Chapter 35: The Human Voice
Early morning sunlight streamed through the great windows of Dorian's study, casting an almost surreal light over the table, overflowing with maps and letters and schemes. Emilia sat among a cluster of aged council members, a jarring contrast against centuries-old vampires, who regarded her with curiosity and skepticism.
Dorian stood behind her, a silent sentinel. His confidence in her was unshakeable, but even he grasped the weight of what she was about to embark on.
"She's human," one of the council members finally said, doubt dripping from his tone. "What can she possibly bring to a fight with vampires?"
Emilia squared her shoulders, her fingers clamping onto the edge of the table. "Perhaps I am not like any of of you," she said, her voice firm against the tension hanging in the air. "But that is, perhaps, why I am the one who can help. Viktor's strength derives from fear, and through fear he has kept and controlled. As a human, I am able to reach out to people who otherwise might distrust vampires: those who have been hurt by your kind and those who don't really see the distinction between Viktor and this alliance.
Again, the room fell silent, her words effectively cutting through the skepticism as if with a blade.
Cassian leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a subtle smile. "She does have a point. Humans do tend to trust those who don't sport a pair of fangs.
Lucien, who had sat in the corner, nonchalant, nodded. "And let's not forget she won over some of the most stubborn factions already. I say we let her try."
Dorian's eyes flashed around the room, a wordless challenge for another to question Emilia further. "Her place within this alliance is not in question," he stated bluntly. "Emilia has proved herself an immense asset, and for that, she will remain working with me, tending to finding new allies and building up our count.
Over the course of a few weeks, Emilia became more salient within the alliance's machinations. She traveled extensively with Lucien to many far-flung territories that housed neutral groups of human and vampire alike.
It was a simple approach, but effective. The others spoke of war and strategy; Emilia spoke to them of hope and cohesion. She told them her story: the quiet housemaid who tumbled into a world she didn't understand, only to find something worth fighting for.
That evening, after a long, grueling meeting with a group of wary humans, Lucien turned to her, a rare look of seriousness on his face.
You know, you're doing something none of us could," he said. "They don't just listen to you—they believe in you."
Smiling faintly, Emilia thought of Dorian. "It's not just me. It's what Dorian's trying to build. I just.give them a reason to see it."
Lucien leaned his head to one side, studying her. "You really believe in him, don't you?"
"With everything I have," she replied without a beat of hesitation.
Back at the estate, Emilia's growing involvement did not go unnoticed. The council began to warm up to her, their initial skepticism giving way to cautious respect. She worked with Dorian, helping him plan diplomatic missions and refine strategies.
Their late-night discussions often blurred the line between duty and intimacy. Sitting in the glow of candlelight, Emilia would pour over documents while Dorian watched her with a mix of admiration and affection.
"You're overthinking this," he said one night, reaching out to gently take the quill from her hand.
"I just want to make sure we're not missing anything," she replied, glancing up at him.
Dorian leaned closer, his voice low. "Emilia, you've done more than enough. You're allowed to rest."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "I'll rest when Viktor is gone."
Dorian chuckled softly, his hand brushing against hers. "Stubborn as ever."
Despite their progress, tensions within the alliance remained high. Emilia's role as a bridge between humans and vampires made her an invaluable asset—but it also made her a target.
One evening, while Dorian and Emilia were preparing to leave for a meeting with some independent vampires, Lucien appeared at the door, an ashen look upon his face.
"Bad news," he said, tossing a crumpled letter onto the table.
Dorian picked it up. His eyes narrowed while reading the contents. "Viktor knows about the meeting," he said in cold tones.
Emilia's heart sank. "What does that mean?"
"It means it's a trap," Cassian said as he entered the room.
Lucien crossed his arms over his chest. "We should cancel. It's too dangerous."
Dorian shook his head. "If we back down now, it'll send the wrong message. We need to show strength."
Emilia hesitated, then spoke up. "Then let me go."
"No," Dorian said immediately, and in a tone that left no room for argument.
"They'll trust me," Emilia insisted. "If Viktor's people are there, they won't expect me to be part of the negotiations. I can gather information, find out what he's planning."
Dorian's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with conflict. "It's too risky."
"I can do this," Emilia said, her tone firm. "You've trusted me with everything else. Trust me with this."
After a long moment, Dorian relented, though his unease was palpable. "Lucien goes with you," he said. "And if anything goes wrong, you get out. Immediately."
Neutral ground for the meeting had been a crumbling cathedral, its towering arches casting long shadows in the moonlight. Emilia and Lucien arrived together, their movements careful and deliberate.
The group they were meeting was small but influential, their leader a wiry vampire named Alaric who had remained steadfastly neutral in the conflict.
As the discussions began, Emilia noticed something off-a figure lurking in the shadows, watching them.
Lucien leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're not alone."
Emilia's heart quickened, but she didn't betray her calm. "Do you think it's Viktor's people?"
"Probably," Lucien murmured. "Stay close."
Despite the uneasiness, Emilia brought it to unity, highlighting that above all, they had to rise up against Viktor's tyranny.
As they were leaving the cathedral, there was some sense of hope. Alaric hadn't committed outright, but he did sound as if he were moved.
As they headed back toward the estate, Lucien turned to her with a rare smile. "You're not half bad at this, you know."
Emilia laughed softly, but her mind was still with the shadowy figure. Whoever they were, they'd just become another piece in Viktor's dangerous game.