Something Sweet, Something Sinister; The War Begins (A Vampire Novel)

Chapter 15

"I know this is a lot to ask, but please understand that we are facing a threat greater than any of us have ever known. Prince Cyrus will not stop until he has complete control over both humans and vampires. If we do not stand together, we will fall separately."

Chatter began amongst the crowd. They were trying to decide what they would do with all the information I just gave them.

A voice rose above the rest—a young woman stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "I will stand with you," she declared, her voice carrying through the square. "If there is a chance to end this cycle of oppression, then I will take up arms, even if it is against the hunters."

"You don't have to kill anyone!" I shouted. "I am not asking you to betray your own kind. We just need a little time. Do what you can to keep hunters at bay. When they hear of an internal struggle in the castle, the hunters will rush to get hits out on the royals."

"And why would that be a bad thing?" someone deeper into the group asked. "If the royal vampires die, we would take back control over our country!"

"No you idiot!" The girl from before grumbled. "If the royals die, no vampire would be able to keep the rest of them in line. We would at least need Prince Pierce because he is offering protection. That's why he needs to take the throne. That is what this girl is asking us to help with."

The girl's words resonated with some in the crowd, swaying them to consider the possibility of a different path.

I seized the moment, addressing the gathering with confidence. "I understand your doubts and your fears. But I implore you to look beyond them. Together, we can forge a new future where humans and vampires coexist in harmony, where neither lives in fear of the other," I continued, my voice strong and unwavering. "Prince Pierce offers us a chance to create a world where our children don't have to grow up in shadows, cowering from the darkness- A world where our kids won't be swept from our homes and kidnapped, or have their houses blown apart by bombs."

One by one, others began to step forward, offering their support to the cause. If they didn't do it because of trust in the vampires, then they agreed to help for the sake of their families.

Before, I worried that nothing I could say would convince them. Now, I was actually starting to believe that I was making a real difference.

The elderly woman was holding her phone, recording the entire speech. The girl next to her offered to help put it online so that all the other humans could see it. They were saving me time. Doing this, I wouldn't have to worry about convincing the other towns as difficultly. The other humans would see this video and already be more inclined to help after the support I received here.

As the gathering dispersed, spreading word of the alliance that was forming, I felt optomistic. Perhaps there was a chance to turn the tide against Cyrus after all. 

I exchanged a grateful nod with the elderly woman who had initially questioned my motives, her wise eyes now sparkling at me like the stars had been earlier.

As the video was posted, it went viral right away, and more and more humans across the country began to stand up and support Pierce's cause through comments, likes on the video, and posts of their own about the situation.

I wanted to stay and speak with the people more, but my job in this town was done and I needed to go to the next one. Though the longer I waited, the more time passed where something bad could happen.

I departed under the watchful eyes of those who had joined our cause. Being stared at was not something I was used to, but I would have to learn to deal with it. My newfound popularity was going to turn a lot of heads.

With each passing mile, my thoughts drifted back to Pierce and his stand against Cyrus. I couldn't help but admire his vision. It was worth fighting for, worth risking everything to achieve. That, I decided, was what made me want to do this in the first place.