Humid air burns my skin as the confined room fills with Rasoon warlords. Our meeting has gone on for an hour and vampires are still coming.

I refocus on my brother as he chances upon an important argument in his speech.

“… Their confrontation is uncalled for. What have we done to encourage this outrage? Just because we lost a great leader doesn’t mean they have the power to announce war after millennia of peace.”

“At least we know why they’re changing people at an increasing rate.” Observed Grale, our weapons master.  Jason nods.

“They must be killing the victims themselves before spawning them. But it’s out of our hands now. They have an army three times the size of ours.”

“Then we must plan carefully and efficiently if we are to win.”

Everyone turns to look at me; astonishment and sneers surrounding me. Most nod.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! You guys would really take advice from someone who’s never been in a battle.” The battle planner, Révé, scoffs.

“I’m surprised it hasn’t come from you.”  Grale rounds. Révé growls.

“She hasn’t fought before.”

 I turn my head to the side.

“You want to try that?” I ask.

“I thought you were trying to avoid that.” Jason mumbles. I ignore him. My insultent and I stand. “STOP! The enemy is out there not among us! She has won many a battle, Planner.” My brother points to the door.

“In this short time? I’ve only heard how shy she is.” Révé argues. The Jigrile glares at him. Horror masks the warlord’s features. “She was a witch! You brought a witch into our world!”

“I was a witch.” Sarah reminds from her position at one of the back corners.

“Yeah but you weren’t changed by our leader. And how long has she hunted us? Fifteen? Twenty years?”

“I was hunting you since I was a child.” My friend snaps. The silence makes my hair stand on end. It is eerie and full of hatred.

“Who are you girl?” Révé whispers. “Who are you really?”

“Amethyst Phoenix Ryde, born to a wealthy English family who was killed by you creeps. I lost all those I cared for, was trained by Dominique Vida and found my brother while seeking revenge.” I recount. Strong arms pull me towards a broad chest.

“And that’s why I love you, Sister.” Jason confesses. Commotion breaks out around us as our colleges put the puzzle together. My brother and I separate.

“Alright! Back to WORK!” His voice carries over everyone. The room becomes quiet, and then returns to an uproar as Rasoons convey our battle strategy.

 ****************

The voices were overly loud and obnoxious. No one had noticed me and I hoped they didn’t. I had been ease-dropping for a few hours and not a single Sealth was aware. Sighing inwardly, I try to remember every piece of information as boredom threatens to consume me and uncover myself. Nothing of interest had arisen. All they do is bicker. I still my chest as Ravi Bonjovi enters. Hush falls over the interior. A horrific smile alights his face.

“The night after tomorrow we attack. It is time to regain what is rightfully ours.” He announces. Shouts of triumph echo around, making it hard to hear. “Ailsa, did you do as I asked?”

“Yes Ravi! The poison has been set. He will be uncommandably ill once he’s had one bite or sip of his meal.” His spy answers.

“Good. Soon our enemy will be leaderless and their Ambassador will be so enraged she’ll get herself killed. Thanks to you and Sharma have done a wonderful job carrying out my orders and telling me their plans. We move out in two days hence.”

I teleport back to the Rasoon base; terrified I’d arrive too late.

 Our room is packed. The smell of fish and blood wafts up my nostrils. It’s intoxicating but nothing will stop me.

Seeing him with our friends, I sprint over and jump above tables and vampires. Jason raises his fork. I knock it out of his hand, startling everyone. Silence envelopes us. Some look in askance; others astonished.

I groan, lean against the table as exhaustion sets in, and regain myself.

“Don’t eat anything.” I tell awaiting ears. “Everything’s been poisoned.”

Gasps escape mouths.

“Is this true?” Someone asks.

“Yes and I know exactly who helped.” My adopted family looks about each other.

“Who?"

 Looking and pointing to the culprit, I comply:

"Sharma Halloway, I name you a traitor, spy and sider to the enemy!”

“I’d never betray my own breed!” She yells across the expanse.

“Not what I heard."

She growls and launches herself towards me. I meet up with her and knock her out with one punch; unconscious.

“Lock her up.”

“Are you sure it’s her?” Grale lifts Sharma onto his shoulder.

“Amy isn’t deaf, Weapons Master.” My brother backs me up.

“I trust her.” Maveric agrees. The warlord lets up.

I collapse into a chair, while someone gets me a vial of blood; grateful for having supportive friends.

“They’re attacking two days hence.”