James

"Let's go see Enos," James said. He warned us about immortals, and it is only fair we tell him about Christopher. Maybe he knows what's going on."

Aidan nodded quietly. He seemed really upset about the situation but James could not pinpoint exactly the reason. He had to keep an eye on him.

They walked carefully in the streets to Enos' house and, when they crossed the threshold, James understood Aidan's fascination for this place. It reminded him of Isabella's house, full of history and memories. But here, the paintings, and the murals, and the sculptures were not mere decorations or souvenirs, they were the direct expression of an inner world. The imagination of someone who had lived a long life, filled with emotions, darkness, and beauty.

Enos greeted them, and James, once again, found it hard to figure out this man. His fondness for Aidan was palpable below his usual cold courtesy. He invited them to sit and offered drinks and food. Then, they explained to him what they knew about Christopher. The old vampire didn't seem surprised.

"He's working for the Council," Enos said. "Not officially, of course. But I know it's them."

"Not officially?" James asked.

"No, they don't want an open war. But they are fools of thinking we would not know who's behind these actions."

"Then you don't think it's a one-man quest for revenge," James suggested.

"It does not look like it, no."

James nodded. "So what can we do? This Council, are they numerous? Are they powerful?"

"Yes, and no. Their strength is that they are united. As you must know, vampire lords have never organized themselves in the same way. Too much greed for power. I've been staying away from this absurdity for quite a long time. But the immortals, they have rules, they have hierarchies."

"All the immortals follow these rules?"

"Not all of them approve of the Council. But the structure is strong. And the Council itself is only composed of elders, immortals who are more than a thousand years old. They are powerful."

Aidan didn't say a word and Enos searched his eyes. He opened his mouth to continue when screams interrupted him. All three of them turned their head towards the room's door while it opened with a bang.

"Fire," screamed a young vampire, rushing into the room.

They followed him and ran to another wing of the house. The heat was extreme, and James covered his face with his arm in a reflex.

"Stand back," Enos ordered.

They joined Enos' servants who tried to stop the fire bringing water hand to hand, but it was all in vain. The flames gained one room after the other.

James looked it with horror consume the furniture and the paintings. The murals disappeared one by one, and the smoke was so deep they could not see anything anymore.

"Get out," Enos finally hauled, his eyes opened wide. "All of you. We can't save it."

And when they ran out of the house, James saw Enos look one last time over his shoulder and freeze. He grabbed his arm and dragged the old vampire out of the inferno.

"Come on. It's over," James said.

Enos followed him reluctantly, his face blank and his gaze empty.