Kyuuketsuki
By S . M . Cook
Chapter 3 Part 1
“ Shizuka Ryōshi , step forward ,” the council clerk , a short little man by the name of Vladimir Kruskov , called out from his black leather trimmed desk . He had hardly any hair and small , watery brown eyes - not exactly my idea of a vampire , to say the least . He was however , highly regarded by those of the council and thus their clerk . He kept things running tidily and the council liked their meetings short ; they had more important matters to attend to in their eyes .
I walked forward to stand before the High Council as was customary . The hall was a large and opulent room , with marble and crystal gleaming from every corner . There were no windows , for the chamber was hidden underground away from the prying eyes of humans , slayers , and hunters alike . The thirteen members of the council were seated around a large halfcircle , cedar table . They rested comfortably in their high-backed , red-velvet cushioned chairs , looking as if they didn ’ t have a care in the world .
Stepping into the circle before their table , I began to take a knee - placing my left fist , knuckles down , on the floor beside me , my right fist over my heart - bowing to the thirteen members of council . “ I bid the High Council good evening and have come to report on a matter of grave interest .” I looked up
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