Xander's Chance

"I want to bestow upon you a gift, Xander," she said. "Your vengeance has been achieved, and my world saved."

He faced her. "What is it?" His features were open with her; he had never entered her mind unbidden or used his skills or magic against her.

But she was the only one. If she tried to talk him out of the course he wanted to take, she wasn't certain the hold she had on him would overcome his bloodlust.

I need more.

"A choice," she replied. "Between power and immortality."

"Power."

"You would choose power over life?"

"Always," he said without hesitation.

"Even your own life?"

"Yes."

"We are a lot alike," she murmured. "Driven to our causes. Blind to what victory brings."

"This world can be mine." Xander's attention was on the streets that flowed with blood.

"Yes, it can," she agreed. But it won't be.

Eden funneled her magic into the gem. She pulled it free. The spark of fire in the rough ruby was enough to draw Xander from his musings. Protective of his sole treasure, he had never entrusted anyone else with guarding it.

"Power without mercy is dangerous, son. Does any part of you see this?"

"I've never known mercy, and I'll grant it to no one."

"I've shown you what kindness I possess."

"I'm the only you've spared," he pointed out.

Eden gazed at him, seeing more than the adopted son or bloodthirsty predator she created. She saw herself reflected in the pacing vampire. They shared much more than ambition and similar mind magic.

"Mercy is something neither of us understands," she agreed. She was quiet, weaving a second spell into the crystal. He was too strong for her to place the spell on him without him agreeing at least in part. "Will you do something for me, Xander?"

He glanced at her, waiting.

"Your gift comes with one condition," she said. "You must learn mercy."

He scowled.

"Call it a favor to me."

The predator paced, not outright rejecting her request but not responding either. She held out the necklace. Its spells were hidden to him, until he placed it around his neck. Xander's eyes went from the gem to her, the only person in either world that he trusted.

He suspected nothing, especially not that his use to her was gone. Or that she cared deeply about what happened to him. Or that what she did was to make him less of a threat to their enemies.

"Do you agree?" she asked.

"Very well. Absolute power for learning mercy." He sneered at the words.

The gem flared. He snatched it from her, instinctively replacing it around his neck.