"Are you sure about this, master?" Ren, with more than a little apprehension, questioning Vespera. The Yakuza frowned behind his tinted shades. His Hawaiian shirt was disturbed by the Italian wind.
"Worry not." She addressed his concern. "This chapel has lost its favor with God long ago."
"There is still a cross over the door." He pointed out.
"As harmless as the wood it was carved from. Holy symbols only have power if there is someone to believe in them. Get enough humans in one room worshipping a paperclip and will assuredly turn my kin into ash. But as I said, there is no belief in a higher power here."
Vespera rapped her knuckle on the thick wooden door. The ancient church seemed to ignore the gesture. High stone walls, overgrown with weeds and vines, remained motionless. What few boarded up windows there were gave no sign of life.
Vespera turned to Ren, "Remember. You are to prostrate yourself before her. Speak only when spoken to. Do not ask questions. Do not even look at her unless prompted. Am I understood?" She said to her loyal thrall in a gravely serious tone. Ren nodded, "As you say."
The wooden door creaked open. An old monk poked his head out, his grey eyes indicated blindness. He was short and crooked, his cloak in tatters. A long white beard, poorly kept, ran down to his gut.
"The masters comes, to what does the servant owe?" He asked cryptically.
Vespera answered indignantly, "I have no time for your passcodes and riddles. Let me in, or I will feast on your blood."
The old monk promptly unchained the door and opened it wide. "Password, accepted." he said, without a hint of sarcasm.
Vespera entered, paying him no further attention. Ren followed close behind his master. The inside of the church was in no better shape than the exterior. Profane symbols lined the walls. The wooden pews were moldy and pitted, a few were outright shattered. The crucifix of Jesus Christ above the alter was blindfolded. A figure in a fine black cloak stood before the alter, counting gold coins. "So, the executor survived." It said.
Vespera immediately bent at the waste in a deep and respectful bow. Ren immediately got on his knees and pressed his forehead against the stone floor.
"Your highness." She acknowledged the cloaked figure.
The vampire turned around and recessed the hood of her cloak. "Your actions were most unwise."
"They were the will of my Queen. You sister's machinations-." Vespera stated.
"My sister was foolish." Queen Persephone declared.
The air in the chapel seemed to freeze time itself as Vespera’s words hung heavy in the air. Her head still bowed, her form almost swallowed by the ancient floor, but beneath the respectful veneer, her lips curled in subtle contempt. "My sister was foolish." Persephone’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. This cut Vespera deeply. As much as she wanted to usurp her old master, it was still Selene who had saved her from death.
Vespera didn't raise her head, though her jaw. "Your Highness, I—"
"Do not speak her name as though she were some great sovereign." Persephone interrupted, her tone steely with the weight of ancient authority. "She was my sister, yes. But she was never fit to lead. We were not equals."
Vespera’s breath faltered. For a brief, dangerous moment, the impulse to snap at Persephone tugged at her. But she clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out. Even the slightest misstep could lead to ruin.
"I did what was required," Vespera finally replied, her voice smooth, but laced with an edge of defiance. "And the results speak for themselves. The West Coast is mine now, and the clans are united."
A cold silence passed between them. Persephone’s expression, shrouded in shadows beneath the hood of her black cloak, revealed little. "Yes, your efforts have been… effective." The words were measured, cautious. "But at what cost, Vespera?" Persephone new the answer, but wanted the executor to squirm and attempt to justify her reckless actions.
Vespera stood upright now, her gaze hardening. She wasn’t about to be lectured for doing what needed to be done. "The cost was necessary. The clans needed leadership, a steady hand. Selene’s weakness was her downfall."
Persephone’s eyes flicked toward her, narrowing slightly. "You speak of weakness when it was Selene’s strength that brought us all here, to this moment. Do not forget, Vespera, that it was her power that brought you out of the shadows." Her voice became a low rumble, a dangerous whisper. "And now you… you would take that power and squander it."
Vespera's heart pounded, but her face remained stoic. "I have no interest in squandering power, Your Highness. I only wish to wield it. Something neither you nor your sister seem to care about."
Persephone’s eyes gleamed, the room seeming to chill further. She was blinded by the executor's backtalk. "Careful, Vespera. You tread dangerous ground."
Vespera didn’t flinch, though every instinct screamed at her to step back. "Then you should tread more carefully, Your Highness. Power, true power, lies in the willingness to seize it, not to sit on your throne waiting for it to come to you. How long did you sit amongst the primitives in Peru before the Vanguard snuffed them out, you're old Executor with them?"
A long pause followed. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with mistrust and ambition.
Then, in a voice that was as cold as it was commanding, Persephone spoke again. "You are right, in some ways. Power lies in those who are willing to take it. But taking it is only half the battle. The other half… is knowing when to wield it."
Vespera stiffened, but before she could respond, Persephone took a step forward, her presence suddenly overwhelming. "I will offer you a position, Vespera, though it is not one you will take lightly."
Vespera’s chest tightened, an eyebrow raised. "What position?"
"I want you to be my new executor." Persephone's words were simple, but they felt like a strike to the heart.
Vespera’s eyes darkened. "Your executor? After all I’ve done? After everything I’ve built?"
Persephone did not soften. Vespera had cultivated resources beyond what Persephone had ever mustered. But the simple fact that she had been ordained a Queen, meant her word was final and everything Vespera had built would belong to her if she so declared. "I offer you this position because I need your talents to secure the future of our kind. You will serve as my executor, or you will be left to your own contrivances." A subtle threat.
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The words stung, a quiet admission that Vespera’s ambitions were coming to a head. She had always dreamed of ascension, but not like this. Not under Persephone’s thumb, or anyone's thumb.
Vespera inhaled sharply, steeling herself. "And if I refuse?"
Persephone’s smile was slow, deliberate. "There are consequences, Vespera. But you will not refuse."
The weight of those words hung in the air. The choice, though offered, was not truly hers. Vespera knew the truth in those words. She could fight, could challenge, but she would never win against Persephone. Not now. Not in this room.
With a deep sigh, Vespera dropped her gaze. "I accept."
Persephone’s smile grew, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Good. You are wise, Vespera. It is the only path left to you."
Vespera bit her tongue, lest she spit venom unwisely. All it had taken was a few words and she was back where she started.
"Good," Persephone said. She then eyed Ren with disdain before turning back to Vespera. "And now that we have an understanding, we can move forward with our plans. You, Vespera, are my new executor. And you, Ren, will be an instrument in her hand."
The Yakuza didn't flinch, but he did break out in a sweat when his name was spoken. He hadn't introduced himself, but the Queen knew his name.
Vespera’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. The plans had already begun, and though she had accepted this fate, her own deep ambitions had only just begun to stir anew.
Persephone shifted. "I have requested a meeting of the Council of Equals. Our Equals will meet here. In the mean time, you will help me prepare."
"As you command, my Queen." Uttering the words stung Vespera.
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ALL POINTS BULLETIN
Carabinieri de Lazio
Subject: Missing Persons Alert – Two Disappeared Hikers
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Case Number: 2782-04-2024
Location of Disappearance: Lazio Region, Central Italy
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Details:
The Italian Police are seeking information regarding two hikers who went missing in the central region of Lazio, specifically in Apennine Range. The hikers, identified as:
Maria Rossi, 32 years old
Luca Benedetti, 28 years old
were last reported to be hiking on a remote trail in the Apennine Mountains. Their planned route included a stop at the ancient chapel of San Salvatore. They were due to return to their starting point in the late afternoon, but failed to check in with their contact.
Key Findings:
Unusual Circumstances: No sign of struggle was found along their route, yet their personal belongings—backpacks, food supplies, and hiking equipment—were abandoned and found near a desolate cave system.
Blood Evidence: A small amount of blood was located near the abandoned gear, but there were no visible injuries on the items or surrounding areas. The scene appeared undisturbed otherwise.
Sightings: Local villagers report having seen figures near the chapel on the night of their disappearance. Descriptions of the individuals vary, with some reporting unusually pale complexions and other signs of abnormal behavior.
Local Reports: Authorities have also received reports of other unexplained incidents in the area in recent weeks, including sightings of individuals with erratic movements and unsettling features.
While no direct evidence links these incidents to any organized groups, the circumstances surrounding the hikers' disappearance suggest an unusual and potentially dangerous situation.
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Request for Assistance:
The Carabinieri de Lazio request that all units remain vigilant and report any sightings or unusual activity in the Lazio region, especially around rural and remote locations. Special attention should be given to any persons or groups acting suspiciously or displaying abnormal behavior.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Maria Rossi and Luca Benedetti, or any relevant leads, please contact the Italian Police at the nearest station or via the official emergency hotline.
Warning:
Caution is advised when approaching remote areas within the Lazio region. Further updates will follow as investigations continue.
End of Bulletin.
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Vespera swirled the blood in her chalice, before bringing it to her lips and sampling it like a fine wine. "It should have been me." She said bitterly. She lay on the luxurious bed within the extravagant hotel she was staying in. Gold trim lined every surface, crystal glasses and expensive liquor sat out on a table. The tall window offered a commanding view of Rome. The grand suite was much to her liking, but she couldn't enjoy it. She had hoped to experience Italy as a Queen, instead she was back to where she had started. She could not kill Persephone, she was not powerful enough. And killing a member of the Council of Equals would only have her branded a traitor.
"Master, what is the Council of Equals?" Ren asked. The Japanese man said between kisses. He lavished his masters body in kisses, seeing to her needs expertly.
"They are the heads of the most powerful vampire clans on Earth. They are called 'equals' because they recognize each others legitimate claims to their thrones, and none else. It prevents usurpation and ensures a certain peace." She explained, "They are the firstborn, ordained to serve the Black Sun." She glanced upwards. "It's all rubbish."
Ren didn't stop his ministrations. "Then they are an obstacle? I am sure your glory will grant you status among them."
"Not as an executor." She tapped her finger on the pool of blood in her glass and held it out for Ren, who licked it sensually. "I have no desire to serve the creator. My power will be mine to wield for my own purposes and by my own will." She asserted.
Ren considered his next words carefully, "I do not see the problem. You find yourself in an advantageous position." Ren paused for a moment, his gaze steady as he looked into Vespera’s eyes, sensing the turmoil beneath her confident exterior. He straightened up slightly, his voice low but firm as he spoke.
“Master,” he began, the honorific slipping from his tongue like a well-practiced gesture, “‘Falling leaves return to the root.’”
Vespera’s eyebrow arched slightly as she watched him, intrigued despite herself. “And what does that mean?” she asked, swirling the chalice again, the crimson liquid reflecting the faint flicker of dim glowing lights in the room.
Ren’s tone was almost reverent. “It means, master, that no matter how far one may stray, their true path will always lead them back to where they belong. The root is your power, your birthright. You are no servant, no tool to be used by the Council or the Black Sun. You were born for greatness, Vespera. To wield power that others could only dream of. It is not Queen Persephone who inspired a legion of thralls, it was you. You will take what is yours.”
Vespera sat up slightly, her eyes narrowing as she processed his words. Ren’s expression remained calm but unwavering, his gaze steady and unwavering. He continued, his voice now almost a whisper, but carrying the weight of generations in his words.
“‘The mountain does not move.’ It is not for the mountain to shift when the wind blows. It is the wind that must learn to bend.” He reached risky hand up to touch her hair, his proximity not an intrusion but a quiet declaration of support. "You are the mountain, Vespera. It is the world that must bend to you."
Vespera looked out the window at the sprawling city of Rome, her thoughts racing. She had once dreamed of ruling this place, of being more than just another player in a power game she had no control over. Persephone’s persistence had stolen that dream from her, but now—now she could see that there was still a way forward. Perhaps it wasn’t about killing Persephone outright or challenging the Council directly. Maybe the path she sought was subtler, more patient.
She took another sip of blood, savoring the taste, and felt her resolve begin to solidify. Her ambitions would not be silenced by the obstacles in her way. She was not some servant to the Black Sun, not a mere executor.
“‘The wind bends,’” Vespera murmured, echoing Ren's words. “And the mountain shall rise.”
Ren nodded approvingly, a subtle smile curving his lips. He had seen the spark return to her eyes, the fire that would burn through whatever barriers the world might throw in her path.
“Master,” Ren said softly, “When the time comes, I will be at your side. Always.”
Vespera stood, her gaze turning hard as stone, her back straight with renewed purpose. “Yes,” she said, her voice low but filled with certainty. “It should have been me. But it will be, in time. I’ll make sure of it. And I couldn't be in a better position.”
She took Ren's head in her hands, softly, she pulled him towards her.
Vespera smiled faintly, the blood from the chalice still on her lips, as she whispered to herself, “And when I rise, no one will be able to stop me.”