Master of Vampirism (Part #2) ✔️

Chapter 29: Research ethics

"So," Thomas marched through William's office, which used to be Thomas's office, with an agitated frown on his face and angry determination in his eyes, "I regret to inform you that the caught cult vampire isn't talking."

I snickered, "Have you tried torturing him?"

"Ah, yes!" William exclaimed, "The ancient art of torture! Back when I was merely a youngster, this was a common practice. Nowadays, it is still used but people are sneaky about it."

"That's because we have human rights." I said. "And you can only break those in secret."

Thomas dropped on the leather sofa, "He's not talking. The only thing I managed to find out is that there's more than hundred of them."

"Hmm," I counted on my fingers, "and there's five of us. Seems about right."

"Hopefully, Greta and Ian will convince more vampires to join us." Thomas sighed. "Otherwise, it's fair to assume we're screwed."

"Yeah, if they're not too busy getting back together." I pouted.

Thomas eyed me, "Jealousy doesn't suit you."

"Your face doesn't suit you!"

Thomas rolled his eyes.

William laughed out loud, "They are most certainly convincing other vampires to join us. Ian called yesterday and said they already have two new members of our little group!"

My eyes widened, "Two? Did you hear that, Thomas? Two more! That makes seven of us."

Thomas leaned his elbows on the coffee table, "We're screwed."

William shook his head, "No, my young friends, we can most definitely beat them. All we need is to believe in ourselves!"

I sighed, "I can tell you're more of a lover than a fighter."

"Numbers are not on our side," Thomas said, "Which means we need something else we can use in our advantage, but the damn vampire simply isn't talking."

"They seem to be really devoted." I noticed.

"That's how cults work, Chloe." Thomas mumbled. "The guy is just too in control, too convinced his mission is the most important thing in the world."

I looked at him, "Too in control, you say?"

"Ah, I can already tell you have a bad idea."

Deciding to ignore Thomas's remarks, I got up, "What if we infect the cult vampire with the vampire-hating plant?"

William's eyes widened with slight surprise, "You wish to poison the vampire with salvia divinorum?"

I shrugged, "It lowers inhibitions. And if we infect the vampire, I can test how much of it we need to evolve immunity."

"What sort of magic is that?" William asked.

"Biology." I grinned. "I can also find out whether immunity stays or gradually disappears over time."

"Hmm," Thomas hummed, "Wildly unethical, but not a bad idea."

"Well, killing people is also unethical, but these vamps chose it for their morning routine." I said. "And if we're so outnumbered, it might be our only choice."

William seemed to agree with me, "If you want to defeat your enemy, you first have to know what he wants."

"Alright," I clapped, "Let's do it."

Thomas reluctantly nodded and gestured to the door, "Let's do it."

I followed after him, "By the way, are you truly getting married? Am I really not invited to the wedding? I want to organize it, I already have so many themes on my mind!"