Bill Compton's nights and days were beginning to blur together in a suffocating haze of pain and torment. Time had lost its meaning, and the only indicator that the sun had dipped below the horizon was the arrival of Pam and Stackhouse, ready to resume their sadistic games. He never imagined that he would come to see Stackhouse as a more ferocious tormentor than Pam. Still, here he was, experiencing a new level of horror. The competition between them had escalated, morphing his suffering into a grotesque form of entertainment where they vied for supremacy in cruelty.
Pam had begun their twisted contest by taking his fangs, a brutal reminder of the vampire he once was. Stackhouse, not to be outdone, responded with a more gruesome tactic, snipping off Bill's toes with a precision that bordered on the surgical. Each night brought a new round of torment, a fresh challenge that pushed the boundaries of pain. The sadistic game continued, each participant eager to outdo the other. Bill was left to endure the aftermath, a screaming witness to their escalating depravity.
The ultimate turning point came when Stackhouse, with a deranged sense of triumph, decided to open Bill up as if he were performing some grotesque surgery. Bill could feel the cold steel of the surgical tools keeping him exposed. This chilling sensation mingled with the searing pain radiating from his body. It was a surreal nightmare from which he could not awaken. As Stackhouse reveled in his victory, Pam, admitting defeat to the gruesome display, begged to remove his spleen. The dark irony of the moment was not lost on Bill; never in his centuries of existence had he encountered such a nightmarish form of torture. He had read about vampires being dissected, but to be subjected to it himself was a profound revelation. Still, deep down, he grasped an unsettling truth; so long as his heart remained intact, he would persist in this torturous limbo.
Eric's relationship with Sophie-Anne shocked Bill more than his relationship with the Stackhouse family. If Felipe had remotely suspected their closeness, Eric and his retinue would be dead. Eric's relationship with the queen was one of loyalty and love that went beyond most maker-child relationships. Eric had taken Sophie-Anne under his wing, treating her as a child in his care; he taught her everything he knew, enough to make her a queen. He was a proud adoptive maker when he found out she was queen, so much so that he put aside his hate for politics and became her sheriff.
Bill's mind drifted to the implications of this connection. Hearing how much Sophie-Anne meant to Eric and his retinue reinforced the grim reality that true death was not on the horizon for him. Instead, pain and suffering seemed destined to be his companions indefinitely. The thought filled him with a sense of dread. but also a grim sense of resilience. A resilience he knew they would soon break.
For three long nights, he had not seen Sookie or Eric. But on the night they finally arrived, he found a moment of reprieve from his relentless tormentors. The atmosphere shifted as Eric entered the room, his demeanor almost that of a drunk human, a peculiar contrast to the sharpness he usually exhibited. "Hellooo, Billy boy," Eric slurred slightly, the sound almost mocking in its cheerfulness. Bill barely recognized this version of Eric, as if he were under some intoxicating spell, an impossible notion for a vampire.
"Cheer up," Eric continued, a grin spreading. "You will be getting a companion soon." From what he had gathered, he knew Victor was next on their list. They had seized an opportunity that had fallen into their laps and taken full advantage of it. As the reality of his situation settled in, Bill couldn't help but wonder if the arrival of Victor would bring relief from torture or if it would merely escalate the horror that had become his existence. The days and nights may have blurred, but the chilling anticipation of what would come remained stark and clear.
"So Victor will be coming here tomorrow night," Pam asked with a smile that unnerved him.
"Yes, he believes we are strategizing. We will go into my office if he doesn't tell us about the bugs…"
"Then we know he is instead setting you up," Pam interjected, her tone laced with sharp wit.
"I can't think of any other reason why he would keep the fact that he had my office bugged a secret," Eric replied, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
"It's a brilliant way to test Victor's loyalty." Pam agreed.
"Billy boy, you are looking a lot less… literally." Sookie snarked, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Yes, Jason here is showing a real natural ability for torture," Pam said, a hint of pride in her voice as she gestured toward Jason.
"Showing?" Jason raised an eyebrow at her.
"Okay, he is a natural," Pam deadpanned, rolling her eyes. "Happy?"
"Very," Jason returned, matching her sarcasm with his own.
The following night, Victor arrived, his demeanor tense. But before Eric could utter a word, Victor cut him off. "We can't talk in your office… it's bugged," he whispered, his voice low enough that only Eric could hear.
"Pam's office then, or is that…" Eric asked, his tone cordial.
"No, no… her office is perfect," Victor answered.
Once inside Pam's office, Eric wasted no time confronting Victor, his furious glare piercing the tension. "My office is bugged," he growled, his voice a low rumble that made it clear he was not pleased.
"Every sheriff's office is bugged," Victor replied, trying to placate Eric's anger, but it only fueled the fire.
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE OTHER SHERIFFS!" Eric bellowed, his frustration spilling over. If he were human, his face would have been a fiery red.
"It wasn't my idea. In truth, Felipe barely listens unless he feels something isn't right. We've only heard you conduct sheriff business, feed and fuck. Occasionally, you and Pam talk about your past and argue about things Felipe can't care about." Victor's words were meant to soothe but fell flat against Eric's simmering rage. He hadn't fucked anyone in years, but for appearance's sake, glamoured fangbangers played the part well enough.
"You seem to be missing the point," Eric growled, each word laced with barely contained menace. "Get out."
"Eric…" Victor began, knowing that the revelation he had just shared would only escalate the Viking's anger. He hoped to navigate the situation carefully, but Eric's fury was palpable.
"I can't. I am too incensed right now to be of any use. Sookie and I will be in New Orleans in two nights; we will talk then." Victor nodded, understanding that pushing further that night would be futile. With a quick vampiric movement, he disappeared from Fangtasia, relieved that Eric hadn't physically attacked him.
Eric sank onto the couch, a smile creeping onto his face. Victor could be trusted despite the turmoil, but that trust might become the vampire's downfall.
"What do you know about Victor?" Sookie asked, her voice light as she indulged in a scoop of ice cream. After a few nights at home, they were back in New Orleans.
"He's Felipe's right hand and the sheriff of area one," Sebastian chimed in, his tone informative yet guarded.
"I know what he does. It wasn't what I asked," Sookie replied, her curiosity piqued.
"You are the telepath; you already know what I think," Sebastian responded, a hint of playfulness in his tone.
"Actually, I'm not reading your mind. My biggest joy from being around vampires is that I can't hear their thoughts. So even talking to you, my mind is focused on several voids," she said with a chuckle, enjoying the banter. "You actually look disappointed that I'm not listening to your thoughts." That was a first, Sookie thought.
"I am, but then again, I should have realized. Every time you ask a question, you wait for me to answer verbally, and you have the appropriate response," he mused.
"I wouldn't go by that if I were you. I have learned over the years to mask my feelings and show the right response. But in this case, you are right; I'm not listening. Therefore, I react as I should." Sookie answered with a blend of honesty and lies. Eric had always said lying with some basis in truth was more believable than an outright lie.
"I thought you were supposed to be reading minds?"
"Yeah, when the vampires are up and about. Humans, though, working in a vampire court, tend to think of the mundane day-to-day stuff when vampires aren't around. And most are still asleep," Sookie explained, shrugging off the complexities of her abilities.
"So when you say you are focused on vampire minds, you…
"Sleeping minds," she confirmed, a playful glint in her eye.
"Wow," Sebastian whispered, genuinely impressed.
She felt comfortable enough to speak freely as Sebastian had invited her into his private quarters. There was a door that led to Felipe's chambers, but it was securely locked and could only be opened from the inside. Sookie was surprised to learn that Sebastian didn't share Felipe's chambers but had his own. That arrangement would change when he was turned, allowing Felipe to monitor him closely.
"So when do you think you will be turned?" Sookie asked, her tone casual, but internally, it was anything but.
"I think when this Compton stuff is over," he replied, impatience lacing his voice.
"You really are eager to turn," Sookie remarked, surprised by the intensity of his desire.
"I am. Have you ever considered it?" Sebastian asked, genuinely curious.
"No, because I could lose my gift completely, or worse, I could wake up hearing vampires. Believe me, no vampire would want me around then." Sebastian nodded in understanding; he knew the stakes involved.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to turn if I were you," Sookie smiled.
"Anyway, I asked because I heard Victor tell Eric he believed you hadn't been turned because Felipe didn't trust him not to take over while he was in the ground with you." Sookie let out a yawn, feigning boredom with the topic.
"Hey, this is my life here; look interested," Sebastian growled, his frustration evident.
"I'm sorry. I'm not sleeping at night, and I still can't get used to sleeping during the day," she apologized, maintaining a lighthearted tone.
"No, I'm sorry. I remember those days, and I don't miss it. You will get used to it," Sebastian said sympathetically, recalling his struggles with the adjustment.
"It better come soon. My job requires great focus," Sookie replied.
"So Victor thinks Felipe doesn't trust him," Sebastian said, eager to steer the conversation back on track.
"I shouldn't have said anything. It was a private conversation and…"
"I'm not going to say a word… you don't have to worry about that." It was a blatant lie; she didn't need to read his mind to know it.
"Yeah, he sounded like he was getting tired of doing all the work while Felipe was getting all the glory." Sookie maintained her facade of indifference, which was beginning to irritate Sebastian.
"What did Eric say?" Sebastian asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Not much, but I know the next time he talks to Victor, he will record it. He doesn't like where Victor's mind is going at all." Sookie stood and stretched, signaling the end of their conversation for the moment. "Anyway, I have to get back. I want a few hours shut-eye before the king holds court." She hugged Sebastian, grateful for their conversation.
'I am so grateful for her and her openness. If she hadn't talked to me, it would have been too late when Felipe realized something was up. What I'd give to be able to wake Felipe up right now,' Sebastian thought, the weight of the situation grating on him.
Sookie smiled at his thought as she walked away. Mission complete.
Felipe stirred from his day rest to find Sebastian pacing his room like a madman.
"Sebastian," Felipe called out, his concern was evident.
"Oh, thank God," Sebastian murmured, relief flooding him. "We have a problem." He didn't need to relay the entire conversation to Felipe; the video surveillance would reveal everything.
Felipe's expression turned serious as he processed the implications. He had sensed a shift in Victor's demeanor. Still, he had attributed it to the chaos surrounding Compton and other external threats. Now, he realized Victor's ambitions ran deeper than anticipated. He quickly checked the audio recordings from Eric's office, only to find them absent. Victor had chosen to speak to Eric outside his office, a calculated move that raised Felipe's apprehension further. Felipe, like Eric, didn't like where Victor's mind was going either. He needed to speak to Eric immediately. If this conversation had occurred days ago, Victor may have returned to talk to Eric again.
With Victor and all the other sheriffs in court, Felipe didn't want to risk calling Eric into his private chambers, as he had never called him without Victor. If he did so, it would fuel Victor's developing thoughts of treason. He couldn't use Sebastian either, as he had promised the telepath absolute secrecy. She'd never talk so freely if she felt she couldn't trust him; he needed that. Her rather loose tongue was his saving grace.
He had to find a way to talk to Northman without implicating the telepath. If Eric suspected her involvement, it would be risky for her. Sure, Eric wouldn't kill her, but she would be kept on a short leash, and that was not good for any of them. Right now, he needs her abilities more than ever.
Two hours later, he had glamoured a donor sent to give a note to Eric. Eric was quick to respond to the note. "Eric, for some time, I have sensed Victor's unease…" Felipe started carefully. "I think he believes he can do better. I believe he thinks I am getting all the reward for his hard work."
"And you will be right," Eric answered without preamble, shocking Felipe. "I have known about this for some time, but a few nights ago, he was brave enough to voice this thought to me." Eric sat down. "I didn't want to come to you without proof. In truth, I didn't think you'd believe me without it. Victor has been by your side for decades, and let's be honest, you don't entirely trust me." Eric didn't hold back.
"In that, you are correct," Felipe admitted, knowing if he was to get Eric's support, it was time for the truth. "I am king and shouldn't be influenced against a vampire who has given me no reason to distrust them. I allowed Victor to do so when it came to you. I should have known better. I should have seen his jealousy of you. He wanted everything you had, and to have it, you had to meet your true death. I know he did a lot trying to undermine you in the beginning… but I am also at fault for allowing it."
"So he was responsible for the bug in my office," Eric muttered.
"You knew." Felipe looked surprised, wondering what the Viking had hidden if he knew.
"When Victor came to see me two nights ago, he didn't want to talk in my office…" Eric didn't need to finish; Felipe understood precisely where he was going.
"I see," Eric was sure he did.
"I am having him followed. I will ask my man to take pictures from now on. They have meetings at a warehouse on the outskirts of town," Felipe's eyes widened at the revelation.
"Thank you, Eric," he said sincerely. The Viking had proven himself a valuable ally, even when Felipe had doubts.
"How about we meet two nights from now when we have more information?" Eric proposed, his mind already racing with plans.
"Yes, that is a good plan." As Eric left the room, he went to the balcony and flew back to the hotel, only to find Victor pacing anxiously.
"What did he want?" Victor asked, his tone laden with impatience before Eric's feet hadn't touched the ground.
"Eric," Sookie called, trying to interject
"Not now," Eric said dismissively, waving his hand as if to brush aside the urgency in Sookie's voice.
"I believe you have been talking to someone you shouldn't have been talking to," Eric interjected, his whisper barely concealing the anger simmering beneath the surface.
"What!" Victor exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief, the accusation striking a nerve.
"He knows," Eric growled, his tone low and menacing, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air.
"That is what I've been trying to tell you," Sookie muttered, her annoyance creeping into her voice as if she had been waiting for the moment to reveal the truth.
"What?" This time, the surprise in Eric's voice was unmistakable.
"I spent the afternoon with Sebastian," Sookie explained, her voice steady as she gathered her thoughts. "This time, he wasn't just thinking about Felipe getting rid of Victor; he was happy to tell me all about it." Victor felt a chill run down his spine as the implications of her words settled in. If Sebastian was talking, then whatever Felipe's plans were, they were imminent.
"How does Felipe know about the plans to get rid of him instead?" Eric asked, his brow furrowing with suspicion.
"Just from your attitude," Sookie replied, her gaze piercing through Victor.
Victor sighed deeply. "Yes, I have struggled to contain my anger and what I believe to be his treachery," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.
"That doesn't matter," Eric said with a dismissive wave of his hand, his focus unwavering. "You will meet your true death in three nights' time as far as everyone is concerned." His voice was cold, a finality in his tone that sent a shiver down Victor's spine.