Chereads / shadows in the world / Chapter 25 - Meeting with Tamara. 25.

Chapter 25 - Meeting with Tamara. 25.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said. Now, how do I deserve this visit? Mrs Charlton exchanged a glance with Mr Reed before speaking. Tamara, I've come to you with a proposal. The government wants to work with you. We need your help to put an end to the human-killing vampires in Uptown City. You know them better than anyone, and we think you could be a key asset in this fight. Tamara leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. I figured as much. But let me make something clear: not all vampires are bad. Some have never harmed a human in their entire existence. Mr. Reed, still trying to absorb all the revelations, furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?" Take Mr. Martins, for example, Tamara explained. The one you just encountered. He hasn't killed anyone. His sire, likely the vampire who turned him, is probably dead, which is why he's lost and confused, attacking out of desperation. You have to understand how this works. Mrs Charlton nodded, urging her to continue. When a vampire bites a human, Tamara said, the human dies, but they don't stay dead. They resurrect after a while and become vampires themselves. That newly turned vampire, no matter where they are, will be drawn to their site the vampire that created them. The sire becomes their 'Dominos,' their guide. It's a bond, a pull they can't resist." "So you're saying," Mrs. Charlton interjected, "that some vampires can be taught to coexist with humans?" "Exactly," Tamara replied. "Not every vampire is a mindless killer. Some of them can be trained and educated on how to control their instincts and live among humans peacefully. If the government allowed me to reach out to those vampires, we could teach them to coexist. Then, we could focus on taking down the real threats, the ones who are hell-bent on destroying humanity. Mrs. Charlton leaned forward. But what about those who won't listen? The ones who are too far gone? Tamara's expression darkened. Deborah. She's the biggest threat you have right now. She's created an army of vampires, and they're determined to wipe out humanity. If you want to win this war, you'll have to deal with her. I know where she is. Mrs. Charlton's eyes widened. "Where?" Tamara paused for a moment, then leaned in. There's a white mansion on the outskirts of Uptown City. The Lewis house. That's where Deborah and her followers are gathering. It's heavily guarded, but if the military could launch a coordinated attack, it could be the first step toward crippling her forces. Mr. Reed, still processing everything, finally spoke up. This sounds like a solid plan, but are you sure the military can handle it? "They'll need to be prepared," Tamara said. Deborah and her army aren't like any vampires you've faced. But if you hit them hard and fast, you might just stand a chance. Mrs Charlton stood, determined in her eyes. Then that's what we'll do. We'll take the fight to them. Tamara nodded. Good. But remember, not every vampire is your enemy. If we can reach them, we might have a bigger army on our side than you think. Mrs Charlton turned to Mr. Reed. "We have a lot of work to do." Mr. Reed nodded in agreement, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that vampires were real and that they might have allies among them.

Mrs Charlton sat across from Tamara, her eyes steady and determined. "Okay, Tamara, this is my plan," she began. What I'm suggesting is that you accompany us to make a public announcement. We need you to reveal the existence of your kind to the public. Tamara's eyes widened slightly. Reveal ourselves? To humans? Mrs Charlton nodded. Yes, and the government is willing to help. They'll create a safe place for people like you. A facility where you and others of your kind can live peacefully without the threat of being hunted or misunderstood. In return, the government will provide regular donations of blood, so your kind won't have to feed on humans. Tamara sighed deeply, leaning back in her chair as the weight of Mrs. Charlton's words settled in. You're asking me to be the face of this. To go public? I've spent my life being hidden, trying not to draw attention. Going public changes everything. "I know," Mrs Charlton replied, her tone soft but firm. But it also offers you protection. Once the government acknowledges your existence, they can't just turn their backs. They'll be aware, and with that awareness comes responsibility. It's a way to ensure your safety and the safety of others like you who don't want to harm humans. Tamara crossed her arms, her mind racing. And what happens after that? What do you expect me to do? "You'll become the administrator of this program," Mrs Charlton continued. You'll oversee the facility and ensure that your kind coexists with humans peacefully. With your leadership, we can prevent attacks, keep the peace, and handle the vampires who mean harm. You'll be the bridge between your kind and humans. Tamara hesitated, her fingers tapping lightly on the arm of her chair. "It's a big ask," she murmured. I've always operated in the shadows. Now you want me to step into the light. Mrs Charlton leaned forward, her gaze never wavering. This will help, Tamara. If you make the announcement and become the face of this effort, other vampires will follow.

The scene continues in the dark and quiet room, with the conversation between Tamara, Mrs Charlton and Mr Reed.

Those who don't want to hurt humans will have a safe place to go, and we can work together to stop the ones who do. Tamara's expression softened as she considered Mrs. Charlton's words. And what about Deborah? The vampire who created an army against humanity? Mr Reed asked and added. We can't just ignore that threat. "We won't," Mrs. Charlton said firmly. But securing those who want to live peacefully is the first step. Once they're safe, we can focus our efforts on taking down Deborah and her army. Tamara took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to the floor as she thought about the proposition. After a long pause, she finally spoke. She finally spoke, her voice steady but laced with the weight of her decision. Okay. I'll do it. I'll make the announcement, and I'll help bring our kind together peacefully. Mrs Charlton let out a breath of relief. Thank you, Tamara. This is a huge step forward. You're going to save the lives of both humans and vampires. Tamara gave a slight nod, her eyes distant as she processed what was to come. When do you want this to happen? "Right now," Mrs Charlton said. We've already prepared the platform. As soon as you make the announcement, the facility will open. We want to give the good ones, like you said, somewhere safe before the human-killing vampires become a bigger threat. Tamara's lips thinned, her hesitation still palpable. And do you think this will work? That they'll trust me? You're one of them. They'll listen to you before they ever listen to us. And with the government's backing, we can make sure those who don't want to harm humans have a chance at survival. We can make it work. Tamara looked away for a moment, lost in thought, then exhaled sharply. Alright. Let's get this over with. But understand, Mrs Charlton, this is only the beginning. Deborah and her army won't take this lightly. We're prepared for that, Mrs Charlton assured her. But first, let's focus on keeping the peace for those who want it. As they all stood to leave, Mr Reed, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke up. "Tamara, if you can convince even a handful of vampires to stand with us, it'll make a world of difference." Tamara gave him a small, grim smile. "Let's hope that's enough." They all walked toward the door, the weight of what was to come heavy in the air. Tamara knew that once she stepped out of the shadows, there would be no turning back.