#emem louis

[tslurparadise]

[tslurparadise]

I wish the Emem amnesia consequence lead to Hilda doing weird abusive lesbian stuff to her. She's already a manipulator, let her grind her ex into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (7)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,747

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

on Ao3

Heavy is the head that wears the crown Handed on a plate but I love the chase

You don’t wanna dare bite the hand that feeds ya

Galeb scoffed as he recognized the woman, his feral instincts calming.

“You’re not so delirious that your senses aren’t working anymore, good.” Emem mocked, the hint of a grin on her lips.

“What are you doing here? Who sent you?” His tone was professional, although with a sense of hostility in it.

“Sent me?” She tilted her head at him. “I am a lover of the fine arts as you know. And tea ceremony is one among them. I did not take you for a connoisseur though.”

“Why hide then if you’re not here on business?”

“Is it just me or are you more tense than usual tonight?” she questioned in a teasing manner, her voice a pitch higher. “Fine, so followed you. Got curious about your retainer, but didn’t want to make it too obvious. ”

“She is not my retainer.”

“Oh. Good to know.” Emem spoke softly.

He sighed, looking away. He should have known.

“Get out of my sight, Diva.” he commanded.

“Don’t worry, I’m gone already.” she yielded, nothing but thin smoke remaining in her wake.

Galeb pushed the elevator button and waited. Internally he cursed himself. She had not been here by chance, that much was obvious. He knew the Herald, just as well as he knew the Prince. It was nothing but praise and sweet reassurance that he could take as much time as needed, but in reality they had started to doubt him, they had become impatient; so impatient they had sent someone after him to watch his every move. Trust was indeed hard to come by. He could hardly believe that the Prince had started to question his moves. But to send Emem Louis? Stepping inside the cabin, he thought about her words, how she had seen him with his guard down. He snarled in disgust while the elevator descended. She must have been in the same room with them, he realized.

At his arrival in the lobby he walked towards Cyrene who got up from her seat at once. Together with his ghoul they walked to his car. After they had dropped her off, Galeb felt weakened. Once again he felt the hunger pangs, just like after every night he spent with her.

In the wake of their farewell he arrived at a luxurious hotel downtown. He had promised the Prince to drop by at an event that was held as a second attempt of the reunification party, although on a much smaller scale. Iversen had after all secured the blood trade with the Hartford Chantry, although the trust once given had eroded and some ties had been severed. As he knew her, these days she wanted to be rather safe than sorry.

“Looks like Siaka hasn’t come.” Emem casually remarked towards Hazel as they stood at a cocktail table. Her black suit presented a sharp contrast against her fair complexion. It gave the Prince an aura of dominance and fearlessness, especially given the fact that the other women around her were clad in more vibrant colours.

“Yes, he has-- … Galeb” Hazel’s gaze was drawn to the man who had casually approached them, her tone friendly and upbeat suddenly. “I’m very glad you could make it. I was almost worried.”

“As promised, my Prince.”

“I know you would never neglect your duties.” the Prince remarked, then stretched her hand out, pointing around the place in an inviting fashion. “Please, grab a drink. Enjoy yourself.”

“I come just to oversee things, as discussed. There’s no need to accommodate me.” he reassured.

“Oh come on now” Emem, still standing next to the Prince on the other side, rolled her eyes. But she spoke no further word as Hazel’s gaze met hers for a moment. It had the power to silence, after all. The Prince turned towards Galeb again.

“I’ve already given my speech. So far everything is under control. Not all of the members of the Chantry are here.”

“Precautions I would guess.”

“I would guess so too.” Hazel spoke with a certain disappointment in her voice, just short of a sigh. “In any case, enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you, my Prince.” Galeb knew it was no opportunity to talk business, at least not about his. These parties were for show. Influence, power, connections. Sometimes gossip. Who was he trying to convince -- it always involved gossip. Exchanging secrets that later could be used for some political agenda or another. It was not his game. Not tonight at least.

“Bazory. Glad you could make it.” April spoke as she approached the three, her face not showing any hints of a smile despite her almost affectionate tone. She leaned over towards the Prince, whispering something. Hazel nodded, setting her glass down on the tall table.

“I have something to attend to, but I will surely see you around later.” she announced and walked ahead. Both pairs of heels clicked against the glazed white floor that showed faint reflections of the two women walking off, leaving Galeb and Emem behind. He shot her a glance. The corners of her mouth creased slightly, her eyebrows raised expectantly. It was the kind of gaze that told him she was ready to hear him out but would not start a conversation. The man walked off wordlessly. There was no point after all.

He detested these parties. It was always the most decadent of the most decadent, and if not on open display like the vessel that was just close to being sucked dry on a nearby couch in the corner, then it was something even worse behind closed doors. Doors he did not want to open, not even peek into. But there had often been cases when it had been his duty. Out of politeness he had taken a glass when next to the prince, but he could not stand the concoction. On top of that, the decadent display of seemingly endless blood supply. At the next table that he passed, he put the glass down again, deciding to watch the room from a darker and more quiet corner. He was hungry of course. But the display of all the excess, the vessels infused with various drugs, no doubt prepared by Richard Dunham with deliberate precision, made his stomach churn. He was a really picky eater anyway, but had he not been, it would have still sickened him. At this kind of buffet the mere presence of the guests and their taste made him lose appetite.

He should have become used to it long ago. He was used to it. Something had changed. It made him thoughtful. He had tasted innocence, a sense of hope and purity for too long. It had tainted him in a twisted way, a way that could not stand the sight of these carefully prepared vessels anymore.

“Ah, Galeb. We were just talking about you.”

Speak of the devil. Richard Dunham caught him just when he was passing through the room.

“We?”

“Yes, the Prince and I. That reminds me, did you enjoy the vessel I prepared for you?”

Galeb was taken aback momentarily, remembering the night.

“But of course.” he answered automatically. Richard must have known he could not answer in any other way, given that it was a gift by the Prince. He also most have known that he could have not possibly refused. What he could not know and could merely suspect was that Galeb hated this unnatural charade. He preferred a clean hunt, albeit the time he took watching his prey was unusually long and strangely intimate at times.

Richard’s face remained unmoved and Galeb ran a hand through his hair in an impatient manner, unusual for him.

“I enjoyed the subtle traces of caffeine. Not too strong, just barely a kick.”

“Ahh, I knew you would.” Richard spoke triumphantly. “I was thinking if you ever come by the Red Salon, we could look for something more refined for you.”

“Thank you, Richard, that is very kind. But I’m quite busy at the moment.” he declined politely. Of course this was all politics. Richard tried to make himself useful, the new Red Salon had been decided to be a much smaller space. Funds were directed elsewhere after what had happened at the old location. Galeb knew all too well that if Richard found a way for him to approve of the Salon, he could convince the Prince of further funding of his research, which must have been proven increasingly difficult after the loss of Leysha. He could not blame Richard. The man just tried to get by doing what he deemed needed to be done.

“I understand. But all the more, I could offer something that is more refreshing during these trying times. When I heard about Xu Feng-- That must have been a difficult situation.”

Galeb’s features turned sour. He had hoped the topic would not be brought up anymore but it seemed the Doctor had different plans in mind; possibly even to rile him up on purpose.

“And I’m very sorry about Leysha. It must have been painful to lose her.”

“Oh well” Richard sighed now, “It might be for the better in some ways.”

Galeb remained unfazed but the Doctor’s tone carried some empathy, causing him to think that maybe he had misjudged him for a moment.

“Either way, I would be happy to see you at the new location when you can find the time.”

“I really do not think I will be able to make it.” Galeb declined politely. He had enough and decided to cut it short at last. “Regardless, thank you for the invitation and I wish you a pleasant evening.”

“Likewise.” Richard responded. “But Galeb, just one more thing -- if you ever need my help, or anything really, please. Do not ever hesitate to reach out.”

There was a softness around him, almost that of a whelp, that he was not used to seeing. It was becoming clear that he had lost influence in the Court.

“Of course, Richard.”

As he looked up, he saw Prince Iversen leave a secluded room, nodding towards Delsin who was guarding the doors. Discreetly she wiped the corner of her mouth, her lipstick remained slightly smudged. She shot Galeb a glance, a subtle grin on her lips before she disappeared behind a different door.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (5)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 2,627

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

on Ao3

You can't know that I lurk in shadows

“Bravo, Bravo” April was clapping her hands slowly, almost theatrically, to convey her respect. Galeb looked up from his drink as he sat in the lounge seat.

“Hazel speaks highly of you. With that connection secured we will be able to restore a great amount of stability. Go on like that and we’ll have our deal soon enough.”

“She’s not going to talk to me?”

“No need” April replied coldly, then turned in her heels, her dress swaying a little at the change of her posture. “Unless there is some urgent news she needs to hear from you directly?”

The Herald’s predator gaze made him withdraw instantly, shaking his head.

“No. No need then.” he spoke in defeat.

“Great.” With a smooth hand gesture, she turned and walked.

Before he could so much as lean back in his seat, he saw another pair of feet in close distance. He could recall seeing those boots before. He looked up and saw who April had stopped at. Her hair was untied, unruly and curly, her attire casual, although still elegant.

“She’s expecting you” April spoke just as the other woman got up from her seat. She nodded and they walked off. Emem’s head turned only once, meeting Galeb’s gaze. Her expression was neutral, merely acknowledging him. He copied the same look and let the women pass, his fingers curling against his palm unnervingly but quietly and unnoticed.

It was the same high-rise building from last night that Galeb stood in front of tonight. The pathway beneath his luxury brand shoes was paved, no signs of cracks or dirt anywhere. He looked up from it towards the sky, the peak of the building impossible to find from this close.

With a subtle manipulation trick he cleared the security at the entrance and rode up the elevator to the 34th floor. He had been around for a few minutes. This whole time and all the way up his predator senses had not picked up on anything suspicious. The air was almost too clear for his taste, which raised a different kind of suspicion. As he reached the desired floor, he searched the emergency exit, pushing the door open and stepping from the brightly lit corridor back into the dark night. He walked around the corner of the balcony, coming to a halt at a distance. Gazing past veiled windows he spotted her in a dimmed room.

She was lying on the huge couch set-up, her feet dangling in the air, still in her work attire. Only the shoes had been taken off. Last night must have exhausted her too much. It had probably been a while since she had been out for that long and the phone call afterwards played its part. Yet Galeb had felt it was common courtesy, given how much time they had spent. He had barely acknowledged her when he gave her a lift home and he had wanted to wish her good night properly. She had indeed stayed up for him. Seeing her like this, the lights still on, the TV running while she was seemingly not moving, made him worry. He had really tired her out and she must have fallen asleep. He wondered if she was alright, then decided to watch her for a while. There were no signs of any danger, it was most likely just exhaustion. He looked towards the TV, the news about all sorts of Kine matter broadcasting with barely any interruption.

His gaze was drawn to her when, after half an hour, she finally stirred. Her hand raised and she scratched her face for a while, then casually brushed a strand of hair away that must have been tickling her. The hand fell next to her on the couch again. Galeb chuckled quietly to himself. It was strange watching someone like that. Deep inside he wondered if it was really just common courtesy that had brought him here. Maybe there was a bit of worry after all. Guilt? He had long forgotten what that felt like, at least when it came to trivial matters. Betrayal was too common in the Camarilla, he could not blame others or himself anymore. Although it always left a bad aftertaste. And at times he had indeed felt something like guilt.

Feng made her way into his memory again. How he had read about her first, searched her out after he had gotten to know her from afar. It was a sick obsession, this curse of his clan. It was not only the blood that was to his taste, it was something in their being that stirred him. That and his dedication to wash off the sins of his Childe. Which in the end only lead to one more victim, and at last the kind of betrayal that he felt guilty about. Although they had betrayed him first. What would happen to the industry of the Blue Economy now, he wondered sometimes. Maybe there was more than just one victim that suffered due to his actions. But another one would take her spot; new industry leaders always emerged. Knowing his Childe, he assumed it could possibly even be him. Shaking his head to himself, gently holding his chin, he concluded Berel would not take the spotlight. At last he realized he did not want to even know all the shady businesses Berel was trying to sink his claws into, only to manipulate them from within.

At once he awoke from his thoughts as he saw her rise from the couch slowly. She sat there for a while, dazed seemingly. He checked the time -- past midnight. The TV was turned off at last. She walked towards the attached designer kitchen and took a bottle of water out of the fridge, drinking from it. She looked tired, as expected. The half-emptied bottle was put back into the fridge. Her silhouette walked to the door, her hand already on her white dress shirt, undoing the buttons. Something in Galeb awakened and he looked away. Suddenly it occurred to him that he did not avert his gaze at gruesome crime scenes and other matters, but seeing her vulnerable like this had made him instinctively avert his gaze. It was not that he was exploiting her though, or so he told himself. Determined, he looked towards her again and to his surprise he faced her back, the shirt still lingered around her shoulders. He only caught another glimpse of her before the room turned dark as the dimmed lights were turned off. His nature still allowed him to see her outline in the dark, her hand softly withdrawing from the light switches at the door before she stepped into the other room.

Galeb had waited a while but eventually it had become clear that she had gone to bed. He made his way down, walked out of the main entrance, then stopped at the end of the paved pathway. Looking up once more, he felt a strange feeling arise in himself. Not the usual craving, something else. A hint of melancholy, a memory. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to focus, but instantly became aware of another predator’s presence. The Kindred turned around, sensing the darkness.

“Show yourself.” he demanded.

Turning towards the trees nearby, he leaned over slightly, trying to see if there was anyone hiding behind. He stepped closer carefully and eventually reached the spot. No shadows, no predators. He grounded himself, focusing on his instincts. At last, he sighed. Whoever had been here was gone.

Galeb retreated to his apartment, lowering himself onto his couch and loosening his tie with one hand, the fatigue visible on his face. He reached into his pocket to take out the pager he carried around for official Camarilla matters and placed it onto the coffee table in front of him. Then he took out the flip phone from his other pocket, a burner phone that was used only for necessary business relations and was tied to his fake Kine persona, the one for the records that was also tied to his apartment. To his surprise the small blue LED lamp on the side of the phone was blinking. He flipped it open and saw the dated screen notifying him he had one new message and three missed calls. He pushed the buttons to get to the message. Cyrene.

Can we talk? Call me when you have time.

One call was from an hour ago, when he had been on his way back to the apartment, the other two were from twenty minutes ago. The message had been sent in-between. He had set the phone to silent and turned even the vibration off to not draw any kind of attention. He sighed and with the click of a button let the device call her number, then pressed it to the side of his face. He looked at the time on the clock behind him. 1:50 am. Maybe she was asleep. His gaze was drawn towards the large windows in his apartment, the sturdy shades had been withdrawn so as to enjoy the view. The city lights were still sparkling in the night while he waited for her to pick up. Maybe he should have just sent a message.

“Hello?” Cyrene’s sleepy voice greeted him.

“I’m so sorry to disturb you at this hour. You called, I thought it might be urgent. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, don’t worry.” She yawned and he could hear her turning in her sheets. “I was just thinking about you.”

“How come?” he asked matter-of-factly.

“Oh, I don’t know.” she chuckled, “Just a feeling that overcame me. I fell asleep on the couch when I came home, like, I just passed out. Couldn’t keep my eyes open.”

“I’m sorry. You must be tired from yesterday.”

“No, no. I had a good night with you. But anyway, when I got up and walked into my bedroom, I washed up and changed my clothes. I got into bed, just pulled up the sheets and relaxed, my eyes closing. Then there it was.”

Silence. Galeb noticed she had stopped deliberately. He waited a bit longer but she did not continue.

“What was it?”

“You. I saw an image of you, just before falling asleep. I opened my eyes, wondering why and how. I turned on the lights because it felt so real, like you were there. But-- well.” She chuckled. “This must sound silly. I just felt you so close for a moment.”

“It must be the fatigue.” He spoke, still cold and calculated.

“Yeah, probably.” She agreed, then sighed. “Is everything okay with you?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Just because I did not hear a word from you since our chat last night.”

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I should have asked you how you were feeling. And I definitely shouldn’t have kept you up this long.”

“Stop apologizing already for keeping me up. I agreed to it, didn’t I?”

“Alright, alright.” he spoke. “But how are you feeling, besides tired? How was your day?”

“Just another day. I was just so tired. Could barely keep myself up without coffee.” It seemed like she already sensed he was about to speak up, but she interrupted him just in time. “Don’t apologize. It was worth it. Anyway, I checked my phone during the day, didn’t see anything from you. So I thought I might have just been reading too much into things.”

“What do you mean? How?”

“You know… the whole thing between us. You were so nice to me yesterday. But then I don’t hear a word from you during the day. Like I don’t even exist.”

“No, I’m sorry. That is on me. I should have messaged you after work. But during the day I am usually too busy to even touch my phone.” Busy sleeping that is, but that he surely did not want to elaborate further.

“I understand. Work’s work. And I saw that old thing you use.” She chuckled and he figured she must be talking about his phone. “I just-- you know. I just thought…”

Again the deliberate pause. And again she did not yield when he waited.

“What were you thinking?” he probed.

She sighed.

“Nothing. It’s okay. I mean -- are we still friends? Or whatever it is we are?”

“Of course we are.” he reassured her. “More than that. Much more. And I’d like to see you again.”

There was a quiet hum audible on the other end, almost in a questioning manner.

“You’re a mysterious man. If you weren’t so curious and old-fashioned, I’d be thinking you’re playing me.”

“I’m curious?” he asked.

“Not in a weird sense, just really… quaint. Old-fashioned. A bit of a boomer.”

“A boomer?”

“Yeah. Well, don’t take it the wrong way -- I thought you were around my age but now I don’t quite know.” She laughed it off. “Anyway, yeah. I’d like to see you again, too. But don’t play any games with me.”

“I can assure you I am not playing any games.” At least not the kind you are used to, he thought to himself. “How about tomorrow night? Or the night after? I have time after work.”

“You won’t meet me for lunch, or will you?”

“No, I’m sorry. I’m really busy during the day.” He sounded almost genuine. “But if you are not free this week, I could always find time next week after work.”

“Alright.” she spoke softly. “Tomorrow night.”

“I’ll pick you up around 9 pm. There’s one more thing I’d like to talk about though.”

“What is it?”

“I know it’s not your favourite subject to talk about but how has everything been at work? How has it been with Hartwell lately?”

She sighed, shifting in her sheets.

“He’s even more careful than usual. Very demanding when it comes to security matters. I know that you want me to introduce you -- but--”

“Don’t worry. We can talk about it tomorrow. It’s not that important. I just wanted to hear how you are feeling about him. And how you’re feeling in general.” he reassured her.

She sighed heavily.

“You know, sometimes it doesn’t feel like you really care.”

“I’m sorry, Cyrene. My interest in you is sincere. But I’m just a boomer.” He reminded her and she laughed. He had read about it once and heard some of the Neonates and Thin-Bloods use the term sometimes. “Not that good at expressing my feelings.”

“See, you’re a curious one.” She chuckled. “Sometimes when you look into my eyes, it’s like we’ve known each other forever. Like it’s just me there, like I am the only woman you can even see.”

“It’s true. It’s only you I see when we’re together.” He confirmed. “But I have all kinds of matters on my mind. And I’m not good with phone calls and text messages.”

“Text messages.” She repeated after him, as if he had chosen the wrong kind of wording. “You’re so formal.”

“I might be. It can be really hard for me to relax.”

“I can tell.” She breathed out in half a chuckle. “It’s fine. I guess that’s just you. It also has its good side. I’ve never quite met anyone as respectful as you. No one has ever called me after a date. At least not for a whole hour.”

“I can hardly believe that.” he disputed softly.

“It’s true! You’re different. I don’t meet a lot of men like you.”

“I would hope you don’t.” He confessed, his voice so tender and affectionate that a soft hum, sounding almost like a whimper, left her lips.

“You really are a strange man, Galeb.”

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (4)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,968

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

on Ao3

His presence to life is like A diamond in the rough

“James let you go?” Galeb asked.

“I told him it was a private matter, so none of his business.” Cyrene smiled.

“That’s how easy you got rid of him?”

“Well no, he insisted. Then I said it’s a date and that shut him up.” she confessed.

Galeb looked at her, then raised his hand, signaling his driver to start the engine. A moment later they drove off.

“Is this a date?” she then questioned, fastening her seatbelt.

“I would say it is.” Galeb replied softly, watching the seatbelt buckle clasp in. “You don’t have to do that.”

“What do you mean?” she looked up.

He waved it off instantly. For a moment he had forgotten what it was like to spend this much time with a mortal. They were so fragile, they feared for their life. When he was not around them sometimes he forgot that they actually died tragic deaths from minor injuries. And now it reminded him of Feng. How she betrayed him. How close their bond was, or so he thought. How her humanity had stirred something in him. And how ultimately he had been wrong about her.

“Hey” she spoke up, “What did you mean?”

“Nothing” He waved it off once more. “Just that my driver is very experienced and careful, you don’t have to worry about anything like that.”

She watched him, noticing that he had not fastened his seatbelt, but spoke no further of it.

“I’m safe with you, is that what you are implying?”

Galeb turned his head towards her.

“What makes you ask that?”

“I mean you said I don’t have to worry about anything like that. And… I came without James.”

“Oh. No, of course, you are safe with me.” Galeb responded coldly.

“Good” she smiled.

Galeb had an excuse for everything and this time it was that he had already had a dinner meeting with someone else but he wanted to spend time with her over drinks. He had arranged a reservation at another venue that welcomed mortals and Kindred alike, where they served normal drinks and refreshments that he could stomach. After their time at the bar they walked towards the open terrace space on the upper floors and spent time looking at the crescent moon, talking trivialities and exchanging more pleasantries. It became more and more clear that Cyrene was a careful person in her private life as well, finding it difficult to trust, even under his influence.

As they stood at the the glass railing with the silver metal frame, Cyrene leaned against it, looking out to the night sky past the skyscrapers.

“It’s sad you can’t see the stars here.”

“Yes. The city lights are too bright.” Galeb concluded, watching the towering buildings. Civilization, a menace of its own that threatened to destroy itself with its endless greed for more.

“Where I come from” he started, then looked at her, and her gaze was slowly drawn to him as he paused, “you could see the stars at night clearly. It was like a sparkling sky.”

“Where you come from?” she repeated his last words, contemplatively, “You’re not from here?”

“No, no. I’m from the East. Middle East.”

“Oh. You don’t seem like it.” she commented.

“Not that far Middle East. Closer to Europe. And I’ve been here a long time.”

“Ah” She nodded, her gaze focused on the city again. “Must be nice. And quiet.”

“Nice, yes. Quiet -- at times. But there’s always someone who will destroy your peace.”

She chuckled and a smile remained on her lips.

“I hope it’s not me tonight.”

“No” He chuckled, then cleared his throat. “It’s not you. Actually, I would like to have another cup of tea with you if you aren’t tired yet.”

“Tea?” She leaned back from the railing and faced him, grinning. “At this hour?”

“There is a dedicated tea chamber on the upper floors. Oriental and Middle Eastern tea, if you would accompany me.”

“Tea chamber? I’ve never heard of that sort of thing.”

“It’s, an experience. Like a coffee shop but a more traditional version.” he explained. The Toreadors had a sense for all kinds of art, and worldly tea cultures definitely belonged to them, at least they made it clear in the establishment. At times he grew weary of them, but other times he was thankful for them appreciating and keeping art and other finer things alive for them. At least some of them did.

“I’d like to. It’s late but a cup of tea sounds great.”

They took the elevator to the upper floors, now at almost midnight they were seated in a separate room with elegant classic wooden furnishings and windows that reached from floor to ceiling. They took their time, letting the waiters prepare the tea in front of them, strain the leaves until only clear but coloured liquid flowed from the pot. Then the waiters left the room again. The tea cooled off, they enjoyed each others company, at times talking, other times quietly. Cyrene took her last sip.

“I suppose it’s time to part now.”

Galeb agreed with a nod and rose from his seat after Cyrene.

She adjusted the shoulder strap of her bag but stood there without any intention to move towards the door.

“I have to ask. Are you--” she paused deliberately, watching his gaze, taking a step closer. He did not avert his gaze but did not speak up either.

“Are you interested in me?”

“I find you very fascinating” he confessed.

She watched him for another moment before she leaned in, her hand on his chest, her lips reaching out to his. Instinctively the Kindred let vitae pump through his veins. She leaned back, frowning.

“That was strange.” she chuckled nervously, “You felt a little cold at first.”

“I have a chill in my blood, I’ve been told.” Galeb responded calmly.

She smiled a little.

“I suppose that was not a good idea.” Cyrene turned.

“No, wait. It’s-- it’s been a long time.” Galeb explained, making her turn around again. “I haven’t been with anyone like this for a while. No one I felt truly close with. I suppose I have lost trust in most of humanity. Worse.”

He chuckled a little, making her look to him in confusion.

“I feel disgusted by people.”

“Why?” she asked, holding onto her handbag loosely.

“They-- they disappoint me. They are out for their own gain. Even when they seem to want to make the world a better place. In the end they are all driven by their own gains.” The disappointment in his voice became more apparent. “Even those that I saw full of humility and selflessness in the end only wanted fame and immortality. To have their actions and words last, no matter what. And they’d give all they have for that rotten cause.”

As he spoke his anger about Feng rose in him until he looked away and sighed.

“Maybe you’re right. But aren’t we all driven by that sometimes? Don’t we all want to survive at all costs and cheat death by creating something lasting?”

“No matter the cost?” Galeb probed.

“Maybe not. But in this world it’s hard to tell. Most people might not achieve anything lasting past their death if they are not willing to make sacrifices. Sometimes that doesn’t involve their own lives but comes at the expense of another’s.”

“And you consider that right?”

“I didn’t say it was right.” Cyrene shook her head. “But I consider it common business practice. It’s not something I approve or do willingly if I have a choice.”

“So I suppose I was wrong about you:”

“Were you?” Cyrene asked. “Weren’t you wrong about yourself sometimes as well? There’s been times I have been wrong about myself. I’m just human after all. Aren’t you too?”

Galeb chuckled softly. Once he was. Once he truly was.

“You’re right, I was wrong about myself, too. And I let myself down. In the many things I could have done better. Influenced others better. Made better choices.”

“We all make mistakes.” she comforted him.

His hands ran up her arms softly and surprised her, her lips parted slightly as she watched him.

“Don’t go.” he whispered, a flash in his eyes. “Don’t leave me.”

She closed her eyes, shaking her head for a moment.

“I won’t.” she promised. “Did you want to still spend more time together?”

“I think I will let you rest. But I need to see you again.”

She nodded eagerly and with a smile.

“Of course. I would like that.”

As they walked past the hallway towards the elevators, the Kindred felt a sense of unease within him. As he turned around, he could not see anyone around but there was a certain presence, an aura that he was picking up on. He stood close to Cyrene as they walked into the elevator, then watched the floor numbers on the panel light up one by one as they were descending.

They climbed in the car after enjoying the clear night sky one last time together, then drove off. Galeb remained eerily quiet, staring out of the tinted window.

“Is everything alright?” Cyrene asked concerned, picking up on his change of heart.

“Yes, don’t worry.” He briefly looked at her with the hint of a smile, reassuring. Inside him the beast was raging, his predator instincts were running wild. He could not forget the presence he had felt at the elevators, but the hunger in him was driving his thoughts in all directions. He knew that he could not get closer to her once more. One whiff of her skin, her fresh blood, the sight of the throbbing veins, and he would --

He groaned softly, the thought of it driving him mad.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She leaned over slightly, trying to get a look at his face as he tried so hard to avoid her.

“Everything is alright. I’m just tired. It has been a long night.” He answered wearily, one hand creeping up to his face, roaming over his temple and forehead. The Masquerade demanded everything of him tonight.

“I’m sorry I’m not being good company to you right now.”

“Oh no, I understand of course.” she said with a smile and leaned back. “I didn’t mean to impose. We spend quite some time together.”

“You didn’t impose at all. I invited you. And I enjoyed our time together.” he said, looking straight ahead, his gaze darting towards her, but he did not dare to turn his head.

“I did, too.”

The driver stopped at the apartment complex. Cyrene looked out of the window, then picked up on the cue as she recognized her surroundings.

“Well. I guess-- thank you. I can’t wait to see you again.” She unfastened her seatbelt and scooched over to him, her hand on his in his lap. He pulled his hand away instantly.

“I’m sorry, Cyrene.” He looked at her quickly, only a second, long enough to acknowledge her, but not to unleash the beast. “I have a lot on my mind.”

Her gaze lowered, there was sense of disappointment in it. She took the hint and shifted, opening the door on her side.

“Alright. I understand.”

“Cyrene”

She halted, only one step out of the vehicle. Her gaze was on him, his on her, but with a safe distance.

“I will call you later tonight, if you don’t mind. In an hour, roughly.”

“That’ll be late. But sure, I’d like that. Looking forward to it actually.” She smiled at him once more before leaving the car. Through the tinted window he watched her walk to the building’s main entrance, biting his lip as the hunger did not cease.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (3)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,631

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2

on Ao3

Can't you feel Electricity It's dripping through my veins The syzygy It's twisting me endlessly, endlessly

Like you don't know what they said a couple of nights ago But you didn't hear that one

Galeb was ravenous. Although his skin colour had faded to grey the moment he had walked the secretary back inside the club, the whole act had pushed him to his limits.

As he looked at the woman seated next to him, it hit him suddenly. He felt it in his whole being. It was his Ventrue nature that was making him so tense around her, giving him these visceral reactions. He craved her blood; the purity, the class. And the fact that he could not have it only intensified his desire.

“The usual?” Emem asked with a cocky grin as she stepped closer to them.

“Yes. And a gin and tonic for her.” he answered.

As Emem was about to turn around, Galeb rose from his seat.

“I must excuse myself, Cyrene.” he said, “I will be back momentarily.”

Emem turned back towards Galeb, he overcame the distance between them.

“I need a real drink” he spoke through clenched teeth. Drained of vitae, the beast in him had become far too impatient.

“Did you not eat before coming here?”

“I did” he hissed, “I didn’t think it would take that much convincing.”

“Well I don’t have anything for you. Go and serve yourself.” Emem hissed back. “Be careful with what you pick though.”

Without another word he disappeared into the darker corners of the club. His mind was racing, consumed by the desire for only one thing. But it could not just be anyone and he had to be careful it was not a ghoul. So he lurked in the dark, watched the prey and fellow predators. His gaze wandered back and forth between people, then fell back onto Cyrene. Her blood was perfect, truly, but he could not risk it. A soft growl escaped him. His trained senses made him aware of a human not bound to anyone. A man in a business suit -- dark brown hair, swept back, an expensive silver brand watch around his wrist, the old money kind not the electronic touchscreen trash -- walked towards the restrooms. Galeb followed him at once.

A deep sigh of relief escaped him as he regained his composure and left the stall with the man behind. He centered himself as he adjusted the collar of his shirt in the washroom, making sure his clothes had not been soiled during this moment of weakness. A quick glance reassured him of the fact that the bathroom stall doors were closed and the Kindred walked off.

“I made a bit of a mess in the men’s washroom” he confessed discreetly once he had arrived back at the bar.

“Ugh” Emem rolled her eyes, “Seriously?”

“He’s alive.” he reassured her firmly, “Just some stains on the floor.”

“I’ll have someone get it.” she sighed and shook her head in disapproval.

Galeb noticed their drinks that had been served as he lowered himself onto the bar seat next to his new acquaintance.

“I’m so sorry I made you wait.” he spoke softly.

“Oh don’t worry about that at all.” Cyrene replied with a smile towards him, her demeanour friendly, less suspicious. Now it seemed like a perfectly normal thing that this man wanted to get to know her.

“I’ve been thinking” Galeb spoke, “We should spend more time with each other until you feel comfortable with me. And then you could introduce me to Mr. Hartwell.”

Cyrene set down her glass that she drank from.

“I would like that. I think that might work.” she answered. Galeb could feel that she was honest, even less careful than before. His dominance over her mind was still apparent.

“You think?” Galeb checked. “You’re not sure?”

“I don’t know. I will have to make sure he doesn’t feel suspicious about anything that you do.” she answered.

“Maybe it’s better you manage our assets. Inofficially at least.” the Kindred suggested.

“Oh I can’t do that” she laughed casually, “I’m not in that position.”

“You give yourself far too little credit, Cyrene.” Galeb spoke, his influence over her strong.

“Maybe.” she chuckled, “But I can’t be doing anything like that behind his back.”

“Do you have access to his clients’ files?”

“I do.” she responded, “In case of emergencies. Or an urgent meeting that he doesn’t agree to.”

“What about confidentiality? How much trust does he have in you?"

"A lot. I don’t want to betray him. I wouldn’t-- I can’t--” There was a certain agitation in her voice, like her own will that struggled against Galeb’s influence.

“It’s okay” he calmed her with a soft voice, his eyes flashing just for a second. “You’re safe. You are not betraying Hartwell. Everything is alright.”

She visibly calmed again, her breathing and heartbeat normalizing. The Kindred watched her fingers wrap around the glass and drink from it again. He leaned over, his body turned towards her.

“Where does he live?”

Slowly her gaze was drawn from her glass towards Galeb. A smile formed on his lips before she could even answer.

“Where do you live?”

With his head lowered Galeb returned to Hazel’s quarters.

“What is it? You don’t look like you have good news for me.” Hazel spoke, behind her was the moon shining in through the tall windows, the light being reflected on the sleek surface of her desk.

Galeb sighed, shaking his head before speaking.

“It’s not the best news. Hartwell has turned into a recluse. He doesn’t take any new clients it seems. And the secretary,  Roberts, she is very careful. I think I can gain her trust but it will take some time.”

“Unfortunate news” Hazel spoke and turned around towards the windows, her arms crossed in front of her chest, her gaze lowered. “Is that all?”

“My Prince, forgive me the suggestion, but would it not be easier to find someone else?”

“No. I want Hartwell” she insisted, “All others out there are not malleable enough. I’ve seen the prospects.”

“This will not be easy.” Galeb suggested.

“But once we have him, he is ours. We can use his paranoia against him.” Hazel explained, turning around again.

“What if we use just the secretary? She does most of his business for him these days anyway.”

“But in his name, right?”

Galeb tilted his head, watching her as she paused.

“So it will be him either way. If she has access to everything, I’m not against it.” Hazel explained, her hand outstretched in a presenting fashion, “But remember, she can’t be influenced if she is the one working with us. And Emem told me you already forced your will onto her.”

“Of course she did.” Galeb sighed and looked down for a moment.

“Her bodyguard was at her heels and she was extremely cautious. I could not let her go just like that.”

“Galeb, I’m not mad at you.” Hazel reassured gently, shaking her head. “I just want to make sure you know that going any further than that will be out of the question. Especially if you choose her as the one to work with us.”

“We will never get our hands on Hartwell.”

“You don’t know that” Hazel disagreed with her voice a tone higher, trying to persuade him. “Maybe we just have to be careful and watch Roberts and Walker for a while. Why don’t you become friends with them?”

Galeb coughed up a laugh.

“You say that like it’s so easy.”

“You’ve done it before.” Hazel reminded him. “Just go slow.”

The pressure of her gaze made the man look away.

“Have you set up another appointment with her?”

“I have. I was worried she would not let me meet her again if she wasn’t under the influence of my power.” Galeb confessed.

“Smart move. I am sure you will be able to make her trust you and then in no time, she will be introducing you to Hartwell, you will see. Or, she will the one handling our finances. Your choice.”

“Would you at least consider giving this task to somebody else? Anyone else, in fact. Emem Louis could do this easily with her connections to the--”

“No” Hazel responded firmly. “It has to be you. Emem doesn’t even come close to you in strength. You can protect these people if anything happens. Don’t you think they will be swarmed with ghouls and other agents soon enough? You can sense them. You’re the only one I can rely on for this task.”

Galeb sighed in defeat.

“I hadn’t considered that.”

“I know it’s hard for you. She’s probably all a Ventrue like you could want in a vessel.” Hazel chuckled. Galeb’s eyes widened.

“It’s not-- it’s not that. That’s not a problem at all.”

“Oh come on now. Don’t be shy about this. We’re birds of a feather, you and me.” she reaffirmed with a smile. “Go downstairs to the lounge and have a drink. Ask Sylvia for what I had them prepare for you. It will relax you. I know your type.”

Galeb stood in shock, at a loss for words but finally spoke, unable to decline.

“Thank you, my Prince.”

“And then focus. We need these people.”

“Of course, my Prince.”

The following night a black car with tinted windows was parked in front a high-rise apartment complex at 10:30 pm. The front doors of the building opened and Cyrene walked out into the night. Her steps brought her to the car, she overlooked the license plate quickly before she opened the back door from the side of the pedestrian walkway. She climbed in, greeting the man that was sitting inside with a smile.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Title inspiration & mood visualizer

Rating: Teen (might become Mature if continued)

Word Count: 1,018

Note: I don't know if I want to make this a You/Galeb thing or to make it a third person perspective OR not overly romantic but still with strong character ties. I'm really torn! But this man and the whole setting of the game keeps coming back into my thoughts so I just had to write this. My fingers moved on their own typing this but I feel I could maybe still not replicate my exact imagination of the world that was put in my head at the start of the game and upon reading Galeb's backstory. Maybe I'll leave it like this but I'm also itching to write more.

on Ao3

No one ever, no one ever proved That you can claim a whole lot more than I

I give all my gold To transmute some minds

Why are my lungs so tired?

Galeb was seated in the lounge of the Headquarters, his fingers consequently tapping the cushy chair’s armrest slowly, deliberately. It was here where he once left Feng to wait for him. And it was not far off from here where he decided to let her go.

April walked past the tidily drawn-back curtains, looked right, then left, then found his gaze that instantly met hers and walked over.

“She is ready to receive you.”

“I will go at once.” Galeb replied dutifully.

The elevator doors opened and he walked straight past Delsin with an acknowledging nod. The main doors revealed Hazel standing in front of her desk, turning around to the man she had been expecting.

“Galeb.”

“My Prince. What is it that you have me summoned for?”

“A somewhat urgent matter. But first of all I would like to express my condolences about what happened with Xu Feng.”

“There is no need.” he responded coldly.

“It was on my watch.”

“Feng decided on her own.”

“Under the influence of a Kindred from our circle.”

“Under the influence of my blood in her veins no less.” Galeb countered. The Blood Bond had not become strong enough. Galeb had been cautious, possibly too cautious in spacing out the intervals. He had underestimated their bond -- or her. Now an uneasiness crept in.

“Rest assured that I will keep a tighter leash on Berel.”

“I will expect no less. We all need to keep him in place.”

"We indeed do. We need to keep each other in place. That is what the Camarilla is about, after all.”

Galeb blinked carefully, stood unmoved. He had already stated his question. Hazel caught onto his silence.

“I had already sent Delsin to find a new associate for us a while ago, if you remember, and his investigations turned out fruitful. There is someone that manages the assets of all sorts of influential individuals and families in Boston. Some of them no less corruptible than the people we employ.”

“Excellent news.”

“Yes. And this is where you come in. Given the nature of their work, they are highly cautious. Jason Moore was never seen without his bodyguards -- which as you know had been replaced by ours long ago -- but this one employs an even more tiered security system.  Their own secretary comes with a bodyguard.”

“Huh” Galeb let out in surprise. “One can’t be too careful in this business.”

“They are smart. They learn from others’ mistakes, not their own.” Hazel agreed. “I suspect he is already scenting what sort of business we are up to from afar.”

“What is my job? To reassure him?”

“Not quite. It’s the secretary I want you to meet. Delsin could only arrange a meeting with her. It is her that you must reassure.”

“By all means necessary?” Galeb checked.

Hazel smiled in an all-knowing fashion.

“No. I would prefer you keep this clean. As clean as possible. So long as the Court is under my guidance I do not want to resort to the kind of modus operandi your Childe is so fond of.”

“I understand. I will keep my respectful distance.”

“I knew you would. Let us settle this as smoothly as possible. As it was with Moore before, discreet and clean.”

Galeb, as well as everyone else in the Court, understood the rules with mortals. These ties were important and needed to be pure. There needed to be a certain foundation of trust that could only be slightly influenced in their favour but ideally never to the degree that one became completely bound to one of the Kindred by sheer force of will.

“Where am I to meet this secretary?”

“At the Black Rattlers.”

Galeb’s eyebrows raised involuntarily.

“Emem Louis’s nightclub?”

“That’s right. It will be neutral ground. Well, neutral enough.”

“Consider it taken care of.” He replied without further hesitation.

“Report back when you return.”

“Of course.”

Emem made her round at the club at 11:01 pm. The night had only just begun. Her hair was elaboratively braided, silver accessories adorning it. The teal-coloured dress with the extravagant slit at the side complimented her eye colour; a firm round-shaped silver necklace complimented her slender neck and figure. The music blasted around her. Even though the club was busy, it was a week day night and there were plenty of spare seats. One reservation in particular caught her eye from afar.

She entered a backroom, the soundproofing only letting the dull drumming bass through faintly. The clicks of her silver heels against the black fainted golden-lined marble floor echoed as she walked along the sparsely lit corridor and opened the door to the back office. At the desk she came to a halt, her finger running over the logbook of reservations.

At 11:30 pm her heels were clicking rhythmically over the marbled floors again, the door to the main floor opened and closed.

Galeb’s gaze at the bar met her instantly. It was clear he had been led there. Emem’s curled and darkly coloured lashes stood out as her gaze lowered in a subtle fashion and followed her staff that walked off. She walked over to the man who appeared strikingly alive with the Blush of Life.

“Always on time, Bazory.”

“As common courtesy demands it.”

“Courtesy” Emem remarked scornfully, rolling her eyes. Her gaze was automatically drawn towards the reserved couch seat area. A woman and a man had already been seated, although no drinks had been served yet. She nodded into the direction of the luxurious lounge seats with the two figures seated in them, the reserved sign had now been removed. Galeb’s gaze followed.

“Your associate is waiting.” Galeb gave a firm nod in response and turned. Dutiful steps brought him to their table and as he stood in front of them, they rose at once, his presence was instantly commanding respect.

“Mister Bazory, pleased to meet you.”

[gemini-serpentis]

Tbh Emem Louis deserves a whole ass game just for her.