After all, I’m one of the few elders who emerged from this mess with both my reputation and power intact.
I lean forward, resting my hands on the table. “Let’s be clear about where we stand. Clan Sanguis remains our strongest military force, even with their losses. Clan Vesper’s diplomatic channels are intact.” I nod to Selene. “And Clan Ferox’s technological advantages give us a solid foundation.”
“The Tenebrians are in disarray without Isabella,” Alaric notes. “Their financial networks are unstable. Three major houses have already approached me about temporary stewardship of their assets.”
“And that’s our biggest vulnerability,” I say. “Every power-hungry vampire with a noble title is going to try consolidating resources right now. We need to watch for opportunists trying to fill Lucien’s void.”
Selene shifts in her chair. “The witches could help stabilize things. Their High Council has already offered assistance with the transition.”
My jaw tightens at the mention of witches. Kara’s presence tingles at the edge of my consciousness, and I force myself to focus. “The blood match phenomenon changes everything. We can’t ignore that some of our strongest leaders are now bound to witch bloodlines.”
“You would know,” Garrett mutters, not quite under his breath.
I ignore him. “We need formal alliance structures. Real ones, not just temporary cease-fires. The old prejudices died with Lucien.”
“And who’s going to oversee all this?” Alaric asks, his eyes fixed on me. “We need a strong central authority. Someone with experience, respect from both sides…”
“I think it should be you, brother,” Selene says without ceremony. I go still.
“Why would you think that?” I ask.
“I think you’re the obvious choice.” She shrugs as if it’s perfectly clear why she would think this. It’s not clear to me.
“I agree,” Alaric says unexpectedly. Of everyone here, I’d have thought he’d be the most likely to want the position himself. “Aside from your skill set, you’re also above reproach, which is something in short order right now.”
“And how would you know this?” I’m curious.
“You can tell a lot from a person’s electronic footprint. You’ve kept your nose clean.”
“You’ve checked me out?” I raise an eyebrow.
“I’ve checked everyone out.” He’s unrepentant. “We live in a time when it’s good to know who can be trusted, not so?”
There’s a murmur from the others in our small gathering. I feel the weight of their expectation. They want me to step up, to take Arabella’s place. The thought puts me on edge. I’m a warrior, not a politician. But they’re not wrong about needing leadership.
But leadership of the Blood Assembly…that’s not a burden I’m eager to shoulder.
“Let’s focus on immediate stability,” I deflect. “We need to secure the leaderless houses before anyone gets ideas about seizing power through force.”
“Actually, Marcus,” my sister presses, “I think this matter needs to be resolved now. We should stabilize the Blood Assembly first and foremost. From there, we can address the other houses.”
“I’m in favor of this motion,” says Alaric firmly. A flurry of agreement leaves me on the back foot.
I sink back into my seat, fighting the urge to get up and pace. “You can’t be serious.”
“On the contrary,” Selene says, rising from her chair. “I formally nominate Marcus Nightshade for the position of Grand Elder of the Blood Assembly.”
“Seconded,” Alaric says immediately.
“This is absurd.” I shake my head. “I’m a soldier, not a diplomat.”
“You led us through the battle against Lucien,” Garrett points out. “Not just the fighting – you coordinated our forces, balanced vampire and witch capabilities, kept our losses to a minimum despite being heavily outnumbered.”
“That was different—”
“Was it?” Selene interrupts. “You showed exactly the kind of strategic thinking we need. You made hard decisions under pressure. You kept your head when others were losing theirs.”
“And let’s not forget,” Alaric adds, “you’re one of the few elders whose integrity was never questioned. Even Lucien couldn’t find dirt on you – and believe me, he tried.”
