(48) When all else is lost the future still remains

“The dhampir is not just seeking Addie. He has plans that involve everyone who is going to the conclave. I suspect he paid her a personal visit because it is well known she does not trust her own kind now.”

Addie frowned. “Perhaps, since the conclave is made up of the most powerful vampires in the region, they, we are his targets. So why not take us out one by one. He could have killed me in a heartbeat when he came to Shan’s place.”

“Because he wants to make a massive statement”

“I presume it’s not just an ego trip on his part,” Shan said.

“Indeed.” Kayne paused for effect. “It would be on behalf of a specific vampire who wishes to be King.”

“Whoa up there. He’s working for, or has under his power, a vampire strong enough to rule the territory?”

Kayne nodded. “An outsider wishing to be in charge of one of the most populated vampire territories in the world.”

“He can’t be too powerful if he’s using a dhampir to do his dirty work,” Race pointed out. “And isn’t that rather self-defeating? What’s to keep this dhampir from taking him out the moment he gets to be King?”

“The vampire is the dhampir’s father.”

Addie arched an eyebrow at that. “Then I for one am doubly surprised the vampire’s still alive. Dhampir are noted for killing their fathers before the fathers kill them.”

“Agreed,” Kayne replied with a nod, “but obviously this did not happen. Perhaps because the dhampir in question was born with exceptional innate magical abilities, and his father saw how he could put them to use using his son.”

Shan tapped a finger on the table. “That does make me wonder if it was because of Addie that the old King was beheaded, or if that was just the reason given out to placate the masses, so to speak. This dhampir, I suspect, would have had no problem eliminating the King, thus opening up the ‘job’ for his father.”

“An interesting point, but of small consequence at the moment. The pair has to be dealt with before they murder everyone at the conclave.”

“And we’ve been elected,” Shan muttered.

Kayne’s grin was somewhat malicious as he replied, “Indeed you have.”