Chapter 3 Unlikely Partners

Blaire slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the dim moonlight that filtered through the cracks in the window blinds. Her head felt heavy, and she was disoriented for a moment before the memories of the night flooded back. The horrifying scene behind the glass wall at the gala, the revelation of vampires and their secret society-all of it felt like a surreal nightmare.

As she tried to sit up, she noticed the change in her clothing. She was no longer wearing the elegant dress she had chosen for the gala but a simple, comfortable set of clothes. Her eyes darted around the shabby apartment, taking in the evidence of her obsession with vampires. Books, movies, and printed articles covered the walls, forming a mosaic of information she had gathered in her relentless pursuit of the truth.

Then, her gaze settled on the figure of Alexei Volkov, seated casually amidst the piles of literature she had accumulated. Anger flared inside her, fueled by the violation of having him in her home without her consent.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in? I didn't invite you." Blaire demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of fury and fear.

Alexei looked up from the book he was reading, his icy gray eyes meeting her gaze. "I don't need an invitation. My family owns this building, among others. We have certain privileges." His tone was matter-of-fact, as if the revelation was an insignificant detail.

"How did you know where I lived?" She realized then, "God, you've been spying on me." Blaire's voice rose in indignation, her heart pounding with a sense of betrayal.

"Not exactly spying," he replied calmly. "I knew you were investigating vampires, and doing quite well actually. I mean not well enough not to get caught, and some of these books are laughable... but..."

Blaire's anger intensified, and she couldn't help but snap back, "What the hell do you want?!"

"I'm sorry about what happened at the Gala. I wanted to help you get out, but I thought of the only safe place I knew on the property. I didn't expect it to be so... gruesome," Alexei interjected, with a hint of regret.

Her emotions were a whirlwind, torn between rage, fear, and confusion. "Why are you helping me?" she demanded, her voice shaking.

Alexei glanced at her, reminding her of their conversation. She had forgotten it in the light of the events that happened directly afterward. "I know you're investigating what happened to your friend Julia. I know all about you Blaire. We have the same enemy."

Blaire took a deep breath, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. "No deal. No," she finally asserted, shaking her head. "Instead, I need some answers. What exactly are you? Are you really a vampire?"

Alexei's expression remained calm, almost resigned, as he replied, "Yes, I am. But there's more to it than the legends and stories you've heard. We're not all monsters, Blaire. Some of us try to live alongside humans peacefully, respecting their boundaries and their lives."

She scoffed, her voice laced with doubt, "Peacefully? You trapped me in a room where I watched vampires feasting on innocent people! And you want me to work with you, after seeing again what your kind can do?"

"I didn't say all vampires are innocent. I've never denied the existence of those who embrace their monstrous nature. But there are others like me who struggle with the darkness within us," Alexei explained, his voice tinged with frustration. "I could have killed you that night, but I didn't. I still can if I choose to."

Her eyes widened, and a shiver ran down her spine at the realization of just how vulnerable she was in his presence. "Why didn't you kill me then? What's stopping you now?"

"I told you. Our interests are aligned." He paused and explained further, "I see something in you-a spark of something different, I think you might have a very rare ability, Blaire." he replied, his gaze locked with hers. "I've been cultivating a new group of hunters, humans who know about our world and are willing to fight against the darkness. And since the House of Adze has accelerated their plans, well. The time is now, I'm afraid."

Blaire's mind was reeling, trying to process all the new information. "The House of Adze? What are they planning? And who are these hunters?"

"The House of Adze is one of the twelve most powerful vampire households in the world," Alexei began, preparing to give her an overview of each household. "They have a desire for dominion over humans, and they've been working in the shadows for centuries to achieve it. As for the hunters, they are individuals who have discovered the truth about vampires and decided to take a stand against the darkness. They're not like the vampire hunters you see in movies; they're not out for revenge or glory. They genuinely want to protect humanity from the malevolent forces among our kind."

Blaire couldn't help but challenge his words, her research conflicting with his explanations. "None of this fits with what I've uncovered. I've read about vampires being ruthless and cunning, using humans as mere pawns in their games of power. It took me years to discover about your fake charity. This House of Adze sounds ... this is insane."

Alexei sighed, realizing how hard it was for Blaire to accept the reality of the situation. "I don't blame you for your skepticism. What you've read and what you've experienced are just glimpses into a complex and hidden world. The House of Adze may be ruthless, but not all vampires follow their ideology. There are factions and conflicts among us, just like in the human world. Vampires are highly organized in the Coterie of Nacturna."

Frustration welled up inside Blaire as she grappled with the conflicting narratives. "And what about these hunters? Why haven't I come across them in my research?"

"Because we're good at hiding, Blaire. We are everywhere, in everything. Every war, every conflict, ... you don't understand the scope. You pulled one thread, one small thread on a rather huge, complex tapestry. I have hundreds all over the world."

Blaire's brow furrowed in frustration as she absorbed the weight of his words. "So, you're saying there's a vast network of vampire hunters, fighting in the shadows against vampires, run and funded by vampires? And I stumbled upon it unknowingly?" Her voice was a mixture of disbelief and awe.

"Yes, exactly," Alexei affirmed. "They've learned to operate in secret, adapting to the changing times. They've been around for centuries, silently observing and gathering knowledge about our kind. They know how to blend in, how to move unnoticed among humans and vampires alike."

Blaire couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for these hunters and their tenacity. It was like stumbling upon an ancient and powerful underground resistance. "But why haven't they made themselves known? If they've been fighting against vampires for so long, wouldn't it be better to unite and confront them openly?"

Alexei leaned back against the wall, looking contemplative. "Oh some have. The Church operates pretty openly and indiscriminately. There are some hunting organizations. However, The Coterie of Nocturna, the organization that governs vampire society, is powerful and resourceful. They would crush any open opposition swiftly and mercilessly."

She stared at him in silence. So he continued, "These hunters have learned the art of subtlety and patience. We have to keep them clandestine from the human world. Most houses have hunters, you know."

Blaire's mind was racing with the enormity of what she was learning. The vampires she once thought were mere fictional creatures were not only real, but they were also part of an intricate and secretive web of power and deception. "And what do you want from me? Why do you need my help if you have these hunters?"

Alexei's gaze softened, and he looked at her intently. "You have something they don't have, Blaire. Something few humans do. I really think you have a Stoneheart."

Blaire paused at this too, not sure what to say. So she said nothing and pondered this in her heart for a time. She didn't know what any of this meant. Alexei seemed to anticipate this.

"It means you have a natural ability to nullify the supernatural." He explained for her.

The woman shook her head in disbelief, feeling the weight of the responsibility he was placing on her shoulders. "I'm just one person, Alexei. How can I possibly make a difference in all of this?"

He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, one person can make all the difference in the world. You have the potential to change the course of history, to be a guiding light in the darkness."

Her heart wavered between fear and determination. His touch on her skin was cool but she still pulled away. All she could still see was the monster before her. The terrors echoing from the night. It was like a bad dream, but the more she remembered the more it felt like a cold wet blanket of reality. It smacked her in the face. She sat there, and Alexei stood beside her, respecting her silence.

As Blaire sat there in her shabby apartment, surrounded by her research and the weight of the knowledge she now carried, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Her mind was still reeling from the revelations of the night, and she struggled to come to terms with the fact that vampires were real and that she was now a part of this secret world.

"I never asked for any of this," Blaire finally spoke, her voice tinged with frustration and fear.

Alexei looked at her with unwavering belief in his eyes. "You are stronger than you realize, Blaire. I've seen it in you, that spark of determination and courage. It's what drew me to you in the first place. You have the heart of a hunter, willing to scream against the world what you know, even if they say you're insane. I believe you can rise to the challenges ahead."

Blaire's mind was still grappling with the enormity of it all, but she found a glimmer of hope in Alexei's words. He believed in her when she couldn't even believe in herself. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"But why me?" she asked, searching for answers. "Why do I have this?"

Alexei paused, choosing his words carefully. "Stonehearts occur naturally as far as I am aware. I tried to use all my allure on you when we were dancing, you were practically immune. I can't explain to you what a valuable asset that is either, my dear."

Blaire's mind flashed back to the gala, to the moment she had danced with Alexei, and she recalled how she had felt an inexplicable resistance to his charm, despite the danger she sensed. She thought back to her resisting it, her focus on finding proof. This newfound understanding of her own resistance left her feeling both apprehensive and strangely empowered.

"I don't know if I can trust any of this."

Alexei leaned in closer, his gaze unwavering. "Trust is earned, not given freely. I've been observing you for a while, and I believe in your potential. Besides, you've already seen what the House of Adze is capable of. They won't stop until they achieve their goals. The only chance we have is to stand together against them."

Blaire's mind raced with conflicting emotions. She had always been a skeptic, someone who relied on concrete evidence and logic. Yet here she was, being asked to believe in a world of mythical creatures and secret societies. A part of her wanted to reject it all as a fantastical delusion, but the vivid memories of the gala and the chilling sight of vampires feasting on humans reminded her that this was all too real.

Alexei, sensing her hesitation, spoke with urgency in his voice, "Blaire, I need you to understand the importance of the situation. If we don't stop them, countless lives will be lost, both human and vampire."

Blaire took a deep breath, her mind made up. She couldn't deny the reality before her any longer. "Okay," she said, her voice steady. "I'll help you, but I need to know more. I need to understand the full scope of this hidden world."

Alexei nodded, appreciating her willingness to learn. "I'll tell you everything, but we don't have much time. The House of Adze has accelerated their timeline, and we need to act quickly. First, let me explain the twelve households."

Alexei leaned in, his voice lowered as he delved into the history of the vampire world. "Among the vampires, there are twelve powerful and ancient houses that hold significant influence over our kind. Each house has its unique traits and ambitions, and they all vie for power within the Coterie of Nocturna."

He began with Nyx, known for their mastery over illusions and deception. They were skilled manipulators who could ensnare their prey with beguiling glamour. Azazel, on the other hand, was a house that had a deep connection to dark magic, making them formidable adversaries in the world of vampire politics.

"Lamia," Alexei continued, "is known for their seductive allure. They are charming and captivating, but their touch can be deadly. Strix is the house of shadow and stealth, masters of disappearing into the darkness and striking from unexpected angles."

He then described Empusa, a house with a thirst for chaos and destruction. They reveled in causing mayhem and enjoyed toying with their victims. Vetala, in contrast, was a house that valued knowledge and foresight. They were often sought for their wisdom and prophecies.

As he went on, Alexei spoke about Baitl, a house with a unique affinity for animals, capable of commanding and communicating with various creatures. Lilith, on the other hand, was a house that celebrated individuality and free will, often clashing with the hierarchical structure of vampire society.

"Adze is one of the most ambitious and powerful houses," Alexei explained. "They are driven by a desire for dominion over humans and have been plotting in the shadows for centuries."

"Abiku," he continued, "is a mysterious and enigmatic house. They have a deep connection to the spirit world and often act as intermediaries between the living and the dead."

"Cipitio is a house that has a close bond with nature. They are protectors of the environment and are said to wield powers over plants and animals," he said, remembering the descriptions we discussed earlier.

"Lastly, there's Domovoi," Alexei concluded. "They are guardians of the home and family. Domovoi are fiercely protective of their own and are known to form strong alliances within their house."

Blaire listened intently, her initial skepticism giving way to a morbid fascination with the intricacies of vampire society. It was a world she never imagined existed, and now it was laid bare before her.

"How many vampires are there in total?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"About one million," Alexei replied gravely. "We are not as numerous as humans, but our influence and power extend far beyond our numbers."

The magnitude of it all weighed heavily on Blaire. The realization that vampires were not just monsters but a diverse society with its own struggles and conflicts was overwhelming. She felt like she had been thrown into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim.

"I never asked for any of this," she repeated, her voice tinged with sorrow and fear.

Alexei placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a modicum of comfort. "I know it's a lot to take in, and I understand your fear. But you have a choice now, Blaire. You can choose to walk away and forget everything, or you can embrace the knowledge and the power you possess. You can be a force for good in a world that is dark and dangerous."

Blaire looked up at him, her dark brown eyes torn and conflicted.. She wasn't sure what path she would choose, but one thing was clear-she could not go back to the life she had before. The truth had been revealed, and there was no turning away from it now.

"I need time to think," she finally said, her voice resolute. "But I want answers. I want to understand everything about this world, about the twelve houses, and about these hunters. If I'm going to make a decision, I need to be informed."

Alexei nodded, respecting her decision. "Of course, take all the time you need. I'll be here to answer your questions and provide you with whatever information you seek." Blaire nodded. She lifted her head to say thank you, but the man was already gone, leaving her to her thoughts.