Chapter 218: Second Deal

Vladimir's voice was cool, his stance rigid, displaying a hostility that was as unmistakable as it was elegant.

"Count Vladimir." Solomon stepped into the room, undeterred by the frosty reception. He'd expected this and had come prepared. "I come bearing good tidings and a proposition that I believe will be of mutual benefit."

"A proposition, you say?" Vladimir raised an eyebrow but gestured towards a chair opposite his desk. "I'm listening," he said, though his tone suggested he was far from convinced.

Solomon nodded, taking a seat. He frowned slightly at the aroma of blood wine still lingering in the air. Had Vladimir been drinking alone or had he entertained a guest? He'd have to find out. For now, he had a deal to close.

"Itachi's gone. Called away by those geezers who backed Yuri. Now, we're all alone in here. Griffin's dead. Killed by that pet of Yuri's. And we all know that the Ascension well wasn't made for any one vampire.

That is why there must be war." Solomon began, choosing his words with care.

"For the good of all, the well needs to be opened to others. In light of this, I propose an alliance between us. An alliance that would certainly shift the balance of power in our favor."

Vladimir leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he watched Solomon, his face expressionless. "And what, pray tell, do you offer as the keystone of this... alliance?"

Solomon's smile widened slightly. "Joint access to the Ascension Well. Together, we would share its power, ensuring that the well isn't tied to one individual and as a side benefit, no other rival would be able to stand against us."

Vladimir's chuckle was low and missing any hint of humor. "Joint access? And why would I settle for sharing such a prize when I could potentially have it all for myself?"

Solomon's eyes narrowed, but his demeanor remained composed. "Because, even for someone of your considerable power, seizing the Well alone would be a challenge."

"It doesn't matter who wins the war. They'll always be a multitude of people waiting to take it away from you. But together, we can easily overpower Yuri, her allies and anyone else that crawls out when the dust settles."

Solomon paused to deliver the icing on the cake. "Moreover, I am prepared to offer you control of Westside as a token of my commitment to our partnership."

At this, Vladimir laughed outright, the sound echoing off the high ceilings. "Westside already belongs to me in all but name, Solomon. You offer me nothing I cannot take for myself."

Solomon frowned. This meant that Vladimir had a hand in the recent happenings at Westside. He would have intervened but that would be spreading his forces too thin. He needed the Ascension well in his control. Any other thing could come after.

Solomon leaned back in his chair. His mind raced in the resulting silence. He hadn't expected Vladimir to be so dismissive. He nodded to himself, collecting his thoughts before speaking again. "Then tell me, Vladimir, what is it you desire? What can I offer to secure an alliance?"

A hint of a smile appeared on Vladimir's face. His gaze shifted to the dark sky outside his window before returning to Solomon. "I want Yuri." He said simply.

Solomon frowned, processing the request. "To defeat her, yes? But in what capacity? Dead? Alive? As a vassal?"

"As my woman." Vladimir specified, his voice carrying a dark edge. "Bring her to me and I will consider your offer of an alliance. Until then, you offer me nothing but empty promises."

"Of course." Solomon nodded before his brain caught up. "Wait, what? As your woman?"

*********

Count Vladimir sat alone in the dim light of his study. The night was slowly fading away and dawn was fast approaching. The shadows crept across the room, mirroring the dark thoughts that occupied his mind.

He had two offers on the table, each one with its own set of risks and rewards. He could choose now but he won't because he knew that timing was everything. He needed to maneuver everyone into the position he wanted if he was to capitalize on the situation fully.

For Yuri, he wanted her desperation to peak. Only then would she be malleable enough for his true demand. Sёarᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The idea of having Yuri, a powerful and cunning woman, leave her husbands to serve by his side as both a consort and subordinate, was more than a strategic victory.

His lips curved into a smile as his mind went to her crazy figure. He wanted to see what was under her clothes and take it for a ride. To have her begging beneath him. It would be a personal triumph.

But it wasn't the time for that yet. She would need to be isolated and vulnerable before she even entertained his demands.

As for Count Solomon, his desperation could be seen in his offer. He needed someone to tip the scales in his favor. He'd recently lost a few covens making his power base weaker than it had previously been.

Solomon was not offering an alliance as equals but as a preemptive plea for support. He'd demanded Yuri to assert dominance over Solomon as well as to reinforce his position of power.

He was roused out of his thoughts by a gentle knock on the door. "Enter." He called, his voice steady and commanding.

The door opened to reveal the Necromancer, his figure bowing slightly as he entered the room. "Count Vladimir. Westside is now under your control, as per your instructions." he reported.

"Excellent work." Vladimir's lips curled into a satisfied smile. His strategic foresight was paying off yet again. He'd begun planning ahead when he'd learnt about the meeting between the council and the princes at the ark.

It had been a simple matter to find the Necromancer and bring him into First City. He hadn't expected the Shield Wall but it had all worked out in his favor.

He nodded at the Necromancer. "I want you to maintain control over Westside. Secure and protect it from any countermoves from Yuri or Solomon. It'll be our stronghold in the coming days."