BEWITCHED

9. Know Where Your Loyalties Lie

Something about the Hotel Camilla drew Octavia in. She figured it wasn't because the exterior  building had been bathed in red lights. Her ankle boots clicked on the sidewalk as she entered through the main doors to see the interior bustling with people, vampires being the main population. Her eyes wandered around to see various humans being glamoured by hungry vampires and taken away into more private quarters. Unable to avoid a few working staff as they politely asked for her service, she kindly greeted them with a statement and a simple question:

"I'm here to meet someone. Where's the bar?" 

The question didn't come as a surprise as the female human escorted the hybrid to where the bar was located on the main floor of Hotel Camilla. With a smile and little grace, the human waved Octavia goodbye as she disappeared into the crowded room. Just from her short walk, Octavia noted the atmosphere had changed drastically. Suddenly, Octavia found herself in a room full of predators, and for an odd reason, she felt out of place. The smell of Tru Blood coming from the entire room caused Octavia's mouth to water. Luckily, it was something she could tolerate now. Even the fresh human blood she was smelling didn't bother her either as she glanced around the room, looking for a particular Viking vampire sheriff. 

The text message that Eric had sent her two hours before came off a little concerning, as it only mentioned to meet here at Hotel Camilla and to come alone. True, the place seemed somewhat safe to anyone who entered, but the magic around Octavia felt...ominous. Trying not to catch the sights of some evil vampires here, Octavia continued to search for Eric, getting antsier by the second when she couldn't see him. When Eric's scent finally reached her nose, so did someone else's. With one final look towards the area where Eric's scent came from, she could see the one vampire Octavia decided to hate the most: Bill's maker, Lorena. 

Octavia remembered the stories Bill told her about Lorena. She remembered his true feelings towards the vampire maker, and just by watching Eric and Lorena talk, Octavia wished to rip her head off her disgusting body by using strong magic. Unfortunately, that would risk everything for the hybrid. Octavia watched as Eric angled his head slightly to the side, as if to look behind his shoulder, giving the hybrid an inkling of her presence. Biting her lip, Octavia was sure Eric could feel her emotions towards the situation right now and her pure hatred towards Lorena. A few feet from where Lorena and Eric were, Octavia sat down and listened closely to their conversation while monitoring for any unwanted guests.

"Why am I here, Mr. Northman?" Lorena asked in her southern accent that made Octavia physically roll her eyes in high annoyance. A few different spells entered her mind to silence the vampire forever, but Octavia ignored all of them as Eric spoke. 

"We want the same thing, you and I. Okay, Bill has something I want, and he's in the way." Eric spoke as it made Octavia more curious. It clicked instantly as Eric's thoughts became clear as water. 

"His human?" Lorena asked as if appalled by Eric's detail. But Octavia knew better as Eric spoke again.

"She's something more than human." Octavia couldn't help but smirk a little as she seemed amused and surprised Eric hadn't figured that secret out yet. With a bit of help from her magical background, even Octavia knew what Sookie was, not that she would tell anyone. As Lorena asked what Sookie was, Eric complied with unknowing the answer but gave away a hint that Bill loved Sookie, which was true. Lorena's expression gave away her feelings towards his words as Octavia couldn't help but smile. Lorena loathed Eric's words, but Lorena hid it well. 

"What makes you think I want him back?" Lorena asked. 

"Oh please," Octavia spoke a little too loudly as it caused both Lorena and Eric to turn towards the hybrid, Octavia uncaring if they heard her by now. Then, with a pep in her step, Octavia walked over to the two vampires and greeted Lorena.