Explanation

Cassius found himself in Estefan's study once again sipping on a blood bag through a straw, as when you're hungry anything becomes somewhat palatable. Estefan sat waiting patiently for Cassius' questioning.

'Where do I even start?' Cassius sighed as he lay his head back on the couch he was resting on. 'I understand we had to go public, but is what humans have on record accurate?' Cassius enquired.

'I'm afraid so Sire, the humans had advanced to a point where all but senior Vampires were struggling to hunt.' Estefan began. 'Although the reason for their advancement was due to one of our own.'

Cassius sat up to focus.

'A descendant of the Crimson family in the past revealed this technology to humans in hope they could help turn him mortal. However, it was not expected that they would develop this technology so quickly. Humans did as they always do best and used this to arm themselves, there were coders that rivalled senior vampires. To avoid casualties and secure a reliable sustenance a treaty was indeed formed' Estefan continued.

'In the end the families feared their own death over their lack of dignity.' Cassius sighed.

'I'm afraid there is more Sire, the treaty to the public is between humans and Vampires however, the actual truth only know to some of the humans of authority is that it was a blood pact including all non-humans.'

Cassius froze as he realised the depth of what he had just heard.

A blood pact is something that binds for eternity and is enforced on future blood lines, if one was to break a blood pact without consent the abuser would be forced to live out their worst nightmare for eternity in a trance of torture.

'What on earth happened while I was in slumber?' Cassius uttered in shock.

'As coders and programmes developed, some humans of power began discovering other races of legends and they began to destroy those that were too weak to defend themselves. In order to protect the balance, the Supernatural council agreed that vampire's would take all of the publicity and damage, in return the Vampire's would hold power and guardianship over the other races.' Estefan paused as Cassius gestured with his hand to halt.

'I understand, that being said it was indeed a good trade-off for us as a race. Explain why we publicised our family name.' Cassius commanded.

'Of course Sire, to ensure an even exchange some specific information about the Great Three families were revealed to the public as well as basic vampires facts.' Estefan explained.

'That's quite a disadvantage! We weaken ourselves to our human enemy to strengthen our position with our non-human adversaries. This would have been a fair transaction at the time, but given human's advancements I can only imagine they have become even stronger.' Cassius was thinking out loud. 'I am not here to help any other vampire apart from our dear Vesper however, the state of the vampire community is genuinely worrying.'

'I'm sorry to say Sire that there is still some more you need to hear.' Estefan pleaded.

Cassius looked at Estefan with worry as to why he was hesitating.

'The traitor Zeleti Crimson killed many vampires along with Vesper's parents … and … as an act of revenge extinguished all vampires in slumber apart from yourself Sire.' Estefan finally delivered the news that he most feared.

Cassius remained silent but his shock was evident in his seething aura that he was failing to suppress.

A vampire family held its strength by knowing they could always call upon their ancestors, it served as a strong deterrent for enemies and maintained the power balance between the Great Three families. This meant that the family was weak enough to be eliminated or worse absorbed.

'Zeleti Crimson, I have deemed you an enemy of the Crimson family and all vampires, you will be granted your wish to die a slow and agonising death.' He spoke in deep vibrations that shook the whole floor. 'Although it is not my revenge to exact.' Cassius looked at the door that opened slowly to reveal the young lord Vesper who was listening in, his eyes swollen holding back the tears.

Listening to the Estefan explain, Vesper was reminded of how his parents were killed and the shame his weakness meant.

Cassius approached the young lord 'You will reclaim the Crimson family's honour and rejoice in that traitor's blood!' he reassured Vesper with a confident smile.

Cassius' words felt so strong and truthful as if it was a fact bound to happen eventually, Vesper had lived with insecurity for so long that upon hearing this he couldn't help but embrace Cassius as his saviour. Although Vesper was 13 years of age in human terms, he had lived with this pain for 200 years. Vesper let his emotions take over and held onto Cassius a little tighter, even Estefan couldn't help but rejoice at the scene.

'Estefan, if you please' Cassius looked back at him.

'Yes Sire.' He replied as he released his calming pheromone in Vesper's direction.

Once Vesper had settled they all found themselves sitting in the study once more this time both Vesper and Cassius were drinking from a blood bag, while Estefan continued his work on the desk.

'Ahhhhh, nothing like a good blood bag to relax, Type O is my favourite, what's yours?' Vesper asked looking to Cassius with innocent eyes.

Cassius looked back in disgust and sympathy 'you really don't know flavour till you've had blood fresh and warm, but yes you are right Type O is the best when it comes to these bags.' Cassius agreed while making a slurping sound making sure he sucked every drop from his straw.

Vesper smiled back thinking he couldn't wait to reach of age to ask for his own live aide as well like his seniors.

'You did well today boy, in the testing room.' Cassius began switching to a more serious topic. 'However, you don't seem to understand where our power comes from. What do you know of our family qualities?' Cassius asked.

Each Vampire family had their own nature that they ultimately followed, this may vary in intensity and direction for each individual however no vampire could fight their family nature.

Vesper stood up as though he was reciting words from memory 'We are of Crimson blood; we live as we please and die as we please.'

'Yes. We embody that principle, meaning we can be inherently arrogant by nature leading to selfish desires or, we can become the most confident of rulers. Either way our power comes from the value we see in ourselves, and the blood we pass down. Yet because of the past you have had to resort to hard work, which may have helped you before, but not anymore. Firstly, we will remove the seed of doubt and insecurity that has been planted inside of you and with every drop of my blood you consume you will gain unwavering confidence.'

Vesper simply stood and looked at Cassius in awe, everything he ever wanted and wished for was unfolding slowly before his eyes. He smiled in excitement 'I'm ready!'

'Good! Come you have a lot to learn and show me.' Cassius wrapped his arm around Vesper and began to leave the study but not before making on last remark. 'You may deal with your guest upstairs now, Estefan.' he looked back with a mischievous smile.

'Thank you Sire' Estefan returned the smile with just as much spice.