Morals Of Vampire {#3}

Part 21

[Part 21]

"Be alert." Jean-Jacques's warning was stern, but for the first time since the start of the war, Vanda understood completely the need for this seriousness. It was, in all honesty, the first time the entire North American Council –along with their human aids in the form of Alvron, Sabrina and Sky –had appeared together in the war. In fact, even Jack and Laz had both arrived on the scene not long ago, which spoke for the utmost seriousness of the situation. "Should you feel any disturbance, or sense that things might be going off, just act accordingly."

The order gave a stir of surprise around, but Roger-Luc was the only brave soul who spoke up.

"Are you sure, Brother-in-law? Should we not consult you?"

"There is no time." Jean-Jacques sighed, as if he very much regretted having to give this order at all. "I trust all of you –yes, even you, Dante and Alvron –to make the right decision for the sake of our council."

Vanda knew that things were getting completely serious when Jean-Jacques said it. It was not news that the Head of Security only allowed them to go on their own when things were serious. It warmed her a little to know that no matter what Jean-Jacques did, he still trusted them to act in loyalty to the council regardless of their previous words and actions.

"If after today things all go down to hell..." Jean-Jacques began, but seemed to lose the courage halfway as he ended his sentence in a sigh, then looked away as if not bearing to look at them, assembled before him.

"I will do all I can to avoid the situation, my children." Cian's voice drifted, and Vanda corrected herself in her mind. Now, the whole council was assembled here. It wasn't considered a full council if the Coven Master wasn't here, right? "As you have faith in everyone, my son, please have faith in your master and maker as well."

Jean-Jacques winced a little at the connotation, but turned to Cian, who had strode up to his side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Cian, I did not mean it like that."

"Sure you didn't, you little prick. You only mean that your master is weak and unable to solve the war himself." The teasing voice didn't come from Dante or Alvron, or even Roger-Luc this time as someone new followed after Cian's footsteps, sidling up beside their Coven Master easily. Kieran's eyes swept over the small group sitting uncomfortably on stiff benches, met Vanda's eyes and smiled.

Suddenly, the uncertainty wiped from her heart.

The usual Jean-Jacques glare turned on once more at the comment of the 'little prick', but at least no insulting words came out from Kieran's lips.

"He is doing his best, Kieran." Cian offered in defense, but Kieran only waved a dismissing hand. Vanda realized that even though Cian was the older-looking of both men that stood before her, Kieran's manners reminded her truly of the older, more experienced brother. Even if Cian acted as the concerned, caring father, Kieran's behavior spoke of someone much older, someone who cared for Cian as the concerned, caring big brother.

"Even if you don't trust your council mates, trust me." Kieran was probably the only person who could hit Jean-Jacques chidingly in the back of his head and not get a severe consequence about it. "I wasn't here to stop the start of the war, but I damn well can stop it. Forcefully; if I have to."

Once more, Vanda frowned a little in wonder of the connotation behind Kieran's words. All she knew was that Kieran was both Coven Master's elder brother. It was obvious that the guy wanted to use his elder brother authority to persuade both sides to give up on the war, but what did he mean about 'forcefully'? Surely if Skalov refused to solve the war, Kieran could not simply just up and order his little brother to give up?