by S. C. Storm
Lifting their heads, they both stared at the chalice. It was enormous. It was lined in pure gold. The names of every council member to ever serve were delicately engraved into the sides. Their parents’ names were engraved, as were their grandparents’ and so on. Seeing Arthur nod, Ryden began to speak. “I vow to place the needs, hopes, and well-being of the vampire race above all else. In the Atherton name, I take unto myself the strength and wisdom of the vampire race,” he finished as Arthur handed him the chalice. Slowly, he took a deep drink.
“With this blood, may all the sins of the past be cleansed. Arise now, Ryden Atherton, head of the Atherton household.” Arthur smiled as Ryden stood. He turned to Ryder. “Now,” he said.
“I vow to place the needs, hopes, and well-being of the vampire race above all else. In the Claremont name, I take unto myself the strength and wisdom of the vampire race.” He finished as he was handed the chalice. He drank deep, then returned the chalice to Arthur.
“With this blood, may all the sins of the past be cleansed. Arise now, Ryder Atherton, head of the Claremont household.” Arthur smiled. Turning to the others, he held up the chalice. “Honorably, I present our newest council members, Ryden and Ryder Atherton.”
All the members of the council stood and began to applaud. Before they could make their way toward them, Ryden cleared his throat. “Forgive me all, but we are not yet finished. I, on behalf of the Atherton family, would like to request that my brother Rian be appointed as my personal liaison.”
Arthur watched as the others looked at one another, then began talking amongst themselves quietly. He stepped forward. “I for one will back this request.”
“I will as well,” Sebastian added, hearing Aric do the same.
Ryder spoke up, seeing Arthur beaming. “I also back this request.”
The chatter continued until Arthur finally emerged from the others, smiling. “Your request will be granted. Rian Atherton, you are now a liaison of this council. You are expected to act within the laws of our race. You will also be expected to conduct yourself with honor. Do you accept this appointment?”
“I do,” Rian said.
“By the power of this council, you are now the Atherton family liaison. You will have the right to act on behalf of Ryden at his order. You may attend meetings in his seat, cast votes at his direction, and defend your family’s rights in any way you see fit,” Arthur told him as he stepped over and shook his hand. “Welcome.”
“Thank you.” Rian felt several hands patting his back. “Rafael, drinks all around,” he called out and heard the others cheer. Slowly they made their way over, finding seats as they drank and celebrated.
Making his way out onto the terrace, Yuri Orloff stood taking in the moon. It would not be long until the ascension. He hoped beyond measure that the rising of a pure-blooded guardian would save him and the other elders who had begun to suffer. He did not trust putting his life in the hands of the Athertons, but he would do what he had to. “I’m not ready to give up just yet,” he said with a sigh to the night sky. Turning slowly to head back inside, he gasped sharply when he saw what stood behind him. “No,” he said in shock before he felt the claws bore into his chest. His last thoughts were of his family as his heart was torn from his chest.
Unhappy with how things had happened with his old friend, Arthur motioned to Mileena that he was going out to talk with him. She nodded, then turned back to the others and the conversation they had been having. Venturing out onto the terrace, his body immediately stiffened. Blood. He could smell it through the air. Moving as fast as he was able, he followed the scent till he found the body. “Yuri,” he called out as he knelt by the man he had known for hundreds of years. He was gone, that was clear. “Oh, my friend,” Arthur choked out sadly. Reaching to the railing, he attempted to pull himself up when pain shot through him. He grasped his throat, knowing what was happening almost instantly. He gasped for air but could not breathe. Falling to the ground, he thought of only one thing⸻Mileena. Smiling as he saw her face, he let his eyes close, knowing the darkness was coming.
Noticing her grandfather had not returned, Mileena made her way out to check on both him and Yuri. “Grandfather?” she called out. No answer came. That was when she smelt it. Breaking into a run, she let out a scream at the scene before her. Yuri Orloff was dead. His heart had been ripped from his chest. Blood slowly spread across the light blue robes he had worn for the special night. More horrific to her, however, was her grandfather. He lay beside Yuri, his throat gushing blood. “HELP!” she screamed as she fell to her knees. She grasped his robes, trying to stop the blood. “SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!” she cried out again as she held her grandfather to her, praying she would not lose him.
