The Order

“You see my fellow strigoi and esteemed council." He bowed to the eight aristocratic members who had just entered to the right of the stage. They all looked the same.

They wore white gowns that covered them from the neck down to the floor. They even covered their fingers with white gloves.

Their shoes were also hidden from view. Not even a peek at their shoes could be seen. They floated into the room and settled on the stage. The center figure, a woman, bowed her head to Vulcan, which caused her long dark hair to fall forward obscuring her face from view.

The council had been placed in charge of keeping the records of all ancient and mystical species, including their origins. They took their jobs seriously. They never addressed anyone but Vulcan and The Order.

Vulcan turned to the smaller silent woman at his side, who stood as stiff as a statue carefully observing him. Neculai could see the frown settle between Vulcan's brows before he turned back to the crowd.

"One of my guards brought this woman to my attention." He paused as his scrawl landed on the squirming crowd below.

"You see," he continued.

"She has a special gift." Neculai could have sworn he smiled.

"A rare talent, some might say." He stated with a sly glance around the ballroom.

"Of course, this talent, I had to see it for myself. I had to have her gift tested greatly. However, she proved to me her gift was real as she was the one who helped us.” he turned with one hand in the air aiming towards the other Order members who stood watching the crowd. Vulcan turned back to Deja once again.

"You see, this woman is not only a psychic who can tell me what has happened or what will happen. She can track down anyone. But in this case," He paused with dramatic flair. "She can also tell us who the murder is amongst us." He exclaimed.

"In fact, some call her The Prophetess." Vulcan took in the stunned look of the crowd and laughed.

"Yes, my dear patrons, Deja is a new power Jovian and The Order would have shared." He exclaimed.

The scrawl was once again gone from his face as he turned back to the woman. She had whipped her head around to him at this. Sending her braids flying about her shoulders like a halo. She was frowning as he continued to joyously speak. He was pacing before her and came to a full stop in front of her.

“Now tell me, my dear, which of my guest killed Jovian? Who is it that I seek? Tell me and you shall have anything you want. Just tell me who murdered my Jovian?” He asked. He held out a hand. She places her hand on his much larger one.

She walked closer to the edge of the stage. Her mahogany eyes connected with Neculai's silver gaze, before moving on. She scanned the crowd. Again her eyes fell on Neculai as she continued to scan the crowd. He was certain that she would give him away when she finally spoke.

“The one you seek is not here Vulcan. I do not see any murder in my visions of this crowd.” Neculai exhaled the breath he was holding with relief. He was shocked! He was certain she would give him away.

He felt sure she would tell them he murdered the man. Especially when her eyes settle on him not once, but twice. Yet he was not as shocked as Vulcan apparently. The man hissed and threw her hand down out of his as if she would burn him.

“Nonsense, the murderer is amongst us, because no one has left tonight. You don’t want to look for the murderer?” Vulcan asked.

Neculai knew how this would turn out. If Vulcan couldn’t get her to find the murderer then Vulcan would have her killed.

“I am not working with anyone, I just don’t see everything. I mentioned that to your guard when he kidnapped me and brought me here.” She stated in defiance. Vulcan watched her carefully and must have finally made up his mind about her. His scowl turned into a large white tooth smile

“Don’t worry dear. If you refuse to help us or are just simply not as gifted as we all thought, then I will have to release you.” He was silent as he observed her. She stood perfectly still, then gasped and looked at him in shock. He smiled.

Finally, she nodded and turned from him and the stage. But as she turned to leave the stage her eyes looked to Neculai one last time before she was gone. Neculai watched Vulcan as he spoke to The Order before he turned back to face the crowd.

“We don’t need a mortal to find the killer. As I said before we have not had such an exciting time as this in over a century. We will enjoy the hunt. We have everyone here’s stench and none of you can hide. No one will escape.” He had already dismissed Deja from his mind.

Vulcan then gave an impassioned speech about his friend and mentor, Jovian. Neculai notices someone walk past him to the foot of the stage. A woman, dainty with long flowing auburn hair that cascaded in waves down her back approached. It was Jucina, Rain's mate. She approached the stage, brushing up against Neculai's sleeve as she pushed forward towards Vulcan.

Vulcan and everyone on stage grew quiet and watched the woman as she stepped closer.

“But Vulcan,” she turned to The Order members to include them in her speech,

“Why would your loyal servants do such a horrible thing if someone here has done this evil deed, we would all feel an obligation to turn them in. We would not hide such a thing from you.”

The woman stated and bowed her head low. Vulcan stared at her down-turned face for several moments before reaching out a hand towards her. A guard approached her, touch her shoulder, and pointed to the stage where Vulcan stood still waiting, hand outstretched. From his vantage point, Neculai could see her look up into Vulcan's face and smile.

Come my child, come to me.” The woman moved to the stage and reached up with one hand placing it in Vulcan’s. He lifted her effortlessly onto the stage. She seemed to float up beside him.