"Good. Then let's discuss why we lost."
Nikolai's words extinguished the remaining whispers. He didn't raise his voice or release his aura. Instead, he leaned back against the Patriarch's chair and watched the people seated around the enormous circular table.
However, nobody answered immediately... their eyes shifting constantly, gazing at the person beside them like someone trying to cheat in an exam.
Finally, one of the older werewolves cleared his throat.
"We misjudged Alucard, thinking that his power would be lacking; we were caught off guard and lost a great deal of manpower."
"That's the most obvious answer..."
The old man's brow twitched.
Nikolai continued before offence could take root in the old man's heart. "I'm not insulting you. I misjudged him too. I fought that bastard before and still underestimated what an Ancestor of his age could really do."
His gaze moved to Ivan.
