Chapter 146 - The Fame, The Infamy

"Now that we concluded on this, Diana… It's my job as an Elder to know and care about witches under my wing. While normally personal affairs aren't my business, in this case, I have to make an exception. Ghost, you may go now. Get some more sleep while you can."

"That sounds really nice, Elder… Don't drill my pupil here too much while I'm out." He stood up and patted me on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Elder is really good about romantic stuff like that. There was that story at some point when one witch eloped with a werecat…"

"This story had happened during my predecessor's rule, Ghost, and isn't related to the current conversation," Elena cut him off.

"Oh, well, it was some Elder, at least." Ghost shrugged. "Good luck!"

I shook my head exasperatedly as he walked out, but froze on my spot when Elena's eyes zeroed on me. I sat up straighter, instantly switching on the defensive. My eyes narrowed as I met Elena's gaze with my own. I expected more judgement than I've seen there. Then Elena looked away from me and to JJ.

"Jean-Jacques, it's unusual to see a vampire romantically involved with a witch. While our kinds do often have deals, it's usually pure business. I would really like to know how you two met. First, though, I must say that I've searched your name on records. Jean-Jacques is a common one amongst humans, but I've only found one vampire fitting your name and description. The one known as Dragonslayer… Is it you?"

JJ executed a formal bow from his seating position. "One and only, Elena."

Elena's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, my. Dragonslayer… the one who had slain Dragon, or, as he is more commonly called, Dracula. Oh, my. Did you really do it?"

I had to bite my cheek to stop myself from snickering at the way JJ cringed, as if he ate something really, really sour. "How is this even relevant? Elder Elena, I was under an impression that the time was of the essence and the one you could spend on discussing this period in my history could really be spent on drinking a cup of coffee."

Elena blinked, nodded slowly. "I already had my cup, but it's true that this isn't important. Still, it's…"

"Really, really unimportant," I said, having pity on JJ. "I didn't even eat yet. It would be really nice to be over with this as soon as possible."

"Right. Forgive me, Diana… When I called for Grigoriy to bring you here as late as possible, it was in my mind to let you sleep a little longer, not to let you starve. So I will be swift. Diana, it's not in Nightingale's rules to forbid any interspecies relationship. It is, though, very uncommon, and in your particular circumstances…"

"What?" I gave her a suspicious look. Was she suspecting I was a plant or something? Well, I guessed, with my story, I could theoretically be. It wasn't hard to imagine, if I disregarded the details, a story about a vampire grooming an inexperienced, ignorant witch into being his spy and agent in witches' high society. And I hadn't been in Nightingale for long enough to get bonus points for showing loyalty.

Elena pinched her lips. "You came from non-magic parents and had only become familiar with your powers recently, Diana. While the gift of True Vision protects us from vampire mind tricks, this is only true for Awakened witches. And, this isn't the only trick in the book." Elena's eyes moved from me to JJ and her lips stretched in a humourless smile. "Some may say that Elder is a surrogate parent to the all members of their coven—and often not surrogate, too. As a parent, I'd like to ask about how honest your intentions with Diana are, Jean-Jacques. And about how many more of your enemies will choose Diana—and by extension, my coven—as targets for their attacks."

Alright, I was expecting the last part, but not the first. For a moment, I was torn between pure mortification, absurd warmth, and guarded suspicion. The first two both resulted in the same—all my blood rushed straight up to my cheeks. The last one made me, despite the reddened face, narrow my eyes at Elena. After what I've seen from witches, it was hard to believe that one of them actually cared.

The only exception was Ghost, but he was officially crazy. Like a crazy monk who was too far from the mortal world to be affected by its sins. Pure. But Elena wasn't clinically crazy like he was.

"Would you even believe me if I say that my intentions are as honest as they get?" JJ asked, mirroring Elena's smile. "I didn't coerce or hypnotise Diana into anything, nor was it my intention for her to join your coven or any other, though if we are being technical, it was me who advised her to seek formal training. I am, though, have little to no interest in the politics of the witches. As for my personal enemies, I have high hopes that this was the last one with enough drive to actively seek me out."

"What he said," I added to JJ's words, frowning at Elena's not entirely convinced face. "And there's really not much more to add."

Elena took a long moment to just study our faces, then nodded. "I hope so. Jean-Jacques, you may keep being the coven's guest for now, but do not be offended that there will be someone to keep an eye on you."

JJ grinned. "Would you be hospitable enough to offer a room and refreshments as well? I guess not."

"Diana, the video-meeting between Elders is scheduled at eleven thirty. You can catch a breakfast and a nap until then if you are fast enough."

I took that as my queue and stood up to leave. JJ was right behind me. Eleven thirty would be in two more hours… And while a breakfast and a nap sounded amazing, a chat between us felt even more so.