Nightshade: A SimLit | Chapter 37: The Arcane

"We need more recruits. There's no other way to deal with this."

"But where will we find more vampires? It's not like we go announcing that we're vampires. You can't do that. Not in a world like this..."

"We don't need to find vampires, Caleb. We only need to find viable humans."

"Are you telling me that you want me to go turn some people so that The Arcane can recruit them to fight against... whatever this new threat is?" Caleb asked, looking down at the game of chess they hadn't even started yet. "Lilith, I get that you're my sister and I don't mind doing favors, but you know I can't just go and bite people against their will..."

"I didn't say against their will. Perhaps there are some humans out there that don't fear us?" Lilith sighed. "I don't know. We're running out of options... but this new organization... they seek to destroy us. All of us, not just the Arcane Agents. And it's our job to make sure they don't. But we can't do our job if we're vastly outnumbered... we have to create more vampires. We have to ensure that we will live on, even if they are successful in destroying some of us..."

"But just how do you plan to do that? Whoever their leader is, whoever has formed this group... they've got hundreds of members, according to your boss, right? A few vampires don't stand a chance against hundreds of determined humans..."

Lilith smirked. "On the contrary. Think of it as a game of chess, Caleb," she began, reaching in front of her to move a piece. "You don't seek out the pawns, you only eliminate the ones that stand in your way. What you're really aiming for... is checkmate."

---

'Viable humans... she didn't bother to give me the definition of that,' Caleb thought, clutching the handle of his umbrella tightly as he walked down the slick sidewalk, being careful not to slip. 'Perhaps just one that I can convince to side with us?'

Aubrey stared out into the pouring rain, deep in thought about the events that had taken place a few weeks ago. 'I live in a house with three vampires, now,' she thought. 'Is it safe? I've known Amelia and Alexander since they were barely teenagers, but... Onyx... can he really be trusted? Is there something more behind all of this? Claire asked about vampires... what if she wants to become one, too? And her father? Then will I be forced to make that choice? Is it really as bad as his sister seems to think? I never did like Elaine... so how do I really know...'

Her thoughts were interrupted as she saw the man walking past her. Something about him was mysteriously alluring.

He paused as he saw her standing alone in the rain, and their eyes met. Yes, there was something different about him...

'A human,' he thought. 'All alone... is this a chance?'

"You're walking all alone in the pouring rain this time of morning?" Aubrey frowned. 

"Well, you're standing out here all alone as well, miss," Caleb replied with a smirk. "Perhaps you could use some company?"

Aubrey felt her lips curl into a smile. "Yes, I could," she replied. 'What am I doing? What is so... alluring about him?'

He walked onto the porch and gave her a charming smile. "Caleb Vatore. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss..." his voice trailed off and he waited for her answer.

She grinned. "Aubrey. Aubrey Emmons..."

Caleb nodded. "Aubrey. That's a lovely name."

"Thank you. So, what brings you out here? I haven't seen you around before..." Aubrey raised an eyebrow. "Are you new here?"

"No. I'm... from a place a bit far away," he began, crossing his arms. "I'm searching for someone."

"Searching for someone?" Aubrey tilted her head. 

Caleb smiled. "No one in particular, although perhaps you'd be interested in what I have to offer?"

She raised an eyebrow and came a little closer. "And what is that?"

"Tell me, Aubrey," Caleb began. "Have you ever heard of vampires?"