Of Dusk And Roses

04. bound to kill you

"MY name is Wesley Chase. I am a member of the Association of Vampire Hunters. I am a soldier in a feud boiled by blood. I am a part of a war that has been storming ever since the vampires posed themselves as a threat to human race. My loyalty lies to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood that pledged and dedicated themselves in eradicating vampires anywhere and anytime around the world to protect life as we know it."

He recited the lines in a flash without blinking. He himself wondered if he was breathing the whole time he had said them. Determined, he remained standing and looked at Viktoir and only Viktoir, straight in the eye. He didn't flinch or display any expression at all. It was as if he had rehearsed that introduction his whole life, when it only had been a few years.

"I was just asking who you are, not what you are," she snapped before taking her sight off him. She took a few steps towards her mother's seat and stood beside her.

"What I am has and will always be a part of who I am, just like you," he shot back.

Who he remembered as Sebastian Valentii chuckled in the background. "I'll hold my tongue off, if I were you, little Hunter- even if I have no idea who I'm talking to."

Oh, I know both of you, alright. Everyone does. Wesley made no visible effort to regard Sebastian's comment.  He sat back on one of the chairs, facing the king instead. "What am I here for?"

The king's face was nothing less than amused as he fiddled with his black tie. "I am rather sorry for your loss, boy. I assure you in my name, Demetrius Moscovici, that I never ordered anyone to kill your friend."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"Now, let's not be hasty," he said in a friendly tone. Wesley couldn't help but wince. Friendly with them was dangerous. "It seems to me that someone else has tricked you into setting foot in the lion's den. It's reckless on your part to be deceived so easily."

Narrowing his eyes, Wesley thought about it. He crossed his legs slowly and settled both of his arms on the armrests. "Are you telling me you're the lesser evil in this situation? Even if that's the case, you have a hunter without lifting any finger. Why not kill me now?"

"I adore this room's carpet." Demetrius had a glint in his eyes. Amusement. "And I wouldn't do that to such a valuable hostage."

"I'm just a squad leader." Wesley's raspy voice let out.

"Yes," Demetrius mused, placing a hand on his cheek. "I suppose that is what you currently are, but I happen to know that you're also the leading candidate to be the next Captain."

"Do Sebastian and I need to hear this?" Viktoir interrupted, crossing her arms on her chest. "If you don't mind, Father, I have other things to attend to."

"This has everything to do with you, so if you don't mind, dear daughter, you can take a seat on the couch over there."

Reluctantly, she did as he said and walked over to the couch which, unfortunately, was on Wesley's side of the room. Sebastian followed suit, making himself comfortable as leaned back and crossed his legs the same time that she did. Wesley didn't bother to look again. He turned back to focus on Demetrius.

"Since you're already in my hands, I better make use of you," he finally stated, bringing the back of his palms together under his chin. Wesley thought Demetrius could even pass as Viktoir's older brother with the nonexistent wrinkles beside his amber eyes and the lack of gray in his russet hair, but his look was much, much more vicious than his daughter's. 

Wesley scoffed. "What makes you think I'll agree to whatever it is you'll be asking?"

"Are you aware of the vampire Zenith?" Demetrius asked him, the expression on his face gradually fading, turning more and more serious by the minute.