Author's note: this is from Bertram's point of view

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~ Unknown location ~

I entered a noisy pub, and my nose was assaulted by the combined scents of alcohol, sweat, and tobacco.

I hate this place. It's always packed with hoodlums and just by inhaling the same air, I fear that some of their dirt might get transferred on me.

I made my way toward the back room and found a familiar door that opened after a rhythmical pattern of knocks on the second panel from the left.

My steps halted at the sight of four people sitting at the table, obviously waiting for me.

Bolek sent me a request to meet urgently, but he didn't mention anyone else.

I dislike surprises.

Why are Mahir and two other people in the room? And what's with those masks?

The two people wore dark capes with hoods over their heads, so I could see only eyes, mouths, and chins exposed. I could see that they are males, and they smelled human.

The fact that I didn't know who they were, while I was standing exposed made me uncomfortable.

"Bolek…", I called the head of the Hunters Association. "I thought it will be just the two of us."

Bolek smirked. "These are people interested in movements of the Mezzanotte family. We can help each other."

Bastard. Why is he making decisions on his own, like he is the boss of everything?

He is lucky that he is useful, otherwise, I would suck him dry a long time ago.

"Are you expecting me to work with faceless people who know about my involvement?"

Bolek chuckled. "Sit, Bertram. We are only talking and exchanging information. It's not like we are committing a crime. Think of this more like a friendly chat among buddies in a pub. There is nothing sinister about it."

Easy for him to say. If the word spreads that he is keeping tabs on the vampire royalty, Bolek can say that it was part of his job, while I will lose more than just my position and wealth.

Vampires are private creatures. We don't like when someone snoops around, and what I'm doing is more than snooping.

For centuries I'm trying to get close to them.

Not because I like them. Quite the opposite.

My family is not lesser than Mezzanottes. We have a rich history that starts with the beginning of time, but Mezzanottes were lucky to clinch the royal title and they are sticking to it like leeches.

Ancient scrolls mention a powerful bloodline that allows a vampire to feed without biting his meal or sucking blood, and they say that those rare few can influence the minds of other vampires. Silent rumors say that Mezzanottes have that power in their lineage, and that's the reason why a number of old families worship Mezzanottes like they are vampire Gods, but I don't buy it.

If they can feed without physical contact, someone would know about it.

And if they can really impact someone's mind, they would be killed before they can do any serious damage. It is well known that creatures will unusual powers are silenced before they get a chance to grow.

But if there is smoke, there must be fire, so I believe that Mezzanottes have some secrets. How else could they stay in power for such a long time?

Over the centuries they strengthened their position and increased their army.

Everyone worships them while I need to bow my head.

But I can't confront them openly, that would be suicidal. That's why I'm gathering information and trying to find side-entrance that will get me close enough to catch them unprepared.

Aldus is impossible to get along with. He looks at everyone like they are ants, or like they are not there at all. One day, I will slap him, and he won't be able to do anything about it other than to say, 'Thank you, Sir Bertram, for your kindness…'. Ah, I can't wait.

That scum even produced a daughter out of thin air, and she might be smiling, but her arrogance matches her father's.

I thought that at the event organized by the Council she would die or at least have serious consequences due to frost, but Mira showed up, and Aldus's offspring came out of it unscathed, reminding me how everything Mezzanottes have is based on luck.

Two centuries back, I tried seducing Calista, but that fickle girl exhausted me completely and then she fed on me! I can still feel her fangs piercing my neck all the way to my bone, as I helplessly laid and hoped that she won't suck me dry.

I'm a pureblood, and she treated me like cattle, damnit!

To make things worse, after that, Calista pretended like it never happened.

I hate her!

As my next best option, I started working my way toward Elena. There was a time when she was close to Aldus, and her family is definitely one of the few with access to Mezzanottes. The information Elena has must be useful. Also, she is a member of the Council, and if my family and Elena's join hands, we could stand a chance of toppling Mezzanottes from their throne and taking it for us… I mean, taking it for ME.

Unfortunately, Elena's lips are sealed, and it seems that she is enamored stupid with Aldus because she gets some weird sparkles in her eyes whenever she talks about him.

That whole Mezzanotte family is irritating beyond belief, and I will do anything to make them pay for their arrogance.

I'm not stupid to tell anyone my real motives. I am a vampire, and we thrive on secrecy. That's what keeps us safe.

For Bolek and anyone else who knows that I'm up to something, I have only one explanation, "Don't say words that imply how I'm plotting against Mezzanottes, Bolek. You know very well that I'm interested only in councilwoman Elena, and Aldus Mezzanotte happens to be her friend. There is nothing more to it."

My image of a love-stricken fool who is after Elena is perfect, and I'm using it to mask any activities that might be connected to snooping around Mezzanottes.

Bolek waved like it's not important, but I know that he would talk otherwise if he knows what I'm really up to. "Whatever you say. No one cares about your motives, Bertram. Will you sit already, so that we can start?"

I wished that Bolek told me in advance that more people will be present. I would either not come, or put a mask on like those two hooded men. But they already saw me and there was no point in arguing. The sooner we start, the sooner I will be out of here.

When I took a seat, Bolek gestured toward Mahir and two masked men. "They have information that will be of interest to you."

Mahir started first. "During the event that Egoth hosted, Aldus's daughter was talking to Master Gilbert about investing in temple restorations."

I didn't see why that would be important. "And?"

"The girl is young, and she is probably working on father's orders.", Mahir said. "How much we know, Aldus Mezzanotte is not a philanthropist."

"Do you think that her talk with your Master was an indication of Aldus taking sides in the Council?", I asked.

"It could be.", Bolek responded and Mahir leaned back, indicating that he is done talking.

Mahir is Gilbert's shadow and his faithful servant. I assumed that he came here on Gilbert's orders to convey the message in exchange for hearing what others have to say.

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