Chapter 10 Ascension
The hotel Corliss has chosen for her Council meeting is a modern one. Lacking the elegant grace of older, more grandiose accommodations, the lobby is comparatively cold and angular, polished stone floors paving the way between check-in desks rising like symmetrical black marble slabs topped by perfectly aligned HD monitors and watched over by impeccably manicured attendants. The lighting is stark—almost blinding when coming in from the clouded night sky. A modern venue for the changing of the guard, indicative of not only transition, but a return to simplicity—a reformation of a more orderly, Spartan Camarilla. There's little doubt that Corliss chose this venue as a symbol, representing her vision for the Ivory Tower.
"The whole thing is a damn shame," Qui mutters as you pass through the lobby. Two neatly dressed security guards give him a nod as he marches you into a gleaming elevator. When the door closes, you're able to relax a little. You stare into your reflection in the perfectly polished metal. It's been weeks since you've really given much thought to your physical appearance considering everything that's happened lately. Kindred stop ageing at the moment of their deaths and their physical features are almost impossible to alter for more than an evening, so there's really very little you can do about it, regardless.
You can only vaguely remember what you looked like in your youth. You've been middle-aged for so long now that you half expect to see a gaunt old man staring back at you. Instead, you haven't aged a day. But it will all catch up to you if you're not careful.
"They just built this hotel recently, didn't they?" you ask.
Qui nods. "Corliss owns it. More self-serving maneuvering from our would-be Prince." He looks you over. "Remember that you're supposed to be a prisoner. Keep those cuffs loose, but make sure they stay on. Maybe hunch your back a bit."
You give him a look.
"I mean it. The more defiant you act, the closer they'll watch you. Keep your eyes low and follow my lead."
"Are you sure you'll be able to get me out of this?" you ask.
"I have a plan. I'll do everything in my power, but I can't make a promise. There are too many power-hungry Kindred here tonight for me to know anything for sure."