A cheeky one shot from the future of Darkness is Falling. Hope you enjoy it xo
The chamber was silent apart from the scratching of the quill against thick parchment. Ingrid wondered if anyone else noticed the tiny flicker of distaste on Vlad's face as he glanced at the inkpot containing blood. A smile hovered over her lips. She imagined her little brother was plotting right now to get rid of the tradition of signing death warrants in blood.
The Council meeting had been long and tedious. It amused Ingrid to watch how the members acted around Vlad. It was something she had never been able to understand. How Vlad had managed to push his breather-loving agenda forward. How he was able to get the High Council to support even endorse the controversial actions he took. Of course there was the obvious explanation. He was 'The Chosen One.' Oh but that was a boring explanation. What was considerably more interesting was how Vlad manipulated each member of the Council. Vlad was capable of reducing even the most aggressive opponent to a compliant shadow with a slight emphasis on a certain word or the merest hint of a fang. Ingrid considered herself to be an expert at assessing the weaknesses and strengths of others but she could only wonder at the hold Vlad exercised over the clan leaders. And wonder was all she would ever do. Vlad kept his secrets tucked away.