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With my jaw wired tight, the doors open as the elevator completes its descent. Around me is a well-built underground cavern. Strong columns offering support to the ceiling and torches mounted every few yards, looking like something out of a movie, and it makes me want to roll my eyes at theobviousnessof it all.
I am late.
I almost didn’t come at all.
I almost took her and ran.
But I can’t do that.
Not yet.
Setting down a path lit well enough for anyone to see, I approach a chamber where voices drone back and forth without ever saying anything of substance. The council loves to think of themselves as essential when only a few hold actual power. I step into the room, slightly bowing to the nine men around the table. One seat is still open. At least I’m not the only one late.
Spotting my friend Hiram in the corner, I join him by our leader’s side. In this region, Isaac is the authority. Not based upon being his disciple, or even his creation, I know he is the most powerful vampire in the entire room. He is why I want to abandon my posting, lose my status, and disappear.
I need to be careful here tonight.
Isaac sits at the head of the table. The newest council member usually fills the empty seat to his right. I pay no attention to the mutterings of the other members. They aren’t that important, not here anyway, not in my world. The only part they play here is that they are Isaac’s puppets. They bend to his whims and desires and will destroy us before long.
The faint ding of the elevator lets me know that Rafael has finally decided to join us. His footsteps grow closer, and my back and neck muscles grow tighter with every step he takes. He is the youngest council member and loves revering Isaac’s plans—the one who always finds a way to take the darkness our leader crafts and make it worse.
I despise him.
I loathe him.
I want to rip him limb from limb.
My nostrils flare as he takes his seat.
“Rafe,” Isaac begins. “What excellent timing. We were discussing current events.” Turning to me, he adds. “Nathaniel, report.”
I step forward and face the table. No one spares me a glance. “There has been an uptick in demonic sightings. S.P.E.L.L. units are helpless, and I.M.P. is too caught up in bureaucracy and red tape to do anything. It is believed this is the reason for the continued reports of disappearing witches. A bit closer to home, Leland has been killed by his progeny, Emerson.” A few mutterings pass around the table.
Thatwoke them up.
Leland should have been a council member, not Rafe.
He had just been far too noble to stoop this low.
“Oswald successfully dispatched with Emerson and is now leading the Callery area.” My report is concluded, but I know I am not done.
“What of your posting?”
The way Isaac’s quiet yet imposing tone washes over me feels like beetles crawling over my skin. I want to destroy everyone in this chamber and take myself with them.
“I have successfully entered the Seer’s dreams.” This is what they want to hear. They want to think I’m with them. “She will be mine shortly.”
A wicked smile is exchanged between Isaac and Rafe. I step back beside Hiram. I can never tell what he is thinking these days. Has his posting filled him with such distaste as mine does? I imagine it would. I can’t ask him about it, though. If he is on board with this and doesn’t share my misgivings, I will be ended and unable to help them. They call my brother forward.
“She is ready,” he said, his voice robotic. “I’m arranging the pick up for the next new moon.” If Hiram holds any of the affection towards his Seer as I do mine, he hides it well. If he knows what we are doing is wrong, if he feels any discomfort, it is beyond my discernment.
Isaac is pleased. Hiram steps back to my side, and I think I can sense new tension. I can’t even risk a glance to see if his eyes betray any emotion. We have known each other for centuries. If anyone can tell if Hiram is hiding something, it is me. I like to believe my brother isn’t deplorable. I hope he isn’t.
Turning to Rafe, our leader passes one more evil grin between them. He rises and addresses the rest of the council. I have to work very hard, very deliberately, to keep my face composed. To give nothing to anyone. I am tense because I am always tense. I am tight because I am always tight. Nathaniel, the sword of Isaac, does notrelax. It is not in my nature.
“The time has come for us to take our rightful place. Soon, we shall harness the power of a Seer for our kind, and not even I.M.P. will be able to stop us. We will no longer need to hide in the shadows. Any fool who sets their sights against us will be destroyed. A toast, I think, is in order.” A servant walks in with a tray of crystal glasses filled with blood and hands one to each of us.
“Ad immortalitatem et potentiam.” To immortality and power. Isaac lifts his glass high in the air. A chorus rings out around the room as we each repeat the phrase together and drink.
Stomach in knots, I vow right then that I will take his power and I will end his immortality with it.
