Chapter 9 Vladmir Volkov

The elevator doors opened, revealing an opulent and awe-inspiring sight. Isabella stepped out onto a polished marble floor that stretched before her like a grand ballroom. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, depicting scenes of ancient battles and majestic landscapes. Glistening crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the expanse below.

As Isabella looked around, her eyes were drawn to a majestic staircase that led to a higher level, its balustrades carved with delicate patterns of intertwining vines and mythical creatures. A magnificent mural adorned the domed ceiling, depicting the night sky filled with stars and constellations. In the lower area of the estate, people milled about lazily, as if indulging in the riches of their master. She noticed they were all human, disinterested in watching her, or tending to the fruit platters.

They ascended the steps, and through more doors until, to her left, she caught a glimpse of a lavish sitting area, with plush velvet couches and intricately designed coffee tables. Beyond it, she noticed an extensive library with shelves that reached to the ceiling, filled with leather-bound tomes and ancient scrolls. The scent of aged parchment and polished wood filled the air.

To her right, a set of large wooden doors beckoned her attention. Golden handles shaped like intricate dragon heads adorned the doors, hinting at the importance of the room beyond. Isabella's heart quickened as she realized that she stood at the threshold of countless tomes of vampiric history. Just the spines alone showed their age, the care that had been taken to preserve them.

Seated at the center of the opulent room was a man. She felt as she got closer exactly how powerful he was. Like he wore his power about him. He was tall, and imposing, but everything about him presented elegant. Poised as he sat, looking as if he anticipated a painter to happen by to capture his perfection. His attire was a deep crimson robe that seemed to shimmer with an sort of darker undertone and sheen. Golden embroidery adorned the edges of the robe, depicting intricate patterns that spoke of a rich and storied history. His hair, predominantly black, fell to the middle of his back with bolts of silver at the temples.

Though Isabella's Stoneheart naturally shielded her from the full extent of his power, she could still sense the immense energy emanating from him. She could see it. Hear it as the air around him practically hummed with the subtle intensity. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of trepidation and reverence in his presence.

His eyes, a piercing shade of ice blue, and met Isabella's with a gaze that seemed to penetrate her very soul. It was a stare that had witnessed centuries of existence, holding the weight of countless experiences and memories. Despite the gravity of his presence, there was also a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes as he regarded the young Stoneheart before him. His eyebrow lifted as he then glanced at Alexi. "You're not collecting more of them, are you?"

Alexei took his seat beside the man and replied, "You make it sound horrible when you say it like that.".

His father's gaze shifted to Isabella, and his eyes seemed to study her with a knowing intensity. "If not for that then who is she, and why is she relevant to me?" he inquired, his tone measured and calm.

Alexei proceeded to recount the events that transpired at the Gala. He explained that he had been monitoring her before. As he continued he got to the events of the Gala, and how he saw her there and sensed her unique abilities. He continued into a conversation Isabella couldn't follow really.

"So it was right after the dance that I sensed the rogues. I found Penelope and she confirmed that several rogues had been infiltrating. Then I confirmed our contact with the House of Nyx also was leaving the venue upon their appearance."

Vladimir looked more annoyed than anything else, waving his hand, "Of course, they were not rogues, no one believes that anymore. This is all too coordinated for rogues. This was a warning."

"To who?" Alexei asked.

That is when Vladmir fell silent and glanced back at Isabella. He then offered her a brief smile, "Your poor guest has heard enough about dirty household politics." he decided, "You still have not answered why she is here."

Alexei then conceded and gestured to Isabella. He described her Stoneheart, her skills, and the fact he had given her the invitation to the Gala to see what she would do, but had no idea that it was going to become a bloodbath. He then displayed a tablet to the elder vampire, showcasing the fight she had with James just earlier. attack. As he spoke, Isabella felt the weight of Vladmir Volkov's scrutiny, his gaze analyzing every word and expression. He didn't bother glancing at the tablet, and instead continued watching the woman.

When Alexei finished, his father fell silent. Then, he turned his attention back to the tablet, his voice softer but no less commanding. "How intriguing."

Shifting, as if they were discussing her as part of some prize pet or race-horse, she finally interjected, "Mister Volkov, I want to learn all I can about vampires. I don't want to sell you a bad bill of goods, I want to kill every last one of you."

This caused delight to spring to Vladmir's eyes. The woman in front of him, so bold, so courageous. The delight escaped in a short laugh, "Huh." The patriarch glanced at Alexei then, "She stands here and threatens to kill us all, and yet you still vouch for her?"

There was no hesitation. Alexei nodded, "I do."

Vladmir Volkov nodded approvingly. "Good. You have Alexei's loyalty, and that speaks highly of your character." He paused, and there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes as he added, "But remember, that also means you are loyal to the House of Domovoi. You will be part of your family without even having to prove yourself to be worthy among us. You should thank him for bringing you to our family."

The word family settled uneasily with Isabella. Family. She was unsure what to say but offered a brief nod. Vladimir then pat the seat next to him. Isabella inched her way there, before sitting right beside the elder. For a time his eyes refused to leave her, as if admiring a new trinket he was fascinated with.

Alexei glanced between then and then took the opportunity to state, "Father, if I may, there's another urgent matter to discuss."

Alexei then detailed the report from Claude. The gathering for the mass induction, and then put an estimated number, "Two thousand have gathered, and we anticipate probably closer to ten thousand."

Ten thousand? Isabella's mind raced, The image, the trees, that wasn't the forest, that was a sea of people. Inducted, inducted for what?

"Ah. Adze is bold indeed." Vlad said his face now stern, his temporary fascination with Isabella replaced with mulling. There was a shift in the room. It grew cold, and icy. The air was still. There was a clacking from a distance they moved forward until Isabella could identify what it was. The walls there shifted slightly, reforming themselves as if casual afterthoughts in the wake of his power. Bricks turning over and over.

Vladimir eventually returned his gaze to Alexei, and there wasn't much more to be said between them, but Isabella knew that somehow they were in tune with one another's thinking. After the long glances and Vlad then finally offered to Isabella, "It seems that we have dragon slayers in the time of dragon."

Isabella shifted uncomfortably and stated, "I am not sure what you're talking about, but ten thousand people is a lot. Ten thousand new vampires? In Greece?. You're going to kill them all?"

"It is more complex than that, but you will not be sent until you are ready. I told you I would train you to kill every vampire. So, to do that... you are going to have to eventually kill vampires." Alexei offered.

The realization dawned again, and Isabella cleared her throat. She nodded somewhat as Vladmir returned to being entertained by the little human's antics. So, he gave her more information, very purposefully to see what she would do, "You see, long ago all the vampires agreed to make exactly one hundred and twenty thousand vampires." He paused and let her do the math before adding, "That is ten thousand for each house. Over the centuries, this guideline has been largely ignored."

The weight of Vladmir Volkov's words settled heavily on Isabella's shoulders. She had entered this world of hunters and vampires with the intention of seeking revenge for her brother and making a difference, but she hadn't fully grasped the extent of the complexities and power struggles within the vampire community.

"Wait," Isabella interjected, trying to process the information. "Alexi you said it was a million, that's ten times as much?"

There was another nod. "Yes, that is correct," Vladmir confirmed. "Many houses have disregarded the agreed-upon limit and have been creating more vampires, amassing considerable numbers. We have had purges over and over. Luckily the House of Domovoi has not had a census issue in very long time."

Alexei added, "The House of Adza is the worst offender. They are known for their disregard of the census. They then claim their operatives are rogues, vampires that have not been disowned and left a household. And now, they are hosting this mass induction in Strix territory, which is particularly concerning."

Isabella couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at the blatant disregard for the agreement and the potential consequences of unchecked vampire numbers. A million, from one hundred twenty thousand?

Vladmir leaned back in his seat, steepling his fingers together. "The point was to avoid overpopulation and maintain a balance between the vampire houses. But power often begets a hunger for more power, and some houses sought to tip that balance in their favor," he explained in a tone laced with a mix of weariness and disappointment.

Isabella's mind was racing, trying to comprehend the scale of the situation. "So, what do we do about it?"

Alexei lifted both his brows then, mimicking a human expression of a smile, or so Isabella thought. He grinned for effect, "Well we train you to kill vampires. And in the mean time." He glanced at his father, "I want her to have access to our files. I promised to let her use what we've gathered to learn more about her friend's death. That is part of the promise I made to her about training her."

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. Her attention instantly going to Vlad. He watched her with interest and asked instead, "Tell me, Stoneheart, are you willing to become a member of this family?"

"Isabella." She corrected him.

Vlad laughed again at her nature, though the correction elicited a stern glance from Alexei. No one would disrespect his father. Isabella swallowed and stood her ground watching the cold calculated monster in front of her. One of the six strongest in the world. Through naivete of what this meant, or perhaps courage, Vlad appreciated the presentation more than he let on. He continued, "Isabella."

"Tell me, Isabella, are you prepared to join the House of Domovoi?" Vladimir inquired watching her face closely, looking for any twitch or indication of deception.

Isabella did not disappoint, "I refuse to become a vampire."

There was a laugh then. A genuine one that made her question everything. Vladimir shook his head, entertained, "No. No little Stoneheart. I have no intention of making you a vampire."

Alexei interjected, "It means you will be granted our protections."

Isabella nodded and Vladmir hid his smile some. Asking casually, "Tell me further. When you get this information, the access to the files, could you make me a blood promise that you will not try to kill the people responsible until you are strong enough to do so?" Vlad asked, evenly.

This took Isabella by surprise. She had no clue what a blood promise was, but she was also unnerved by the sudden appearance of concern for her wellbeing. She nodded, watching the man carefully.

"Good. Because this is a family Isabella. You will come to see it as such, but I know you may not trust it." He stood then, and suggested, "So until you can understand what this means it may be easier for you to consider yourself my investment." This upset her, being made into a thing. He continued, "I am going to spend a lot of time, resources, and arm you to become strong enough to kill me, dear one."

This made sense and she nodded once again. That is when he produced a thin black box wrapped in silk. Walking back to the young woman he set the box in front of her. Inside a dagger revealed itself as he slid back the lid. He waited for her to take it in, and again for her benefit said, "A blood promise is forever, even beyond death, little Isabella. Do not take them lightly."

Isabella gazed at the dagger and then to Alexei. He watched intently, back and forth between the two. He said nothing. Isabella then lowered her hand and gathered the ornamental dagger. She nodded and asked, "What do I do?"

Vlad closed the box and says, "You swear by your blood that you are aware of the pact, that you will be a member of the House of Domovoi willingly." He added, And that you will not hunt the people who killed your friend until you are strong enough to do so." He gestured then, "And slice your finger on the blade. The blade does the rest."

The weight of the ornamental dagger in Isabella's hand felt heavy with significance. She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, and turned her attention back to Vladmir Volkov. "I swear by my blood that I enter the pact as a member of the Domovi house willingly. I swear by my blood that I will not hunt the people who killed Julia until I am strong enough to do so," she stated firmly, her voice unwavering.

With resolve in her heart, Isabella sliced her finger on the blade of the dagger. As a drop of her blood fell onto its gleaming surface, a faint glow emanated from the etchings along the blade. The blade seemed to absorb the blood, accepting her oath, and the glow intensified for a moment before subsiding.

Vladmir nodded in approval. "The blood promise is now bound, Isabella," he said solemnly. "Remember, this oath is binding and unbreakable. It will serve as a constant reminder of your commitment and the responsibility you carry."

Isabella carefully placed the dagger back in the black box, knowing that this simple act held great significance. She looked up at Vladmir, her gaze unwavering. "Thank you," she said, unsure what to feel or say. In the last three hours she had learned of an underground vampire apartment complex, magic existing, the faction of vampires, what blood promises were.

Vladmir nodded, acknowledging her words. "I have faith in you," he replied, his ice-blue eyes softening slightly. "I think this one has the strength for it, Alexei." he finally said.

Her mind reeled. Blaire seemed like an echo of a memory dissolving more and more by the moment. She had felt the promise as if it sealed against something inside of herself. Inside of her soul. She knew that she couldn't break this promise, even if she wanted to.

Vladmir's voice brought her back to the present. "You may keep the dagger as a token of our agreement," he said, and Isabella nodded in acknowledgment. He then slid the box into her hands, and watched her. Staring at the box, the elder's hands rewrapping them in silk as she held it.

Alexei confirmed, "We need to contact the House of Strix." He glanced at Isabella, "So I need to cut the tour short."

She nodded, that is all she could do, and clutched the box closer to her. A sigh as she stood, "Of course. I'll go find the other hunters again." This seemed to please Alexei and Vlad.

Vlad then explained, "You will have access to our files by this evening. Your equipment will be waiting in your residence." Then he returned his attention to Alexei. Isabell retreated from them both, standing, realizing she was meant to go. So she nodded to the pair and turned, feeling she would have to find her way out of the suite until she was greeted by the sudden smiling face of Monique. Her steps and presence had been silent as a corpse, and she stood there and greeted Isabella.

"I can see you back." Monique offered.

Isabella, though startled, felt strangely thankful. Following Monique back to the elevators, the woman suggested, "It's almost time for lunch, all the other hunters will be there." The doors closed and Monique punched in the appropriate floor and gathered the box from the human's hands. Isabella nodded and felt a tightness in her stomach. The small snack she had much earlier wasn't enough. The day itself was overwhelming.

Monique seemed to sense this and lowered her voice again, "It gets easier. I promise."

Isabella marveled and said again, more sincere, "Thank you", as the two ascended to the cafeteria.