Razed by Magic

Chapter 10

Entering the room, Eli immediately felt the tension and stress begin to melt off of him. It wasn't a spell; that wouldn't have worked on him. It was the room itself. Walls covered in bookshelves, stacks of books piled precariously throughout, one misstep away from toppling. A fire gently crackled in the far corner, and overstuffed chairs that could practically swallow you rested in the middle. He wondered if he could convince Damien to let him move into this room.

"A man of good taste I see. I have the same reaction every time, even after all these years. It's why I still work from here when I can." Standing up from one of the chairs and setting down a mug, was an older gentleman, tall enough to look Eli in the eyes. His black hair just starting to show some gray at the edges added to his good looks. He was the kind of man that made others think they prefer older men. Laugh lines crinkled around his eyes as he smiled at Eli. Damien Alard.

"A room is always improved by a bookcase. It's something one of my teachers always used to say to me. Good evening Mr. Alard. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Eli kept his tone respectful but calm, trying to walk the blade thin balance of deference and confidence. Eli could treat other vampires, even Caitlyn, with arrogant disregard and they would take it as a measure of his strength. As the head of a House, Damien was one of the most powerful beings in the world. Any perceived disrespect would be answered swiftly. Permanently.

"No need for all that formality," Damien waved his hands dismissively, gesturing for Eli to take a seat in one of the chairs. "I appreciate you making the trip out here on such short notice. I hope this didn't complicate your night too much."

Eli sank into the chair, relishing the comfort before taking note of Damien's wording. "Wait, you knew that Hannah and Ao told me about your... predicament?"

Damien laughed, sitting across from Eli. "Of course. They were kind enough to call me as soon as you and your friend, Amon, left. I was the one who asked them to tell you after all."

"Why?"

"The disappearance of several members of my House. Which coincidentally happened around the same time, and in the same area, as the missing students at Westmore." The crinkles around his eyes deepened. "I can understand the Sages' interest in this, even if Westmore is a lackluster Academy at best, if this got out it would make them look weak. There's nothing they hate more than looking weak. Mr. Water's interest in this, now that is a mystery."

Eli kept his face still, even though he was certain Damien could hear his heart slamming against his ribcage. "That's something you would have to ask Benjamin."

"You don't have to look so worried, I'm not threatening him. We have a good relationship, all things considered. I stay out of his way, and he stays out of mine," Damien leaned forward in his seat. "Elijah Lawson being at Westmore however, poking his nose into the matter, now to certain observers that could look like you're getting in my way."

Eli drew a little deeper on the Void. "It's Eli Gram now. And as for getting in your way, I wasn't even aware that House Alard was mixed up in all this until a few hours ago. I have no interest in getting your way. All I want to do is my job for Benjamin, protect the students of Westmore. That's it."

"And what if I decide that I need to murder several teachers at Westmore, possibly even the Dean? To send a message?" Damien took a sip of his mug.

"I think the Sages, especially the Keeper I just met, Helena, would take issue with that."

Damien laughed at that, a deep infectious laugh that tugged at Eli's lips despite himself. "Well that depends on the methods. You better then anyone should know the lengths the Sages will go to to keep the Treaty safe. It's a sentiment I share."