Varga stormed into Selene's office. 'I have a plan!'

'Hello to you too.' David said behind him.

'My apologies for barging in, but I know how we can find the leak.' Varga was talking to Selene rather than David. He had no idea David would be in the room as well. 'Where are Michael, Connar and Eve?'

'Why don't you start with telling me the plan before you involve the rest of my family.' Selene stated.

Varga explained the outlines of the plan, Selene seemed intrigued the more he explained. David's eyes on the other hand had gotten bigger and Varga was sure they were going to pop out. Good thing it's not up to him.

'Why do you think one of the recruits is involved?' Selene asked after he was finished.

'During training we sometimes have to motivate the recruits by dangling a carrot. This time it was up to me. I gave a speech how important it was to train harder, because one day they might be asked to be part of your personal security detail. It had the wanted effect. Next to the excitement and nerves, there was one person whose heart skipped a few beats.' Varga explained. 'Unfortunately, I couldn't pinpoint the person since all recruits are trained to keep their face neutral.'

'You really have to stop using us Elders as a motivation for your recruits.' David was not amused.

Varga didn't care. It worked. His recruits usually got an extra boost of motivation to start working harder. Hard working recruits resembled better Death Dealers in the end.

'You are missing the point David, I wasn't talking about your personal security detail.'

'Gentlemen please.' Selene intervened. 'If you are sure about this, we need Michael and Connar to discuss the plans in detail. Eve will not be informed about this just yet.'

'She will know we are up to something. She's very smart.' Varga replied. 'And yes, I am sure. I will get them to discuss the details.'

'David, do you mind going to the infirmary to get Connar and Michael?'

Selene didn't order him, but her intentions were clear. Varga saw a flash of his annoyance cross his face, but David stood up and walked out.

'What aren't you telling me?' Selene asked as soon as David closed the door.

'You really don't waste time. For this to work, we need to truly convince people. They will know a ruse when they see one. I looked into all the notes of previous physicians that worked in this coven and I found a way to make it real. However, it may come at a cost, and I am not sure if everybody is willing to pay it.'

'Tell me before we have to convince the rest.'

He told her about his research and the conclusions he had drawn. She listened patiently, keeping her face neutral. Varga didn't even get the slightest hint what she thought of the plan. He expected a lot more questions and reservations but, in the end, she agreed and simply said: 'Good luck convincing Michael and David.'

And Selene had been right as usual. When Varga had explained the plan, Connar had his reservations. Michael was just plain mad.

'Are you serious?'

'Wait for the next part.' Selene smirked at Varga. Well, shit. So much for back-up.

'There's more?' Michael exclaimed. 'You mean this wasn't enough?'

'I'm afraid not. For this to work, we need to be convincing.' Varga started but was interrupted by a very angry Michael.

'Split it out Varga!' Michael said through clenched teeth.

'We need to inject Selene with Black Dusk.'

Varga used the silence to let his words sink in. Connar was deep in thought, David was clenching his fists and Selene was watching Michael's reaction. Varga focused on Michael and saw all emotions cross his face as the true meaning of his words sank in. When Michael locked eyes with Varga, he instinctively took a step back.

'Are you fucking kidding me?' Michael's eyes turned dark. 'After all the shit we just went through you dare and propose this? What the hell Varga! You honestly think I will risk that! Are you out of your mind?'

Michael had been yelling at that point and nobody dared to move. Even Selene didn't intervene and just let him get everything out. When he was done yelling, Selene walked up to him and put her hand on his arm.

'You actually agree to this? Please don't do this to me.' Michael pleaded, darkness fleeing from his eyes.

'We have to find who is leaking information about this coven and about us. We need to know if this is bigger than us.'

'I have to agree with Michael. You cannot do this.' David added. 'I cannot believe you have proposed this Varga! It's outrageous.'

'There are a lot of journals from previous physicians working for this coven. Although they did some gruesome experiments, they documented the results for centuries which will work in our advantage. Black Dusk is known to kill vampires when too high concentrations are injected. When dosed correctly, Black Dusk will only slow a vampires' heart rate and breathing for a couple of minutes.' Varga explained. 'One of the journals states which dose causes the longest effect without actually killing the vampire.'

'I have my reservations, but it might actually work.' Connar spoke for the first time. 'I have read those same journals and we might be able to pull this off.'

All eyes were on Connar now. Michael and David were furious. Varga was glad Connar was on his side and even Selene was willing to try. He too had his reservations but wasn't planning on spreading his doubt.

'For this to work, we need to figure out which concentration to use.' Connar suggested.

'We are not going to experiment on Selene.' Michael snapped.

'Yes, we are Michael. We need to know what is going on.' Michael tried to intervene, but Selene raised her hand to silence him. 'Connar, do we have Black Dusk?'

'Yes, it's stored at the infirmary.' Connar answered.

'Good. You and Varga will go through the journals and come up with a plan. We will see you in my chambers in an hour.'

'Yes ma'am.' Connar and Varga replied and walked out the door.