Chapter 32: Bonds Forged in Shadows
The grand hall in Dorian's mansion, usually so serene and elegant, now was a hotbed of strategy and intrigue. In secret, vampires of varying ages and powers had come, called by Dorian's call to arms. Some were old friends, others reluctant allies bound by debts or a shared aversion to Viktor. It was tense, with centuries-old rivalries and unspoken grudges weighing in the air.
Dorian stood at the head of the room, and his very presence silenced the murmur as he continued to speak. "You've all been brought here because Viktor is a threat no longer just to me, but to all of us. His hunger for power will not stop at my gates. Once he consolidates his forces, he'll come for you next."
A tall, sharp-featured vampire stepped forward, crossing his arms. "We're here, Dorian. But how do we know you're any different? Your rule has been unquestioned for centuries. Why should we risk ourselves for you now?
Dorian's gaze was steely as he met Cassian's challenge. "Because I've ruled with balance. I've kept peace between our kind and the humans. Viktor will tear that apart. He doesn't care for balance—only power. If he wins, the chaos will consume us all."
The room was quiet for a moment until Lucien spoke up, leaning casually against a pillar. "He's right, you know. Viktor doesn't play nice. And if you think staying neutral will keep you safe, you're fooling yourselves."
A murmur of assent ran through the present vampires. Emilia watched from the shadows of the room, her presence deliberately downplayed. She wasn't part of this world, not really, but she couldn't shake the feeling that her role was greater than she understood.
Later that night, after the council had dispersed, Dorian found Emilia in the library. She sat by the window, still, her gaze distant in trying to process all she had seen.
"You were quiet," he said softly as he drew near.
She looked up, offering a small smile. "I didn't want to interfere."
"You wouldn't have," Dorian assured her, seating himself beside her. "But I understand why you might feel that way. This. isn't your world."
She turned to face him fully, her expression earnest. "Maybe it isn't, but I want to help, Dorian. I don't want to just stand on the sidelines while you fight for all of this."
Dorian watched her for a long, silent moment, his eyes seeking. "You already have," he said finally, "more than you know. Your presence, your bravery-it's reminded me what I'm fighting for. But if you want to do more, there might be a way."
Emilia's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?
There's a group of vampires that have been neutral for centuries," Dorian explained. "They're powerful, but they don't get themselves involved in fights unless it pertains directly to them. I believe I can sway them to our side, but."
"But what?" Emilia pressed.
"They're suspicious of outsiders. They've always viewed me as a potential rival. Sending someone like you-someone who isn't a vampire-might catch them off guard. Your humanity could be an asset.
Emilia's eyes widened. "You want me to negotiate with them?"
Dorian's lips quirked into a small smile. "Not alone, of course. Lucien will accompany you. But yes, I think they might respond better to someone who isn't tangled in our politics."
The next day found Emilia traveling with Lucien to a secluded estate hidden deep within the mountains. The journey was long and silent, tension palpable between them.
"So," Lucien said finally, breaking the silence. "How does it feel, being Dorian's secret weapon?"
Emilia shot him a look. "I wouldn't call myself that."
He chuckled. "Modest, too. No wonder he likes you."
She sighed, leaning back in her seat. "Do you think this will work? These vampires—will they even listen to me?"
Lucien's face grew somber. "They are not like the others you have encountered. They are ancient, strong, and quite specific about their affairs. But you possess one thing they consider respectable: bravery. Speak your mind. Let them see just why Dorian puts so much faith in you."
As they entered, Emilia felt the weight of their stares at once. The council of neutral vampires sat in a semicircle, their faces unreadable as they stared at her.
"You bring a human to our council?" one of them-a woman with striking silver eyes-sneered.
"He is on behalf of Dorian," Lucien said smoothly. "And he has something to say that you might find. intriguing."
Emilia swallowed her nerves and stepped forward. "I know I'm not like you," she began, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I'm just a human. But that's exactly why I'm here. Dorian has always fought to protect the balance between our worlds. Viktor wants to destroy that balance. If he succeeds, it won't just be humans who suffer. Your way of life will be at risk too."
Muffled murmurs erupted among the council; their faces unreadable. The woman with the silver eyes spoke again. "You speak with boldness for one so fragile. But perhaps that is what lends weight to your words."
Lucien smirked. "Told you she was impressive."
By the time Emilia and Lucien returned to the mansion, it had been a mission well accomplished. The neutral faction agreed to support Dorian, but their involvement came with certain strict conditions.
"You did well," Dorian said, dragging Emilia into a fierce hug as soon as she was within reach. "I knew you would."
Smiling into his chest, Emilia forgot her exhaustion in the circle of his arms. "I just said what I thought you would say if you'd been there."
"And that's why they listened," Dorian said, pride heavy in his tone.
Standing together, Emilia realized that though she may not be from Dorian's world, she sure was a big part of it. United, the two of them were more of a force than Viktor could ever be.