Chapter 5: The Council
Emerging from the basement, Ethan’s eyes swept across his surroundings. The main floor of the house was shrouded in darkness, the dim light casting eerie shadows in the living room. A few vampires with golden eyes stood silently, their presence both menacing and reverent. As the crimson-eyed elder entered, they bowed deeply, their gaze shifting to Ethan with a mix of curiosity and suspicion as he walked past.
The elder paid no heed to the others and strode out of the house. By the entrance, a sleek black sedan awaited, with a muscular vampire in a suit and sunglasses standing vigil beside it. Ethan glanced around, noting the desolate suburban neighborhood. Night had already fallen. How long was I out? he wondered.
As they stepped outside, the driver promptly moved to open the back door for the elder. Ethan followed him into the car.
The drive was silent as they left the suburban streets behind. Ethan realized he had never ventured into this part of town before. The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with tension, but the elder seemed perfectly content with the silence.
Before long, they were back in the city, the night still young. The car navigated through downtown and eventually halted in front of a towering skyscraper. The entrance was deserted, save for two security guards standing watch.
The driver exited and opened the door, allowing the elder to step out, with Ethan following closely behind.
“Elder,” the guards spoke, bowing deeply as they passed through the glass doors.
As they walked inside, the interior of the skyscraper revealed itself in all its grandeur. The lobby was vast and luxurious, with high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow. Marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and the walls were lined with elegant, dark wood paneling.
A grand staircase spiraled upwards, its banisters wrought in ornate ironwork. To the side, a sleek, modern reception desk stood, though it was currently unoccupied. Plush seating areas were scattered throughout, with luxurious sofas and armchairs arranged around low glass tables. The air was cool and carried a faint scent of polished wood and fresh flowers.
As they moved deeper into the lobby, the sound of their footsteps echoed softly.
The elder guided them to the elevators. With a soft ding, the doors slid open, and they stepped inside. The elder produced a card and swiped it across the panel before pressing a sequence of buttons. The elevator hummed to life and began its swift descent.
'Down?' Ethan raised his brow.
The elevator descended for what felt like an eternity before finally coming to a halt. When the doors opened, the sight that greeted Ethan made him blink in surprise. A vast hall, adorned in gothic splendor, stretched out before him. A rich, red carpet unfurled along the floor, leading deeper into the hall.
The walls were lined with portraits of vampires, each with eyes of varying colors, their gazes seeming to follow the duo as they walked. Ethan’s curiosity was piqued as he studied the paintings, each one telling a silent story of the vampire it depicted. The elder continued forward with purpose, while Ethan’s eyes lingered on the intriguing artwork.
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They didn't come across anyone, but Ethan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched.
Before long, the duo arrived at an imposing heavy iron door. The elder stopped and tapped it gently, causing it to creak open. Inside was a spacious room with six elevated chairs arranged in a circle around a small platform.
Three of the chairs were already occupied. Ethan frowned as he felt the weight of their gazes upon him, the pressure intensifying as all eyes turned in his direction.
To the right sat a young man in his early twenties, with short blonde hair and crimson eyes. His impassive expression remained unchanged as he studied Ethan. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, the sharp lines accentuating his youthful yet authoritative presence.
Next to him was the only woman in the gathering. She appeared to be in her thirties, with olive-colored skin and wavy dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her scarlet eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and intensity. She wore a deep burgundy dress that complemented her striking features, the fabric flowing elegantly around her as she sat with an air of quiet confidence.
The last figure was shrouded in a long, dark robe, obscuring all distinguishing features and making it impossible to discern whether it was a man or a woman. Ethan glanced at the enigmatic figure, their head bowed, before turning his attention back to the elder who had led him here.
“Marius, you’re late,” the blonde vampire remarked, his expression deadpan.
“Oh dear, it matters not. Time is all we have,” the olive-skinned vampire beside him chuckled, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Her scarlet eyes sparkled with curiosity as she studied Ethan intently.
Marius ignored them and made his way to his seat.
"It does matter, Faline. If we can't trust one of the elders to be punctual, what would the others think of the council?" The blonde vampire kept his neutral expression as he replied.
Marius frowned as he sat down, "Watch your tone, Damien. It was you who did not wish to go. If anything, I was doing you a favor."
Damien clicked his tongue and turned to Ethan, "I assume there has been no problem in bringing him here."
"No," Marius replied curtly.
"A well-behaved boy. I like that," Faline smiled.
"Did he feed yet?" Damien asked.
"Not yet."
Ethan observed as they continued their conversation, seemingly oblivious to his presence. The voice that usually whispered to him was unusually silent, leaving him feeling detached as if he were an outsider watching the scene unfold.
“Do you have a name, child?” Faline asked, her voice breaking through his reverie.
Ethan realized she was addressing him. He turned to her and nodded. “Ethan Oaks.”
Faline nodded thoughtfully. “Cute, but newly born vampires are supposed to drop their last names and take on that of their Sires. Though in your case, we must first decide if you will live, for that to happen.” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and curiosity as she spoke.
“So tell me, child. Why should we let you live?” Faline continued, her gaze unwavering.
Ethan glanced at the four elders surrounding him and began to speak. “I had no say in turning into… this. I was attacked by that crazy bitch and couldn’t do anything. I don’t know who she is, I don’t know who you are. What I do know, however, is that you are strong,” he said slowly, meeting each of their eyes.
“I don’t feel like myself anymore. Everything feels muffled, so I don’t care. I don’t care what you decide. I can’t win against all of you, but know this: I will not go down without a fight.” His eyes shone brightly as he spoke, a dangerous aura emanating from his body.
A momentary silence descended on the hall before Marius spoke with a scowl, "How presumptuous!" His scarlet eyes bore down on Ethan as the elder suddenly stood up.
Damien frowned but did not reply, while Falina laughed.
"Hahaha! He's not very bright, this one. Cute, I like him," she grinned.
Ethan’s body tensed, bracing for the inevitable attack.
Just then, the robed figure suddenly raised a hand. It was unbelievably pale, with long, sharp white nails. Seeing this, Marius hesitated but then sat back down, while Faline seemed unfazed, her predatory grin remaining fixed on Ethan.
“Send him to Clara and Terrell. They will teach him in place of his Sire.” The robed figure spoke, their voice ancient.
Damien turned to the robbed figure and asked, "Are you sure about that? He is a Grey. Not to mention, who his Sire is."
“It’s her first child. By the council’s rules, he is immune.”
Marius frowned, his eyes staring daggers at Ethan.
The mysterious figure continued, "As long as he does not break the rules, he can live."
Marius harrumphed and stood up to leave. “What a waste of time,” he muttered.
Damien shook his head and rose to follow, his eyes lingering on Ethan for a moment before he turned away.
Faline was the last to rise. She bowed to the hooded figure before approaching Ethan. His body tensed as she gently touched his chin. “I’ll see you soon, Ethan,” she murmured, her voice laced with a promise.
With only the two of them left, the hall fell into an awkward silence.
"Who are you?" Ethan asked.
The mysterious figure shook its head slowly. “From this moment forward, you are no longer Ethan Oaks. Today, you are reborn as Ethan Aeternus Mori. Embrace your new unlife.”