The others nod in agreement. I want to argue, but Selene presses on.
“Most importantly, brother, you understand both sides now. Your connection to Kara Blackwood makes you uniquely positioned to bridge our communities.”
My jaw tightens at the mention of Kara. Our bond pulses with sudden awareness, and I have to consciously block the surge of emotions her name triggers.
“The witches trust you,” Garrett adds. “That’s rare enough to be valuable.”
I look around the table, seeing the determination in their faces. They’ve clearly discussed this before bringing it to me. My hesitation must show on my face because Selene steps closer.
“We need someone who can rebuild, Marcus. Someone who can unite our people without forgetting why we fought in the first place.”
I stare at the scarred table, memories of Arabella’s quiet authority washing over me. She made it look effortless – the delicate balance of tradition and progress, the weight ofcenturies of vampire law held in perfect equilibrium with the need for change.
But she failed to see Lucien’s corruption spreading until it was too late. Her adherence to protocol and procedure gave him time to gather power. I won’t make that mistake.
“The old ways need revision,” I say slowly. “If I did this… there would be changes.”
“That’s exactly why it should be you,” Selene responds.
I close my eyes, feeling the constant hum of Kara’s presence at the edge of my consciousness. What would she think of this? The idea seems insane – a vampire warrior becoming Grand Elder, making decisions that would affect her people as much as mine.
The responsibilities would be crushing. No more field operations. No more direct action. Instead, endless meetings, diplomatic functions, political maneuvering. Everything I’ve always despised about vampire society.
But then I remember Arabella’s body, broken and betrayed. The empty chairs around this table. The cost of maintaining old divisions, old prejudices.
If there was ever a time that our Assembly needed a soldier at the helm, it would be now.
“The Blood Assembly needs to be more than just vampires now,” I say, testing the words. “We need witch representation. Real power-sharing, not just advisory roles.”
The others shift uncomfortably but don’t object. That’s something, at least.
My hands clench on the table’s edge. The position would give me the authority to protect both communities, to build something new from the ashes of the old system. But it would also paint a target on my back. Every vampire who opposed change, every witch who distrusted our kind – they’d all be gunning for me.
And Kara…this would affect her, too. Any decisions I made would reflect on her, put her in the spotlight. She hasn’t even fully accepted our bond yet, and now this?
The weight of it all presses down on my shoulders. I’ve never wanted power – only the freedom to serve my people in my own way. But maybe that’s exactly why I should take it.
I straighten, squaring my shoulders as I face the gathered council members. “I have conditions.”
The others exchange glances but remain silent, waiting.
“First, we modernize. No more hiding behind tradition when it doesn’t serve us. The Blood Assembly needs to evolve – digital security, modern communication channels, transparent operations.”
Alaric nods approvingly. Even Selene, who usually clings to protocol, seems to accept this.
“Second, we create a joint council. Equal representation from both communities. The witches get real power, real voice in decisions that affect us all. No more advisory roles or token positions.”
“That’s…unprecedented,” Selene says carefully.
“So is everything else about our current situation.” I plant my hands on the table. “We either adapt, or we die. Lucien proved the old ways don’t work anymore.”
A murmur of discussion ripples through the room. I wait it out.
“Third, we clean house. Anyone who supported Lucien, actively or passively, faces review. I want full investigations, complete transparency. No exceptions.”
This causes more stir, but I press on. “We can’t rebuild trust if we’re harboring corruption.”
The silence stretches as they consider my terms. Finally, Selene nods. “I think these are reasonable conditions.”
