Elsie's pov

Elsie's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed up at Madriod, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have to tell you something. Something that's been tearing me apart."

Madriod's expression softened, his eyes filled with concern. "What is it, Elsie? You can trust me."

Elsie took a deep breath, the words spilling out of her like a dam breaking. "My mother... she's been using me, manipulating me. She wants me to renounce you, to say that you're a monster, a vampire."

Madriod's face remained calm, but his eyes flashed with anger. "Go on."

Elsie's voice cracked as she continued. "She's been telling the elders that you're...