"I don't remember what it was like to be human," Charles replied. "I was vamped a thousand years ago. But I agree with you. We are a people like any other. We're not animals and shouldn't spend our lives feeling like we are. I believe in what you're doing. We deserve a chance to live a life of our choosing. Those who aren't strong enough to control their appetites, those with weak minds, will always pick the path that's easiest for them to follow."
"Outright slaughter in exchange for war with the White God no matter what the costs to the vamps are," Jonny murmured. "Tell me everything you know about Valon, Charles." He faced his loyal second and leaned back against the railing of the porch, arms crossed. A cool breeze tickled the back of his neck while Ashley's taste lingered in his mouth.
"He's old. Respected. He is part of the old guard, middle management under your predecessor who rose in importance during the chaos of the first year or two you were in charge. I imagine he didn't have the internal support to challenge the previous Black God."
Jonny's jaw tightened at the frustrating reminder of how poorly handled his learning curve had been. He'd been a stupid kid when he assumed command and since then, had gradually transformed into a deserving leader.
"He's shrewd. Strong," Charles added.
"So he waited until my alliance with Damian to kill the Others was over to act," Jonny said.
"Or he waited for the Others to weaken your support base," Charles said with a shrug.
"Then he absconds with half my vamps after revealing what he is and is working on provoking the White God so I'm faced with a two front war."
"The war with the Others to weaken your position, Valon to take it."
It was a smart plan. But at the end of the day, there was only one way for Valon to claim the mantle of the Black God. A one-on-one battle fought between two contenders for the position. It was the honorable way to determine who deserved to be the Black God. "Can he fight?" Jonny asked in a level tone.
"Yes. He can," Charles replied. "But so can you. Between the two of you, you're smarter by far. Valon lacks vision and strategy."
"It won't matter if he's stronger and faster."
"Strategy will always beat strength."
Jonny wasn't feeling anywhere near as confident. His predecessor had been much stronger than he was. Jonny hadn't been thinking about the future or anything else when he killed him. He'd been thinking about saving the life of his sister, who had been in the Black God's grip. There was no strategy or even thought behind his victory, nothing but the desperate emotion of a teen who loved his family.