Secret Bloodline

Mission

Zayn leans his hands on his desk and stares down at the set of stakes he just pulled out. "Now then. We need to end this as soon as possible. We have less than forty-eight hours left until Esper sends in the airstrikes. If we haven't restored order by then... We'll burn. And we can't restore order while the Unchained run wild," Zayn says.

"So it's war then. We take them all out. No mercy," Shawn says.

"It won't be that easy. There's a whole lot of them and just five of us. We'll have to play this smart," Lauren says.

"One of us should sneak into their den and provide a way to let the rest of us inside so we can launch a surprise attack. Take out Charles and their leaders before they even know we're there," Zayn explains.

"It's a good plan but... Charles knows all of our faces. They'll recognize us too easily," Shawn says.

"Then we should make it fast. Get in, get out," Lauren says.

"There's too many of them to take on at once. Speed won't be on our side," Zayn says.

"Maybe someone from Clan Mendes can be a diversion?" Dinah suggests.

"I am more than happy to offer my services. I am sure I could go a few rounds of fisticuffs should the need arise. I will show them what is what," Liam says.

"No, Liam, Clan Mendes needs you to help them stay safe and out of the Unchained's hands," Shawn says.

"Then... Who will go?" Liam asks.

Camila looks around at the others, their faces grim as something settles within her.

She takes a deep breath and stands up, resolved. "I can do it," Camila speaks.

"Are you for real, Camila?" Dinah asks.

"Yeah. I mean, none of you can go, right? So that leaves me," Camila says.

"Can someone please explain?" Lauren speaks.

"She's saying she wants to be the one to go in," Dinah says.

"I'm not on the Council. Charles and the Unchained don't know who I am," Camila says.

"He might have seen you in the fight," Lauren frowns.

"It was dark and things were moving fast. I don't think he'll recognize me again," Camila says.

Zayn sighs and runs a hand through his long hair. "You have only just become a vampire, Camila. Doing something like this... It might overwhelm you," Zayn says with a frown on his lips.

"Why are you acting like I'm a newborn kitten or something? I'm a vampire. And even when I wasn't, I could handle myself just fine," Camila says.

"That's true. Remember the Order of Dawn's compound?" Dinah smiles.

"You'll be outnumbered. Alone," Lauren looks at Camila.

"And Charles is surprisingly smart. He might see through you," Shawn says.

"Camila... Please reconsider. We can find someone else," Lauren frowns.

"Can you though?" Camila raises an eyebrow.

Her challenge goes unanswered as the others exchange uneasy glances between them.

Lauren steps forward, gently taking Camila's hand. "Camila... I can't lose you again," Lauren's voice almost cracks.

"You won't. But you also can't let this go on. You can't let Esper call in the military. This is my home too. I don't want to see New York this way. I don't want it to all go down in flames. And besides, there are people to protect. Your people. Our people," Camila speaks.