The Divine and the Damned

Dragos threw a nod in his direction before continuing. "Dawn, our kind has existed for centuries, secretly living among humans" He explained "We've evolved with the ages, hiding our true nature while blending in, but our people have grown restless. They don't want to hide anymore"

I listened intently. "You vampires are powerful, you could rule the humans easily. What's stopping you?"

"Easily? The humans are not to be underestimated, darling" he replied "They have hunters, hunters we believe still exist, now with more advanced tech that could destroy our kind in minutes, especially when they discover the sun is the weakness of the majority of us"

"It is why they need Dragos to lead them. He is special. His lineage, and his abilities all make him uniquely suited for the role" Rafael contributed.

I looked at Dragos. Everything was finally coming to me now, falling into place.

"You are their king. It is why they call you Alesul"

He nodded.

"So, are you going to rule over us? Are you going to enslave us?" I asked worriedly.

"There are those who share that agenda with the Dark Order..."

"Dark order?"

"Supposed protectors of our kind, but they're all dead now" Dragos gave a dismissive wave. "You see, they wanted me to move forward with the agenda of dominating the humans, and it's a gradual process"

As my face squeezed in confusion, Dragos continued.

"Before we even consider revealing ourselves globally, Blue Cove will serve as a testing ground. At first, we'll be working stealthily, with only a select few aware of our existence. Like the Mayor and his associates. We'll be the ones manipulating events from behind the scenes, controlling the humans through their leaders, without their knowledge of our existence until the time is right to reveal ourselves to the world"

"But eventually when you do reveal yourselves, what's the guarantee that these same human hunters you speak of, won't attack your kind? After all, you said most of you are vulnerable to the sunlight" I asked.

Dragos nodded before elaborating "The idea was to use my unique ability... my immunity to sunlight as a strategic advantage. Most vampires can't operate during the day, which severely limits their power, but I can. This would allow me to take on the role of a protector. A leader who can operate around the clock"

He paused briefly before continuing. "I'll sire daywalkers like me, so while other vampires are forced into hiding during the day, I and those I've turned can move freely to engage with human society," 

Dragos held my gaze."We'll gather intelligence, and even take action against any threats. It'll make it easier because my family already has the power and influence."

Rafael sauntered to the mini-bar and settled on a bottle of Scotch. "And by 'threats' he means identifying and getting rid of vampire hunters or other hostile forces."

I nodded slowly and Dragos continued his explanation "The idea was that we, but with my leadership, would have already set up a network of influence and control when it's time to reveal our existence to the world. By then, we would have important human allies in positions of power. The likes of political leaders, law enforcement, military officials... those who would support and protect us. This would greatly reduce the risk of a coordinated human attack."

Rafael filled up three glasses with Scotch, and carefully carried them, walking towards us. "Bottom line, it's about creating a secure environment before making our presence known. Dragos and his sirelings daytime activities would sabotage human threats secretly, so by the time the general population is aware of our kind, we would have already dealt with the most dangerous elements. Get it?"

I nodded. He handed me a glass and handed Dragos the other.

"Thank you" I muttered, taking a large gulp. I wasn't a drinker, but this situation required it.

"So, this 'Dark Order' believed that by slowly becoming a part of human society and gaining influence, just like you have to some extent here in Blue Cove, you could minimize the risk of a, uh… violent backlash?"

"Yes"

I took another sip of my Scotch, the liquid burning my throat. "And with Dragos leading you, you would have a sole figure who could stand against any human threat, 'cause he's the strongest"

Dragos smiled, knowing I understood. "Yes"

"But still, this grand plan sounds achievable without your help," I said thoughtfully. "What was stopping them from doing everything you listed, but at night? Sabotaging the threats? They had their compulsion, they had their speed and strength"

"Yes" Rafael answered "But they were also fanatics. Dragos is special because of his bloodline, because of Dragavei, so they saw him as their glorified Messiah. They didn't just want him to lead them, they needed him to lead them"

Dragos chipped in. "They believed I was his reincarnation, destined to lead our kind to a new era. So, they waited, even while I slept"

I grew silent, pondering over everything that had been said.

"But that's not all. True domination begins after all that has been established" He snapped his fingers for emphasis. "The enslavement they wanted. Imposing our superiority"

Dragos swirled the Scotch around in his glass "We'll make it clear to the humans that resistance is futile, and that their survival depends on entirely submission"

He leaned against a wall.

"Humans would be reduced to the role of servants, their purpose being only to sustain us and cater to our needs. They'd work for us, live by our rules, and exist solely to ensure our comfort and survival."

I felt a chill run down my spine as the true extent of their plan unfolded. "And what happens to those who resist?"

Rafael answered "They'd be dealt with mercilessly. The slightest hint of rebellion would be crushed, making it clear that defiance leads to death. Over time, the humans would learn their place, and they'd understand that they exist only at our pleasure."

It was a terrible thing to be among the weaker species.

"This was the Dark Order's ultimate goal, what I was raised to believe was my destiny," Dragos said, his eyes staring into the distance "What they led others to believe was the purpose of my birth. To create a world where vampires are the undisputed leaders, and humans nothing but mere resources to be managed"

His gaze drifted to mine, and a small smile touched his lips "But that is not my intention. After my ancestor's revelation, I... we believe in a more peaceful approach, like coexisting, with the humans having knowledge of our existence, instead of being an instrument of tyranny"

He handed his empty glass to Rafael and took my hand in his "We can protect our kind and theirs without resorting to such cruelty"

My brow arched as I recollected a memory, a dry laugh escaping my lips. "Back at the restaurant when you said you were over five hundred years old, you weren't joking were you?"

He shook his head and I laughed again. "That's why you've been trying to protect me from Azrael. Cause he could really hurt me and get away with it"

"Yes"

"Oh my god" I whispered "Now I get it. Now I understand"

Rafael moved forward "There's something you should know about yourself too"

My head snapped up to look at him, my eyes asking questions. "Me? W-what about me?"

Dragos and Rafael exchanged a knowing look, and I went to stand in the midst of them both. I looked at Rafael, asking again "What about me, Raf???"

"You're what history calls the Divine Purge" Dragos answered.

My face blanked in confusion "The Divine Purge? What's that supposed to mean?"

"The Divine Purge is said to be an entity tasked with protecting humanity by maintaining the balance. When the scale tips on one end..." Dragos stretched forth both his hands, describing as though it were a scale.

"...once the vampires start to outnumber the humans or live recklessly, feeding on them without restraint, the Purge is called to act, to reduce their numbers and restore order."

"To act as a check" Rafael contributed.

I sank into the nearest chair, my legs unable to support me. My gaze fell to the floor, unseeing. "Genocide... you're saying I'm destined for genocide..."

Tears stung my eyes as I looked up at Dragos. My voice trembled. "I'm a monster."

My heart raced with anxiety. "I don't want to have to cause death and destruction to anyone, no matter the species, and now you're telling me I was born for it? That it is my destiny?"

Dragos crouched before me, his expression soft. He placed a hand on my thigh. "It doesn't have to come to that," he said gently, his voice low. "What matters is how you choose to fulfill this role. Maintaining the balance doesn't mean slaughter... it means finding a way to ensure the survival of both vampires and humans"

He paused and added "But you should know… to the vampires, you are a potential threat."

"I'm - I'm no Divine purge, I'm weak. I twisted my ankle, remember? You had to carry me! And I..." I froze, my face taking on a wistful glow "... I healed"

Spontaneous remission hadn't taken place, neither had a miracle.

Suddenly, I remembered Azrael's bite and my hand flew to my neck.

When I realized the wound was healed too, I sprung to my feet, terrified.

"What is happening to me??!" I questioned, panicking "WHAT IS HAPPENING???!!"

"Calm down, your powers are awakening, that's all" Rafael replied softly.

"No, this... this is insane. You all are insane. How am I supposed to deal with all of this? How am I? My mother is dying in the hospital...my mother..." I paused, "Is my mother some sort of being too?!" I asked hysterically. "A supernatural creature of some sort?"

"No" Dragos replied softly "No, I don't think so" he exhaled and moved towards me. "I know this is overwhelming, but you need to trust me," Dragos' voice was calm yet firm.

He glanced at Rafael before looking back at me. "Trust us. Together, we'll find a way to preserve the balance without unnecessary bloodshed. Okay?"