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Duke

"Be rational about this, Felix," I begged him, pacing his study. He sat in the large black chair behind his desk, the room dimly lit by the fireplace.

He tapped on the glass of whisky he was drinking, his eyes glowing red in the firelight. Felix never was one to back down from a fight, in the hundreds of years I've known him. He craved the violence, the destruction.

I've had my share. I'm done hurting people. Our kind is built for chaos, for pain. I believe we can do better. With our abilities, we can help others. We don't have to cause pain.

Felix drank the remainder of his whisky, setting it down on the desk. "I will not sit here as those mutts tear my brothers to shreds. They need our help, Duke. I am being rational," he said lowly.

I turned away from him, shaking my head. "Werewolves aren't our concern. There's no packs anywhere near here. Our fellow vampires can handle themselves," I tried. We've fought many battles, few being our own. It's time we step back, and let other clans fight for themselves.

I heard him stand and walk over to me. I stood my ground, watching him come into view in front of me. "You'd let them die? For what?" He asked.

I clinched my jaw, "I'm 890 years old, and I haven't lived a single day. The fighting, war, and hate will never stop. Vampires and werewolves have been natural enemy's from the dawn of time," I placed my hand on his shoulder, "Let it go, let us live in peace," I begged, trying to reason with him.

Felix dropped his head, deep in thought. I know I'm asking a lot of my friend. Hopefully, he'll see things my way. He looked up, his red eyes full of remorse. "Come, we will discuss this with the rest of the clan," he walked out of his office, stepping into the entry way of the castle we call home.

"There is something that must be discussed, come to the foyer," Felix mind linked the clan.

Soon, there were small sounds of wind passing and feet on the polished marble floor. In front of us stood the rest of our clan. There's only seven of us, but we're stronger than most other vampires. We're the oldest, and our leader, Felix, has royal blood.

"Is this about the werewolf attacks?" Quin asked, looking ready for a fight.

"Yes. I say we step in, and fight amongst our brothers. Duke suggested that we have done enough, and he's tired of fighting," Felix eyed all the men, gauging their reaction.

"All we do is fight battles that aren't ours. Instead of fighting, we could help others-"

"What, humans?" Eugene scoffed, laughing at the idea.

I clenched my fists, "Yes, humans. They're defenseless against werewolves, and even our fellow vampires. Instead of hating them, we could help. Vampires and werewolves will always have wars to fight. It's time we defend the humans from what they don't know," I explained.

Quin laughed, "Just the thought of them makes my mouth water," he smirked.

A roar of laughs followed his comment, and I knew I must be alone in this.

Felix raised his hand, silencing them. "Is anyone else besides Duke tired of fighting?" He asked.

Lucifer, Theo, and Dane raised their hands. I stared at them, shocked. I've spoken to them about the constant battles before, but I never expected them to want to quit.

"Let natural selection do its job. If they need us, we'll be there. But other clans don't need us," Theo crossed his arms over his chest.

"Bullshit! They're under attack and we never lose. It's our duty to help our brothers," Eugene glared at me, the disappointment clear in his eyes.

Felix nodded. "A compromise," he started. "Three of us will go fight, the others will stay. Once the fights are over, three others will go. We will continue helping other clans, and make time to... live," he chuckled at the word. "As Duke put it earlier."

The room was quiet for several minutes, as everyone considered his offer.

These wars typically only last a few years. When it comes my turn, I'll gladly fight for a short amount of time if that's what it costs to live. "I agree," I said.

The rest of the clan was reluctant to agree, but they did.

"That settles it," Felix glanced at everyone. "Quin, Eugene, and I will go. Duke is in command until I get back," he gave Quin and Eugene a sharp look.

Felix, Quin, and Eugene are the most ruthless out of us all. Their bloodlust is unmatched. It's smart that Felix would take the first rotation. The more they wait to get a taste of destruction, the bigger the rampage will be when they explode.