Chapter Five: It was supposed to be simple…

The traffic north lightened, allowing them to reach their destination early. Instead of going directly to the Eason Estate, Dinu took them to a safehouse just over the Scottish boarder. The escort unloaded their bags while Dinu showed Michelle and Ana the house.

"We have a couple hours before we need to leave for the party," Dinu said. "You can get dressed here. Would you like to eat before we head out? I can pick up dinner for you both."

Ana silently followed Michelle as she looked around the sparsely furnished house. Two centuries old, it had been fully modernized yet retained an old-world aesthetic. Michelle turned to the scout, she said, "I'm fine but pick up food for Ana. I need to be a little hungry tonight, but Ana would do better on a full stomach."

"I'll take whatever is close by. I don't want you to go out of your way. We don't have much time and I would like to go over the plan again with Michelle," Ana replied. She was privately touched that Michelle took such care of her.

"Yes, Dr. Lazer right away." Dinu bowed then left with one of the armed escorts.

Alone with Michelle, they walked to the dining room and laid out all the information they had. Blueprints of the Eason Estate, the main house and detailed maps of the surrounding area which included private and public roads. They went through everything they had, planning out escape routes, back up meeting points and how to handle any wrinkles in their plan. Ana was used to this process; Michelle was very particular when preparing for anything. She didn't like to leave things to chance. Dinu returned with a hot dinner for Ana, she took a break to eat while Michelle continued to go over things. When Ana returned to the table, she found Michelle and Dinu discussing the stolen invitations.

"Are we sure they won't show up?" Michelle asked.

"Codrin confirmed an hour ago that they're stuck in Berlin. He made sure every safe way out of Germany was temporarily out of order," Dinu said.

"Do they ever miss the parties?" Ana asked.

"All the time. They're rather picky about what they attend. They only like the exclusive parties. It'll get out eventually that they didn't attend but by then we should have you and the Queen safely back home."

Michelle nodded then gestured to Dinu to leave. The beautiful vampire turned to Ana, "We should get dressed. Make sure our weapons are hidden."

"Michelle, are you sure you want to take the second invitation? I know I don't exactly give off human signals anymore but if any of the vampires get close to me, they'll be able to tell. I do still have a heartbeat."

"True but the invitations are just to get through the gate. After that I'll tell whomever, we run into that you're my personal snack. It's partly true," Michelle said winking at Ana who chuckled nodding in agreement.

They changed into their party outfits. Ana was surprised by how out of fashion the dresses were, both were something that would have been popular eighty years ago. Looking at herself in the mirror, Ana frowned. "Why do vampires dress like this? Most have access to money, why dress like you were recently dug up? I don't understand."

Michelle burst out laughing. She said, "I've noticed that too. Like they're all permanently stuck in the past. Radu at least had a timeless style about him but then again so did Stephan. Maybe its just the Vladislas family that has taste."

At the appointed time Ana and Michelle were driven by Dinu to the Eason Estate. They planned a late entrance but as they approached the gates to the estate, they found a long line of cars waiting to get in. Ana took a few deep breaths, seeing the massive crowds on the estate kicked up her anxiety. Hearing the numbers of vampires present was completely different than seeing it with your own eyes. The gathered armies of the vampire royalty swarmed over the estate, their shadows moving in the darkness like the ocean rolling in and out. It was intimidating.

"Hey, everything is going to be alright Ana. We've got this. There's nothing to worry about," Michelle said. She took Ana's hand giving it a quick squeeze with an encouraging smile. Ana nodded, squeezing Michelle's hand back in response but then quickly checked that all her weapons, four guns, three knives plus a special magical mixture that acted like acid when thrown on vampire skin. It was a concoction created by Radu with Ana's help, anything to protect Michelle. It was the only thing Ana and Radu were of one mind about. Michelle on the other hand only carried Radu's dagger, insisting she needed no other weapons.

They finally made their way to the gate, Dinu pulled the car forward at the guards instruction. Nervousness rippled through Ana, she tried to silently calm down only to have Michelle reach out, take her hand, and give her another warm encouraging smile. They held eye contact for a long moment, slowly the anxiousness retreated. Michelle looking at Ana, smiled all the way up to her eyes then leaned in. Ana's breath caught; she held it as Michelle closed the distance kissing her tenderly on the lips. Ana's heartbeat picked up, she forgot what they were doing and where they were at. In that moment, they were the only people that existed. Ana reached up with her free hand cupping Michelle's face and deepened the kiss. Michelle let Ana's hand go and pulled her close by the waist. Ana used both hands to hold Michelle as their tongues danced. Ana's head spun and her hunger for Michelle became overwhelming.

"Ah hum." Dinu repeated the fake cough a few times then said, "We're here."

Michelle stopped and pulled back, her eyes dark and lips plump. Ana's breathing was heavy, she had to remove her hands and sit back. Michelle didn't say anything for a long moment, she just stared intensely at Ana with a hunger that confused her. She had never seen this particular expression on her friends face in the years they had known each other. This was different. Michelle licked her lips then looked away, a second later when she returned her gaze to Ana the intense hunger was gone. Ana wished it was so easy for her, her body felt on fire with desires she was quickly losing control over. She closed her eyes and counted to ten while centering herself. This was too important to fuck up.

Michelle said, "Thank you Dinu. We're ready to exit. Please remain nearby."

"Of course, my lady."

Dinu nodded then quickly climbed out, then ran around the long car and opened the door on the right side. Michelle stepped out first followed by Ana who knew the game well. She remained stone-faced, behind Michelle as they approached the entrance. A pair of vampire doorman stood guard checking invitations. There were a few vampire soldiers who were trying to push their way in causing a delay in getting in. Michelle silently gestured to Ana to follow closely then pushed her way to the front of the line. Half a dozen vampires who had been waiting immediately protested but Michelle ignored them. She walked directly to the doorman and pushed two invitations at him. She rolled her eyes as she demanded, "Hurry up! Check the list and let us in. I don't have all night."

The doorman frowned but said nothing as he took the invitations then reference the list on his clipboard. "My apologies for the wait Ms. Harrington. Welcome to the Blood Ball."

Michelle gave him an exaggerated sigh then walked past him. Ana had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing, it was the most comical thing she had ever seen. Then they stepped inside, and all mirth fled Ana. The building was packed with wall-to-wall vampires, wedged in between were naked humans being used as food. The danger of the situation sank in, and Ana fell into character. The party was in full swing, flashing lights, thumping music, and vampires dancing, fucking, and eating in every direction. Michelle silently reached out, took Ana by the hand then led her through the crowd. They reached the other end of room, where it branched off to private VIP areas guarded by armed vampires. Michelle pulled Ana to the wall then pressed her lips to Ana's ear to tell her. "Ash and Serena are in the back room. But they're with the vampire council." Ana nodded that she understood, Michelle waved to her to come back and added. "We'll have to wait until they're alone." Ana nodded.

Ten minutes later, Ana spotted Serena walking through the crowd. Ana tapped Michelle on the shoulder and silently pointed out the other vampire. Michelle nodded then silently mouthed, Good Luck. Ana nodded back then stepped onto the dance floor to follow Serena. From a short distance Ana kept track of Serena as the vampire wandered around the ballroom floor watching all the debauchery taking place with a pleased expression. Ana just needed to wait until the vampire was alone. But Serena stayed in heavily populated areas, frustrated Ana sighed looking away for a second. When she turned back Serena was gone.

"Fuck!"

⁕ ⁕ ⁕ ⁕ ⁕ ⁕

A bad feeling crept over Michelle as she watched the crowd. The sheer number of vampires and humans made it difficult for her to keep track of anyone. The signals blurred into a roar unless she concentrated which grew to be too much very fast. Worry for Ana distracted Michelle, despite it being the plan deep down she didn't like putting Ana in such dangerous situations. She did not notice an armed vampire walk up to her and tap her on the shoulder.

"Miss? Your host King Jones would like an audience with you."

Michelle glared at him but nodded. The vampire looked relieved and gestured for her to follow. He took her past the secondary doormen into the VIP area. The music wasn't as loud, nor were there as many people. She was taken past the crowd to a staircase where another set of vampire doormen stood guard. A second VIP area. The torrent of sensation receded further into the house Michelle was taken, until soon only a handful of signals pinged in her mind. It was a relief and confirmation of where she was being taken. A moment later they were at a door, the doorman escorting her knocked and the door opened. A look was exchanged between doormen then Michelle was waved in. The room was a large open space with a balcony that hung over the dance floor below. Despite the lack of windows or walls, the music seemed muted up here. Conversations were still possible as Michelle could hear the one, she was walking into. Luckily, she recognized everyone in the room from the sketches her scouts made her. The group dressed in wealth, but old wealth long out of fashion a running theme that irritated Michelle.

"Now that's a tall tale," said Manuel Gonzales. He was short, stocky but handsome with a well-groomed full beard.

"Call it what it is, a load of bullshit. None of that is true," said Diana Marous. She was tall, with a slender face, intense brown eyes and quite beautiful. She oozed power and impatience. Two men standing next to her laughed heartily nodding their heads in agreement, they were Alfie Jones the host and Curtis Shaw.

"It's too bad Helena is missing this, she loves a good joke," said Curtis Shaw.

"I swear to you my lords, I am not lying,"

Michelle stiffened, she knew the voice and the face of the one speaking. Despite his bowed head and his cowering disposition, she knew this vampire well. In that moment, Michelle realized most of her plans, and back up plans were useless. Ash and Serena were not guests, they were prisoners. This was all a trap. And not only did they fall for it, but Ana was off by herself in the middle of hundreds of vampires. Before she could do anything, the vampire doorman tapped on the hosts shoulders and whispered in his ear. The host turned to Michelle and smiled wide.

"Welcome Ms. Pheobe Harrington, I've been looking forward to meeting you for some time now. Please join us." He waved her over then gave her an odd look then turned whispering, "Are you sure that's her?" to his doorman who nodded.

All eyes turned to Michelle as she stepped forward, the room fell silent. Each vampire looked puzzled and confused.

"Alfie, you jest with us. Who is this really?" Marcus Gonzales asked.

Michelle was confused but hid it well, she just lifted her chin and stared them all in the eyes. The vampire royalty spread apart revealing Ash, he was cowering until he looked up and his eyes widened in surprise. "I told you I spoke the truth! See! There she is! That's Radu's fledgling. That's her! Michelle Morgan."

The shock on everyone else's faces made Michelle burst out laughing, which only increased the surprised expression on others faces. Alfie Jones shook his head then said, "This can't be possible. This must be a joke. You're not Pheobe Harrington, are you?"

Michelle straightened her shoulders then shook her head with an amused look. "I feel like I've missed too much of the conversation. Anyone want to catch me up?" Michelle asked.

"This rat has been under Alfie's protection for the last few years. We wanted to know why," said Diana Marous.

"Ash came to me with a wild tale of a new vampire who turned her master mad and took over his kingdom," Alfie Jones said with an amused, almost bewildered expression as he stared hard at Michelle.

"I spoke nothing but the truth. She stole everything from me and left me to die. Michelle Morgon must perish!" Ash screeched. Alfie Jones frowned then leaned over slapping Ash across the face.

"Are you Michelle Morgan? The slayer of kings?" Diana Marous asked.

"I've never been called the slayer of kings before, that's new but I am Michelle Morgan."

Diana Marous glared at Michelle demanding, "Is it true?"

"Is what true?" Michelle asked.

"Did you kill Radu?" Diana Marous demanded.

"Yes, a few times. Why, did you know him?" Michelle asked with a smirk.

Diana Marous narrowed her eyes at Michelle as she replied, "Everyone here has a past with Radu."

"Really? All of you? How interesting and here I thought his whole existence revolved around his family issues," Michelle answered with a shrug then wandered over to a human being bled for freshness. She filled a glass goblet then turned back to the vampires staring at her.

"What does that mean?" Marcus Gonzales asked.

"Didn't Ash tell you the whole story?" Michelle asked and most in the room shook their heads. Ash glared and tried to open his mouth when Diana Marous stepped forward and slapped him so hard, he fell to the floor.

"We may be the same age Ash, but I will tear your tongue out if you don't stop interrupting," Diana Marous growled.

"Please Miss Morgan go on," Alfie Jones said.

"It's Mrs. Vladislas," Michelle corrected.

"Oh, is it?" Diana Marous asked.

"Please, tell us the story. You are one of us, we should get to know you," Alfie Jones said.

Michelle could see the fear and anger behind most of their eyes and was curious to why. Radu never spoke of these people only warned her about forces coming to kill them. Were they one and the same? Michelle looked around at them then shrugged rolling her eyes in very much a Radu manner that everyone caught. Michelle sighed then began her story. "I'm originally American. I went to Romania to study folklore, while there I met Stephan. We fell in love, we married but Radu had other plans."

Everyone chuckled, nodding in agreement. Michelle continued.

"I didn't know at the time about Radu's conflicts with his father and brother. While I was getting to know Stephan, Radu got into an argument with his father and slaughtered him. He claimed everything including the bloodstone." Michelle fell silent for a moment as she was pulled into her own memory. "Radu wasn't done. He took me, tried to turn me. When Stephan got to us, he killed Radu, but it was too late for me, so Stephan gave me his blood as well."

Silence fell on them as they waited for Michelle to continue when she didn't Diana Marous pushed. "What happened next? Tell us."

"Radu came back and killed Stephan while he slept. When I awoke Stephan was gone and Radu was coming after me," Michelle said unable to hide the slightly bitter tone in her voice. But a moment later she pushed the sad feelings down to smile wide as she said, "I wanted to be on my own, but Radu insisted I be under his protection, we fought. I killed him twice, but you know Radu." Michelle laughed, smiling for real. "Nothing can keep him down for long. Not until Ash put his body in a box trapping him from fully resurrecting."

"What?" The vampire royals asked in unison.

"So now the Vladislas empire is mine. This includes the bloodstone." Michelle stated.

"What about his mother? Hasn't she come after you?" Diana Marous asked.

"She did not like me. Radu killed her to secure my position within his family. His father, mother and brother are no more. I am the last Vladislas," Michelle said knowing she was pushing the other vampires buttons.

"Why are you here?" Marous Gonzales asked looking perturbed.

"I wanted to meet the other vampire leaders. Put a face to their names. I sent you all invitations that you turned down. So here I am." Michelle said.

"Is that really all?" Alfie Jones asked.

"Well…" Michelle shrugged rolling her eyes in a Radu impression as she sped across the floor to Ash and pulled the dagger out of her dress plunging the blade into Ash's chest. The vampire screamed.