The Brotherhood Of The Damned.

Conrad leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers. His crimson eyes bore into mine, glowing faintly in the dim light. There was an ease to his posture, a quiet confidence that spoke of centuries spent mastering the art of conversation.

 For the past hour, he had been guiding our exchange with an almost hypnotic precision, revealing just enough to keep me on edge while withholding the full scope of his intentions. I could feel his power, not just in the room but in his words, his presence. He wasn't just a predator—he was a master of the hunt.

"You don't realize the potential within you, Kyon," Conrad said, his voice smooth and enticing. "The things you could accomplish, the power you could wield. All of it, waiting to be claimed."

I took a deliberate sip of water, matching his calm demeanor despite the nerves twisting in my gut. "And I suppose you're offering to show me the way?"

His smile deepened, a hint of approval in his expression. "Perhaps. But only if you're ready to embrace what you are. Your unique nature makes you capable of so much more than the rest of us. You're not bound by the same limitations. Daylight, sustenance, mortality... You could walk both paths, claim both worlds."

"You talk a big game," I said, keeping my tone light. "But I'm still not sure what you're really offering."

Conrad chuckled softly, his fangs glinting in the low light. "Ah, directness. I appreciate that. Let me be clear: I'm offering knowledge, mentorship. To teach you the ways of a vampire—how to harness your gifts, thrive in this world, and wield the power that is rightfully yours."

His words were like honey, sweet and tempting. But I wasn't stupid. I could feel the hook buried in the bait.

"And what's the catch?" I asked, meeting his gaze head-on.

"There's no catch," he replied smoothly. "Only the understanding that power comes with responsibility. And a choice. Whether you take that step is entirely up to you."

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. "You seem awfully invested in my potential. Why?"

Conrad's smile didn't waver. "Because I see something in you, Kyon. Something rare. You've already proven yourself capable—your Flux abilities, your resilience. But you're only scratching the surface. With guidance, you could become something extraordinary."

I couldn't deny that his words stirred something in me. A part of me wanted to believe him, to imagine a future where I wasn't struggling to survive, where I wasn't haunted by questions about who and what I was. But I also knew better than to trust him blindly.

"Speaking of thriving," I said, shifting the topic slightly, "how do vampires... you know, afford all this?" I gestured to the lavish surroundings, the opulence that dripped from every corner of the room.

Conrad leaned back, his smile turning sly. "Ah, a practical question. I like that. Wealth, Kyon, is a matter of time and strategy. And as you might imagine, we have plenty of both."

"Time and strategy?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed. Many of us have lived for centuries, amassing fortunes through various means. In the old days, it was land, titles, gold. In the modern era, those holdings have appreciated in value beyond imagination. Compound interest alone can turn a modest investment into a staggering fortune when left untouched for decades."

I nodded slowly, filing the information away. It made sense, but there was a certain detachment to the way he spoke about it, as though money were just another tool in a long game I couldn't begin to fathom.

"And then there's compulsion," Conrad continued, his tone almost casual. "A little nudge here, a whisper there, and mortals are more than willing to leave their fortunes to us. Some do it willingly, in exchange for promises of protection or immortality. Others... well, let's just say they don't always get a choice."

His smile turned sharper, a glint of sadism flashing in his eyes. "Humans are fascinating creatures, Kyon. So driven by greed and fear, yet so easily manipulated. Offer them the illusion of eternal life, and they'll give you everything they own. And when they're of no further use..." He chuckled softly, swirling his glass of blood. "You take what remains."

The amusement in his voice sent a chill down my spine, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I forced myself to focus, to analyze his words and the implications behind them.

"So, vampires are basically the world's most patient investors," I said, trying to keep the conversation grounded.

Conrad laughed, a deep, resonant sound. "A crude way of putting it, but not inaccurate. Patience is a virtue, after all. And we are nothing if not virtuous."

The irony in his tone wasn't lost on me, and I found myself studying him more closely. Beneath the charm and elegance, there was something darker, something predatory that he didn't bother to hide. He wasn't just a man—he was a force, a being shaped by centuries of survival and power.

"And what about the council you mentioned earlier?" I asked, steering the conversation back to his earlier remarks. "You said they have a stake in everything. What does that mean?"

Conrad's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze distant for a moment before returning to me. "The council is... how shall I put it? A governing body, of sorts. They oversee our kind, ensure balance, and maintain the secrecy of our existence. But their influence extends far beyond that. Politics, finance, media... their reach is vast, and their power is absolute."

"And you serve them?"

"Loyally," he said, his tone firm. "Their guidance has kept our kind safe for centuries. Without them, chaos would reign. But make no mistake, Kyon—their loyalty is earned, not given. To gain their favor is to gain access to resources and opportunities beyond imagination."

I felt the weight of his words, the enormity of what he was describing. It was tempting, I couldn't deny that. The idea of stepping into a world where I wasn't constantly struggling, where I could provide for those I cared about... it was intoxicating.

But I knew better than to let my guard down.

"And what about me?" I asked, my voice steady. "What do I have to do to earn their favor?"

Conrad's smile returned, sly and knowing. "That, my dear boy, depends entirely on you. But I can tell you this—resistance is not the noble act you think it is. Denying what you are only holds you back. Embracing it... now that is where true power lies."

His words cut deeper than I wanted to admit, and I found myself thinking about Auntie Amina, about the sacrifices she'd made to give me a chance at a better life. If I accepted Conrad's offer, if I stepped into this world of power and privilege, could I give her the life she deserved?

Conrad's eyes gleamed as if he could see the turmoil in my mind. "Ah," he said softly, almost to himself. "There it is. The crack in the armor."

I stiffened, cursing myself for letting my thoughts slip. But it was too late. Conrad's smile widened, and he raised his glass in a mock toast.

"To possibilities," he said, his voice a low purr.

I didn't respond, my mind racing as I tried to regain control of the conversation. This was a game, and I was still learning the rules. But one thing was clear—Conrad was playing to win.