him both respect and suspicion among vampire nobility.

  "Science advances through observation, not adherence to established doctrine," Dominic noted, his aristocratic bearing at odds with his revolutionary perspective. "If examination reveals capabilities that contradict our assumptions, intellectual integrity requires us to reconsider those assumptions."

  The progressive faction represented a genuine minority within vampire aristocracy. Their formal attire, while appropriate to their ranks, incorporated subtle elements suggesting individual expression rather than rigid conformity. Yet despite their philosophical differences from mainstream vampire society, they operated within its structures rather than opposing them directly.

  "A new cssification category would recognize reality without disrupting the broader social order," Viscount Gabriel suggested, his voice calibrated to reach only those immediately around him. "Proper documentation and appropriate protocols could acknowledge the hybrid's unique nature while establishing reasonable safeguards."

  Baroness Sylvia, a vampire scientist who specialized in viral mutation studies, added her perspective. "From a purely scientific perspective, this case provides unprecedented opportunity to expand our understanding of the transformation process. Cssification should reflect factual observation rather than social anxiety."

  Though small in number, the progressive faction included nobles with significant schorly, military, and scientific credentials. Their focus on evidence and adaptation represented a distinctly different approach to vampire governance than either the traditionalists or moderates advocated.

  Throughout these factional discussions, Valentina's absence was notable. As other nobles openly decred their positions, Archduke Orlov's daughter maintained a careful distance from the political maneuvering. Her whereabouts during key moments of debate raised questions among observant aristocrats, particurly when she missed her father's most impassioned arguments against the hybrid's recognition.

  The division among vampire nobility transcended simple political calcution. Each faction's position reflected fundamentally different visions of vampire society's future. Traditionalists sought rigid preservation of established order. Moderates favored practical adaptation within existing hierarchical structures. Progressives advocated evidence-based revision of outdated cssifications.

  As nobles navigated these complex allegiances, they remained acutely aware of one critical factor: Archduke Lucius had not yet revealed his own position. His penetrating questions during the initial arguments had offered no clear indication of his inclination. As the ultimate authority within his domain, his ruling would establish precedent far beyond Kieran's individual case.

  The examination results, expected the following night, would provide crucial evidence for Lucius's consideration. Yet as factional divisions deepened, many nobles wondered whether any scientific finding could bridge the philosophical gulf that had opened among vampire aristocracy. The hybrid question had evolved from a cssification challenge into a referendum on vampire society's capacity for adaptation in a world more complex than their rigid categories could contain.

  While Kieran endured clinical investigation in the examination chamber, vampire nobility engaged in their own form of testing—evaluating not just the limits of their cssification system, but the very nature of the society they had built since Subject 23's transformation had forever altered their world.