Epilogue
It was dark in the caves, dripping with wetness from the salty sea. The man padded over the beach sand and with a heavy sigh stepped in to the dank cave that was all too familiar now. He despised himself for the betrayal he was about to cement but what could a man do at a time like this but try to align with the most powerful side. He told himself that he had responsibilities to think of, that somehow he would be forgiven but the doubt still nagged him mercilessly. If he went any further his course would be set but the choice had been made a long time ago. He'd already done the deed and put his mark on the bloodsucker therefore beginning his alliance with what he'd always seen as the enemy. When times were as uncertain as these, hard choices had to be made and the man told himself that he'd made the only choice he could in the circumstances the universe had presented him. Water splashed against his shoes as he made his way through the tunnel that the sea itself had created. The torch he carried sputtered in a wind that seemed to come from nowhere and the man knew then that they had come for him. Two pairs of icy cold arms clasped him and he was quickly being dragged. There was a dim light up ahead and the vampires holding him headed towards it purposefully. When the light intensified the man could see the one they called Corbin. He was dropped abruptly to the stone floor at the feet of the vampire leader. Corbin wore robes of pure scarlet embroidered in gold like some sort of twisted priest. His hair hung long over his back, pale straw hair and when he turned the eyes he'd come to fear burned red into his own.
"I see you made it here intact" Corbin trilled in a tone that was almost melodic. The man only rose to his knees and glared up at the vampire who thought he was god. "Still so feisty? And here I thought you had already chosen to take our offer when you drew your claws across Edward's fair face. However, he still lives and my entire scouting party was destroyed" He looked as if he were trying to decide something and for the first time the man felt a genuine fear creeping in.
"They weren't supposed to come. I had only planned for Edward and his leech loving bitch but she got away and brought the others. I had to run away for fear of discovery" the man pleaded knowing full well that everything he held dear hung precariously in the balance.
"The past is over. It is only the future we should concern ourselves with. Come, stand so that we may discuss this business like men" Corbin replied jovially and motioned for the two vampires to help the man to his feet. Corbin held out his hands for emphasis and decided it was indeed time to get to the business at hand. "Will you join us; formally? I require someone who has inside knowledge of the Quiluetes and you have proven yourself to be a formidable candidate"
"First I need to know that my family will be spared. Promise me they will not be harmed" the demand was met with laughing eyes just barely hidden within the serious expression Corbin had plastered on.
"Of course, that was the deal. I am a man of my word after all. Can you say the same, Paul?"