Veins of Magic - Bloodbound Sorcery

There is a Ball pt.3

Orn, with an air of authority, addressed her. "Olive of Marissa's bloodline, you are an unexpected presence in my home. Tell me, do you understand the significance of your ancestry?"

Confusion etched across Olive's face. "I don't know what you're talking about. Marissa means nothing to me, and I certainly don't understand my connection to her."

Orn nodded thoughtfully, seemingly unperturbed by her response. "Very well, let me make this clear. Cam's aggression is not a reflection of my will. However, your presence seems to have stirred ancient grievances among my kind. As me and my brothers certainly have different views on the matter, I cannot protect you. So I propose this - she gets to leave this gathering unharmed, for now, and we figure out what to do about this situation. "

Orn looked to his brothers, awaiting their response to his proposal.

Cao spoke coldly "You want her to leave unharmed? She should suffer, I want her dead"

"I know you do, and I know that Ral most likely doesn't agree with either of our approaches, therefore we should talk about it at a different time," Orn said, and both he and Cao looked to Ral.

"I do disagree with you both brothers. I was going to suggest we keep her here, while we figure things out, however, it would seem that no amount of talking now or ever will leave us in agreement therefore, I say we put it to a vote, and let our dear higher vampires have a say in the matter. This is after all just as much their fight as it is ours" Ral said as he looked at Ray who was still restraining Cam.

Cao and Orn nodded in agreement.

"Very well let's put it to a vote then, gather round, and stop fighting each other, let's be civil now," Ral said, and the struggle between Ray, Cam, and the others broke up. They all lined up behind Olive. Who felt very uneasy as the only escape out of this room was now being blocked by 9 higher vampires. If they were to vote on killing her there would be no way for her to survive. She took a deep breath and tried to accept the thought of death.

"Rules of the vote are as always: Each higher vampire gets one and only one vote and you may choose to stay neutral if you so wish."

"All in favor of killing her now," Ral's loud voice said. Not surprisingly all the higher vampires of Cao raised their hands. This was when Olive realized she couldn't see the result of the vote without turning around, but she was too scared to turn around and confront her fate. This is hopeless Eli, who was able to see the vote, though. All the higher vampires would just vote on what their respective old one's opinion was, which would leave it in a tie and they would most likely kill her anyway.

"All in favor of keeping her captive here" Ral's voice sounded once more. To Eli's surprise, only two people raised their hands, Rea and Ric. Ray you smug idiot, you are gonna stay neutral and leave an even higher probability that they'll just kill her Eli thought to himself and shook his head. There was nothing he could do now.

"All in favor of letting her leave tonight unharmed," Ral said, and smiled slightly which confused Olive. Four hands went up, Eli, Zed, Ava, and Ray. Eli's jaw dropped slightly, he truly expected Ray to betray them now, but he didn't.

"Very well, the hexweaver, Olive of Marissa, is free to leave this ball unharmed," Ray said, looked at Orn and Cao, and then continued. "No harm shall befall her from now, the 5th of June 9.45pm until tomorrow the 6th of June 9.45pm. It would seem that it is in most of you's best interest for her to stay unharmed, however, your choices are your own they may change, and nothing should ever be set in stone. Therefore, I suggest you find a way to work this out further amongst yourselves, and see if there isn't a solution everyone is somewhat happy with. Olive, you may leave now"

Olive looked around the room, a single tear fell from her eye. She had been holding them in the entire time and now that she was free, even for just a day she couldn't keep them in anymore.

"Go," Orn urged, his voice carrying an air of both command and concern.