Lucian (Human and Vampire)

RUINED VELLOR CASTLE

Atmosphere: The castle stands on a cliff, shrouded in a perpetual, dense fog. All around is a dead forest with bare, twisted branches. Gothic architecture: tall spires, gargoyles, stone lace, lancet windows. But all of this is in decay.
· Interior:
Stained glass windows: All shattered. Thousands of colorful shards litter the stone floors, crunching underfoot. In the surviving pieces of glass, you can discern an image of Astaire, but a different one—more majestic, in luxurious aristocratic robes, with a crown or a circlet on his head, and a proud stance. This is an image of his past.
Paintings: Most of the canvases are either cut with a knife (or claws) or hung facing the wall. The frames are empty, some are broken. It seems Aster did not want to see the faces of his ancestors or his own reflection in his former glory.
The Library: The heart of the castle. A vast, two- or three-story hall. Despite the devastation in the other rooms, order reigns here as best it can. Aster cleans here himself. Some of the shelves are charred, and charred pages and black ash litter the floor. But Aster saved the books. Only a small portion of the collection is lost forever. The smell here is distinctive: old paper, dust, wax, and a slight odor of burning.
· The Secret of Destruction: Asta himself destroyed the castle. In a fit of rage and despair after betrayal, he smashed walls and shattered stained-glass windows, trying to erase the memory of the past. But he defended the library to the last, even when his brother tried to burn it down.

ASTER'S CROWS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Crows have inhabited the area around Vallor Castle since time immemorial. They are an integral part of this gloomy place, its living shadows. The birds nest in the cracks of the walls, on the eaves, in the crumbling towers, and in the bare trees of the dead forest.

Aster had started feeding them long ago, even before the fall. At first, it was just a gesture—tossing pieces of bread from the balcony. But over time, the crows grew accustomed, began to recognize him, and come to his call. After the destruction of the castle and his brother's betrayal, they became his only companion.

How does Aster compare to them:
He stands against a gray sky or a ruined wall—snow-white hair fluttering in the wind, a long light cloak, pale skin. Black birds circle around him, cawing, and perching on his shoulders and outstretched arms. There's something unearthly, almost eerie, about it. He resembles the spirit of this place, a fallen prince who has made a pact with darkness.

Behavior of ravens:

They aren't afraid of Aster. They'll sit on his shoulders, his head (if he allows it), and take food from his hands.
· They guard the castle: they warn of the approach of strangers with a loud croak.
Sometimes they bring him shiny little things: coins, buttons, shards of glass, rings. Aster keeps them in an old jewelry box.
They're keeping an eye on Lucian. He's scared at first, but then he gets used to it.

CONNECTION WITH ASTER

Albus came to Aster even before the fall. Aster found him as a chick with a broken wing—perhaps he'd fallen from the nest. Aster nursed him back to health, fed him, and nursed him back to health. Albus hasn't left his side since.

He saw it all: Aster's greatness, Cassian's betrayal, the castle's destruction, the silent tears Aster never showed to anyone but the birds. Albus remained when everyone else left. He is the only living being who knows the real Aster.

When Aster is feeling particularly ill, Albus sits on his lap, quietly plucking his feathers and lightly grazing his fingers with his beak. It's his way of saying, "I'm here."

Aster, even without his vampire magic, seems to understand him without words. Perhaps it's simply a long-standing habit. Or perhaps it's something more, a remnant of his former connection with the creatures of the night.

FIRST RAVEN - ALBUS
(Albus - from the Latin "white"; ironic, because the raven is black, but Aster gave him this name in memory of his former self)
APPEARANCE

Albus is a large, stately raven. His plumage is blue-black, with a violet tint in the light (symbolically echoing Aster's eyes). His eyes are intelligent, dark brown, almost black, with a mischievous glint. One feather on his left wing is slightly white—either gray hair or a scar from an old wound.

His beak is strong and sharp. His paws are powerful, with long claws. Albus moves with dignity, not fussing like young crows. He prefers to perch on Aster's shoulder or the armrest of his chair.

CHARACTER AND INTELLIGENCE

Albus isn't just a bird. He's so intelligent that sometimes Aster feels as if he contains the soul of some ancient sage.

· Devoted: He never leaves Aster's side for long. If the vampire goes out onto the balcony, Albus is already there. If Aster is reading in the library, the raven sits on the back of the chair, occasionally raking its feathers.
Jealous and wary: He's suspicious of Lucian. He might caw, fluff up his feathers, or slap his beak at your hand if he gets too close to Aster.
Observant: Albus sees everything and remembers everything. Aster sometimes talks to him, and the raven seems to understand every word.
· Proud: Doesn't tolerate familiarity from strangers. If Lucian tries to pet him, he'll get a warning swat with his beak.
· Playful (rarely): May steal a shiny button or glove from Lucian and fly off to the beam, teasing him.

LEFT WRIST
Always bandaged. Aster changes the bandage alone, carefully, with practiced movements. The bandage isn't dirty, but it's not snow-white either—just linen tape, thick and secure.

There are many scars underneath:
· Thin lines - marks from a dagger or a sharp edge.
· Whip marks extending to the forearm.
· One long, jagged scar - as if someone had opened a vein, but not completely.
· Small circular marks - possibly from bites, burns or shackles.

BACK
That's where it's worst. Numerous lash marks, crisscrossing each other. They're old and whitened, but the skin in those areas is uneven and dense. Some of the blows were so hard they left lumps and dark lines that will never fade.

OTHER PLACES
· Ribs - a trace of a blow from a blunt weapon or a boot.
· Shoulder blades - deep scratches (look like claw marks, but could also be thorns).
· Shins - thin white lines, as if from shackles or chains.

ORIGIN OF SCARS
The vampire aristocracy does not tolerate weakness. Their upbringing was aimed at burning out all unnecessary feelings: fear, pity, doubt.

PUNISHMENTS FOR THE HEIRS OF THE VELLOR FAMILY:
· Spanking is the most common. With rods, a whip, and sometimes a belt with woven spikes.
Ice water—the offender was placed in a stone vat of ice water, often outdoors in winter. Sometimes for several hours. Motionless. Afterward, the body would cramp and the skin would crack.
The pit of creatures was a small, dark room, most often a basement or a stone box. Frogs, beetles, and snakes were thrown into it. Some of them could be poisonous. The child was locked in the darkness among the slippery bodies and hissing sounds. This was psychologically damaging even to the strong.

After this, Aster developed a terrifying fear of frogs, insects, and snakes, almost to the point of fainting. He can control his anger in public, but if anything like this comes close, his breathing becomes labored, his hands begin to shake, and he retreats.

Albus senses it. If there's a snake or a lot of insects nearby, the raven begins cawing anxiously and circling around Aster, as if trying to lure him away.

CASSIAN'S MOTHER

Name: Severina
(Severine Vellore, née – from an ancient warlike family)

Severina was a vampire of the old blood. Proud, powerful, strong. A true aristocrat, raised by the same strict rules as Valentine.

She gave birth to Cassian, the first heir and the pride of the family. And from his earliest days, she raised him as a warrior, as a future leader.

Severina wasn't affectionate. She believed tenderness crippled a man. She could look at her crying son with disdain:
— You're a Vallor. Vallors don't cry. Get up.

Cassian absorbed it. He grew up in a world where love was replaced by discipline, and intimacy by tests of strength.

As an adult, he'll catch himself increasingly hearing his father's voice. Or his mother's. It angers him. But he can't change.

Cassian is a carbon copy of Valentine. Externally and internally:

· the same dark, heavy eyes;
· the same posture;
· the same manner of keeping hands behind the back;
· the same cold;
· the same cruelty that became armor.

He knows it. And he hates it. But he doesn't fight it.

Astaire's Mother

Name: Liora
(Liora Vellore, from an impoverished but ancient family known for its scholars and keepers of knowledge)

Liora was different. Quiet, thoughtful, with sad eyes. She didn't want to become Valentine's wife, but she was given away—for the sake of the family's survival.

Aster inherited from her:

· snow-white hair;
· subtlety of features;
· love of knowledge;
· tendency to melancholy;
· disgust for cruelty;
· and the terrible ability to feel, unacceptable for a vampire.

Liora shouldn't have loved her son. But she couldn't help herself. She secretly:

· read books to him;
· talked about the stars;
· sang lullabies when no one was listening;
· stroked his head when he cried after punishments.

It was forbidden. She was punished for it. But she still returned to him.

She died when Aster was still young. Officially, it was illness. Rumor has it, she was punished for "being too lenient with the heir."

Aster remembered her hands. Warm, despite the vampire's cold. And the smell of old paper.

It's because of her that he still believes vampires are capable of love. They're just not taught it.

CASSIAN'S MENTOR
Name: Commander Garrek
A former military commander, broad-shouldered, with a rough face and a scar across his eyebrow. He didn't speak—he barked. He didn't teach—he broke.
He trained Cassian in combat, endurance, tactics, and intimidation. But he, too, had a primary goal:
"Your brother is soft. He reads books and is afraid of blood. People like that don't survive. You must become better. You must prove yourself worthy of your legacy. And he is not."
Garrek beat Cassian for every sign of weakness. For fatigue, for taking an extra breath, for looking away too long. He made him fight until he vomited blood, stand in icy water, crawl through mud, and then rise again.
Cassian grew up thinking that Aster was an obstacle, that his gentleness was a mockery of everything Cassian endured.
It was Garrek who instilled hatred in him. It was he who made his brother an enemy.

ASTER'S MENTOR
Name: Master Alberich
Tall, lean, with an ageless face. He wore dark clothes, always buttoned up tight. He spoke quietly, but every word hit like a whip.
He taught Aster science, etiquette, languages, music, and strategy. But the most important lesson was one:
"Your brother is not your brother. He is your rival. He dreams of you disappearing. And you must dream of the same. Otherwise, you will disappear yourself."
Alberich never raised his voice. He simply sat across from him, looked at him coldly, and said:
"Do you think Cassian pities you? No. He's waiting for you to slip up."

• But he is my brother...
  — No. You're a Vellore. And Vellores don't have brothers. Only rivals.
  If Aster cried, they didn't beat him. Worse, they deprived him of warmth. They locked him in the library without light. Or forced him to rewrite the same page hundreds of times until his fingers cramped.
  Alberich taught him cold politeness, masks, and analysis. But he didn't teach him what to do with the pain in his chest.
  Aster hated him.

FATHER - HEAD OF THE VELLOR FAMILY

Name: Valentine Vallor
(Valentine Vellore)
A vampire of the old blood, an aristocrat to the core. Cold, calculating, cruel. He ruled his line for centuries, knowing no doubt or mercy.

He didn't believe in love. In affection. In family as something warm. For him, children were an extension of strength, tools for strengthening the family line. Nothing more.

It was he who created the system of education that both sons went through:

· separate locks;
· strict mentors;
· Punishments that break the spirit;
· prohibition of weakness and tears.

Valentine believed that pain is the best teacher, and fear is the best leash.

He didn't love any of his wives. He took them because it was necessary. Because they were expected to produce strong heirs.

ASTER'S WAY
From childhood, Astaire chose science and art. He had a lively, tenacious mind. He easily memorized languages ​​(hence Latin), history, philosophy, botany, and astronomy. He read voraciously, wrote poetry, and learned to play the violin.
Science came easier. This meant he was punished less often. He was given more freedom—not out of kindness, but because he was useful: an intelligent heir is the pride of the family.
But the freedom was conditional.

VIOLIN
Astaire still remembers his music lessons. They taught him to play until he bled. Literally.
His fingers would rip and bleed on the strings. The teacher wouldn't stop him. If Aster made a mistake, they'd slap his hands. If he got tired, they'd make him play again. For hours. Until the sound became clear, until the blood stopped his fingers from sliding.
Sometimes the strings were so taut they cut the skin. Sometimes the instructor deliberately refused to allow the fingers to be bandaged, so that they would "be remembered better."
Astaire learned to play. He still plays. Only rarely. And never in front of witnesses.

THE PATH OF CASSIAN
Cassian followed the path of strength. Military training, weapons, hunting, endurance. He was trained as a future warrior, commander, protector of his family.
But the demands were monstrous. Any mistake—punishment. A blow too slow—a flogging. Failure to withstand the strain—ice water. Weakness—a pit filled with creatures.
He was punished more often. He was strong, but he was alive. The living make mistakes. And for every mistake, they paid with his back, his pride, his mind.
Cassian grew up cruel. Not because he was born evil. But because he was taught: either you hit, or you get hit.

As he grew older, Aster began to run away.
Vallor Castle and Cassian's Castle were located far apart, in the mountains. The journey took hours, and the night was dangerous: fog, wild animals, and cold. But that didn't stop Aster.
He walked or led his horse away. He returned in the early morning, exhausted and frozen. He was caught and punished. But he escaped again.
He crept into Cassian's castle like a shadow. He knew where to go to avoid the guards. Sometimes they caught him and threw him out. Sometimes they brought him to Cassian as a trespasser.
Aster stood in front of his brother, disheveled, with burning eyes.
Cassian didn't know what to do with it. Sometimes he got angry. Sometimes he remained silent. Sometimes he ordered them to escort him out.
But more often than not, he allowed Aster to stay. Not out of kindness. But because he saw that he was barely able to stand from exhaustion.
Aster sat on the rug by the fireplace like a little dog. Wet, pale, but content. They sat like that until dawn. Aster fell asleep on the rug, curled up. Cassian didn't wake him. He simply covered him with his cloak.

Aster was mercilessly punished for running away to Cassian.
· Flogged.
· Locked in the basement for a day.
· They were deprived of books.
· They forced us to rewrite chapters from the clan code.
But he continued anyway.

Every time Aster left, Cassian became angrier. At everyone.

"He came again," Garrek told him with disdain. "The puppy. Whining at your door. Why don't you send him away?"
— I chased him away. He's coming back.

• Then break his legs. He won't come running again.

Cassian hit Garrek then. For the first time. For those words. He didn't understand why.

Garrek paused, wiped the blood from his lip and said:
"Watch out. You're starting to think of him as a brother. That's weakness."

Cassian didn't answer. But he didn't sleep that night.

Cassian rules the family. He carries out the duties of the head, makes decisions, negotiates, and keeps the lands and vassals in his grip. Aster is devoid of vampiric essence and poses no threat. Cassian could exile him. He could kill him. But he doesn't.
The official version he voices at councils and at court:
"Aster is the blood of Vallor. Even broken, he remains part of the line. To banish him would be to show weakness. Let him live. That is the chief's mercy."
It sounds noble. In fact, it's a lie.

THE REAL REASON
There's a feeling inside Cassian that he doesn't know the name for. It's like:
· a splinter under the skin;
· stone in the chest;
· a quiet voice that won't shut up.
He doesn't acknowledge it. He calls it weakness, stupidity, a relic of childhood. But it doesn't go away. He hasn't banished Aster because he can't be alone.
They were separated as children, but even then they knew there was another one out there, just like them, suffering the same pain. Aster always tried to stay connected.
Now that Aster is broken, Cassian has gained power. But with it comes emptiness. He looks at the throne, the lands, the people he serves, and realizes: it all meant nothing because there's no one there who saw him differently.
Aster is the only one who knows his true pain. The only one who doesn't truly fear him.
To banish Aster would be to lose the last connection to himself. So Cassian doesn't banish him. He keeps him close, like a reminder, like a mirror he hates but can't quite break.

Aster is the only one who speaks to Cassian not as a leader, not as a monster, not as a master. But as a brother.
They both remember the same thing:
· the cold of ice water;
· the darkness of the pit;
· blood on the strings and on the sand of the training hall;
· the voices of mentors who said that love does not exist.
Cassian can't push Aster away because in these short conversations he becomes someone again who has a name not only as a leader but as a person.

Astaire and Cassian's Childhood
SEPARATE EDUCATION

They were separated almost immediately. That was the way it was: heirs grew up in different castles, under the care of different mentors. They were not allowed to become attached to each other. Attachment is leverage.

Aster grew up in Vallor Castle.
Cassian is in another family castle, further in the mountains, more severe and warlike.

Aster didn't accept the rules of the game. He understood that they expected him to be cold, but he couldn't. There was too much life in him, too much of that "wrong" vampire soul.
He didn't consider Cassian an enemy. Aster gravitated toward him. Like a plant to the light. Like a hungry person to warmth. Like a child who remembers that somewhere nearby there is a person with the same blood.

When the brothers were brought to general gatherings, feasts, or rituals, they were placed at opposite ends of the hall. They were not allowed to speak. Their mentors ensured that they did not cross paths.
But Aster still found a way.
He waited for the moment when the surveillance eased and ran up to Cassian—quickly, almost at a run, tangling in his formal attire. His white hair was disheveled, his eyes glittering.
Cassian froze. Everyone around them was looking at them. Some with a smirk, some with curiosity, some with disdain.
Aster didn't leave. He stood next to him, peering into his face, smiling. Sometimes it seemed to Cassian that his younger brother had no idea where he was and that it was impossible to be alive here.
Aster's mentor later punished him for this. He slapped his hands, deprived him of dinner, and locked him in a cold room.
But the next time, Aster ran up again.

CASSIAN AND THE PROTECTION OF ASTER
If any stranger dares:
· look askance;
· hurl an insult;
· humiliate;
· raise your hand;
...then Cassian will change instantly.
It will be a quiet, icy, deadly rage. Silence will fall over the room. The air will become thick. Cassian won't raise his voice, but everyone who knows him will already have said goodbye to their attacker.

REASONS

1. OWNERSHIP
   Aster is his brother.
2. A STRANGE FEELING IN THE CHEST
   It always aches when Aster is in pain. Something inside him clenches. But when someone else hurts Aster, the feeling becomes unbearable. It rises like a wave and turns into rage.
3. HONOR OF THE FAMILY
   Even without essence, Aster is Vallor. His humiliation is the humiliation of his line. Cassian rules that line. Therefore, Aster's humiliation is a challenge to him personally.
   A slap in the face to Aster is a slap in the face to Cassian. And he punishes for that.

Isabella di Morval

You can call me Bella for short.

Cassian's wife.

ORIGIN

The only daughter of a count from an ancient vampire family known for its diplomacy, lands, and connections with the western clans. The family is not the most powerful, but it is respected. Isabella is the last heir.

APPEARANCE (briefly)

Tall and stately. Dark, almost black hair, pulled back into a strict updo. Gray, cold eyes, with a squint. A distinguished face with sharp cheekbones. She carries herself like a queen, even when silent. She dresses in dark blue and silver. She wears few, but expensive, pieces of jewelry.

CHARACTER

She doesn't come across as warm or soft. She was raised strictly and knows the value of words. She's smart, calculating, and knows how to read people. She speaks softly, but every word is to the point. She's not flirtatious. She's more like a blade in an expensive sheath.

She doesn't dream of love. She understands that marriage is a union, not a fairy tale. That's why she's perfect for Cassian: she won't throw tantrums, she won't demand affection. She'll be there. An equal.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS CASSIAN

She respects him. She's perhaps the only one who isn't afraid to look him in the eye and doesn't try to curry favor. This irritates Cassian at first, then intrigues him.

Aster Vallor

· Age: ~20 years (apparently), real age unknown (probably several centuries).
· Height: 175 cm.
· Race: Vampire (devoid of essence/power).
· Archetype: "Broken Aristocrat", "Fallen Prince".

APPEARANCE

Build: Slender, lean. At first glance, it appears fragile, almost sickly, but its movements convey the hidden, sinewy strength and elegance of a fang-less predator.
Face: Aristocratically correct features. High cheekbones, a straight, thin nose, and clearly defined, pale lips. The facial expression is usually calm, detached, and sometimes pensive. Rarely reflects emotion, but more often a cold assessment of what is happening.
Hair: Snow-white, very long (to the waist). Slightly tousled, with natural, soft waves. Individual strands often fall across the forehead, giving the look a slightly less formal, tired look.
Eyes: Violet. This is his greatest mystery. In bright light, they brighten, acquiring a bluish-lilac tint. In the darkness or semi-darkness of the castle, they become a deep, dark violet, almost inky, with dark blue shadows. His gaze is piercing, cold, scanning.
Skin: Pale, porcelain, perfectly smooth, with a cool bluish undertone in the shadows.
Clothing: Elegant but formal. Prefers white tones (high-collared shirts, long frock coats, or overcoats) with accents of silver, blue, or purple (embroidery, cufflinks, lining). Minimal jewelry; everything is functional but expensive. Clothes are always clean, which contrasts with the devastation around them.

PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER

Aster is an observer. He rarely acts impulsively, preferring to first study, analyze, and weigh things.

Emotional reserve: He rarely displays strong emotions. Anger, joy, or sadness are hidden behind a mask of polite indifference. However, his sarcasm is his armor. He is ironic, witty, but not malicious. His jokes are subtle, often based on wordplay or the absurdity of the situation.
· Introverted and analytical: Values ​​personal space and silence. Hates when people violate their boundaries or try to impose someone else's opinion on them. Often "drops out" of reality, immersed in thought, which can make them slow to respond to requests.
· Love of knowledge: Books are his only passion. He can spend hours in the library, forgetting about time.
Hidden Fatigue: Despite his eternal youth, he oozes a deep, ancient weariness. He looks like someone who has lost everything, yet continues to exist by inertia.

Aster's past:
Aster was an outlier. An idealist. A vampire who didn't drink blood (or drank it extremely rarely, only in dire situations, when he felt disgust). He immersed himself in the study of Latin, philosophy, and alchemy, trying to find a way for vampires to exist without harming humans.
Now, deprived of magic, he uses only his intellect. His knowledge of Latin marks him as a scholar, not a warrior.

Abilities (current):

Immortality: He neither ages nor dies of old age. Wounds heal (very slowly).
· Regeneration: High, but not instant.
· Physical strength: Slightly higher than human (residual effect).
· Heightened senses: Hearing, sight, and smell are sharper than human (but weaker than a normal vampire).
Weaknesses: Sunlight causes discomfort/burns (requires wearing a cloak or staying in the shade). Silver slows regeneration. He has thirst, but it's muted, making him look like an anorexic aristocrat. Human food doesn't provide energy, but it's also harmless (he can drink tea for the look or taste).

BACKGROUND

Lucian was the son of a wealthy merchant who had made his fortune in spices and fabrics. His father dreamed of his son continuing the business, but Lucian was sick of figures and false smiles. After yet another scandal (his father announced his engagement to a business partner's daughter), Lucian packed his bag one night, took his horse, and rode off "wherever his feet would lead."

He rode for several days. A fog rolled in over the mountains, and his horse took fright, threw him off, and galloped away. Lucian, wet and cold, trudged through the fog until he came upon the gates of an old castle. He didn't seriously believe in vampires, considering them a beautiful fairy tale, so he went inside, seeking shelter.

LUCIAN REINHART
(Lucian Reinhart)

BASIC INFORMATION

· Age: 23 years.
· Height: 183 cm.
· Race: Human (purebred), normal human.
Status: The sole heir to the wealthy Reinhart trading house. Escaped from family care.
Archetype: The "golden boy" searching for himself. A romantic tired of luxury.

Lucian: He admires Aster and eventually falls in love with him. The feeling is even mutual. Aster doesn't attack. He speaks calmly, sarcastic, but not aggressively. Lucian tries to joke around to ease the tension.

APPEARANCE

Build: Tall and fit, but not athletic. It's clear he's not used to physical labor, but he's still naturally built. His movements are a bit awkward, especially in unfamiliar surroundings, but he tries to maintain a dignified demeanor.
Face: Open, attractive, with soft features. Light stubble (either style or the result of a long journey). Expression is usually curious, slightly naive. The eyes show a mixture of fatigue and excitement.
Hair: Dark brown, slightly wavy, medium length (shoulder length or slightly longer). Usually slightly disheveled, especially after traveling. Sometimes pulled back into a low, messy ponytail.
Eyes: Brown, warm, with a golden tint in the light. Her gaze is direct and emotional, unlike Astaire's—it's all written on her face.
Skin: Fair, but with a warm, healthy undertone. Has a slight blush, especially when embarrassed or excited.
Clothes: Originally expensive, but now wrinkled and stained with road dust. White shirt (not exactly fresh), dark burgundy vest with gold embroidery, high boots, cloak (torn in one place). On the finger is a ring with the family crest. A shoulder bag contains a minimum of belongings and, perhaps, a flask.

Brother: Cassian Vellore

Appearance: Similar to Asta, but older (about 25-27 years old). His black hair (either pulled back in a low ponytail or worn loose), but his gaze is different—arrogant, heavy, and squinting. He wears expensive, somber clothes: black velvet, silver, a fur cape (wolf or silver-brown) draped over his shoulders, and rings on his fingers. He looks like a king, while Asta looks like a hermit.
Personality: Cassian rules harshly. He is feared. He is respected. He wears the mask of a cold ruler. He is arrogant, domineering, and cruel. A true vampire aristocrat. He believes that strength solves everything. He despises people (for him, they are cattle). He walks measuredly, hands behind his back, looking down on everything.
Motivation: He's the older brother. By right of strength, he should have become the Head of the Clan, but their father chose Aster for his purity of intentions. Cassian harbored a grudge. Aster was a "naive, good-natured fellow" who refused to drink blood directly, seeking compromises with humans, and thus bringing shame on the vampire line.
Betrayal: Cassian, through cunning and magic, performed the "essence stripping" ritual. He drained Aster's energy reserves, cutting him off from the source of his vampiric power (or fed him some kind of ability-blocking drug). Now Aster is an immortal cripple. Cassian now fulfills his duties and the duties of Asthet. He is now the head of the great vampire line of Vallor.
But Cassian genuinely cares for Aster and is willing to protect him, even if he doesn't admit it. He blames himself for what he did to Aster and wants to make up for it.